Nutrition Nuances, Girls gone Guru and Mother Nature's Miss

Feed Me I never thought I would say this, given I was up to 10-12 pounds heavier some years back (hey, on a little girl that's A LOT)... but I need to eat more. I think that's contributing to my languid ways. I admit fault. Because I am too lazy to go to the store and I always seem to be running 5-10 minutes late to work, I almost always hastily stuff into my food bag whatever's in the fridge. Today it was string cheese, grapes, water, popcorn, a coke zero and soy nuts. Just a dearth of hearty stuff I realize

Not enough. So my colleague and I stopped for a burrito. Only it got soggy when I got back to the office so I only ate the inside stuff. Not enough. And not so appetizing. I am so tired from all this training that sometimes it's hard to put down food. At least for the last few days. I have a new Gurugal Sister! There is an ironbabe named Jane who I have just learned is about to be the proud owner of a new Guru. I stole this photo from her blog. She stole it from Christopher's photography.

She likes to smile.

I always smile when I see a camera.

To read more about Jane's six degrees of separation purchase, check out her blog. It's quite funny. And fated. My Guru needs to become friends with your Guru. Dean spares scuba diving diva! Below is an email I received from my dear friend Alison with a Hurricane Dean update. She runs Scuba with Alison and has the coolest dive outfit in Cozumel. Should you go to Cozumel, she is the BEST. Trust me. I've known her for years now. Hola , Thank you for the well wishes! It is almost 4:00 am here right now and the hurricane is due south of us pounding the hell out of Punta Allen and Majahual. I think once the roads are clear and the car ferries come back I may cross my truck over to the mainland if it is safe and buy bottled water, rice, beans and corrugated cardboard roofing material and drive it down to the poor folks down there. I wonder if they will need clothing too. We are fine. I woke up about 30 minutes ago. I cleaned up some water that came in from an open door on the patio and poured myself a glass of wine. The cat was crying to get out. The most damage that I have so far is a potted palm tree fell over in the back yard and the pot shattered. That will cost me $50. bucks. Stupid me for not thinking to bring it indoors. I didn't even bother boarding up the windows this time around. No worries. :-) Alison Here's Alison coming into close contact with a sea turtle. She is among the neatest girls I know. A hottie from California who owns a dive shop in Mexico. Way cool. And she's a humanitarian. Noble. I slept in for the second day in a row so I'll be doing a 1 1/2 hour run tonight. Thank goodness it's Ironman taper time. And thank goodness Dean spared the Yucatan. Alison, we'll be there soon enough! Cheers and happy training! “Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more intensely the mind of thought is drawn to them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.” Immanuel Kant

Fuel for the Body, Food for the Soul and Picking up the Tri Commune Pieces

Oversleeping and Undereating This is one of those RARE Monday mornings that I actually slept in. Usually I manage on about 5-7 hours of sleep. But not today. Try TEN HOURS. I was soooo tired I just decided to take a well deserved rest break. I felt not so well today. Part of the reason may have to do with the fact that I am not sleeping enough. Part of the reason might be that I'm not eating enough. So right now I am fueling my body with Star Pizza. Lycopenes, carbs, cheese. Leftovers. Yum. I am guessing the other reason I feel so crappy today is because yesterday Kelly and I took the .... Chappel Hill Challenge We digressed from our usual country ride and instead, headed northwest, upon the urging on my roomie Liam. We followed him. He went for a 2 1/2 hour ride while we went 6 1/2. hours. Surprisingly it was not as hilly as I imagined. I snapped off a shot into our ride. In fact it was a near replication of the Ironman Wisconsin ride, sans the dairy farms. This is Wisconsin. Notice the resemblance. But for the heat and humidity. MAN ITS BALLS HOT (TAKE 2)! So last weekend I bonked after 60 miles. This week I toughed it out. Kelly and I did 100 miles. It was balls hot AGAIN. I was delirious. I ran out of water. I need to get my nutrition down. Plus my body doesn't take so well to electrolyte pills. Plus it's probably not a great idea to drink four beers the prior night. Plus I probably need more rest than 5 hours of sleep. All these things likely contributed to my bike blur. But I made it. And we recovered. And Kelly and I had a few margaritas in the pool when we got to my house. I'm glad we begin the taper portion of Ironman training this week. One more century ride. And that will be in Madison for the biggie race. We need to reclaim our lives. This getting up at 5am on Sunday morning thing is wearing on me. I can't wait to sleep in on a Sunday like everyone else....sip coffee, read my New Yorker and go to brunch. Plus I need to get rid of my ever worsening bike tan. Okay, so I admit, in a sick sort of twisted way, I like it. It's like a battle wound.

