Sunday, September 25, 2016

09-25-2016 IRONMAN Chattanooga Race Report


Tuesday
Loaded up my bike and my carefully packed gear bag and headed to Elevation Cycles to meet Wesley and ProBike Express.  Beth was nice enough to ride with me as I handed over everything that I would need to race day.  Wesley was awesome.  Walking me through the process, talking me through the course, providing excellent insight.  I stood there, pretty quiet.  Not sure why I was frozen there.  Just weird to see everything that you need head out on a truck.  Wesley sensed it, assured me he would take care of it all and off we went.   PS – Wesley texted updates the whole way and announced his arrival in Choo!  Relief!

Thursday

Let the whirlwind weekend begin.  3 a.m. wake-up to be out the door for a 6 a.m. flight.  Not surprisingly I was awake before the alarm so opted to shower before heading out.  Arrived at the airport, checked in, security and off to the gate.  I managed to squeeze into the train as the doors were closing not realizing that Mike didn’t get in behind me.  I was on the departing train and he was still at the station.  I waited for him at the other end and sent my apologies as he arrived.  Sought out the best breakfast ever from the Italian food booth in the concourse.  (It had the shortest line!)  We had an uneventful flight.  A little sleep, read a book and browsed the airline magazine.  Arrived in Nashville.  Waited forever for our bags fascinated by the sensor on the carousel that only allowed a new bag in if there was appropriate space. 

We met Rob and Christena on the curb.  They graciously offered us a ride to CHOO so we didn’t have to get a car.  Arrived in Chattanooga a few hours later, relieved to see the bike trailer as soon as we pulled in, and went immediately to the race expo.  Found our TeamEdith family, checked in for the race and gathered our first round of Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème Pies!  Attended the athlete briefing, which according to Rob was” Africa hot” – he managed to squeeze himself in the little strip of shade up against the wall of the seat.  After visiting for a bit, we headed to find our hotel.  We met up again for a great dinner and headed to bed. 

Friday

Up and at ‘em with bike gear in tow.  Off to meet some of the team to drive the bike course.  I missed the shuttle by seconds so started to walk assuming that the next shuttle would catch me eventually.  I made it to the expo without seeing another shuttle and then continued on to where we were meeting which was about a mile in to the bike course.  (guess I don’t need to run today after a 3 mile walk)  As I passed bike transition on my walk, I took lots of mental pictures.  Looking to where my bike would be racked, where the bike exit is, and what the mount and first few pedals would look like. 

Met up with Lance, Chris and Nycol.  Lance lives in Chattanooga and has been training on the course.  He provided great insight - Warning us to not gather too much speed as we worked through the city streets due to road hazards, train tracks and turns, providing landmarks and distances between them, pointing out different things to watch for.  We enjoyed the opportunity to get to know each other and received excellent insight on the course.  Thanks Lance!

Arrived back at the expo area.  Grabbed my bike from Wesley, met Gretchen from Utah and Rob and headed out to spin out the legs a bit.  The course that we were directed to ended up with a bit of off-roading and steps but we eventually connected to the trail and ended up being on a section of the run course and passing the swim start.  More mental pictures added to the collection.  Checked the bike back into Wesley and headed to lunch then back to the hotel for a while.  Back down to the expo area for the opening ceremony – good inspiration and a bit emotional.  Quick dinner and home to bed.



Saturday
Met up with Rob, Christena and Cat to head to the Team practice swim.  Buddied up and jumped in.  Amazing how warm the water was.  Rob and I opted to push out toward the center of the river and play in the current a bit.  700 yards.  Quick time.  Felt doable. 

TeamEdith provided a fun breakfast and an opportunity to get to know more of the team members.  I was awarded as one of the top five fundraisers!  Pretty cool! 

After breakfast, we headed to bike check-in.  Dropped Transition bags and racked my bike in its spot.  More mental pictures.  To the hotel and then out for coffee, back out for a fantastic lunch, stopped at the MoonPie store to get my race day PB&J and home for a nap and college football.  Dinner downstairs in the hotel turned into a huge debacle but eventually we got some food and headed off to bed. 


Sunday
It’s Race Day!
4 a.m. wake-up. 

The Type A personality had laid out everything needed in nice organized piles so it was just working through the pile to get ready to head out the door.  Heart rate monitor, tri kit, tri-tats applied, sunscreen.  Load the last items into the bags to be checked in – most important of all the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the special needs bag (thanks to the MoonPie store clerk that made a killer sandwich!)

