The End?

DNF

D - did

N - not

F - finish

it's a bitter pill to swallow

but it beats DNS

(did not start)

thanks to pat for the following:

"the worst thing one can do is not to try,

to be aware of what one wants

and not give in to it,

to spend years in silent hurt

wondering if something could have materialized

and never knowing"

David Viscott

?2013?

MPD Iron Team Photo

Thanks to

Focal Flame Photography

for the awesome photos and the excellent article!

http://www.focalflame.com/content/madison-police-department-service-team-ironman-wisconsin-athletes-honor-911

you gotta meet this girl...

when we think about the ironman, 

we can't help but get stuck on one word:

endure.

endure, endure, endure.

and we know this girl. 

this truly 

girl,

who has made her way over the past ten years

into the sister-place of our hearts...

she fits there perfectly with our true sisters, 

as, like them, she is

strong & confident & t r u l y 

(because what pierre girl, real or faux, isn't?!)

...both inside and out.

and, she has this way about her.

like with her best friend,

what you see is what you get.

she is

&

& bold. 

(oh, SO bold.)

and she never leaves you guessing. 

we, personally, find these traits to be quite

and we can't imagine our world without her in it.

we know that right now,

with her ironman just two sleeps away,

 she's doing some second-guessing.

some calculating. and re-calculating.

a little bit of hemming.

possibly some hawing,

and just. plain. worrying.

and we want to take a minute to remind her 

that when it comes to

endurance,

she is a pro.

example #1:

when her husband was deployed to afghanistan

and she suffered the great flood of 2003

(in her basement on christmas day all by herself.)

 she found a new home for them

and bought it

and moved into it

and painted it

and decorated it

and made it theirs 

all on her own.

we saw before us the most independent,

self-sufficient girl we have ever known.

(all traits that will serve her well on sunday.)

example #2: 

when she stood by her husband's side 

(& sometimes behind him & sometimes before him,

wherever he needed her to be...)

when he battled cancer,

we thought,

"wow."

now THAT is

that is 

committed

and 

tried

and 

true.

(also qualities befitting of an ironman.

do you see where we're going with this?!)

finally,

example #3:

on the rare chance that a dream 

or one of her heart's desires 

escapes her realization

(but not for her lack of trying)

this girl holds her head up high.

she marches on.

with a smile on her face and

a wiggle on her hip

(regardless of what she's battling inside.)

we've seen her take care of people that she loves

(going so far as to clean up their poop and vomit)

before she minds herself.

and we've seen her celebrate 

and cherish

and be joy-filled for others

when she's probably felt a little broken herself.

that, friends, is an ironman.

with us

and our families,

she doesn't even have to make it to the race.

she earned the title years ago.

she's been our

and our adventure.

she's been our rock

and the wind in our sails. 

she is 

& crafty. :)

she is

and 

and, she is so, so, so, so, so, soooooo

(now, have at it, lorie lu!

we'll be waiting for you

with our arms wide open

 at the finish line.)

we are oh, so proud, of you.

e & j

Insomnia

Lately, every night,

I wake up around 3am

and

CANNOT

get back to sleep.

I start to think about race day.

I get excited.

I get nervous.

I think about what I'm going to eat before the race.

I think about the damn bike.

I think about the swim.

I think about the "wog."

I think about all of the people cheering for us.

I think about finishing.

I think. 

Therefore, I am.

And for now, that's good enough!



Eyes Peeled

I am IM athlete number

63 

You can track me at

www.myathletelive.com/events

Support - Words Can NOT Express My Thanks!

Keli Manz -You are an inspiration to me :) You are a lot of things that I wish I could be, and able to run the Ironman is def a big one!! I know you will do well, as you always do in my eyes. I am proud to call you my friend and will be just as proud to say that my friend completed the Ironman :) Go Lorie!




Steve Heimsness - Don't worry about pooping yourself. It's all part of the fun and finishing. D50s never quit.




Amy Bramlett - I think that everyone who knows you is very proud of what you have already done to prepare yourself. Most people wouldn't even have enough courage to sign up, let alone actually do it. You have a boat load of support out there! Good luck!




Megan Bondehagen - Pain is temporary, but the sense of accomplishment and pride you will feel will last forever.




Randy Wilson - She who is a detective on the force, been through drill with Gabe and Mark, has a great life built with a guy who sounds pretty cool, has been through everything that it has taken to get there, and has now trained for a marathon...No wait, AN IRONMAN...needs no luck! Just run, swim, bike, and enjoy Lorie! You did everything you could to get there, now ENJOY! (but good luck anyway!)




