Featured writer - Jennica Hirrlinger

I always truly enjoy reading Jennicas articles.  Each time I read one I learn something powerful.  I learn a life lesson that I couldn't have learned in a classroom.  She teaches us that we are truly tougher than we think we are.  Thanks for sharing another truly inspired read.


Success or Failure - Featured Writer Jennica Hirrlinger

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?  I’ve seen this question being asked all over facebook lately and I, personally, think it’s a tricky question.  I mean, sure it would be fun to just have it all handed to me but, man, the risk of failure is what makes success so intense.  It’s the lows and the down times and insecurity of it all that truly allows us to feel the elation and the joy of the summit.

I am often asked how one trains for a marathon.  “It’s so far!  I can only run 3 miles.”  To that, I usually respond that the first three miles are the hardest.  And, they are.  It takes a while for our bodies to warm up.  Beyond that though, it also takes a while for our brains to warm up to the idea that we physically can run that far.  Our mental toughness runs on a parallel track with our physical endurance and they grow together.

I learned some things about myself on a recent climbing outing.  I spent a couple hours hanging out on a wall, higher than I’ve ever climbed and feeling stuck, with nothing to do but to wait and to contemplate how I felt about being up there and being completely out of control and trusting someone else to help me succeed.  My brother and I did our first multi-pitch climb and while there were a few moments where I thought I might totally lose it my overall feeling is that I got just a little bit more mentally tough.  Even at my most anxious, I could still make myself continue physically doing what needed to be done and though I was not yet at a place where I could get back on solid ground, I could talk and think my way down from the stress I was having.  And, I realized how amazing and exhilarating it was to be up there and I got tougher.

I got tougher, not because I could not fail, but because there was a huge risk that I would fail.  I could have easily found out that I was not cut out for the whole climbing thing or I could have chosen not to ever see what it was like to run further than 3 miles.  But I didn’t.  I took a risk and it feels good.  So, instead of asking what would you do if you knew you could not fail, ask yourself what you can learn through your failure and take the risk.  The feeling of success is totally worth it!

12 Week Challenge - AGAIN?

                Alright girls, it's time that I truly admit I have problems. 

(hike in the rain with my amazing hubby)

I know, we all have problems but at some point and time we need to deal with those problems.  I think I have already blogged about this issue several times before, but the past few days I am really wanting to share my issues with others.  I am a woman!  I am full grown adult woman!  I have needs and wants.   Currently those needs are

*Good food
*Good friends
*Supportive family life
*Shelter

So far I have all that I could ever ask for and more.  Here are a list of wants that don't seem too off the wall.

*More food
*More food that is not good for me
*More food

Here is my problem.  I LOVE food.  No, seriously I LOVE bad food (sugary food).  I am truly addicted to crap!  I know I have problems starting projects and not following through to the end.  Is it just me?  Why can't I commit?

I love exercise.  I enjoy waking up early to teach my bi-weekly spin class.  I love evening runs by the river.  I even love pumping iron.  All these things make me feel empowered.  But for some reason I can't seem to figure out why I can't drop weight if I am only eating 4 candy bars in a day while chugging down my diet pepsi.  I thought it was suppose to counterbalance the candy bars.  Well, I was reading "Racing Weight"

and Matt says that you can not eat 4 candy bars in one day and lose weight.  That was super cool to hear.  Now I think I have it all figured out. 

For the past few years I have wanted to do the Capital Reef Classic bike race with my husband.  It is a very well organized race that we have attended since it began.  For a brief moment I thought about riding in it this year (July), but came to the realization that I am not in "fit" shape to do it.  I am what I consider to be a fit overweight cyclist.  Does this make sense?  I feel fit!  But at the same time I have a high percentage of body fat.  Matt also says in his book that "A runner weighing 160 pounds has to muster about 6.5 percent more energy to run the same pace as a runner weighing 150 pounds." No wonder why all my skinny friends were beating me to the finish line.  I get it!

So, in order for me to really work on my issues I have to commit to something big.  So here we go again!  For the next 12 weeks I am committed to eating healthy and exercising.  I will chart my progress along with my (hopeful) weight loss/fat loss journey so that I can start achieving some of the goals I have put off for so many years.  Please help me along the way!  Those freakin Oreo's are calling my name.  

GOAL: 

• Cardio at least 5 days per week
• Weights 3 days per week
• Healthy eating plan
• Chart progress
• Lose body fat
• Attend one cycling race/event without pooping my pants
• Enjoy the journey

Where have you been?

