XC is no joke: Dirty Sants recap

Easy peasy 5K-right? Atleast that's what the husband and I thought. But with uneven terrain, mini hills, and sharp turns, we gladly accepted a little challenge. And as usual, RaceMaker Productions never disappoints, with fun swag and a post race beer. #score

Here are a few highlights:

• 9 am start. With my husband a first shift nurse and my 4:30-4:45 AM runs to accommodate his schedule, sleeping in until 7 AM is a dream.
• The swag rocks. RaceMaker Productions puts out the softest T-shirts ever! And if you do two or more races in their cross country series you get a sweatshirt-Which rocks even more than the T-shirt.
• Location, location, location. With this park located in the outskirts of downtown it's a easy in and out. Postrace at the IUPUI Stacked Pickle is just a stones throw away.
• Just right challenge. With my husband and I training less than stellar at the moment, a 5K with extra challenge was perfect. Some sharp turns, uneven terrain, and tiny inclines, kept the race interesting. 

Even though it wasn't a super fast 5K for us, we totally appreciated the challenge, as we kept saying "we felt lazy ONLY doing 3.1 miles." It was a great "date race" for us, as the post-race beer topped off our favorite type of date...a race and a drink.

Post Marathon Blues

It's that time year where I find myself floundering. The marathon is over and frankly I'm just so damn tired. With nothing to train for, sleeping in and skipping workouts is easily done without guilt. And unfortunately my body still is in marathon training/eating mode, so peanut butter by the spoonfuls while returning emails is the norm. So here are my thoughts and ideas in beating the "post marathon training depression," because it's the real deal. And it sucks.

Do something different. It's a great time to try something out new that you always say you don't have time for because it would interfer with training. Groupon, Living Social, or Amazon Local are a great way to try something new for a month or so and stay on a budget.

Strength train. Strength always gets thrown to the back burner. With many days stuck inside, the opportunity is perfect. Right now I'm loving dropping in at VFIT a few days a week and taking what I've learned back to the gym. (And BTW Morris pretty awesome there.)

The obvious. Train for something. Even though it's the off season, there are so many fun races to sign up for. The hubs and I are doing a cross country 5K this week, which gives me a reason to throw in some fun with running sprints for giggles. And a beer and appetizer for all the finishers at the Stacked Pickle?! Double score. For more info on the Dirty Santa 5K, check them out at RaceMaker Productions, they never disappoint and the swag rocks.

Track your food. I would love to say I'm religiously doing this right now, but I'm trying. When you are running 40-50 miles a week plus cross training, I don't really worry about how much or what I eat. But the only time I really loose weight is when I'm tracking, and I'm a big fan of My Fitness Pal. It has EVERY food possible (even Starbucks cake pops), and if you have a Garmon with Garmon Connect, it's can automatically add your calories burned. And when I'm religious, I track EVERYTHING. Even though it's hard, it's important to see that you consumed the 600 calories after dinner or the 440 on Sun King beers.

And with this, I challenge you and myself to get it together. Life is tough sometimes, especially at the holidays. Don't ask for an easier life; instead ask for the strength to live the one you have.

"Good to be alive...right about now"

In the words of Ron Burgundy, I was a "glass case of emotion." Even with this only being my second marathon, I am a huge believer that a marathon brings out every possible emotion in a human being. I smiled, I laughed,  I got angry, and I cried. But at the end, I smiled because I knew I did the best I could.

Leading up to this day, I had no idea what would happen. I had done the training and figured out the nutriton, but my stomach was a mess, and still battled the question whether or not I make it through this race without a bathroom break. I gave up pace goals and instead focused on how far I could run before going to the bathroom. But the stars aligned and the sun gods shone bright, and it all came together for race day. And props to a little help from my favorite pharmacist for helping me figure out my medicine.