Sucking it up Another one of my many quarks is that I LOVE to clean house. It's actually a strange obsession. Whether it be doing the dishes or wiping down the countertops, I really enjoy it. Maybe I was a maid in a former life. After THIRTEEN years, my vacuum finally broke. It's an ORECK, and I attest it's the BEST. So today I went out and bought a new one. Inflation: my $300 Oreck of years past has now shot up to $750 ! And I still bought it. Now you might think: "Who in their right mind would pay this much for a freaking vacuum?" Because there's a 21 YEAR warranty. Because it sucked up every Jasper and Ally dog hair. Because cleaning is an obsession. That means I'll still own this thing in my mid-fifties. It will become a family heirloom. Jessica was over and I let her take my new Oreck for a test spin on the floors. Even she was was amazed. Just ask her. Then I took my Oreck away from her and vacuumed the entire home. Not a dog hair to speak of. Now everyone in the tri commune can sleep well. And once you go Oreck you never go back..... Kindred Tri Commune spirits Even as Hurricane Dean comes "barrelling through the Carribean" with its "cone of uncertainty" , taking aim at the Mexican Yucatan, (local news weather cliches...so obligatory) ...

A storm of stomach aching laughter was erupting in the tri commune. Thanks to Terry for tracking the serpent. And to Mike for muscling in. To Liam for doing his best serpent impression And Kudos to Mark for being the brunt of the serpent hysteria. You're probably regretting you wiggled your way into this inane group. There must be something in the water we drink inside the commune. Never a dull night. Always good times. Cheers and happy training! “Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had such friends.” William Butler Yeats

Whale shark wanderlust and an Ironman bling thing

2008 Placencia planning Another one of my many passions (maybe I already mentioned this?) is scuba diving. I have been diving for 9 years. Something very zen about being underwater with God's creatures. My love for the underwater world began when I lived in a remote island called Saipan in the mid 1990's. for most of us, going to a tropical destination involves laying on the beach. Now i like that too, but I never go to an island on my own unless there is good diving. So since I had time to waste at work (I was trying to look busy...come on, we all do this!), I started thinking about next year and my annual overseas trip. This year has been all Ironman consuming, and I have not had my scuba dive fix. It's killing me, eating at my soul, hurting my heart. This is the next thing I HAVE TO SEE. That's a whale shark, and each year they migrate to Placencia, Belize during egg spawning season. Apparently the eggs are yummy munchies for them. No they don't attack. In fact they are as docile as a manatee. Whale Shark Factoid: There are as many as 340 species of sharks. This is one of the nicer ones. So are the nurse sharks. I got to carry one like a football in Belize last year. I think we can pet these. Amazing stuff. Awe Inspiring. One of those 1000 things to do and see before you die. Oh and after this I was thinking about racing in Ironman Canada in August. I'm already planning for race two even though I haven't even done race one! Yes, I'm always looking ahead. I don't want to miss out on all the experiences life has to offer. Someone once said to me I collect experiences. That is true, but I also want to add something else to my "collection". Pendant Penchant It may seem prosaic, but I am definitely branding myself with an ironman tatoo on the inside of my left ankle.... should i be so lucky to finish IMOO (that's the acronym for ironman wisconsin...get it? dairyland? cow? moo?) . This is not about bragging, but about personal inspiration. Especially in times when I come in the face of fear and doubt. I want to be constantly reminded that whatever you want, with hard work and diligence, and courage, you can attain it.