Alright, so you are probably wondering where in the world I have been lately?  Well, life has just been spinning so quickly I just decided to get off the ride for a while.  Not really, I am back in full force and still waiting for the warm weather.  It's raining again today, which makes me believe there is a rainbow and a smile on the other side.

My husband has been working so hard to help me get ready for the open house at the studio.  Well, it turned out amazing.  Family and friends showed up to support us during the open house.  It was great seeing so many of you.  Here is a little glimpse of the new studio pretty much FINISHED!

Now that the studio is officially open, I can focus a little more on the cycling scene.  Brian just finished Liz's bike, and can I just say WOW.  Seriously, every time he finishes a bike I just say WOW!  Here is a pic of her beautiful new ride, oh and my beautiful - HOT husband.

This bike was truly custom in every way.  Liz works for the Forest Service and wanted her bike to represent who she is.  She is in love with trees!  I know we all have our passion and LOVE and her passion is white pine bark trees.  The detail in this bike is truly unique.  I find it amazing how Brian can start with one single tube and transform this process into a work of art.  All of our bikes are built one at a time in house.  From welding to painting - true awesomeness.  I will soon be showing you how this process is done, from start to finish.

This beauty is a custom blend of columbus tubing, Sram and Ritchey parts.  The carbon fork smooths out road vibration and a women's specific Sella Italia saddle provides comfort for those long rides.  All logos, and details where painted directly onto the frame.  No stickers or decals here.  Just pure sexiness.  Freak, I want to ride this beauty.

CHOCOLATE THIEF?

Seriously ladies, is this weekend over?  Happy to say that it was a truly amazing weekend.  Family, friends, and a case solved.  The kidos found out who the REAL Easter bunny was, and the chocolate thief was finally caught.

I have to admit that I started eating candy on Friday after a painful trip to Walmart left me with bags of opened candy sitting in the closet.  Hello, I had to open the candy to stuff the eggs but what was left over turned into a true problem.  Friday - candy!  Saturday - candy!  Sunday - candy!  All weekend long I munched (with the closet doors shut) on CANDY!  Here is the sad part.  Today I woke up and after a painful morning of spin class I headed directly into my kids rooms on a hunt for CANDY!  I quietly lifted the grass from the basket and stole everything that was possibly delicious.  Yeah, I headed to the next room and stole more from my sleeping child's basket.  Finally, I headed to the last room where I tip -toed in, lifted the grass, and heard a soft little voice say "mommy, why are you stealing my candy?"  I was caught.  All my kids will now know who stole their yummy Easter candy.  It was kind of like the story of Goldilocks and the three bears.

If there was an CAM (chocolate addiction meeting) here in town I would be attending daily.  WTH?  This has to stop NOW!  Could someone please tell me how to steal candy without getting caught?  No, really I just need help and it starts now.  How can I report to my faithful women cyclist friends and readers on becoming clean?  Do I need to go in depth about my life and where this all began?  Or do I just need to start training for an event that will help fulfill that gap?  Well, for the moment I will ponder on this painful event and let you know the outcome.  So, I'm heading to the gym in the morning to work off about 20 pounds of chocolate from a place I call HELLMART!

It’s All About The Journey - Featured writer Lynnette Horton

I was so excited to hear that Lynnette achieved her goal of Lavaman, Hawaii.  What a wonderful way to celebrate - family, friends, and a kick butt trip to Hawaii.  I am so proud of you Lynnette.  You make me want to be a better person.  Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

“It’s All About The Journey” Cont…

Lavaman 2011

By: Lynnette Horton

     My family and I headed for the Big Island on March 23. We left two weeks prior to the race to get some good training in as well as to adapt to the climate. I left the frigid weather in Idaho confident in my swim and run but due to training indoors all winter on the bike this event seemed to be playing second fiddle to me now. I had many questions that needed to be answered.

     My first week in Kona was filled with heavy training prior to tapering down prior race week. There had been times in the past in which I have had a bit of anxiety in the ocean, almost like a bit of claustrophobia. That was not the case this trip. Our first training day was a 1.2-mile swim, I didn’t even hesitate, in fact I left my sister in the dust. It was a great swim.

     For our second day of training we headed out to the Waikoloa to run a brick on the course. 27-mile bike and 4-mile run. We were greeted with high wind advisories and 30 mph winds. It was a tailwind on the way out and we just flew down the Queen K. Following the turn around it was a whole other story. Where we were riding at 25-30 mph on the way out it was 6 mph on the way back. Still we were ready to transition to the 4 mile run. We covered many surfaces on the run from asphalt, to stone, to coral, and sand. I now realized how tough this course really was but the important part of today’s training… When we finished this brick I began to cry, this was the first time I really new that I was ready to compete. All of my questions have now been answered.