So here  breakdown of this monumental race:

Pre-race:
With anxiety high two days leading up to the race, race morning was fun relaxed with the help of the crazy runner girls. ( They were the biggest and blessed surprise is my running life which came to me on Labor Day weekend of 2015.) The ride downtown with the laughter and positive thoughts, and pre-race was filled with pictures and laughter at the JW, (and bathroom breaks of course.) The Runners Prayer with the Saint Malachy Ladies could not have been a better way to send me to the corrals.

Corral B: It was great to see my friend Jen and catch up on life and race goals. She is an amazing lady and a great person to talk to pre-race with a great goal in mind but the same time ease your anxiety. Even though I was anxious getting to the corral was just only 10 minutes till the start, that was more than enough time.

Mile 1-15: I felt freaking amazing.  Fluctuated between 7:55-8:15 miles, 1:47 half split. As much as I wanted to and told myself to slow down, I felt great and felt I can could maintain it, or close. Even if I dropped my last half to 8:30s I could still finish sub 3:40. I saw my family at 6.6 which was expected and motivational, but the fan base along the way simply amazing. The fan that stood the most on this stretch was out at mile 12 entering Broadripple, holding boxes of Kleenex out, because God knows my arm sleeves needed a break at that point! I did get a text my family at that halfway point they would not be at the IMA as through the planned, but I was OK with that

Mile 15-17: Honestly, I don't freaking remember. I think I was delusional at this point.

Mile 17-18: I started to realize that I went out entirely stupid fast. I was hurting, I was mad, and I was sad. I was getting close to IMA, where my family would've been, but got a text they wouldn't make it. Then I saw Dawn, who was like an angel, and gave me that umph. Her sign was the hard truth, but I loved it. That was the first time I cried that day.

Mile 18-19 (IMA): This is a beautiful mile because of the obvious, but started out a little sad because Jason and the kids had planned on being mile 18.8. I told him from the beginning not to make driving around stressful, so it was ok he didn't make it. I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't sad, because I was, but I also knew my husband is full of wonderful surprises. So I prayed my runners prayer and hoped he was there. And he was. As I rounded my way to the front of the museum I saw Jude's bright pink tutu. And I cried again. And stopped to kiss Simon, and I didn't care about time I took to stop. Hands down. Best part of my marathon. And I will never forget that moment. Toward the middle of this stretch Andy Grammer's "Hallelujah" came on my playlist. I had that on repeat atleast 3 times because it was "good to be alive, right about now." And it reminded me, I was doing something pretty awesome.

Mile 19-21: The high of seeing my family and choking down another gel lifted me another mile. Then I struggled. The 8:23 pace I needed to qualify for Boston was slipping away. Then seeing Jen and Beth at the Armory totally lifted me for another 1/2 mile, and downtown was in sight. This is also got me into familiar running territory of my days running after my work day at Riley...but I knew the dreaded straight away lies ahead.

Mile 21-23: It hurt. Even my shoulders hurt. I knew a sub 3:40 full wasn't happening, but a PR was for certain, so I didn't push. I focused on making my stride pretty for any race pictures at this point, but I'm sure it looked pretty ugly.

Mile 23-25: Downtown was visible. I stopped looking at my Garmin at this point. My pace had completely fallen off, and looking at it would do nothing but frustrate me. I continued to focus on a comfortable and pretty stride.

Mile 25-26.2: It was here...the fan base was arm to arm and I knew I would see my kids in less then 10 minutes. I rounded the last corner and saw Jude in her little bird hat, Simon in his Bears, and Jason, and finished hard. I crossed at 3:47.2, which was my original goal, and a PR by 8 minutes. So I cried, again.

Post-race: I staggered through the finisher area gathering my loot, noticing many runners being held or laying in the grass. That looked like a phenomenol idea, so many headed over to a nice grassy patch and laid there until my family found me.  And God bless my husband he had my PR donut ready for me devour. It. was. DELISH.

All in all an amazing day and journey. I owe so much to the girls that I logged many miles with that made running fun again. Watching those four strong ladies I met only 3 months ago, cross the finish line in was another highlight of the day. It was a great day to #bemonumental.