Amy Fortney Schwartz - One of my all time favorite quotes from MLK Jr seems appropriate - The ultimate measure of a (wo)man is not where she stands in moments of comfort, but where she stands at times of challenge and controversy." You are truly my hero, Lorie and I am so proud of you already knowing what you have put into this challenge. You are surrounded by those of us who love you and who root you on every day in all you do. You are already a winner in our eyes!




Linda Baehmann -Awesome quote from Amy. I would go with that one if I were you. If I need to leave my own, how about, "Lorie Anderson, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" Love ya girlfriend.




Nick Eull -You da (wo)man! Make it happen!




Laurie Hendricks VandenLangenberg - Lorie, you are amazing and I love reading about all of your adventures. I wish I had the drive & guts to do all that you do. Good luck!




Angela Kamoske -Don't ignore that voice inside your head telling you to quit. Out-swim, out-bike and out-run it. You've got this.



Amy Banovich-Tiernan - Lorie- I know I left you a message about a month ago about how you have inspired me just by reading your posts, and your blog about this adventure. In my eyes- there is no way you can't do this! You have something in you that is going to carry you through this massive adventure- and you have all these people who will be cheering for you and screaming for you at the finish line- in person and in spirit. I have been thinking about you lately- just said to Jim- one month to go!! You have totally got this! Never quit- I don't think you could if you tried! Stay in it- that's what we say at the dojo-fight till the end!




Tim Radke - “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”




Tim Radke -“….I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”




Tim Radke -“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.”




Catherine Heffron Van Hove - I don't have any doubt that you will finish (and without soiling yourself too). Not a single doubt in my mind. And you know I'm NEVER optimistic, so that's saying something!




Rebecca Wendle Lindsey -Your strength, passion and attitude amaze me. You can rock this like everything else you do!




Tom Learman - CRUSH THEM




Mikel 'Kellie' Wittig Klossner - One word? Ballbreaker. You get out there and kick some ass.



Heather Dzick - I can't think of one: all I can say is we will do it! We will finish! I am with you, I am very nervous about the whole thing!!!!




Jodi Phillips Angeli -You amaze me girl! I've been following all you've been doing through Facebook and WOW!!!!! You can do this too! I'm with Kellie.....kick some ass!

Rebecca Willems-Solc - YOU.KICK.ASS!! nothing more needs to be said




Megan Derleth Nicholson - I like the whole "D50s never quit!" And if you do this, I have no excuse to wimp out on the half marathon like i just did for this year's on the 20th because it was "too hot to train" and i had "too much going on". Put me to shame Lorie Lu!




Megan Derleth Nicholson - oh, and on a completely selfish note, I really really really want to be able to come and cheer you on and see you at the finish line!




Dan Murphy - just imagine a little jessica on your shoulder.... then flick her off and step on her when she gets incredibly annoying. that should put both a smile on your face and put you one step closer to the finish line.




Gloria Reyes ‎- "Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells 'CAN'T", but you don't listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper 'can'. And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."
So proud of you lorie!




Dan Schwenke - Holy shit... what was I thinking?




Chris Kobinsky - Just keep thinking "continuous forward progress." It may be slow going at times, but trust your training and enjoy your fitness level!




Chris Kobinsky -‎ ...and think back to your very first day of training and how pathetically easy it now seems. You've come a long way!




Kathleen Riley - Chics dig Ironman Finishers! Go out there and make that Ironman your bitch! Seriously, though: you can, and you will.




Chris Anthony - NTAF: never think about failure




Kelly Donahue - Lorie, you have been through so much while keeping a great attitude and a sense of fun and adventure. Enjoy each stroke, pedal and step knowing that you have done everything that it takes to finish this race too! Can’t wait to see you cross the finish.



Chris Anthony -You will rock this race...




Theresa Sybeldon - I have been bragging about you to all of my friends, acquaintances, and random strangers that I meet. You will have all of Wausau and the surrounding area cheering you on! You amaze me and you will amaze yourself as you accomplish this goal!




Jennifer Mundt - Lorie, you are so gonna rock this!




Brian Vandervest - All those grueling training hours will pay off big time!! YOU WILL OWN THIS RACE!!!




Rebecca Ekern Keaty - You the baddest bitch in the club. :) and remember the best dressed. You GOT this. Kick some fucking ass Lorie. ♥




Sarah Mackesey - Imagine a long line of your favorite people chanting "Go-LorieGO!"




Jennifer Krueger Favour - I believe in you!




Susan Dahlstrom Reitmeier - kill it!