     Upon arrival my step mom had discovered she had a cold. She was so conscious in trying to keep us from getting the cold. I stocked up on anti cold remedies but unfortunately I did get the cold. The good news was it did not really affect my training and it came during the taper week.

     The Thursday prior to the race we had a day off. My family and friend planned a trip around the island. First stop was a helicopter ride over the volcano, and then we headed for Akaka Falls. Our last stop was The Black Sands Beach. I have always felt a strong connection with the islands. My dad moved there with my step mom almost 25 years ago. I have always loved stopping at this beach and the amazing sense of peace that I feel when I am there. As all of my family and friends were off seeing the sites at the beach so decided to sit down on the lava field and have a little heart to heart with the island. I asked for relief from my cold and that Patti and I and all of the other racers have a safe race. It was at that time I felt the weight of having the cold slipping away. I new the cold would not affect me for the race.

     It was time now to head for the Waikoloa, tomorrow is race day and it is time to get checked in and then meet the family for dinner. Patti and I headed into pick up our packets and to get our race number. I was so calm I could not believe it. It has been one year since my sister reached her goals and now it was my turn. Patti has taught me so much over the past year. I have had so many ups and downs, and I have reached so many of my milestones. I have had so much support from all of my friends and family, I could not be more thankful! After getting marked we headed to the pre race meeting. All in all it was pretty fantastic. We spent the evening having a wonderful dinner with our family and then Patti and I headed off to bed. I love her so much!

     Well, it’s race day, still not nervous just eager and excited! The beach was once again filled with fans and contestants just as it was a year ago when I was there to watch my sister. Now it’s my turn. As they began calling the waves to the start line I was more nervous that my family hadn’t arrived than I was to begin the race. After I helped my husband get my family settled I headed down to join my wave. Patti and I found out that we were getting to start together. I had thought that I was going to start in the wave prior to hers but since I turn 40 this year we were able to start together. The bad news is I would have had a 10-minute lead on her in the other wave. As we approached the water we found our Dad and our Step Mom. This moment was so special for me. It is not often, anymore, that all of my parents attend such a special event. Having my mom, dad, and step mom there was priceless.

     

     As the starting gun sounded 300 triathletes began to fight for their position in the ocean. The hardest part of my swim was settling in among them to set a pace for myself. I worked my way to the outside and some open water from there it was smooth sailing. I maintained my outside position throughout the swim.  In the final ½ mile of my swim I saw a beautiful Honu, (Sea Turtle), swimming amongst the rocks. It was almost as if he had become the spectator in his ocean while all of us swam by. 

     As I approached the beach in the last few meters of my swim I could hear the crowd cheering. I was now starting to think about the ride. As I exited to the beach I heard my little boy saying “go mommy go”, it was not long before I spotted him, Sheree, and her daughter amongst the crowd cheering me on. This brought such a smile to my face. I made my way to the Transition area where I was excited to get rolling on my bike. Along the way I saw my mom, my husband, and my step mom. I was told Patti was behind me but I new she would not be far.

    As I headed out for my 27-mile ride I was so excited. Patti and I had a great ride hear the week prior and it was windy then. Today was much different, there was a slight breeze and a few clouds in the sky, a beautiful day for a ride on the Queen K. As we headed out we had a slight head wind, but that was not going to slow me down. After a few miles Patti finally showed up and passed me. I kept up with her for some time but she slowly crept away. I tried the next 20-miles to catch her. We caught a bit of a tail wind after the turnaround but it was not enough. As I returned to the transition area I saw my Dad, and Sue, (my step mom), Sue told me Patti was ahead of me by three minutes. I parked my bike in the rack and got into my running gear. I drank my fuel and a little bit of electrolytes and then I was off. Time to hit the Lava.     

