It's Good To Have a Goat

Hello Followers and welcome to my last posting. I have attained my goal of completing the 70.3 Calgary Ironman in 6:23:28 and ranked 17 in my division. Not bad I say for a Newbie!!!

What an incredible experience this has been for me and I am still pinching myself as I still cannot quite believe I did this.

As I crossed that finish line, needless to say I was in tears as I saw the faces of my little ones, my husband and an overwhelming surprise....my sister-who had flown in from Thunder Bay and had kept this secret all along!

Details? well...now to backtrack a bit....

The begginning of the race looked grim. My husband refused to let me look out the window at 3am as our alarm clock went off. He shared that it was light rain, but I knew something was up as he pulled the curtain around his face so that I would not be able to peer into the pitch dark blackness of cloud and rain. I kept thinking of a volunteer in transition the day before who encouraged me to think of something funny when things look bad. She suggested imagining people without their underwear-try as I might-that did not help in the slightest.

I quickly ate my breakfast, packed up and headed for the hotel lobby to get my body markings done before boarding the bus for Ghost Lake. Since I usually call my Voice of Reason in moments of panic, I opted to text her instead. I thought if I phoned her and went on and on and on about my anxiety on a busload of triathalete's that I would probabally get killed before the race even started.

As usual, my Voice of Reason provided me with words of encouragement and ended the text by reminding me of my Blog Title-"It's Good To Have A Goal"-but because it was 2 in the morning (Winnipeg time) and I likely woke her up-she informed that that she nearly text'd me back saying "It's Good To Have A GOAT!" Well, followers I can't tell you how hard I was laughing and I am quite positive that many on the bus thought I was insane and cracking up. Finally something to make me really laugh and take my mind of the impending race in the rain.

After getting off the bus, I headed to transition to pump Snagster's tires, load my water bottles, nutrition and spare tubes/cartridges. I was told the night before to take absolutely everything off my bike as even though it was a secure site-you never could be too sure. The shower curtain worked wonders and I was even able to recycle it! Lots of nervous energy was floating through the air and much to my dismay, I heard quite a few tires pop! (sounds like a gunshot BTW). Everytime this happened, I rushed over to Snagster to see if she was OK-and thankfully she was!

Next, I squeezed into my wetsuit after using the biffy. This was quite terrible as I was wet from the rain, the mosquitto's were insane (yes even worse than the worst night in Winnipeg) and there was no where to stand except in a foot of mud. I felt terrible, and then out of no where a fellow triathalete saw me struggle and helped me get the wetsuit on.

Moments later, the Canadian anthem was played and the Pro Athlete's were in the water warming up. If anyone gets the chance to see the begginning of a triathalon, it is something very incredible and awe-inspiring. Chills ran through my body as the horn went off and the Pro's began their race!

The swim was divided into waves-thank goodness! And since I was a newbie, I started last (7am). The water was freezing but very beautiful but I got knocked around a lot by very big men (I should mention that about 3/4 of the Ironman participants were males). I made a conscience effort to pace and not panic, and this worked out for me. The last 20 minutes of the swim were a bit rough though. Not so much in terms of effort but the water was rough and had a bit of a wake. I kinda felt seasick and was hoping that I would not vomit-purely from a not wanting to embarass myself perspective (did I mention this thing was being filmed and there were photographers all over the place!)

Once I came out of the water (48:02), I felt this tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders-phew I said to myself, sure is good to have a goat-and I laughed! The rain had also stopped and for the remainder of the race showers were light and intermittant.

Next the bike. I was happy to see that Snagster was still OK and her wheels had not blown. I managed to clip in well and before I knew it, I was off for 60 miles on the bike (the bike course had an extra 4 miles tacked on to it!) The course was extremely hilly but absolutely lovely. I heard many describe the course as Kona with cows! I really made an effort to eat and drink on the bike, but my followers, hills are hills, and they are hard with or without fuel. In the end, it is a mind game, and my mantra became, it's good to have a goat, it's good to have a goat....after 3 hours, 18 minutes and 48 seconds of saying this, I was done the bike!