4:45 a.m. out the door to the curb to wait for Rob, Christena and Cat to swing by and pick us up.

5:00 a.m. arrive at transition.  Pictures with some of the TeamEdith gang.  Checked the A,B,Cs on the bike, put my hydration and nutrition on board.  Checked my spot once again and the landmarks in transition so I knew where to find my bike after the swim.  Met back up with Mike, Rob and Rob’s two friends and headed to the shuttle. 

Packed in the buses and driving toward the swim start.  We arrived.  Opted to jump in the line for the porta potties right away which was good because they got really long as time went on.  By the time we got out of that line the swim start line on the sidewalk had reached us so we set up camp.  Made quick friends with our neighbors and settled in.  One of those times that you would love to be able to sleep but too much going on so we sat.  Thad and Brandon arrived with the comfy pink TeamEdith chairs which were fantastic to lounge in.  I ate my usual pre-race/pre-train banana mash about 6:30 anticipating the 7:30 start.  It started to get light.  I was able to connect with Colorado friends and then suddenly the line started to move.  We were far enough away from the swim start that we did not hear the pre-race announcements or the National Anthem.  The race was underway when we arrived.  Mike grabbed our bags of morning gear, we said our goodbyes and we were off.  I never really had an opportunity to stop and think about what was happening, just kept moving with the line which eventually moved right into the water.  I do remember the look on Mike’s face which caused me to tear up. 


Welcome to the swim.  I sat down on the dock and lowered myself into the water, in lieu of jumping in feet first in hopes of not knocking my goggles off and controlling my environment.  It worked well and I was off.  Rob and I planned to move towards the middle of the river.  I didn’t do great with that.  I found myself coming up close to the buoys and each time I diverted away I managed to work my way back.  I could see Rob for the beginning part – at least 5 or 6 buoys and then I lost track of him, based on our times, we stayed pretty close together!  The water was unbelievably warm.  They announced race day official temp was 83 - a lot warmer than the pond!  With only my speed suit – no wetsuit – I was hot.

I had heard someone say that the buoys changed color halfway through the course.  I had heard someone else say that they thought there were 28 buoys on the swim course.  The buoys changed color after the 8th  buoy (I wasn’t counting, they are labeled and then the numbers start again).  I glanced at my watch – it said 33 minutes.  Could this really be half way?  I decided to not rely on the buoy colors and press on.  Turned out it was halfway.  As we got closer to the swim finish, the water became more congested as everyone that was spread across the river merged together.  We swam under three bridges and you had to be between the pillars.  I did my best to keep my line, not get plowed over and not run into anyone.  I arrived at the steps!  Fortunately there were volunteers on every step because the first few steps the legs didn’t do what the mind asked them too.  I made it to the top.  Thank you volunteers!  Swim leg done!!  1:12:28.  I had played a couple different scenarios in my head – worst case time 1:50, expected 1:30.  This time ecstatic! 


I found Mike in the crowd right away, gave him a kiss and headed on.  Heading up the hill to transition I saw the TeamEdith crew.  Big smiles and cheers.  Grabbed my gear bag and into the transition tent.  It was humid, hot, stinky and packed in the tent.  There were some volunteers but all occupied.  I worked through my bag, took too long getting my arm coolers on (helps when they are not upside down!) drank a bottle of water and headed out.  


Time to bike! I grabbed my bike.  Put my shoes on just before the mount line.  Walked out passed the mount line moved to the side and got on.  Safety first!  116 miles to go!

The bike course starts out winding out of the city on city streets before connecting to rural highways in Northern Georgia.  Lance had warned to not worry about speed and to focus on safety until you reach the Georgia line.  This was great advice.  Several rough railroad crossings, bumpy beat up roads and lots of hazards.  At the second set of railroad tracks one of my bottles went flying – there was a huge pile of bottles on the ground as people had had similar problems prior to me.  I slowed and pulled to the side.  A nice lady behind me cautioned me about bikes coming up behind.  I realized it was one of my electrolyte bottles but knew it would be dangerous to try and get it and since it wasn’t my flat kit, I opted to press on.  I also came to the realization that I didn’t know what bottle it was because I used my “throw away” bottles so I wouldn’t have known which one was mine.  I continued on – down one bottle – re-planning my stops as needed for fluid.  I did have dry electrolytes that I could add to a bottle so would be fine. 

