Time to give back a little....

For the past year (actually longer) I have been reaping the benefits of friend's and volunteer's support. While I like to give back when I can, it is hard for me to sometimes find those opportunities that I can do with kids, family, etc.-- but not this weekend!

This weekend was the Rock'n Roll Denver 1/2 and full marathon and I had 3 friends running one of the races. (Not to mention the kids, who ran here.) It was much easier to involve the kids and Ross in the festivities since they, too, were friends with everyone. For support, we made t-shirts, signs, etc. so that the kids felt included and could do their part to cheer everyone on.

This is Noah's onesie. It says "See Daddy Run 13.1! GO DADDY!"

"The Dana, Chuck, Gaye OFFICIAL Cheer Crew!"

So, I started the day off at 5:00 a.m. waiting for Dana to pick me up.

Then it was off to get Chuck and go downtown. Once we were there, I made sure my race buddies were good to go and I was off to the first volunteer station (about 1 mile jog).

Ready to run!

Here we spent time stacking cups, filling water, etc. all while waiting for 15,000+ runners to pass on through. This was a really cool opportunity for me because I was volunteering at the Runner's Roost station (my local running store) that was partnered with my Tri Club, so I was happy to see everyone.

Sean, Elizabeth and a lotta, lotta Cytomax.

Once the runners started coming through, it was all business! I have never seen so many people in such a short amount of time (15,000 over about 45 minutes) race on through. It looked something like this.

The cool thing about the first stop is that it is over fast. When the runners were all done, we quickly cleaned up and I was outta there by 8:05. Then, I was running to mile 5 (about 3 miles away) to meet Ross and Dan (Dana's husband) and all of our kids.

Got there to find that Gaye, Chuck and Dana had already passed by. That was ok, I was glad everyone was having a good race! I could tell the men had their hands full with the kids (who wouldn't?), so I kind of anticipated I wouldn't be running too long with anyone (unless it was Gaye later when the kids went home).

At this time, Lorynne showed up and we all moved to mile 9.5-- two blocks away-- just in time to see Chuck pass.
So, then Lorynne, Braden and Noah were off to the finish line.

Shortly after Gaye came by

I got to see her and run with her a little.

She was doing awesome!

The kids did their jobs blowing horns and holding signs!

Then Dana came by and you can see how her face lit up when she saw her family and friends and it made being out there all the much more worthwhile!!!

I got to run a little with her, too.

Then, we were all off to the finish line... (a complete MADHOUSE with spectators for 15,000 people all in one place)

We got on the wrong side of the corral, but were still able to see Dana pass.

Chuck had finished, we found Dana at the family reunion meeting spot, but with 4 tired kids, we were unable to find Chuck & Company, but we got some good finish line photos of the Grotes.

I tried to text Gaye's friend, only to find I didn't save her number properly. I was bummed and waited for Lyndsey to text me, but nothing. So, I headed home with my clan to cyber stalk Gaye's finish.

Picture I pulled off the internet of Gaye finishing. That's my girl!

I was so happy to be out there supporting. I know it pales in comparison to all of the support I have received, but it was the least we could do.

I STRONGLY encourage anyone with friends, family, co-workers, etc who participate in these types of events, to spectate-- it makes all the difference in the world to a lot of them. And often, you make a difference in those you don't know as well. (In IM, one of the coolest signs I saw said, "I am a COMPLETE STRANGER and I am proud of you".)

Plus, you get to see some pretty cool and fun stuff. I'll leave you with some pictures of some fun runners. :)

Denver KIDS ROCK!!! Race Report

After a year of us racing, it was time for Hunter and Lincoln to strut their stuff... and boy were they excited.

We signed them up for Kids Rock Denver, which is the kid's race associated with the Rock'n Roll Denver Marathon and Half-Marathon. For the last month the kids have been talking about it a lot. At first, they thought it was a swim, bike, run race and their little hearts were let down learning they "only" got to run. But we promised them a kid's tri next year-- to which Hunter asked, "But, mom, who will coach me?" Me, of course.

To make the kid's have an extra-special race, I made them each t-shirts that said, "Cheer for me, I am (kid's name)". I got this idea from a tri-friend who said her mom did it for her and it always lifted her spirits to have people cheering for her by name. So, here are our little athletes, showing off their shirts and smiles.

Once we heard that the "kindergarten division" was ready, they grouped the kids and had a little organized stretching.