Now the run....a half marathon ahead of me. My legs felt good but tummy was rumbly and not so good. This was definitely the hardest half marathon of my life, and admittedly I did stop several times, especially to conserve energy for the the mamoth hills. I don't honestly know how I ran it in a 2:10 time as it literally felt like I took well over 3 hours!

As I was nearing the finish line, I realized that I was going to become an Ironman. All the hard work paid off. I began this Blog with a quote that is dear to me, and one in which I have come to believe.

"The mind is everything-what you think-you become" Buddha- I became an Iron (WO) Man!!!!!

Before I end this last posting, I do want to say one other thing-not just to my faithful followers but a message to my children. Each life on earth is precious and everyone has been given this gift. I hope by doing what I have done, and learning something from it that I have inspired you to challenge yourselves in ways you never thought possible. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be anxious and afraid. You will question yourself and have to fight against self doubt and a terrible inner critic. You will learn to believe in yourself, and connect with love and passion. You will make friends, and perhaps meet a gangsta lady or two. In the end it's all worth it, because you have truly lived! Thank you for sharing my journey as I post my last entry. It has been a pleasure to have you along on this ride!

Love Donna

Tis the night before!

Hello my followers-lots has happened since I last blogged. We left Winnipeg on Monday morning to begin our trip to Calgary. It has been so great being with my family as many of you know that a great deal of my time has been focused on training. We managed some great adventures to Drumheller Alta, to see the dinosaur fossils, explored the Hoodoo's, went to Canmore and Banff (I so looove it there) hiked Johnston Canyon and ate at some great restaurants.

We arrived in Calgary on Thurs and have an awesome room here at the Westin. On Thursday I got to meet Lisa Bentley (11 x Ironman champion), pick up my race kit and got my number which by the way is #880. I have and continue to feel panicky as this is a pretty awesome but overwhelming experience. I have to thank my children and husband for the patience with me, as lets just say I have been on edge!

Friday we spent the day attempting to drive the bike course. I say attempting because we spent a looong time in the car trying to figure out the map given to us by the Ironman officials. The GPS was unable to find the road called Pringbank Way. After relenting and looking at a purchased map (several hours later) apparently Pringbank Way does not exist!!!! The officials made a typo and it should have been Springbank way!! Needless to say I let the officials know of this error and was disappointed that we did not see the entire course.

Today I dropped off my bike at T1 and took a swim in Ghost Lake. It was very very cold. Also because it is open to boaters the day of the race, the wakes in the water are wicked. This definitely is going to be a challenge!

Had my last plate of spaghetti about 30 minutes ago and have to be on a bus for 415am tomorrow morning. Must get to bed!

Lastly, I cannot end this post without saying a huge thank you to my voice of reason who had to listen to me yet again to calm my anxious nerves on this evening. She owns the Ironman with me, as I would never have come this far without her!

Also I must thank my sister who has always believed in me, who continues to support me and just about made me cry by sending me flowers to my room tonight-Thanks Laurie!

Finally, to all my followers...thank you for all your words of encouragement, your support and most of all your faith in me. This has been one hell of a journey that I will never forget. This experience has pushed me to my limits, has made me laugh, has made me cry. It has tested me all along the way, and has helped me for the first time in my life to believe in myself. After all is said and done......It's good to have a goal!

Almost there

Hello followers-well, here it is-the final postings leading up until next Sunday. I leave for Calgary bright and early tomorrow morning, and am a basket case full of nerves!

I have been extremely busy with making lists, trying to get organized and getting some quality training in albeit at a reduced intensity. I had my last open water swim on Tuesday with Mr. and Mrs. P and that went well. Here's hoping Ghost river will be like my little pond! (OK I know I am trying to delude meself!)

I also took my bike in and Mr. C gave it a final tune up and wrapped my aerobars which feel great-not as slippery!