The rest of the way out of town, I checked on my flat kit to make sure it didn’t jiggle loose and reached St. Elmo where the roads improved.  Though the neighborhood, the tight turn on 45th Street and then onto the main drag.  I reached the state line – gas station and State Farm landmark that Lance had pointed out.  He said from there 8 miles of good rolling climbs and to not push it.  I worked my way through did not push the gas and was thrilled to see how my splits were coming in as I felt really good.  I reached the next landmark and knew I had some good spin time ahead and I enjoyed it.  It was fun.  I enjoyed seeing the spectator at the end of her driveway in the red rocking chair (even more fun to see her post the day after about how much she enjoyed being out there).  At one point we passed a fire station where all of the trucks and crew were out of the garage watching.  The life flight helicopter was landed just down from the station sitting with all the doors open.  Made you wonder if they knew something we didn’t.  I was getting passed by many men but hadn’t seen many ladies passing me.  I came across a few TeamEdith friends and we cat and moused for the rest of the day.  I stopped a few times for more water.  Made sure to keep myself and my arm coolers wet and continued on.  Reached the furthest point on the loop and headed back in – lots of fast downhills through there and fun scenery.  I remembered the rumble strips from our pre-race tour.  Logged them in my head for a reminder for loop two.  The stop sign and then 5 miles before arriving at Chickamauga.  People everywhere.  Lots of excitement.  Rounded the corner and arrived at Special Needs.  Time for the MoonPie PB&J.  I grabbed my bag.  Parked my bike, found a nice curb in the shade and sat down for lunch.  Liz from TeamEdith was in at the same time.  We talked briefly.  There was a nice older gentlemen who I talked to while I ate and then Rob arrived , we finished eating, restocked bottles and supplies on the bike and headed out together.  I was glad Mike’s caution about the “what if your Special Needs is not there?” didn’t play out because my sandwich was awesome! 

Rob and I decided to conserve a bit on the second loop as it was getting hotter and we planned to stay together. We separated a bit on a downhill while getting blown away by a pro who was finishing his second loop.  I stopped at the next aid station for a bathroom break and additional water.  I came out and saw that Rob was there too.  We headed back out.  Shortly after leaving we came across Rob’s friend who was struggling.  He pulled back to stay with him and since there wasn’t room for three of us I kept rolling.  There were times where I was riding with Liz and a few other TeamEdith ladies.  I stopped and gathered more water often and made sure to keep my head and arm coolers wet.  I did lose one bottle off my bike on the second loop at a time when my other two bottles on board were empty so had about 5-8 miles with no water.  Big refuel at the next stop.  Getting closer.  The wind had picked up and times had definitely slowed but I was progressing.  One pedal at a time.  As I hit the mental landmarks I knew the finish was approaching.  Slowed as I came back into the city streets, took time to breathe.  Bike leg success!  6:54:54.  I had told several people before race day that if there was a 6 in my bike time I was having a good day.  Even if it was 6:59:59.  Mission accomplished!! 


The transition tent was more disgusting than it had been in the morning.  Very hot, very muggy and very stinky.  I took a few minutes to sit down while I changed out my shoes and packed up my bike gear.  I had brought a bottle of water off my bike with me so finished that off and headed out.  Another round of spray sunscreen as I passed through the transition exit.  The chaffed spot on my neck from my swim speed suit did not love that!  (Hopefully I re-read this report before using my speed suit again and remember to put extra glide there!)

Time to run.  Checked off the swim.  Checked off the bike.  Milestones achieved.  No mechanicals, no issues, now I just had to get 26.2 miles using me and I had plenty of time to work with.  I spent the time leaving transition scanning the crowd looking for Mike and the TeamEdith crew.  As I rounded the corner onto the path by the river, they were all there!  I stopped and said hi, told them I was having a great day and headed out.  I had developed a pretty bad headache toward the end of the bike.  I wasn’t sure of its cause – helmet too tight, glasses too tight, dehydrated…  I decided that I would get some Coke at the first aid station and see if that helped it out.  My plan from there was to get my salt levels replenished and stay as cool as possible as I moved.  I walked a fair amount of the first two miles.  Got the Coke and got the salt and starting to perk up a bit.  Liz from TeamEdith and I crossed paths – she said her plan was to run between the aid stations and walk the aid.  I committed to do that with her.  We stayed together off and on and I ended up running with her and with Kristen from TeamEdith most of the way. 