Time to be #BeMonumental!

It's here...the biggest taper week of the year. Months of hard work relying on a smart week of choices, trusting your training, and trying not to go cray cray thinking about it.  I drink water like its my job and try not to freak out with my lack of working out and sleeping in, and believe it will pay off on race day. But the perks of this week rock. The obvious, sleeping in, massage with Kara, (who is AMAZING...check her out Bonsai Therapy) and an excuse to eat pasta. And I think this might be my least crazy week at work for the year so far for an extra bonus. It WILL be a good week.

This will be my second Monumental Marathon, with three half Monumental Marathon's prior. I ran last year as my first, on my 36nd birthday, with the thought to do something "monumental" as I am over halfway to 40, (thanks Gina for reminding me of that the other week). Running a marathon definately takes the sting off of being a year older, and as I write this post on my 37th birthday, knowing I am more than ready to run 26.2 miles Saturday and the training to get there, I don't really feel bad being a year older. 

As I said before, with stomach issues aside, (which I am close to figuring out : ), I feel more than ready for 26.2 miles through the streets of Indy. Getting an 18, 21, and a 24 mile run has helped me gain the confidence and figure out nutrition to make this race a successs. The crazy running girls have made running fun again and have pushed to run father (and way earlier on a Saturday) then I ever would do alone. Additionally, I am super excited and honored to run for "Kaitlyn's Krew" and support her memory at Why Not Today. So if you are on the course Saturday, look for me in my hot pink shirt to support the Krew.

And 6 days out weather is looking DRY with sun and high of 56. Considering I don't think it ever got higher than 40 with unforgiving wind last year, raceday weather looks like a dream. And I'd love to say my favorite two letters when I finish, but at the end of the day I just want it to feel good and have fun. And when it's all over, celebrate with champagne and donuts ☺️

#strugglebus

It's been forever since I blogged, as I haven't had much positive to blog about. About once a year I hit my wall and nothing seems to go right in my training world. But I know instead of saying poor me, I need to get tough love on myself.

My biggest hurdle has been my recent bout of GI issues going into week 3, which was diagnosed as likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome. No matter what I do or eat, I CANNOT finish a run without a bathroom break. Which leaves me scared to eat before and during runs, which has me running on empty and making the long runs straight #strugglebus. Thankfully, I'm blessed with some pretty awesome running partners that are understanding. ☺️ But understandably, freaked out about running a marathon in 2 weeks and questioning PR hopes.

Skipping a workout here and there is happening more frequently. Often I justify it by telling myself I need sleep, I need to save my legs, or I'm running so much so it's ok. Or it's "just a recovery day," (which is sort of one of the most important.) But this should seriously not be that deep. Because a missed workout is just that. A missed workout. It's over. You missed it. Get over it and move on.

I feel like my body is falling apart and I blame myself. I never stretch or ice like I should. Again, probably the most important thing, but I tell myself I don't have time. My right IT band is a hot, hot mess and I have been disowning my foam roller. And let's just say I carry around Biofreeze in my purse with its importance right up with my wallet.

Thank you for those who listen to me to take the time to vent. And f you know me, one of my pet peeves is complaining about something without a possible solution. So I will put on my big girl pants and do something about. I will log my foods and avoid what irritates my stomach. I will stretch and foam roll. I will get it together and not skip workouts...and when I do, I will not beat myself up for missing. And when I feel good on a run, I will give it everything. I will stay positive, and have fun, because when this stops being fun, it's not wort it.

Only 15 DAYS to #BeMonumental...and I will be, somehow, someway.

Merrillville Mini

Merrillville has a Mini Marathon?! That's what I said. And the timing was perfect to work on my full pace, so why not head home and try a new race.