Oh, and if my kids (should that ever happen) complain that I have a tatoo, they can do it too...at the wise old age of 34.

Okay enough with my pep talk. Back to something else I really want, but is a luxury item I really can't afford. How cool is this! It's a diamond ironman pendant. For just $1200, it too can be mine. Apparently Big Island Jewelers is the only shop that is sanctioned by Ironman to make and sell these. They have cheaper ones, even gold ones. But why not go for the best? I liken it to bike envy.

Bike Lust Laments

We get the bike we want, but then we see other bikes and think, "Man, what did it really matter? Why didn't i get that.... (insert better bike choice here). It's just money? i should have just sucked up and paid the extra dough."

Regrets. Have no regrets.

To that end, I LOVE my pink Guru Trilite. But I am lusting after the Carbon Crono. Maybe someday. Maybe both the bike and pendant. Or heck, maybe on a credit card next year. Fiscally irresponsible I know...

Cheers and happy training! "Security is an illusion. Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing at all." Helen Keller

Water Rescues and Weary Workouts

Mind Matters I don't know what I would do without exercise in my life. It's my medication, my drug, my fix. Particularly in light of the Thursday I unenthusiastically endured. Flood Fits If you live in the Houston area, maybe you drove around one of the many flooded streets because of yesterday's sudden deluge. I didn't just drive around it. I walked in it, talked of it, sat in it and inadvertently splashed in it. And I hated every wet moment of it. So did my clothes. So did my colleague. He's the speck in the middle of "Lake Collingsworth"

At one point I even helped a metro bus supervisor direct traffic. Seriously, motorists were actually turning around on the Southwest Freeway. Crazy.

Oh, and I also aided in a few rescues. Just a simple suggestion should you find yourself in your car surrounded by 2-4 feet of water.... GET OUT! I couldn't believe how many people just sat in their car, looking dazed and discombobolated.

For mature audiences only I was so busy yesterday getting in and out of my cohort's SUV that I got injured on the job I caught my ankle on the corner of the passenger door steel slider thing (you know that steel component underneath the seat that allows the seat to move forwards and back?) Ouch. Pain. Blood. Only to be excaberated by stepping into the flooded waters. I hope I don't get hepatitus. But if I do, would it mean I would be eligible for workman's comp? An Exhausting Immersion

You would think that after an 11 hour VERY WET workday, all I'd want to do is stay dry and warm at home. No, I needed to swim. Eye on the prize: Ironman...three weeks away... So there I am, heart rate monitor strapped in, bathing suit on, goggles in my hands... then I looked at the couch. Then I laid in it.... then I watched idle TV with my roomie Liam. So did Ally. Big Love was so good this week!

This lasted for about two hours. It was 10:00pm when I finally peeled myself off the couch, got in my car, and headed for the pool. I was the only one in the pool. And I closed the gym down. *

An INSITE sighting?

I leave you with a funny pinkgurugal moment. As We were leaving the "lake", suddenly a man appeared from nowhere!

Who is he? Why is he running to our SUV? Does he want money? Does he want a ride?

Upon careful review of both said photo and said location (there was a FOX 26 livetruck in the vicinity), the fuzzy looking photographed man in question is none other than Isiah Carey! Word has it that Isiah was there investigating restroom discrimination. More details can be found on the Insite. Cheers and happy training! "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." Thomas Edison

A Swimmingly Good Day

City pool swim

There is a city pool near my home that I frequent in the summers to train. So this morning I headed there for some lap swimming. The guide called for about 2 miles of swimming, but I only got through about a mile and a half. Then I learned the pool was a 33 1/2 meter distance. All this time I wondered why it would take me so long to do my workouts.

There is no reason I inserted this photo of Ally here other than I LOVE HER.

Professional Upgrade

I made a major leap in my career today. I have been waiting nearly five years for this.