The run seemed pretty uneventful.  I was moving along, my splits were decent and things seemed to be going pretty well.  I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to many people on the course.  One had wrecked on her bike with less than 10 miles to go.  She was scraped up pretty good but vowed that she would finish.  I saw that her picture made the IRONMAN video - so happy to know that she made it!  I talked to volunteers.  I thanked as many people as I could and I kept moving forward.  I reached the end of the first loop (mile 9) and crossed the bridge over the river to the second loop.  The course did each loop twice.  My mind had it broken down into each loop as a milestone. 

Time for the hills that everyone had talked about.  It was a hill.  A long hill.  There were spectators everywhere.  People dancing and partying in their yards and all cheering us on as we trudged up the hill.  It false flatted near the top, one more pitch – encouragement from everyone that we were almost there.  Finally the top!  I jogged down the back side.  At the bottom, we turned left and began to climb again.  This time weaving through a beautiful neighborhood with spectacular homes.  It was nice to have things to look at and people out because progress had slowed a bit.  At the top of the back hill was a big army truck that the people kept blowing the horn.  It was loud and definitely encouraging.  I ran as much as I could and kept moving in the spots where I couldn’t run.  The aid station at the end of the back little loop was a luau.  They were all dressed in Hawaiian clothes and there were many handicapped people working there.  They were all so excited to help us.  I enjoyed the attention!  Back up the backside of the big hill and a jog down to the aid station at the bottom.  I met a lady that was working at the Red Bull tent.  She said she would meet me the next time and celebrate that I would be turning to the finish.  Something to look forward to!

On the pedestrian bridge as we crossed the river again approaching mile 13, I was back with Kristen again.  And then we ran into Mike.  He was very supportive of both of us and excited at how well we were progressing.  Kristen encouraged us to stop for a picture which she stopped and took for us and then told me as we approached the professional photographer that she was going to jump for the camera.  I stayed behind so I wouldn’t ruin her pictures and we had fun.    She ran ahead and Mike stayed with me for a bit through Special Needs.  He opted to take my bag since I wasn’t going to use anything from it!  I headed out again – back on the original loop.  He told me he would see me about mile 19-20.  Something to look forward to.  I ran into Thad, Brandon and Nichole from Music that Moves & Team Edith.  They were on their bikes checking in.  Thad rode beside me for a bit and we chatted.  He was very encouraging with how well things were going for me.  I kept cruising along.   I was doing well with the run between the stations plan. 

About 18 , the sun went down.  Not sure why, but at that point was the first time that the heat really got to me.  I had been cooling at every aid station by dumping ice into both of my arm coolers and the front of my kit and putting iced sponges down my back and water over my head.  All of the sudden my head was really hot and the water that I was dumping on it was not cooling it down.  And with that also came a message from my stomach that the chicken broth may not have been my best choice.  I walked for a while and ran when I could – knowing with eight miles to go there was no way I was stopping and also knowing that I had made all cutoffs so finishing was the only option.  I slowed down on my intake at the aid stations.  Stopped my coke, water alternating and stuck with just a bit of water for the time being.  I met up with Kristen again and shortly after we met up with her fanclub and with Mike.  We walked with them a bit and they sent us off over the bridge to the back loop again.  Kristen had a sudden wind and took off.  I focused on moving knowing the hill ahead and that I needed to get through the last six miles.  I made it to the top of the hill again.  The party and spectators were even more encouraging than the last time.  Ran down the back side and ran as much as I could through the back little loop.  I visited the Hawaiian aid station again and stopped at the restroom there.  The big hill, the pedestrian bridge and the finish to go.

Back up the hill.  I ran down the backside again was excited to catch up with my friend at the aid station.  She was otherwise occupied with a medical emergency when I got there.  I was grateful that she had given me something to look forward to and I pushed on.  Coming up to the pedestrian bridge there were lots of people out all celebrating with me that I had made it.  I turned off my headlamp and tucked it away.  Everyone said to make sure it was out for the finish pictures.  I started to picture the finish now.  1 mile to go.  Crossing the bridge back into the city the emotions welled up.  Some moments crying, some moments smiling.  All feeling excited.  I rounded the turn to the finish, coming down the hill there were people everywhere and you could hear the sounds of the finish.  The TeamEdith tent was on the carpet – everyone there cheering for me.  The carpet became a step of tears and a step of celebration.  I heard the words – “Kim Welk from Highlands Ranch, Colorado – You are an IRONMAN!!”  It was amazing!  So much more than I had imagined and so many emotions.  Mike was there as close as he could be smiling ear to ear and snapping pictures.  I worked through the finish process with my assigned volunteer who was a little disappointed that I didn’t need any help other than her holding my things for my picture.  I got my finisher picture done and then pulled the bib out of my pants that I had carried all day for one of our Edith Teammates who did not get to race after a training wreck and had my picture taken with her bib too.  Run time – 5:37:32 (my second best marathon time and well ahead of the 6-6:30 time I had planned in my head!)  Total Time: 14:03:34 46 out of 170 in my age group!  (This time was better than every scenario that I had laid out for myself by a lot and I was thrilled – to think how much I stressed over the 16:15 cut off – it was a true stress)