First off, I hate change. I run the same races EVERY SINGLE year. So I told myself, one different race a year, so this was my newbie. It was advertised as flat and fast, and a reasonable price. So it was a no brainer to run. So here's a quick and dirty on the Merrillville Mini:

• The race course was never posted online. This freaked me out. Like the race didn't exist.
• But....the course rocked. Flat, no hold ups. Country roads, trails, neighborhoods. Plenty of scenery. 
• Only two port-o-pottys at the start. And if anyone has went to a race with me, you know how  important the pre-race bathroom situation is to me. I think I saw one along he way, but plenty of wooded areas : )
• Water and Gatorade stations were ample.
• They had pacers...for a small race, I was impressed. And with me trying to work on my full pace, I knew not to let the 1:50 pass me and not to pass the 1:40.
• It was ran in the region...home....so 3 Floyd's was easily found at a liquor store for post race!

Overall, great local race, and would definitely recommend it for runners. As for myself, I was partially rested, looking to run a 1:50, my goal full marathon pace. I finished at a 1:49, but was hoping it would have felt a little easier. Regardless, I'll take it...less that a month to #BeMonumental!

Taper On

Taper time. Rest, eat, sleep, repeat. No strength training, short workouts, and sleeping in...it's the greatest week ever.  And most of all, trust your training.

Although this time is filled with lots of physical rest, I feel like its emotionally the hardest week.  It's the time you go through the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" of training and have the nightmares that something overslept or went off course. And with every ache, pain, or funny twitch you feel, you are convinced you are injured.

So what does taper time mean to me? It is historically my most wonderful time of the year, but taper time isn't what it used to be when you're working mother of two. I try to sleep in a little, with only one work out a day, but sometimes that one workout still needs to happen at 5 AM. Stretch sessions with the kids are a daily occurrence, and I drink water like its my job. I eat clean, (and try not to feel guilty about the banana and peanut butter, despite not burning those extra calories). And Biofreeze and I are besties, because again, the phantom aches and pains start up.

Luckily, this is a mini taper, (especially considering I put out 24 miles in the last 48 hours), which takes some of the emotional stress off. Looking to use this race to work on my full pace, and the letters PR will be non-factor. With this in mind, I will enjoy my bannanas and peanut butter guilt free, and sleep soundly knowing PRs are not on this weekends agenda.

2016...your year to be awesome.

Less than 12 hours and registration is open! And as a Festival 500 Mini Marathon Ambassador it is my job to promote the mini and tell you about all the awesome events surrounding it. And May 7th is right around the corner. So here's the niti griti of signing up:

• Sign up tomorrw (9/14) for the $65 until October 15th when the price jumps...lately the mini has been still open until the expo, but this is going to be THE YEAR it goes back to old school and sells out early...DO NOT WAIT
• How the heck to you train for it?! Ask me, your Mini Ambassador, and/or partipate in the training in the 3:6:10 OrthoIndy training series
• New Challenges for 2016:
• Mega Mini Challenge: Run the 5K and jump back in the coral for 13.1!
• Mini Maniac Challenge: Run all the training runs 3, 6, 10 miler, the the Mini, for a total of 32.1

Are you ready to head over to www.indymini.com and sign up? When you do, be sure to answer the demongraphic questions at the very end, and select me as the ambassador that referred you from the drop down menu...Still not convinced?

Here are your 13.1 reasons:

13.1 May running weather is awesome
12. Can't beat the fan base
11. Mini training is a great way to start shedding the winter weight
10. This year's shirt is going to be the best shirt...ever.
9. The IMS.
8. You get to kiss the bricks...as long as stopping doesn't interfere with a PR...which leads me to number 7...
7. The PR bell
6. Your kids get an official cow bell to cheer you on (ok, that reason might not be that great : )
5. Anybody who is anybody runs it
4. Post race party
3. The MEGA mini challenge
2. The MANIAC mini challenge
1. I convinced Jason Borem to run it

Hopefully those 13.1 reasons are enough to go straight to www.indymini.com and make it reality. This is YOUR year to get after it and be awesome. Believe in yourself...make it happen.