The volunteers did a great job at keeping the kid's occupied and lining them up at the start line.

Ronald greeting the kids at the start line!

All the "kindergartner division" ready to go!

Then it was time to run.

The gun goes off-- actually, they just said "go!"

Brendan, Hunter and Lincoln run by!

The race was 1/2 mile total. They ran up the street, turned around and came back. We got some better shots of the kids coming back.

Brendan booking it back.

Run, Brenny, Run!

Determination is written all over Hunter's face.

The end is in sight for Lincoln.

Here comes TYLER!!!

And Dana and Alaina are sweeping the course!

Laney loves her fans! (Dana, too)

Once they were all done, the kids got medals and lots of nutritious goodies (sponsored by McDonalds???). We sat down in some grass, had a picnic and they played for a few awhile on this perfect "fall" day (it was in the 70's!). They LOVED the whole experience and I will say RnR puts on a pretty good kid's run.

Lincoln, Hunter, Alaina and Brendan with their medals.

Evidentally, the Denver Examiner thought our kids were pretty cute, too, and featured them in their slideshow.

Ironfan Party

So, I hinted before we left that we wanted to do something for everyone who supported us over the year... so we decided to have a party.

The party was meant to help share the experience of the day with our friends here that couldn't be there, but more importantly to THANK everyone for their support. Seriously, we have an amazing support system out here and we didn't want them to think we didn't appreciate it. Additionally, it was our way of making up for not being able to always go out late, go camping, drink, etc. due to impending workouts/races/just being plain tired this past year.

Made signs for everyone coming to the party--much like the ones that we see when racing.

And a finish line...

And a recap of our year in pictures:



And a few friends:



It was a great night, just sad I didn't take more pictures-- too much time spent gabbing, drinking and catching up! Thanks to everyone who supported us this past year and for everyone who came last night. Awesome time with great friends-- you'll never know how much it has meant to us!

It was the perfect ending to our Ironman year!

Ironman Aftermath

I sit here, over a week out from Ironman, still basking in the glow.

Every time I talk about it, there is a constant smile on my face. Last night I was asked what my favorite part of it was, to which I replied (very Lincoln-like) "All of it". Seriously, I had a great day.

I meant for Ironman to be a one-and-done thing. Or at best, done for the next couple of years until I could devote another year to focusing on training and the business could sustain itself again. As soon as I was finished, I was thinking "how can I make this as part of my lifestyle"... and that is the question I have been pondering.

So, I have a few things in the works and right now I just need to get them all set.

I have learned that:
(a) I don't do well without a "schedule" (yes, type A)
(b) I don't do well without a goal.

The two are soon to come!

Ironman Wisconsin: The Run

Off my bike and into T2. More bags, more ballrooms, more awesome volunteers. Here's the one who helped me get dressed again.

I switched out of my biking bottoms and into running bottoms, threw on my running belt and off I went. OK, maybe not that fast, but close.

I got out to start the run and I heard cheers, so of course I had to look for my family. They were there... and there... and there. Man, do I have a great support system.
So it was out and onto the run. Now, again, I think I have a mental advantage with growing up here. I mean, I ran around campus all the time as an undergrad. So, mentally, I knew where I was going. I started the run and just tried to settle in. But... my back hurt. Bad. I ran down State Street and saw Jessie and Jason again. Yay! And then onto Dayton, the first non-spectator-lined street and had to walk. My back was tight. I stopped to stretch it. It relieved the pain, but not that much. So, it was going to be a lot of walk/running. Crap. But, oh well.

On top of the back pain, it was hot and humid and I was probably a little dehydrated from the bike. I had brought my running belt with a bottle, and I was going through a bottle/mile at the beginning. No kidding. I started mixing and found a perfect concoction of water, berry powerdrink and salt (yes, straight salt). It was sweet/salty mixture of electrolyte goodness and it worked, so I kept with it the entire way.

I had told myself this was going to make this an awesome day and I seldom back down from things I set out to do. So I continued on trying to ignore the back pain (not possible). I ran when I could, walked when I had to. And decided if I couldn't run the whole way, I would have fun doing the marathon. (This is where the camera comes in handy.)

Me in Camp Randall. Probably the first time I have been here without a brat and beer in my hand.

I thought this was appropriate since the Packers were playing while I was running.

Me and some gladiators on State Street.

Cowgirl Supporters. Yee haw!

