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.
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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…

Misery or Strength

There are so many ways you can look at life.  You can either make the best of what you have, or indulge in the negative thoughts of others that will eventually ruin your life.  You have a choice.  You know what you should be doing.  You know how you should be thinking.  Why do we make it so difficult?   I heard this thought today from a girl on the dailymile today.  I truly liked the message 

(This is a photo of myself taken by my mother.  I think I was swearing inside because of the blistery weather we were having.  This is "I WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE NOW" face. . . . snow, snow go away.)
Snowing and blowing hard today again.  I have a feeling the storms will cease and the flowers will begin to bloom.  Great day to catch up on indoor dirty laundry and never ending nasty bathrooms.

Brian is getting geared up for some amazing frame building.  He is currently working on a custom carbon project that is going to be the new "SWEET" of the cycling industry.  I will take you out to the shop for a small tour soon.

Brian just celebrated his 38th birthday.  Man we are OLD.  I asked him over the weekend if there was one thing he would do different, what would it be.  He thought for a moment and responded "ride my bike more".  I agree!  Ride more, work less.  Could somebody please explain to me how I go about doing this.  Have a wonderful week.  Great things to come.

Dreaming Makes Me Smile

So, I'm over it!  Yeah, you heard me.  This living your dream is for the birds!  Listen to my pathetic song of "cry me a river".  Well, I am a little heart broken about the lack of blog posts lately.  I just haven't had time.  Here is a rundown of the amazingly busy schedule.  I know "cry me a river".

DREAM: 

    Photography studio - the progress on the photography studio is absolutely amazing.  Brian has been putting his dreams on hold (building bikes) to make his wife (me) happy.

(Check out my hot husband posing it up!  If he finds out I put this on my blog he will seriously KILL me.  I guess I will find out if he reads my blog or not.)

Brian has taken off the past two months for the remodel.  Everyday he has been working his tail off texturing, laying floor, and painting.  I tell you what . . . I owe him big time!  Is this what the big dream is all about?  Working your tail off, spending money you never knew you had or don't have, and feeling guilty you left your children at the bus stop with no ride home.  No, I'm not that pathetic.  Livin' the dream does not feel that great right now.  Gallery pics showed up today - YEEHAAWW!  Studio opening April 1st.

    Bella Rosa Bikes - Winter has been pretty painful.  A few too many unwanted pounds has made me crave my summer bike rides.  I know I have said this over and over but seriously Mother Nature - melt some friggin snow. The bluebird bike is ready for paint.  I don't even think I have shown you the design yet.  Here she is!  She is so beautteeefffuulll.

Bluebird will only be available for a limited time only and only a few number will be made.  I will talk about this soon.  So EXCITED to paint one of these babies up.

I have been lacking in creativity without a current graphic designer.  The problem I have been having is this - New bike design ideas, but no great designer to implement them.  I was looking forward to taking some Bella Rosa Bikes down to the Utah Little Red in June.   I think it's pretty much impossible without a few extra hands.  Livin' the dream does not feel that great right now.

    Rusty Mill - Life at the Rusty Mill has been busy.  We have been building frames like crazy.  No, not bike frames, but picture frames.  Livin' the dream does not feel that great right now.

    Hair Salon - March 1st we took possession of a hair salon.  Yeah, that's just what Brian wants to be doing right now - running a hair salon.  Well, it's definitely not our dream job since I barely know how to wash my hair, but the previous owners were not paying rent so we took back over the building that we rent and now have a hair salon to go with it.  Freak, livin' the dream really doesn't feel that great right now.

So there you have it.  Another cry me a river post.  I tell you what though . . . Life is amazing!  I LOVE being alive!  I thrive on hard work!  So for now, this is my dream . . . . and it feels good.

It’s all about the Journey - Featured Writer Lynnette Horton

I met Lynnette through a good friend of mine - Kelly.  Kelly was always talking about her amazing, funny friend who is extremely tough mentally and physically.  She talked about her weight loss journey, and how she started doing triathlons.  I was so impressed!  It was so inspiring to here her story and know that no matter how many trials we have in our life, they can always be overcome.  Lynnette has taught me to truly believe in who you are as a person.  If you want something bad enough hold on tight and fight for it.  Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey of life.  Can't wait to formally meet you Lynnette!