Running is cheaper then therapy

Isn't that the truth...and way less time consuming.

We definitely have a love/hate thing going. Depending on the day, the whole run is like a high where I  conjure up all these great things I can or will do and believe anything is possible. Other days....straight #strugglebus. But running is a strong, consistent relationship that is literally available at any place, any time. And any problem you have seems so much smaller after a run.

My running: when I'm actively training, I run four days a week. I'm blessed with a job that is 5 minutes from home and daycare. And if I have no after school meetings, I have a fair chunk of time before daycare pick up to get it done. And if that doesn't work out, we are also fortunate to have a treadmill in our garage for less than optimal conditions, (because God knows I love running in my 90 degree garage while my kids nap this summer).

Luckily, our relationship is on the upswing. The stars are aligned and I am starting to love running again. There were a few things along the way that helped:

• A new fuel belt. Lord comfort is key...and after 9 years my old, oddly fitting, missing every water bottle, Nike belt was done...and smelled.
• Back to some morning runs versus afternoon. Over. This. Humidity.
• Changed up my play list..finally cashed in the those ITunes gift cards from Santa. And yeap, Taylor Swift is up on in, and not ashamed to admit it.
• I've finally hit my nurition. Less expensive gels and blocks, more kid snacks..apple sauce and fruit snacks.
• Best change: ran with people. Like the Beatles said, "...I get by with a little help from my friends..."

Running also has a very special place in my heart. My husband is a runner...and our very first conversation centered around running. One of my fondest memory when we first started dating was Tuesday nights-we had a standing running date followed by cooking dinner together. Running is such a huge part of our lives, that it was only fitting that he proposed that way, right before the finish of Indianapolis's Irish Festival 5K 8 years ago, (even if put the kabosh on my PR that race : )

Bottom line. Running is a beautiful thing. If you are physically able, don't waste this amazing gift. And seriously. It is way cheaper then therapy. As much as goat rodeo my life is, cutting out my running is non-negotiable, and dangerous for anyone close to me.

Morning workouts rock

We swore up and down we'd never, ever, ever,  get up early willingly again in college on the way to practice. But somehow the internal alarm always goes off. And lets face it, time is a commidity, and sometimes you can only find it at 5 am. But there are tons a benefits to getting it done early. And sometimes, your only option.

I would love to say I have this glorious life where I work my 40-hour week job and get off with infinity time to train while my husband takes care of my kids. However that is far from my reality. As much as I am thankful, unfortunately, my husband works evening shift as a nurse so I am essentially a single mom Monday through Friday evening. And the reality is I NEVER work a 40 hour week, sometimes up to 50, balancing two suplemental jobs. So, I have no other option some days. And if you're a triathlete like me, doubles are pretty much nonnegotiable.

As a result, I learned to love and accept the morning workout as a reality. Yes, the 425 alarm sucks sometimes, especially when you know you are going nonstop till 930 that night, but the end result is worth it. It's a great feeling to know you got that your workout is done, and you feel great all day. And working out is proprioceptive input (which releases serotonin – your feel-good neurotransmitter), so you feel great all day. So it's pretty much win-win.

The big debate is the home workout versus gym. I do both-heavily favoring one depending on the time of year and situation. During triathlon season/summer months, it's always best to beat the heat and get on the road before it gets warm and busy. I'm also blessed to have a treadmill and bike trainer just in case the hubby is  working over or going in early.

But I am a HUGE fan of the gym in the morning. So many pros...

• Drive time is pretty much cut in half 
• Drive time also provides ample coffee time
• Regulars. They got your back. They spot you lifting, they chat minimally, (because they know you don't talk in the morning), and they inform non-regulars you are the farthest thing from single when they ask
• No line at Dunkin for the occasional post workout coffee

Ultimately, morning workouts give you more kid time, (if it's not a doubles day). Even though I know sometimes you have no choice, But knowing my kids at daycare all day, I try to avoid putting them in gym daycare. Let's be honest, gym daycare is a crap shoot. Once they came and got me after 11 minutes for Jude. Seriously. Did you even try to engage her?!