Towards the end of the 1st lap, I saw my friend Karri had joined J squared and also my family had made it to the run course. Yay! Yay! Yay!Having family and friends along for the ride was great! That pepped me up and got me to the halfway point.

Me trying to make muscles for the camera.

So, not sure if they do this at EVERY Ironman event, but halfway you pass right by the finish line and continue onto your second lap. Some people find this demoralizing, I found it encouraging-- you mean I only have 13 to go? I just swam/biked/ran 127.5? I ROCK! And part of it is, I think I have run 13 on more tired and burnt out legs than I felt at the time-- and I had all these people to cheer me on and motivate me? I was making it!

On the way onto the 2nd lap!

Halfway also means special needs. I found some ibuprofen (there was NONE at ANY of the aid stations... believe me, I asked for it), some more pure salt and that was about all I needed. I saw the volunteers salivating over my iced animal crackers, Pringles and Rice Krispy Treats and told them they could have them, but they declined. (I wonder what the rules are about volunteers accepting aid from athletes?)

Off on lap 2. More family and friends, more fun. Lap 2 I think I saw just about everyone I knew. Joey was mad/crazy/fast and heading to the finish as I was about 1.5 miles out. Most everyone was rocking, so we just passed each other smiling and cheering one another on! Will, Brad, Jamey, Kelly, Niki, Jake, Brian-- I even saw the guy who sat in front of us on the plane (now I know him as Brendan). They all looked strong and it was encouraging. I didn't stop them, but I did happen upon a few that were willing to take some pictures.

Me and Alicia on the lakeshore path. That's my old dorm behind us.

Ran into Matt at an aid station.

Courtney and I had been plotting this picture since Friday night.

So lap 2 was more about getting it done. My back pain had eased a little bit, but was still there. I kept trying to find someone to pace with, but no one seemed to be going the same pace. This was ok b/c I have done more than enough training on my own, I just wanted a suffer-buddy. Wasn't happening. Luckily my liquid mixture was still working (supplemented by Clif Blocks) and I was feeling as good as you can be for being close to finishing an Ironman. I will say that I was having a little bit of trouble motivating myself to go much faster, although I had the energy to. I mean, I was about 6 miles from the end and I had about 5 hours to finish it in. I was pretty sure I was going to make it... (Becki, you have been with me at this point, so you know how I get) But then passed the 20 mile mark and decided that I could suffer through the next 6 miles and picked up the pace. I got to the stadium turned the corner and actually ran UP the hill (everyone else was walking) this made me feel better. Then DOWN the hill (even better). Around the stadium and THEN was the the best part. Ross came running up. He crossed over the street, gave me a kiss and told me how proud he was. :) The perks of having your husband on the course. He said "You can maybe make 13 hours!" and I told him I was going to try.

Off to do more running. About 2.5 miles to go. Came up Dayton. No more family-- they were already headed to the finish. Came around State Street and even though I wanted to just get to the end, I stopped and took a picture of the capital. I wanted to remember this.

Mile 139.6.

Took one last swig of water at the last aid station (about 1/2 mile from the end) jogged out of it, turned the corner and SPRINTED the last 3 blocks to the end. I was FILLED with energy. I passed people (probably 8-10) and some of them tried to pick up the pace, but no one was matching me. I raised my hands in the air and just ran to the finish shoot. I was done and SO, SO happy. :)

No, really? Yay!

** Thanks, Son, for the videos!

At the finish line, they give you two new best friends (volunteers) who talk to you, walk you through the end, check for indications that you are hurting, need medical attention, etc. I just jibber-jabbered with them and they quickly realized I was happy and fine. My family and friends were all around. I saw Wade and Theresa for the first time (although they had been following us all day), they let me know that Ross was a few miles out still, but they were going back to find him-- he was running a little bit ahead of another friend of theirs.

I recovered pretty quickly and hung out with family. Most had gone back to find Ross and others stayed with me to just rest. (My AWESOME parents had taken care of our bikes and gear- thanks, mom and pop.) Shortly after, we received a phone call Ross was 1.5 miles away. Side note: make sure your phone is FULLY charged for IM day, almost everyone's phone had died by this point.

Then another call (Jason panting) he was running with Ross around the capital. Then, I got to see my husband come down the finish line.

They let me in the finish shoot, since I was an an athlete, too.

Our AWESOME support crew! Thank you to everyone who made it happen. We couldn't have done it without you!