Brenda Conradt -When I run, what keeps me going....I think of my sister, Lisa, who is no longer here with us to do these things...these things we all dream of doing. So, when it's getting tough, just remember that you are still here to live your dreams and push that body that God gave to you.




Kris Goetz Acker -Having never even considered doing this amazing feat, I don't know exactly what to say other than you can do it! I know you can! Just think how much lighter you are with your sassy new haircut :) You'll fly through all three parts, and look cute while doing so. Seriously, you rock!




Molly Thomson -You are one of the strongest willed woman I've ever met. I've never known you to back down from a challenge and I know you'll handle this one - and (somehow) you will probably look cute at the finish line as well!




Jj Brojde -You've always been a badass! And even though I'm sure you will finish, if you don't you are still an inspiration to those of us sitting at home on our asses.




Emily Pierre Samson –

On 9/11

If you find yourself feeling unsteady, tired, weary, or weak

Think of how I see YOU and KNOW:

You are strong,

Committed,

Tried & true,

The real deal,

Hell on wheels.




I can’t be by your side,

But if you feel like you need me,

Close your eyes

(but not for too long, for obvious reasons…)

And HEAR ths:





What lies behind you

And what lies ahead of you

Pales in comparison

To what lies inside of you.

(ok, ok. I borrowed it from emerson. But..)

I DON’T KNOW ANYONE WHO HAD INSIDES LIKE YOU.




Gregory Jackson – you’re the best lorie lu/that I ever did knew/it can be agreed that your tookus/is one for the bookus/and let’s not forget to mention/your sparkling dentition/if I were to journey, be it near or far/I’d no diggity no doubt want you in my car!

I get chocked up every time I look at this.

Humble.

Thank you.

Falling

I saw this on a bumper sticker the other day...

Falling down
doesn't make you a failure,
staying down does.

Then I had a dream that I literally fell down while doing the Ironman,
but I just kept getting back up.

Imagine that.

Lonely

I am well aware that participating in a triathlon event is an individual sport and that it is up to me to push my body through. However, this has been a very LONELY training season to say the least. I am so alone with all of my thoughts good and bad and I can only hope that training solo will help me finish the Ironman solo. I know that there will be TONS of people supporting me and without that I probably wouldn't have ANY good thoughts in my head. It's what will get me to the finish line. I can not wait for this to be done so that I can get back to group workouts...I miss you Jessica & Emily but thanks for being there in thought for EVERY workout. With that said, if anyone is up for a bike ride, swim, or run I'm ready!

Monkeys

My horoscope today in the Wisconsin State Journal:

"Don't let the monkeys in your head drive you crazy. Thank them for entertaining you with their silly thoughts. Post your main goal as a visual reminder, and keep to it."

So this is what I did...

Seriously though, I'm going to drive myself crazy with self doubt!

I CAN NOT wait until this is OVER!

Body Glide

This is what happens when you swim over two miles

and

forget to put the body glide in your bag...

OUCH!

Check Your Head

I recently read this in my Bicycling Magazine:

"No matter how good or bad you feel,

it won't last."

True That.

Door County Half Ironman - the good, the bad & the ugly

For the past three years now, I have participated in the Door County Half Ironman. Two years ago, it was my first Half Ironman and it was a BIG DEAL! I had friends and family there for support. Last year, because I really don't enjoy biking, I did the relay with friends...I've decided, this is my true preference! And then this year, I went up alone and simply met friends who were also participating in the event. It's funny how quickly things become so relative...within two years, this event became a training event and not a BIG DEAL.

So...

THE GOOD: Justin & Kathy waiting for me at the end. Thank you!

THE BAD: It was 100 degree heat index. I'm breaking up with this event.

THE UGLY: 7 weeks until Ironman WI and reality has set in...

Adding Up

O how I hope I can add that last big one to the bumper!

Bringing Sexy Back One Sausage At A Time

As promised in a much earlier blog post, you will find a video of me getting into a wetsuit. It's not pretty & we don't have video editing software, so there is no awesome soundtrack, but think Justin Timberlake, "I'm bringing Sexy Back" if you will. Although, the sounds of the wetsuit stretching & popping are slightly amusing. Patrick took a similar video of me down at the lake but unfortunately, he was holding the camera up and down so the video was sideways, therefore, this video is at home. Enjoy....