I was promoted to the cubicle by the window! The guy who used to sit there is now wearing a manager's hat and has an office. I have more space, and I'm in better company. Not to mention the view is fantastic. Oh, but somebody did fire a few gunshots into the window a few years ago. I'll take my chances.

Happy to be in the House of Hope

Tonight I once again headed to my favorite local women's shelter Bonita House of Hope, to attend the kickoff of its fundraising campaign.

This is truly a special place that helps women plagued by drug and substance abuse get back on their feet.

It was standing room only, attended by friends, family, and a host of local leaders.

If you get a chance, go check out their website. Or volunteer

I think I'm turning....

Happy Birthdays this month go out to a few of my friends!

Terry, aka flex, just celebrated his big 39. Don't worry flex, we've pooled money together to get you some more rip fuel

Spencer! This stud celebrated 42. He's the hottie in the left . The four of us recently vacationed so well together in Cozumel, that in January we'll be doing a reunion Napa Valley trip. We're dubiously dubbing it our "Sideways" vacation. I can't wait guys! And Sweet Jessica! (In the red, seen here at a recent tri commune night).

26 and fabulous.... recharged with a great new career, and a wonderful spirit. Great things continue to lie ahead for you!

I am so truly blessed these friends are in my life. May all your birthday dreams come true!!!

Cheers and happy training!

"Accept the pain, cherish the joys, resolve the regrets; then can come the best of bendictions-"If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all the same"

John McIntosh

Galveston Grumps

Beach Bum

Monday found me heading to oh so lovely Galveston island for a field assignment. It's funny how your perspective changes when triathlon takes over your world.

I used to stare at this beach and wonder how anyone in their right mind would want to go wade in these brown waters.

But since the waters were flat, that got me thinking. Swimming from jetty to jetty would be about a quarter mile. And this would be great training. Ooh I wish I had my car. Then I could buy a swimsuit and goggles and swim after work.

Crazy.

Triathlon training permeates just about my every thought throughout my day.

Wipe those Wasabi Tears Away

I had one of my many clumsy moments yesterday afternoon while at the beach. Suddenly I felt a sharp sting in my right eye. Then it turned red. I confirmed this after careful examination.

Eye Irritant Culprit

I deduced that the Wasabi Soynuts I was munching was to blame. Fingers laden with Wasabi powder and salt, I carelessly wiped the SWEAT out of my eye. Reminder: it BALLS HOT.

I had a very LONG, HOT and HARD workday so I skipped my swim Tuesday night.

I instead decompressed with a few Shiners and some hard core rap music. I thank my esteemed colleague Eddie McCain for burning that CD for me. Eddie, gangster rap is so therapeutic!!!

Looks like it will rain today. I'm heading to the pool, sans eye infection.

Cheers and happy training!

"Life is like a ten speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use."

Charles Schulz

Sun sickies, Indoor Anguish, Romantic Reunions and Commune Kidding Around

HEAT EXHAUSTION CLAIMS LIFE OF WOMAN DUBBED "PINKGURUGAL" Well, that's what the headlines would have said. The news clip might go something like: "Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a Houston area woman often seen riding her pink bike. Witnesses tell police she ignored all heat advisory warnings to stay indoors. "Man, you'd think a lady whose job it was to stay current on news and weather would know better," said a nearby resident. Friends say the woman often ignored common sense. I speak for everyone living in the Houston area when I say "MAN ITS BALLS HOT!" Especially when you are thick of hard core Ironman training. And especially when you have a track workout at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon. I might as well have just taken a shower when I got back from that 80 minute interval scorcher. I sweat so much that I had to hang my running gear so the sweat can drip from it.