It was then time to celebrate!  Mike and I headed back to the TeamEdith tent.  Ran into Dave Downey on the way – told him about my day and then reunited with the TeamEdith Crew.  Kristen was there.  Her strong push gave her time to settle in after her finish.  She had an awesome day!  We stayed in the tent until the bitter end of the race.  Moments of anxiety trying to figure out where various people were on the course and if they would make it in and many moments of celebration watching people come down the carpet. 

I felt great!  I was so excited for how the day had gone.  It was overwhelming.  And I continued to be overwhelmed as the messages started rolling in.  Mike had done an amazing job of updating everyone all day long.  I enjoyed getting to see all of the posts that he made throughout the day and hearing from people about how he had called them.  He did tell me that racing is a lot easier.  I definitely understand that!  Support crew is hard!  And he was unbelievable. 

I am so thankful to everyone that followed me every step of the way that sent messages in the days and weeks before the race, during the race and after the race.  You promised to support without being there and I definitely carried you with me every step of the way.  So thank you!!  Truly overwhelming. 

Also, a huge shout out to everyone that contributed to TeamEdith and the Edith Sanford Foundation.  I truly believe this is an awesome organization.  Christina and Helen were amazing and I am proud to say that I have so many new friends who I will stay connected with.  I exceeded my fundraising goal with all of your support and I truly appreciate it! 

After a whirl wind Sunday late night, Monday and Tuesday, we arrived home in Denver.  I was greeted at our house by an IRONMAN finish mat and replica finish (with the correct race time on the clock) and a pumpkin carved with a swimmer, a biker and a runner.  Thanks to my budding triathlete and one of my absolute biggest supporters – my Gator!!  I didn’t get to see her for a few days after I got home but it was fun when I picked her up as she just stared at me.  Another moment that made Mom cry. 

I cannot begin to thank everyone that has been with me on this journey.  Mike, Katelyn, Abby Kay, and Abby Lynn with me every step of the way, my family, my friends, my training partners that went hundreds of miles with me, my coaches and mentors, my TeamEdith donors, my KTT/TTT families, my eNRG family, my BNI family, my M1 family.  I know there are some missing from this list and it is not intentional just hard to convey the amount of support that I received.  So please accept my thank you!  I could not have done it without the support that I received from each and every one of you.

I set out on this journey on October 23, 2015 when I pressed send on my registration to join TeamEdith.  Every day since then I wrote the following:  “Courage to Start, Strength to Endure, Resolve to Finish.”  and “One Day…One Step.”  These two phases have become my life.  They will stay with me as it is now my philosophy on how I approach every day. 

So I continue on – one day…one step.  There will be new goals and new milestones in the journey so stay tuned!!



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The "Race Day" Mindset

It’s race week.  On Sunday, September 25th at 7:30 I will toe the start line of the biggest race that I have participated in to date.  It has been an amazing journey to reach race day.  I committed to be a part of TeamEdith as a part of the IRONMAN Chattanooga team on October 23, 2015.  I remember sending the message to Christina at Edith Sanford and telling her I was in and feeling a pit develop as to holy cow what did I just commit to/agree to.  Not only the biggest race of my life but also a hefty fundraising goal.  

The journey to a goal starts with a vision.  In this case the vision had been written several times prior to now that I wanted to finish an IRONMAN.  My mind was set on something that I wanted to do but I had yet to commit.  By sending the message to Christina - the vision shifted from a “dream” to reality.  Now it was time to make it happen.  The vision had provided the outcome that I wanted, and it was now time to figure out what it would take to make it happen.

I tend to attach myself to “Social Proof” when I take on a challenge that instills a large level of fear in me.  If so and so can do this...then surely I can too.  Not always the best attitude to have - it has landed me in marathons, Spartan Races, Ragnars, 70.3 and now a commitment to 140.6 (or since it is CHOO 144.6!)  Time to look at the “why.”  Is it the finish, the journey, the fact that it is for a cause, the aftermath?  In my case a combination of all of those things.  