And, yes, we DID make it to the bar after.

Closing down the Echo with us: Wade & Theresa.

Ironman Wisconsin: The Bike

So, I run into T1 and I have to find my bag in all of these:
But luckily I had the help of some volunteers who handed it to me and off I went into the women's changing ballroom. There, my volunteer dumped out the contents of my bag and helped me get dressed. How helpful. The atmosphere is go! go! go! so I felt a bit rushed, but ok. She picked up my jersey and it felt heavy, so she reached into the back pocket and pulled out my camera. "Do you want to take this with you?" I answered "Yes!" and she said that was a first.

So, dressed and ready to go, I headed out to get my bike. I was glad Alicia had tipped me off to not put on my bike shoes just yet. It is a looooong way to run in bike shoes and very slick on that cement. I went towards the bikes, a volunteer lathered me up with sunscreen, another volunteer grabbed my bike, saw Brad, we ran towards the end of T1 together. A volunteer asked me if I wanted him to hold my bike while I put on my shoes – man these guys think of everything!!! Got my shoes on, clipped in and off I went!

The ride down the helix was fine. I had heard to go slow so as not to crash. And we were off on our way to Verona.

The bike course is basically downtown Madison to Verona (14 miles) and then 2 42-mile loops from Verona-Mt. Horeb-Cross Plains-Verona and then back to Madison. Some people call it a lollipop course and you lick the middle twice!

So, off to Verona. People were very focused. It was hard to take pictures because there was a lot of people.

As we passed through Verona, we saw the penalty tent with athletes in it. Someone made a comment about all the athletes and we started talking. Don, my new friend, said he wasn't in it to win it and he even brought a camera. I told him I did, too, so we took pictures of each other.

Here's me and Don. He had a disposable camera.

Through Verona and now onto the loop. It started with a few hills and some wind, but I would rather the wind on this part of the course where the "real" hills aren't. I made it to Mt. Horeb with no problem. From Mt. Horeb, you get Witte Road, which is basically a big hill. At the top, I saw my dad's friend, Fran, volunteering. Said hi, got some cheers and off I went. A little more climbing, then downhills. Now HERE'S where I first started really passing some people. They were braking. On descents. Seriously? Guess my mountain riding would pay off. I just kept yelling "on your left" and shot right through. I've been down steeper, windier descents than that, so no worries here. Before I knew it, I was in Cross Plains.

From Cross Plains to Verona is where the "hills" are. There are 3 of them. The first one (Old Sauk Pass) not so bad, the second one (Timberlane) shorter, steeper and FILLED with spectators and then the third (Midtown) less steep, but longer. I made it through the first two and got a surprise at the top of Timberlane-- JESSIE AND JASON! They were there cheering. Yay!

Also at the top of Timberlane, Brian, a friend from high school, caught me. We talked for a bit and then he was off. I made it through Verona and then passed the special needs area. I was doing pretty good, so no stopping for me, and onto the second loop!

Amazingly, I felt good. Like I could do the loop again. Brian caught me again at some point early in the loop and stuck with me this time- I had passed him at special needs. We biked a lot of the route just talking and catching up. (As my friend Sonja said, "Only you, Randi, would be re-connecting during the middle of an Ironman".) But it was good. Kept my mind off things. At one point, we got warned by an official, so we stopped "blocking" but kinda continued on the same pace.

Here we are, loop 2 almost to the hills.

The second loop, the later hills were kind of annoying. This time, I wanted to take a picture of each, but only got the first one. I had to concentrate too hard on the second two.

Beginning of Old Sauk Pass, you can see the spectators are starting. p.s. This "pass" is not really a "pass" by CO standards.

We got to Timberlane again and I knew I had J & J to look forward to. I plugged along up, up, up. Saw them again. Yay! A friend of Brian's told him he was about 3 minutes behind his goal pace and off he went. (Good for him!)

I finished the loop alone and went back towards Madison. At this point, I found 2 other riders all pacing about the same and the three of us kind of leap frogged each other. I made the comment that at this point it was really which one of us just wanted to be off the bike the most-- that's who was gonna finish first.

Before I knew it, I was seeing the capital and I just wanted to be there so bad! Then the helix. Almost home! As I rode up the helix, I saw my brother-in-law peering over the edge-- I waved and got big cheers! I was SO, SO, SO happy to see them!

Me riding up the helix - Thanks Karri!

Leg 2- DONE!