Spotting

So I finished my first (Olympic distance) triathlon of the season at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, WI. I love this race mostly for the AWESOME swag that you get for registering. Last year, we got a bike jersey and this year it was a cool track jacket. Seriously, I do most of the races that I do because of the shirts and medals, not for the accolades of finish times, etc. I've decided that Ironman is not about the journey, it IS about the destination, ie: the big ol' medal! Unlike the saying "Life is about the journey, not the destination." This time the ends truly justify the means!

Anyway, I digress... at this particular triathlon the swim is designed to parallel the beach, then turn around back to the start (continuing to parallel the beach.) My friend Justin told me last year when we did this event, that he had someone swim directly head-on to him. This year, the SAME THING happened to me...clearly, these swimmers have no concept of looking up to spot where they are swimming. I have a tendency to swim wide towards the outside lane, as not to get swam over, kicked, or hold up the rest of the wave of swimmers. Therefore, this particular swimmer who swam directly into me was SO FAR OFF course, it was comical! I wonder what ever happened to her? When things like this happen to me I have to admit it gives me a little confidence boost to know that at least I'm not that person. It also creates a little fear in me to think that these same people will be on the Ironman swim course to wreak havoc!

On a side note, I have been desperately trying to load the video of me getting into my wetsuit, but it keeps failing...I will continue to try so you don't have to go on much longer without having that experience.

IM Loop Streaming Thoughts

I thought I'd share some of my thoughts that I have during my training rides on the IM loop.

County Route M - And so it begins.

Locust Drive - Uneventful.

Bruce Street - Ugh, am I really going to do this?

Paoli Street - Not Cool.

Valley Road - This sucks.

Sugar River Road - Ok, I'm ok.

Marsh View Road - Damn.

County Route G - Damn it this is deceivingly hilly!

Route 92 - Please don't hit me and leave me for dead! Please don't hit me! Please don't hit me!

8th Street - Holy Crap that is a long steady hill up to here!

County Route S - Smooth road.

Witte Road - I always think of stinky Charles Witte, one of our homeless favorites.

County Route J - I know what's coming.

Garfoot Road - WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Mineral Point Road - HUGE rolling hills!

Garfoot Road - More HUGE rolling hills!

County Route KP - A stop sign here that says "that means YOU too bicyclists!"

Bourbon Road - Hello Cross Plains...I wonder if the Phaneufs are home.

County Route P - Mentally preparing myself.

Stagecoach Road - WORST bumpiest Road EVER! rattles my brain!

North Birch Trail - OMG, the hill that NEVER ends. UGH!

Old Sauk Pass Road - recover for another.

Timber Lane - Hammer for the love at the top...there is a house with a bench and a hose waiting.

Midtown Road - SonOfABitch! Also known as the Alpes d' Huez of Verona.

Shady Oak Lane - Recently resurfaced and SMOOTH!

County Route PD - I got nothing.

Nine Mound - Here we come!

Cross Country Road - Coming back into Verona. Also a great place to watch for your athlete!

County Road M - Ugh, here we go again....

Verona Avenue

Old Hwy PB

Whalen

ONTO SECOND LOOP!

I love that there are arrows painted along the course!

And Thank you Justin for waiting for me at the tops of the hills!

A Few Random Things

The other day I was running through town and a man said to me, "hey, are you interested in running to Chicago this weekend?" Strange right? Of course, I knew that he was talking about the Ragnar Relay Race happening this weekend from Madison to Chicago, but I thought it was very random that he would see me running and ask a total stranger to join a group and run a HUGE relay race with them. It is a 200+ mile route that is run throughout the night...Anyway, I took it as a compliment, thanked him for asking, politely declined and continued on my merry way.

HOT YOGA has become my new FAVORITE workout. Once again, I can thank Emily - she suggested it 'cause she loves it too. Although Angie said she wanted to either punch someone or puke when she took a hot yoga class and I get it. But seriously, I love it despite the odd experiences I've had like trying not to bust out laughing when the older woman next to me tooted or when I looked straight up a young man's shorts only to see his shaved bits... I feel stronger and think I'm getting more toned. It's great cross training.

Also, I forgot how much I HATE the heat and tan lines.

I still have my doubts about this crazy event but I'm in it to finish!

Nutrition

I recently learned that if my anticipated finish time for Ironman is 17 hours,

I can expect to burn approximately 11,900 calories!

And consume about:
20 20oz bottles of water,
1,800 calories from electrolyte drinks,
25 gels (or their equivalent),
8 energy bars.
To Equal about 7000 calories during the day.

Burn Baby Burn!

Arch Nemesis

Each riding season, I am attacked by these

territorial unruly little buggers

and

I DO NOT like it, not one bit!

Reminders

This is a piece of art I picked up for my recently painted bathroom.

