Henry Coe Park, Tierra Bella Century
Last week, I reveled in my friendships. So much of my life these days revolves around training, work and rest, and adding more into a day can feel a little overwhelming. But sometimes, a rare week emerges when I can visit with friends without herculean renegotiations of my hectic schedule. Everything just seemed to fit.
Somehow, last week I managed to do all this:
Every moment with these friends makes me happy. These people who have known me for years and love me anyway, these are my great supporters who bolster me and encourage me and keep me on track as I tackle these crazy goals.
Some days, after a morning workout and a day at the office, I can barely remember my own name by dinner time. I’m so lucky to have friends who laugh and agree when, while making plans to hang out, I say, “Can I just come to your house and we can order delivery and lounge on the couch?” Those friends are gold.
I think I spend more cumulative time with IronTeam than with anyone else in my life right now, so I’m also feeling pretty lucky in the new friends I’m making. The supportive and caring environment where everyone is motivated and driving toward the same goal keeps me connected and engaged with the individuals and the team as a whole.
This whole Ironman thing is pretty intense. I rode 101 miles on Saturday. These were hilly, windy, challenging miles. Then, on Sunday, I ran 10 miles. I was darned slow, but I think I’m justified in feeling pretty hardcore for knocking out a 10-mile run the day after a century ride. I CERTAINLY did not feel like running at all after my last century ride back in September. I have farther to go, much farther, but I think I’ve gotten to where I am now because of the support I have received from everyone around me.
Friends, whom I now see so sporadically – you are the best and greatest. You keep me going and make me Iron.
And I also want to take this opportunity to do a big, mid-season shout out to all my donors. Whether you gave online or came to a fundraiser, you make this Ironman possible, just as you make a cure for blood cancers possible.
Thank you, thank you, thank you:
Somehow, last week I managed to do all this:
- Delicious dinner at B-Star with some book club ladies I usually only get to see once a month (morning swim)
- Sun-filled outdoor lunching with another book clubber followed by a stop-in at an old workplace for a quick hello with friends there (evening run)
- Last minute happy hour with my oldest and dearest SF friend (morning swim)
- Volunteering and wandering about in downtown SF with a Smith friend I haven’t seen since January (morning run)
Every moment with these friends makes me happy. These people who have known me for years and love me anyway, these are my great supporters who bolster me and encourage me and keep me on track as I tackle these crazy goals.
Some days, after a morning workout and a day at the office, I can barely remember my own name by dinner time. I’m so lucky to have friends who laugh and agree when, while making plans to hang out, I say, “Can I just come to your house and we can order delivery and lounge on the couch?” Those friends are gold.
I think I spend more cumulative time with IronTeam than with anyone else in my life right now, so I’m also feeling pretty lucky in the new friends I’m making. The supportive and caring environment where everyone is motivated and driving toward the same goal keeps me connected and engaged with the individuals and the team as a whole.
This whole Ironman thing is pretty intense. I rode 101 miles on Saturday. These were hilly, windy, challenging miles. Then, on Sunday, I ran 10 miles. I was darned slow, but I think I’m justified in feeling pretty hardcore for knocking out a 10-mile run the day after a century ride. I CERTAINLY did not feel like running at all after my last century ride back in September. I have farther to go, much farther, but I think I’ve gotten to where I am now because of the support I have received from everyone around me.
Friends, whom I now see so sporadically – you are the best and greatest. You keep me going and make me Iron.
And I also want to take this opportunity to do a big, mid-season shout out to all my donors. Whether you gave online or came to a fundraiser, you make this Ironman possible, just as you make a cure for blood cancers possible.
Thank you, thank you, thank you:
Diana Chung Mike Cox Lisa Dazols and Jenni Chang Cari DuBois-Wright Carol Epstein Karla Gil Virginia Griffey Jennifer Gomez (for matching) Jacquie Hale Sandi Hall Joy Kespradit Michael Kyle Lawrence Li Sharon Lim (for matching) John McCabe (x2) Benjamin McCloskey Sandy Nable Jenna Petersen Anne Okubo Thiago and Lais Oliveira Trish Oneil (x2) Randy Owczarzak Gelareh Rahbar Suzanne Ridel Kelly and Chris Rojas Kathryn Rotondo Larry Russo Carol Sacco Tom Siegel Lloyd Smith Len Spitzer (x2) Adrianne Steichen Patrick Sutton Vivian and Tim Turner Alison Williams and Matthew Baillie (x2) Yvette Yambao Sara Zamarripa | And remember, if you haven't donated yet, it's easy to do - www.ironlaura.com |
Week 22 Mileage
Tuesday, April 9 Swim - 1 hour 5 minutes, 3000 yards Wednesday, April 10 Run - 35 minutes, 4 miles Cardio - 30 minutes (elliptical) Core - 20 minutes Thursday, April 11 Motivational Fail Friday, April 12 Swim - 1 hour 5 minutes, 3000 yards I would like to do 3000 in 1 hour, but I seem destined for 65 minutes every time. Saturday, April 13 - TIERRA BELLA CENTURY Bike - 6 hours 40 minutes, 101 miles, 7300 ft gain Team in Waiting strikes again - 6:40 in rolling time, but 8:40 in total time, meaning I spent 2 hours stopped at water stops!! It was a training day, not a race, so it's fine to wait for others to catch up and roll together. But at next week's ride, I'm riding for me! Sunday, April 14 Run - 1 hour 40 minutes, 10 miles | Totals: Swim - 2 hours 10 minutes, 6000 yards Bike - 6 hours 40 minutes, 101 miles Run - 2 hours 15 minutes, 14 miles Cardio/Core - 50 minutes Total - 11 hours 55 minutes |