Yesterday, I met with Mr. P for some last minute advice. Seems like even when I don't think I have any questions left-I do-and lots of them! As usual, Mr. P was able to give me some great tips-he also gave me a DVD to watch of last years race-which was fantastic to see (not the kind of DVD where you eat popcorn and drink pop)-but ramped up my wing nut anxiety even more!

For my devoted followers, just so you know, the race will be covered by TSN (not sure when they broadcast?) and on the day of the race you can actually go online and see when racers come out of the water, their bike and run splits! Man technology is crazy!

This morning, I am going for a swim as I don't know how much opportunity I will have before next weekend to get out and swim. I know the Ironman organizers are arranging a swim clinic on the Saturday which I hope to get to as I want to at least try getting in the Ghost River once before the race!

Prior to the actual race, we are taking the children to Drumhellar for the dinosaurs and Banff and Lake Louise for some hiking and touring! Must also hit the Calgary zoo as I hear it is awesome and of course, what is a trip to Calgary without visiting the IKEA!

Lastly my followers, my friends, my family.....I have to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Without your support, I would have never have gotten this far. Everyone who has ever been there for me-whether to provide a laugh, advice, a hug, or words of encouragement, will own a part of the Ironman. In life's successes-no one goes it alone. This I know for sure.

I also need to acknowledge the people who have not been there for me, the ones who have dissapointed me, the ones who have dropped off the face of the planet and the ones who get mad at me for splashing in the water (yes even you Gangsta lady). While you folks don't know it, you have given me a gift-the drive to go on, and a lesson about how to persevere in the face of adversity!

So there we are my friends, this time next week....I will be embarking on one of my greatest adventures.....I will keep you posted and love you all!

Arg-2 weeks left!

Hello followers-wow it's been a while since I last posted. I have been beyond busy this week with caring for my children and fitting in another crazy week of training.

I think the last I mentioned, I was tapering-but 2 heavy workouts were sprinkled in. I will make mention of one of them which involved a cycling expedition out to Morden to do some Hill repeat workouts. Very difficult to say in a nutshell-especially given that I was going on only 6 hours sleep! (I went to see Bon Jovi the night before-and well what can I say-worth every penny!)

Climbing and descending hills are a bit of a challenge when 1. you live in terrain that is generally flat and 2. your a newbie. I learned rather quickly that I am a weakling when it comes to climbing! but did OK going down. Thank goodness we had a fantastic day! I am also so glad I got this bit of experience in before Calgary!

This week I will be packing up and making lists and making lists of my lists! Feeling overwhelmed and tired at the moment-and can not believe that the race is coming up so quickly. It's moments like these that I wish I had a few more months to train!

Panic attack

Good morning followers, I was feeling rather weary last night as I completed 58 miles on the bike and a 30 minute run. I panicked as that was all I had in me. My tank was empty and I just about cried thinking about how in the world will I be able to do a half marathon and swim?

After consulting with Mr. P, he reminded me that I should feel exhausted and that what I really need to focus on is pacing and some recovery before the race. I then watched stage 8 Tour de France yesterday and saw some serious suffering, which allowed me to tell anxiety, fear and self doubt to #$ off!

Speaking of recovery-my taper schedule is not a picnic. While there is more rest built in, there looks to be a few challenges as well. Will keep you posted but I can tell you this for certain-I have no scheduled days at the spa whaaaaa!!!!!

So this morning my legs felt way better. I think I must be getting stronger or my pain threshold is increasing as even 2 weeks ago I would have been in distress after having done such a long ride. My morning workout consisted of a swim-which I must say was awesome as it felt great not to have any force being directly applied to my body. Today is a day where I could actually say, that I loved the water. A year ago I would have burst out laughing if someone told me that I would say that!

So for the rest of today, I plan on hitting the beach with my better half and kids and play! No wet suit will be put on......until tomorrow!

80th Post

Well followers, today is my 80th post-and I am nearing the end of my blogging as my goal of the Ironman completion is drawing near.