It’s all about the Journey - Featured Writer Lynnette Horton
On March 28, 2010 my sister Patti was signed up for the 2010 Lavaman Triathlon in Waikoloa Hawaii. Patti had been training for this event for a year and a few months prior to the race she had realized that she would not have anyone with her in Hawaii to support her and she asked me if I would come to the island to watch her race? I told her, without a doubt, yes. Little did I know that this is the day my life would change forever!

Let me back up a bit, before I get into the details of my journey I must give you a bit of my history. I am the youngest of four children. I have two older sisters and one older brother. I really could have been considered an only child because there is an 8 years difference between my next sibling and I. My parents divorced when I was young and I really did not get to know my brother and sisters very well. It was not until my early twenties that my sister Patti and I were sitting on the beach in Hawaii sharing some facts about our childhood that our lives were forever changed. It was from that day forward that I new my sister and I would be forever inseparable. Though we live thousands of miles apart now, we are each other’s best friend, soul sister, and training partner.

As I watch Patti reach her goal of completing her first Olympic Triathlon on the Big Island of Hawaii, I instantly new that this was an accomplishment that I wanted to achieve. I have always been very active but this would in fact test my abilities as it would anyone. I began my training immediately when I returned to Idaho. One of the first things I did when I got home was to purchase my road bike. I also set some goals for myself. As a 38 year old, obese, but very active woman, I new that I needed to achieve many of these goals in order to make it to race day.

The first goal was to start training in each discipline on a regular basis along with continuing my strength training. I have always loved to bike as well as swim but I was always worried about the run because of my weight. As an overweight person, I like many others have lost weight many times. In fact, I have lost up to 100 pounds on three different occasions but for various reasons have gained it back. A few years a go a close friend of mine had Lap and surgery. My friend really wanted me to consider it myself but, at the time, I just was not ready… until now.

Goal two. Lap Band Surgery. This is no small feat. There are many qualifications and requirements one must over come. I was required to loose 10% of my body weight before even being considered. There were many tests and many doctors but on June 17, 2010 I reached goal number 2.

Before Lap band Surgery

Goal number three. Start narrowing down my training for the Y not Tri in Boise. This is a sprint triathlon held in August in Boise. The race consisted of a 400-meter swim, 12-mile bike, and 2 mile run. I never could have imagined myself running, let alone running a triathlon. One thing that really made this race special was that my sister Patti happened to be in town from Hawaii and she ran the race with me as well as my husband. It was such an amazing experience to share with both of them.

In October I went to Hawaii for two weeks of training. This is the reality finally set in. My trip also encompassed the World Championship Ironman Triathlon. My sister and I set out for a quick swim the Friday before the event, she told me “all of the triathlete’s will be resting”. WHATEVER! When we arrived at the pier there were hundreds of people down there, some watching and many swimming. It was that day that got over my fear of swimming with other athletes. It is all about the energy from the islands!

My winter training moved forward as I joined the Tri club at the local YMCA. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming! I have spent hours on the computrainer in the basement of the Y; received coaching tips from world-class athletes, and made many new friends! Who would have thought that I would be running 12 – 16 miles per week? I still can’t believe it!

I am now just under a month away from goal number 4, completing The 2011 Lavaman Triathlon, I am nervous, eager and ready! I look forward to updating all of you on my status in the coming months. In the meantime, love your family and friends, live your best life, and above all relish in the things that bring out the best in you!

This is one of the most current pictures that I have. I have lost 60 pounds to ate and I am loving every minute of my training! Bring on the 2011 Lavaman!

Scream - Positive Energy

So, I have just downed my 4th cookie of the day.  I think I could easily shove about 5 more down without even gagging myself.  The kiddos got out of school early due to the high wind advisory along with more snow.  Yeah, more snow! 

Here is my good buddy Max - I think he is saying "WTH"

The past few days we have racked up 16 more inches, and you know what that makes me do?  Eat cookies. . . . lots of cookies!
I did my 5am workout this morning.  I think that calls for at least 4,000 calories of cookie consumption.

 I know that this blog is about being positive and having a great outlook on life.  Well, let's just say that we are taking a small break from that word.  Have you read the book "The Secret"?  I totally believe in the principals behind the book. 

So I walked outside and took a couple snap shots of the snow situation. 

Now, I am giving off positive energy . . . . thinking of a warm beach . . . . . .cookies . . . . . bikini (well, maybe not yet) . . . warm beach.  After a long winter of being cooped up inside "I LONG FOR A BEACH"! 

Yeah, it measures around 5'

My positive thoughts are currently focused on warm riding weather.  Alright, back to the positive attitude.  Thanks for letting me vent.