Everyday I look at it and read it, I am reminded to:

unleash your creative spirit

embrace your truth

let it go

unleash your joy

embrace vulnerability

surround yourself with good people

ask for what you need

manifest courage

find beauty in the small

quiet the inner critic

wear more skirts

own your talent

speak of your gratitude

leap fearlessly

do the thing you never thought you could do

BIG SUR

Best Marathon EVER!

Despite the 40 hills and 2700 feet in climb.

I would not have made it here without you Emily!

At this point we were all so emotionally exhausted and I was still hesitant...

Here is the temporary road fix at the site of the collapse and

the reason for the out & back course.

Waiting in the soup isle at the Safeway Grocery store because we were shivering outside!

Here a few of my favorite mile markers!

Mile one made me laugh only because we had to get ready in the pitch black due to a power outage in the hotel...we were ready to have to jump through fire at the end of this race!

Always waiting in line for the potty!

No Joke! 40 HILLS!

Mile 20 was a happy site for me, 'cause I was still feeling pretty good and my last training run (which was HORRIBLE) was about to be behind me!

Singing praises at the finish!

Can't beat this view!

Danger Zone

Unfortunately, I've reached a point in my training where

I'm seriously questioning what the hell I was thinking signing up for Ironman.

Last week I had a 20 mile training run that was, to put it mildly, horrendous!

I couldn't help but ask myself for those 4 terrible hours,

"if you can't do this, what makes you think you can do this after

swimming 2 miles and biking 112?!"

So far, I've been able to maintain a positive outlook on the whole event,

but I'm starting to have my doubts.

I have faith that this too shall pass.

I have a lot invested in this...

Perhaps it's time for a new inspirational tattoo?

Suggestions Anyone?

Meet George & Martha

We had another great trip to the Nation's Capital and another great race. This time we had the privilege of running through the amazing cherry blossoms that were in full bloom. Amazingly enough, I was able to keep pace with Patrick and we averaged a speedy (for me at least) 9:27 minute mile. Plus, we both kept the wigs on the entire race! They helped keep our heads warm 'cause it was definitely a chilly start!

I also found my new favorite race shirt....

(it says "does this shirt make my butt look fast?")

We took the Amtrak train out and people, if you ever get a chance, take the train, it's totally our preferred way to travel - and get the sleeper car!

And what race or trip wouldn't be complete without a cupcake from DC cupcakes! yum!

WAAM

Yes, We Are All Mechanics!

I recently took a four week course for women on basic bicycle maintenance.

I feel so incredibly

empowered and confident.

I have successfully:

changed a tire,

removed my back wheel,

lubed my chain and

adjusted my brakes.

Ladies, if you have the time and the $, take the class.

You won't regret it.

The instructors are great and

the women you meet in class are so wonderful.

The United States Postal Services Creed AKA Stubborness

It is said that the postal carrier's creed is...

"neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night

stays these couriers from the swift completion

of their appointed rounds"

Although we have all heard this creed, contrary to popular belief, the USPS has no official motto. Yet I find this creed to be SO fitting of my running experiences these past months. We have run in below freezing temperatures (see 25 January 2011 post), 80 degree temperatures in Florida in costumes (see 01 March 2011 post), and just recently in the freezing rain and lightening.

It all comes down to this...

stub-born
1.
a. Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded.
b. Firmly resolved or determined; resolute.
2. Characterized by perseverance; persistent.
3. Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort.

We simply would not bring ourselves to be the first one to back out of our long runs! Knowing that if we didn't go when we had planned, despite the horrible weather conditions, we NEVER would have done it alone. There was A LOT of silence during these past runs and A LOT of laughter after we finished, ringing out our soaking wet clothes.

It has been MISERABLE and still the BEST training season I have had in my LIFE!

Thanks to EMILY, JESSICA & PATRICK.

I love you all beyond words!

O For The Love of Garmin!

I would love to tell you that I LOVE this thing,

but most of the time I'm so frustrated

with it because I can't get to the right menu,

or I bump the bezel,

or I unintentionally stop the timer.

I am once again determined to figure out this piece of equipment before

I ACTUALLY take part in IMWI 2011!

Because when it works it is AWESOME!

I love that I can create this virtual partner to pace with and

track all of my training on the computer.

I always have the reference guide near by before I begin any run and

I'm looking forward to experimenting with it on the bike.
I have seven months to get it right.

AHHH!

Did I just say SEVEN months?!

Time is Flying by.

Crap I better get back to training!

I wish Spring would Spring...