Now it was time to build my toolbox.  I looked at my front row.  Were the people in my front row the support that I need to get me through the training, the fear and everything that I would face.  There were some shifts and I am truly grateful to be in a huge theater with an amazingly large front row - my support has been overwhelming - family, friends, training partners.  The next tool was the accountability piece.  Deciding that it was not an option to skip the workout and understanding the impact on my overall vision if I did.  Allotting the necessary time.  It required saying no to many things to ensure that I had proper rest and ample time to make positive deposits along the way.  The daily affirmations made a switch - embracing the One Day...One Step mentality and adding in the Courage Start.  Strength to Endure.  Resolve to Finish.  Every day was visiting if the step I was taking was a positive deposit toward the ultimate goal.   I looked at my toolbox to determine what motivates me.  Reading is a big one, podcasts, friends, challenges, support and the impact it will have on my journey today and moving forward.

I read a quote yesterday that resonated with me - it was contained in The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families.  “The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs.  The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.” - Martina Navratilova  “Being all in is the key to making things happen.”  I am all in!!

Since October 23, 2015, training has played a big piece in my journey.  I have biked for nearly 195 hours and 2655 miles, run nearly 80 hours and 417 miles, swam nearly 75 hours and 184,850 yards  and nearly 90 hours of strength training.  Almost 450 hours of training.  At times in the best shape of my life, at other times feeling that certain areas were lacking.  It’s hard to fit it all in…  I have spent equally as much time if not more training my mind and preparing for my day.  You read the challenges that I have faced with my mindset in my past blogs but mindset is a huge piece of this puzzle.  What the mind believes - the body achieves.

I am continuing to work on my mindset every step of the way.  The body has as much done as I can do at this point.  I am embracing Sunday as a part of my journey and will face the day - one day and one step at a time.  Stay tuned!  
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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Pressing Reset

We’ve all had the day when you wake up, start following your usual routine and then it starts spiraling and eventually feels like it is out of control.  Sound familiar?  It happens to all of us.  This was me this morning in fact.  I woke up, went through my usual morning routine of reading and journaling.  Came down to be with the girls while the ate breakfast (an awesome breakfast I might add as Mike took the time to make them pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit - it looked awesome and fortunately I got to enjoy some after my ride!).  The girls were dragging - tired, quiet, a bit grumpy to say the least.  I was plugging away trying to find a car rental for an upcoming trip - frustrated that every time I refreshed the screen a new price appeared.  Heading out the door for school - the challenges of a permit driver - and getting back in the driver’s seat after dropping them to be reminded by the orange light that there is no gas in the car.  Happy morning.  I returned home with everyone off and sat down at my desk feeling overwhelmed by the inbox and the tasks at hand - trying to focus but still felt like I was swirling.  I reached out to my accountability partner - let her know what was going on - that I was heading out for a ride and hoping that I had a fresh start when I came back.  She set a goal for me to report in that it turned out to be a great day.  I opted to pursue that one step at a time!

My riding partner arrived at the height of the swirl.  Fortunately, she too has three kids and had, had a similar morning.  Maybe it was in the water.  Oh, by the way…  heading out the door, I was unable to locate my phone.  Knew it was around as my notifications come through my watch and I was receiving those but couldn’t find my phone anywhere....  Frustrating.  We set out with no specific purpose for our ride other than get the time in and attempt to reset ourselves.  We ended up having a great 20+ mile ride.  Listened to each other vent and talked about all kinds of crazy things.  We arrived back refreshed and ready to go.  A great ride, good company and a much needed restart to the day and we didn’t have to go back to bed to get it!  (we talked about that on the ride)  In the hour that I have been home, I am now back on track and feeling energized.  

I am asked a lot how I stay motivated through all of the training.  How I get done as much as I do.  I am fortunate to have an amazing support crew and a Why that is big enough that it affects how I show up.  I could have let the swirl continue to unravel and end up with a junky workout, nothing completed and feeling even worse or I could opt for a fresh start.  The ride provided the much needed reset.  There was a fair amount of climbing in the ride and when we reached the turn around we both commented on how easy the out had been - that we both felt great.  Apparently venting occurred through our legs too.  And apparently that is what it took to get us back on track!  The ride back had less hills and we enjoyed the reward of our efforts!

My advice for today.  Take it or leave it.  If you feel the swirl starting, figure out how to stop it and press the reset.  It will make a much better day for you and everyone around you!  By the way I found my phone right where I had left it when I returned - and had figured out where that was on my ride.

One Day...One Step!  Enjoy the ride!