The run has always been one of the hardest parts for me but through my training I have gained so much confidence there. As I glanced down at my watch I quickly realized that achieving my goal of completing the race in less than 4 hours was achievable. I was calculating the match in my head and I new that I had to at least run a 15-minute mile. I had been running about a 17-minute mile at home. At the first mile I was about 14 minutes so I picked up the pace. This was so achievable I could not quite looking at my watch. It was about mile 4 where I passed my sister. I maintained my pace and the 4-hour mark was slowly closing in. As I crossed the lava and the coral I enjoyed the beautiful sight of the waves breaking on the shore. How much more motivation does a person need? As I rounded the corner I began to her the music at the finish line. I glanced at my watch and I was about 13 minute prior to the 4-hour mark. The sand was so dense but it did not matter. As you ran by the people on the beach they began to cheer. I entered the path that took us around the tsunami damage and I had about 10 minutes to make it to the finish line. The path snaked around the lagoon and the music was getting loader. I could even hear the names of the contestants crossing the finish line ahead of me. When we reached the end of the path we had to re enter the beach for about 50 yards before the finish line. My intensity had been building and I just took off. There were about 8 – 10 people ahead of me on the beach and my sister said “I looked like a car going in and out of traffic”, I crossed the finish line so fast they announced my name when I had already finished! I just could not hold myself back. The emotion was incredible! The volunteers greeted me with a Lavaman Medal and a “neck cooler”. Immediately followed by my sister with a lei. We were ushered into the photo area where we had our photo taken together.  I worked my way across the beach finding all of my family and friends. It was such an amazing experience! Here are our final times for the Lavaman 2011.

876 PATRICIA WELTER-HENDERSON 48 F Holualoa, HI 

Swim Rank 53 Swim Time 41:50 

Pace 8:22 

Transition 1 2:49 

Bike Rank 42 Bike time 1:36:07 

Rate 15.5 

Transition 2 2:28 

Run Rank 47 1:21:19 

Mile Split time 13:07 

Overall Time 3:44:31  

587 LYNNETTE HORTON 40 F Boise, ID   

Swim Rank 69 38:53  

Pace 7:47    

Transition 1 5:02   

Bike Rank 75 1:41:40 

Pace 14.6       

Transition 2 2:09   

Run Rank 79 Run Time 1:25:16 

Mile Split Time 13:46 

First Signs of Spring

Yesterday was beautiful.  I mean, melting snow beautiful.  I haven't seen sun in months so when the sun popped out for a few moments we all took full advantage of it.  Cooper wanted to ride his bike, and the boys wanted to go on their bare foot mile walk.  I know that child services will be calling me regarding no shoes in the snow, but seriously - it was the boys who wanted NO shoes.  We still have about a foot or two of snow, but seeing the sun was all it took to make me smile (BIG).

Brian brewed up some delicious HEALTHY cookies yesterday.  They were so good that I ate about all of them.  Plus, they were healthy so that counter balances the bad in them.  

I will be sharing the recipe this week.  A couple tweaks and soon you will be enjoying them in your home to.  Currently Brian was evicted from his frame building area today due to a nasty skunk who really is tormenting the heck out of him.  He says his head hurts from all the stink.  I don't know if that is a good enough excuse to not be building bikes.  Maybe when he starts to pass out.  Hope you are enjoying the first signs of Spring.

ELEMENTS - Featured Writer Jennica Hirrlinger

I haven't seen Jennica much this winter.  I think we were both busy staying warm by the fire and drinking way too much hot chocolate.  I think so many of us go through this transition from winter sedentary blues to the fresh air chill excitement of Spring.  Thanks for sharing.
_________________________________________________________________________________

It’s been a tough winter and I’m starting over.  My muscles ache from inactivity and  my running shorts are a little too snug for my comfort these days. It’s been pretty challenging to get back into it but I NEED to get back out there and get moving.  But, it’s hard to get out of bed when it’s so warm and cozy.  

I am becoming more motivated daily though as things around me are changing.   Honesty though, for the last few days, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about running and biking and even swimming in the freezing water that is starting to melt and flow down the rivers.  I sat watching and listening to the river recently and in the rushing of the water I could hear my body and my heart repairing itself from my illness induced hiatus.  This change in the weather, as cliché as it sounds, is rejuvenating me.  It’s as if nature is slowly creating a starting block in my soul  and the pull of the universe is gently forcing me to take my place on top of it.

I went running the other morning and it felt so good!  Well, it felt . . . hard, but it also felt good.  Oh, that burn in my legs and in my lungs and the cool air on my face and the heat of the sweat down my back.  I love those contradictions in athletics;  The complete elevation of success after the agony of pain we put ourselves through.  It motivates me.   I love that exerting myself makes me more aware of my senses and the way my body moves through the atmosphere in those early morning runs.  I can feel the strength of the elements power through me as I focus on my breathing while I stroke, pace or pedal through a workout.

So, here I am.  I’m in the worst shape of my life but I feel strong in the knowledge that, at some point, my body will remember , the earth will continue to remind me, and the training pains endured will pay off and I will be free again.  Free, from the ache of inactivity and free from the physical limitations and I will step up on the starting block, push hard off of it as the gun fires and see where the elements will take me.

As a side note: My daughter has started a rock climbing class and when asked how she was doing so well she replied “ I just want to be as tough as my momma!”  Now, If that’s not enough to motive me…