What can I say? It's been quite a journey. I am feeling exhausted and actually opted out of my long ride today and will head out bright and early tomorrow am to do 3 hours followed by a 30 minute run. My tapering will begin Monday and I am awaiting my program.

I am looking forward to spending some time in Calgary. I love the coolness of the mountain air and the fact that you can actually enjoy being outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes. I think at heart I am a West coast girl and always recall with fondness my earliest childhood memories of living in Comox, BC. Don't get me wrong, there is something very magical about the Big Sky of the Prairie, but nothing can compare to the sea, the mountains and oh so very tall cedar and pine tree's-it feels like home. Ahhh, I digress......

So...back to reality, and it is kind of scaring me. Ok it is a lot. I have to trust that I have put in the necessary training and that I will be ready. Honestly, there is not much more that I can do to prepare myself in 3 weeks to derive much more benefit.

Tapering is a hard thing to do as I often feel at a loss when cutting back my training. So, this time I have a strategy-and it is to pick up some books that I have been meaning to read in the last 6 months. I am starting with the Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. Not only are books a good thing to read for when my babies are asleep but I always learn something and will have time to reflect as I travel those long miles swimming, cycling and running!

Worst fear yet!

OMG followers- I am still recovering from fear. I last left off advising that I would be completing an OWS and some bike rides.

Well on Tuesday, I met Mr. and Mrs.P for an OWS. That day, as I recall was quite windy- the beach flag was yellow-meaning swim with caution (aka not advisable). From where I was standing on the sand, I could see waves and I thought to meself-self this does not look good.

Since I did not get the "current" experience in Pinawa, I was sure to get the "wave" experience in Bird's Hill. Let's just say, it was a very difficult swim when swimming against the waves. I ended up swallowing a lot of water and had trouble relaxing in my stroke. Then I remembered something I read about not fighting the water. So I began to relax, and eventually felt I would not secumb to drowning. I also experienced feeling extremely hot in the wet suit. Not sure if it was because I was working really hard, the water temperature or my anxiety. Whatever it was, it was not good. Rubber does not breathe well in case anyone has not figured that one out.

But......that was not the worst part. After the swim, we got on our bikes and headed out of the park. Mr. P took us out onto a highway that was in the process of being resurfaced. I was sure that I would blow out my wheel and get a flat. And if that was not worrisome enough, the traffic was crazy and the wind insane. My hands also began to feel as if I was using a jackhammer as the bumpiness was unreal.

But.......that was not the worst part. After the resurfaced road part, we turned onto another highway. This was the worst. It had no shoulder, and traffic was crazy. Cars and semi's were zooming by me at an alarming rate. The wind was gusting, and I was trying my very best to stay on the white line at the very edge of the highway. If I went right I would invariably get hurt, if I went left, I would definitely get killed. I needed to stay straight, and focused. I am pretty sure my handlebars have imprints in the steel from how hard I was gripping, and the tension in my shoulders and upper back was painful.

And then.....a semi truck carrying oil started honking. It had this huge pipe that was sticking out from the side and if it did not move over, it was going to take me out. I of course thought the semi was honking at me to move, but it was honking at the oncoming traffic. Thank the good Lord, it was able to move out of the way just in time-but I think my face was white as a sheet! There must have been a guardian angel looking out for me that day!

On the way back to the park on Hwy 59 (fortunately this highway had a shoulder) the wind was at my back-an unusual event to say the least. It was a pretty cool feeling to hit cadence speeds over 90 and I was amazed at how fast little Snagster could go. Upon entering the park, I was greeted by some hippies playing the bongos and likely higher than kites (Folk Fest has hit the park) and I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was to be alive.

Mrs. P reassured me, that the ride we completed was the worst it would ever get, and confirmed for me that it was pretty bad.

I of course threatened to kill Mr. P but you really can not blame me. After all I was in a traumatic state of fear. That's my story and I am sticking to it!