If you are questioning the veracity of my submission, just come workout with me. Bike Bonk "Bonk" in its literal meaning describes a strike or blow to the head . In triathlon circles bonk has a similar connotation. "Bonking" during a race means your body says no more, game over, you're wasted. And the reasons can be many. It happened to me on Sunday. I officially had my first bonk. It's never happened to me, even in all my years of running. But of course, this is ironman training. And again, it was BALLS HOT What happened? Was I simply tired? Did I not drink enough water?? Maybe I should have just taken an entire jug and chugged it prior to my ride? After hours of careful post bonk analysis, I blame it on... Heat Exhaustion According to a google search, the indisputable internet describes heat exhaustion as: "...a condition resulting from excessive exposure to intense heat, characterized by high fever, collapse, and sometimes convulsions or coma."

hmmm... let's see. Saturday run in sultry sun. Sunday seven hour ride. 107 heat index. No sodium tablets. 2 1/2 beers the prior night.... could it be? My BFF and training partner Kelly prepared Saturday evening. At least I thought so.

We packed ALL of our things, and even had a "nutrition lecture" from my roomie Liam about taking in electrolytes and sodium. Since those electrolyte pills made me sick on a previous long ride, I went old school and took pure salt. Obviously I need a new game plan. PINKGURUGAL'S NEAR ROADKILL EXPERIENCE RECAP A few hours into our first 53 mile loop I began feeling delirious. Then I got lost (and I've done this loop a million times). Then my muscles started feeling tight. So I popped a few Advil. Ooh, maybe a cliff bar will make me feel better? Nope? Then my head then felt like it was going to explode.

It took the life out of me to make it back to my car after 60 miles and pass out. I slept in the car, with the air conditioning blasted, for about 2 hours. I forced Kelly to finished the 112 mile plus ride, since she was feeling strong and I didn't want to ruin her ride. She reluctantly went her way. Of course, she said she cursed on the second loop. And cried. And felt scorched. And had to stop for ice and put it down her shirt. But she finished. Can you believe this girl was sick in the hospital just a few weeks ago!

Yes, now I know what improper nutrition coupled with heat overexposure does to you. Oh yeah and my heart rate dropped about 50 beats in a matter of minutes. Not good. Somehow, I recovered after that power car nap. So Kelly and I went for a swim after our misadventure. Liam met us at the lake. I managed about 1800 meters. He followed us home. We call this photo-op while driving. I was three hours short on the bike. But there was no way I was getting on my bike again that day. Several blogs ago I said I choose heat over rain. I rescind that comment. So there was NO WAY I was going to run in this heat on Monday. Dread the Tread(mill) I stalled and stalled. I ran errands, I went to lunch. It took every ounce of mental motivation in me to head to the gym and do my 2 1/2 hour run. ughh. And in the highly unlikely event you decide to do something like run stationary for 2 1/2 hours, here's something you should know. The machine allows you to only run for a maximum of 99 minutes. I had to break it up in two sessions. See, even computers are smart. They know beyond 99, it makes no common sense. Once again. Yep, once again. I cheated by listening to my ipod the entire time. I thank Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani, and Outkast, and Erasure, and Beasties Boys...etc... for getting me through this torture.

Cuteface and Pinkgurugal Reunited!

Tonight I had the honor of having a dinner date with one of my favorite men, Andy, aka "cuteface" (that's what I call him). Since we had not seen each other in quite some time, we had a romantic dinner at Sushi King. We also had a few bottles of cold sake. I miss my cuteface. We had so much to catch up on. Cuteface I love you!

The Other Regular Reunion When they aren't at the tri commune, you can find my crew at their other favorite digs...

Barnaby's I got a text on my way home from my date with cuteface. "We need you!" Is there an emergency I thought? Is someone hurt? Is my BFF Kelly okay? I told them I would be right there. Just save me a cookie. Oh and with ice cream. No one was hurt. They were just crying in laughter. Esoteric talk. the kind you cant say around kids.

Chelly?

That's what the tri commune friends have dubbed Kelly and me. It's a combo of our names. Yep, this is what happens when singles get bored. Inane stuff. Welcome to our vacuous way of life. Cheers and happy training! "Shared laughter creates a bond of friendship. When people laugh, they cease to be young and old, teacher and pupils,worker and boss. They become a single group of human beings." W. Lee Grant