Try it. Once, twice a week. Never tell yourself you are getting up Monday-Friday. That's just setting yourself up for failure. It takes three weeks to create a habit...and what a great habit to create. And if you hit snooze once in a while. It's ok. Sometimes we need that extra hour and snuggle time : )

Go Girl Tri

There is no better way to end the tri season with all girls triathalon. Not the race I wanted timewise, in fact, I can't even fathom how slow I went?! But it was low stress and I actually had fun for once : )

HUGE pros of an only girl race. The swim is a million times easier with no guys out there. Pretty much zero chances of mallcious take downs, (and its the one time my big arms help me out). And with no guys out there, the water is WAY smoother. However, with the water temp being 76 and me not being a wetsuit swimmer, my arms tightened up pretty fast. There went some time.

And the bike is so much nicer-no clusters, and girls actually call out when they pass. The weather was perfect with practially no wind. But with spending pretty much the last two weeks soley on the trainer, my mph average tanked as the hills proved a little more difficult then usual. It happens.

The run actually felt pretty good. Girls are such great support along the way, and as always, loved to see my family along the way, (especially Si yelling out he saw a deer as I ran.) My run average was fair, but so nice to actually run without it being blazing hot for once.

Overall a 5th place finish and an age group win, despite my not so stellar time. But again, I actually had FUN out there, first time in a while, which is way better than an PR. 

And like that...fast laces out, fuel belts in...marathon season is here! And there goes a toe nail or two. #runnerproblems

Good bye old friend...

Yesterday  I did my last brick run of the season, (a bike followed by a run), which is always bittersweet. With my last Triathalon of this season Saturday, I will transition to marathon mode and most likely my bike will gather dust till spring. However after this summer, biking just isn't what it used to be. Several bikes accident hit close to home this summer. People have been clipped, hit, and sustained lifelong injuries. Just because people were doing what they loved and staying physically fit.

Not. Fair. At. All.

All these things shook me significantly which put me on my trainer alot this summer, and got me thinking a lot. Even though I bike during low traffic and choose country roads that are scarcely traveled, this plan is still not a fail safe. People zip through the country roads. People talk on the phone. People text. People put make up on. People get drunk to drive...sometimes in the middle of the day. These things really do happen, and good people get hurt. I swore I was done and my husband and I were trading triathalons for Crossfit.

I started to tell myself I was selfish everytime I got on the road. What if I got hit? What would that do to my family? Then my anxiety got so bad I would only ride if my husband was home. So I got on my trainer for 2 of my 3 rides of my week. But honestly it wasn't that bad. And if my family was home, they would hang and chat, sometimes the kids would dance and ride their bikes around the garage, (and ask to drink out of my water bottle off my bike : ) Often my son and I would chat about his day while he chowed on cheese-its, (and offered me some as I rode). And you know what? It turned out ok. I was safe, my anxiety down, and my biking average even got a little faster.  And I loved it because  I could truly be 'the mom that tri's.'

With that being said, I'm more then ready to rock this last Tri. I haven't done The Go Girl Tri in a few years-look forward to seeing many new and old faces on the course Best of all, weather looks perfect!

Third times a charm

Three times. That's how many times I've tried to have a blog. But this time is a little different. I've joked, I talked about it, but I've never followed through. But after being chosen as the 2016 500 Festival Mini Marathon Ambassador, I thought maybe this might be my time.

So why the world am I adding something else to my plate? Because why not share what it takes to be  the mom that "runs and tri's." Because I run, I swim, I bike, I lift, and I truly "try" to be the best mom and wife I can be in the process. It's definitely not easy, it takes effort and sacrifice, but it's so worth the example that I set for my children and the strong family we have. 

So why the heck should you follow my blog: 

• Because I'm going to talk about a lot of cool stuff. (Obviously?!) Seriously...I'm going to talk about creative ways to fit in your workouts when you work full time (plus side gigs), have multiple little people running around your house, all while your husband works an evening shift. I'm going to talk about how life happens, you miss a workout, and life goes on. I want to talk about how you survive not eating meat and dairy and still find the energy to get things done. Basically, I want to talk about whatever topic comes to mind that I think is worth blogging about and people will want to read :-)

• I want to talk about racing.  I'm going to promote races I think are pretty freaking fabulous and let you know the races that might not be that great.  If you're like me, time is money and money is time. In addition, there are so MANY free (or close to it) racing opportunities for ALL ages in the great Indianapolis area that I would love to share.

• I want to help inspire. Whether it's getting off the couch and running a mile or getting PR's, I want to help you believe it can happen. I told myself (and my husband) on NYE this would be the year of PR's...and we've done it. Every. Single. Race. (Did I mention we are 36 and 37?!) There are so many other amazing athletes that have inspired me-check them out on my page on my page and follow them too! (Sorry...still a work in progress.)

• I want to talk about balance. It's tough. Jobs, family, reality. Training and working out is tough to build around everything. Many "fitness experts" say build your day around your workout. But seriously, family is first, that is priority.  When you have family and a job, 5 am workouts and sight words with your kindergartner during a treadmill run are sometimes the way you need roll. And after you put in a 20 miles bike followed by a 4 mile run, you still have to jump on the trampoline with your kids...non-negotiable.    

So if thing I'm worth following...do it. Share it with your friends, comment, or just read it. If you aren't interested, no hard feelings. 

And total side bar...268 days till the Mini...registration re-opens September 15th...expect nothing less then to ring the PR bell : ) Especially if its your first-you ring it regardless!

Tri Indy

After making the decision that racing at Nationals was not the best decision of the family, I decided to make Tri Indy (Oly distance) my big race for the summer. First full week back at work and working my extra Saturday at Riley...in retrospect, maybe not the best decision. But I persevered. and somehow, someway, PR'ed this course. With an awesome swim, even a more awesome bike, but a run that was harder then childbirth. Here's the breakdown:

The swim: 1500 meters in the canal  Pros: its smooth, not that wide, so pretty easy to swim straight, with the only outliers being to avoid the anchored gondolas and water fountains. The cons: the thick seaweed or whatever you drudge through. Regardless, it was a strong swim, no collisions with structures, (because this has happened). And my genius husband dressed my kids in brightly colored clothes, so I saw them literally every stroke of the way : ) Finished the swim in 24 minutes, 18th overall-and even though I swam for most of my life competitively,  being a butterflier, I have no idea if that time is even solid.

The bike: Two flat loops to the Velodrome and back. Pretty easy peasey really. The pros are is the course is pretty flat, and pretty fast (at times). The cops and race volunteers were phenomenal with traffic control. Pros: Mayor Ballard has not road this course, so road repairs in spots are in dire need. The race did the best job then could with railroad tracks and curbs, which was safe haven for water bottles to drop. Regardless, average a 20.8...I'll take it.

The run: I knew for me it would be struggle. Ever since my ridiculous Mini Marathon run in May, I fizzled. Parts of the run felt strong, parts were comparable to childbirth. Pros: Flat, predictable loops, with great fan base throughout the zoo/IUPUI campus. Cons: Other runners/walkers not part of the race along part of the path. I had low expectation for the run and was hoping to hold 7:45's, but ended up with 7:58's. Sadness, but my swim and bike made up for it.

Overall, great race. A PR of over a minute, 2nd overall female with a time of 2.28.4, and at 36 and my goat rodeo life, not terribly shappy. I have never been so physically and emotionally exhausted after a race ever...and when I finished, I cried. I cried because I was so happy I went that fast. I cried I was so happy it was the first race my kids came to in over a year. I cried because I was so happy my husband was there and so incredible. And finally...I cried because I hurt so bad and I couldn't feel my left leg.

But if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.