Back to Business.........

Our return to Aus was a long haul, but I managed to sleep for the most of it by making sure we had a long day of sun and walking, followed by an on-board movie, dinner and chased down by a travel calm/1/2 a beer. The 1/2 beer so I wouldn't have to go to the toilet. Nothing like a purposeful dehydration strategy. I pulled the blanket up over my head, had the ear plugs in and the neck pillow, found a relatively comfortable position and woke up 2 hours short of Sydney. Awesome!

Another long day, determined to stay awake til bedtime in an attempt to get back into the right body clock and we were right. Sunday morning we were up, dressed in the AP.10 kit and heading down to the ITC club triathlon. Not to compete but to dominate the club in the Black, White and Red.

Photo opportunity.

The Walking Blimp

So there I am, 3rd adult from the left. I can hardly fit into my shorts! I feel bloated and fat and my legs rub and I am packing so much American over indulgence food into my pockets and everywhere else. Ok, I am standing next to Mel who is a much smaller elite level runner. But on the other side of me is Michelle and she is older than me and owns her very own 6 pack.

Monday was clearly time to get motivated and start a program. I had done some research in America, lazing by the pool and decided to give Jackie Warner's diet/program a go. That was 10 days ago.

I am very happy to say that I am below pre-America trip weight. In fact I am sitting at 62.9kgs. I was 65.8kgs when I got back from America, so a delighted Sammi. The next 10 days is increasing in calories slightly to 1200. After being on 900 calories for the last 10 days it didn't feel to bad. I wasn't hungry really. But the energy was gone. My rides and runs have been sluggish and I needed a lot of effort to get going. There is no power. But that's ok for a little while.

So the next 10 ten days I hope to continue the loss. It may slow down now as I get close to that elusive 60kgs. In fact, quietly (between you and me) I want to go below the 60 and stay there. Judy at work looks amazing and she is an ultra runner who told me she is at 53kgs. She is the same height, build, age etc so it is possible to get there and still perform. The end figure though is a side note to the real aim of getting fitter, stronger, faster and obviously carrying excess baggage is just wasted energy. I have also been 'clean eating' for the 10 days and have not missed the sugar, chocolate, lollies, chips etc and pancakes and the super sized meals of America and before America. Gaz keeps making me huge meals, but at least they are healthy. There was only 4 breaks in the diet, a banana Friday night as I was hungry and I knew I had a ride the next day, the endura energy drink I needed to take on the ride with me and the Paleo friande I had after the ride and a protein ball I got from Dan, which I didn't want to say no to.

In an effort to change things up a bit, I have also joined my old gym, Fernwood again. I want to go back and do a few classes such as Pump and Combat and Body Balance etc. I need some core work especially. They have the TRX bands there and no intimidating block heads. A bit more expensive and I am now a member of two gyms which is dumb, but at least I have my choices and don't have to stress about going to the gym and running into the meat axe that I had to terminate at work recently!

So looking forward to the next few months. I'll keep you posted.

A post about something other than triathlon..............

3 weeks (21 days) in America? you betcha!

The plan:

Big Gazza heads over to America early to acclimate and head into the Grand Canyon from Kanab to run his 273km ultra run (unsupported). Yep, he's a weirdo!

The other Plan:


Seasoned travellers - we got this!

Kezwaldo, Sparky and I head over a few days later, land in L.A and travel North to San Fran, then Yosemite and on to Vegas where we meet Big Gazza at the end of his run. A few more days in the Grand Canyon before the girls head home and then Gazza and I head off to Zion before heading home.
Where to start?

Landing in L.A at 6am driving on the 'other side' of the road and navigating our way through the streets to our hotel room, yeah. We found the hotel and fell out of the oversized ride into a scene somewhere between Karate Kid "Nothing but Palms Trees Ma." and Sons of Anarchy as a gang of bikers, including their cuts, gathered at the end of the token of a pool. The hotel reception was an 'I can't give a shit about anything you want.' Mexican teenager. Sooo, surreal. And that was the story for L.A and set the taste in my mouth for what I thought would be the rest of our trip. As we were to stay in separate rooms, I was just a little concerned for my safety and the girls. But hey, we survived and we toured the stars and took photos at the Chinese Laundry with B.B King and had some onion rings at Hooters. We toured Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive and made the pilgrimage to the HOLLYWOOD sign. We got the full L.A experience.

We headed North, first to Santa Monica Pier. Breaky at Bumba Gump's and a nice walk along the pier. What an odd beach, reminded me of England in a way. Long wide beach, no wave, token surfers catching shories. We met a waiter who served breakfast and sunshine and the girls made a friend. After breakfast, we were keen to lose L.A and follow the coast line to Monterey. I'm pleased to say that the taste sweetened the further North we travelled.
 
Road trippin' with my two favorite allies

 


Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies
It's time to leave this town
It's time to steal away
Let's go get lost
Anywhere in the U.S.A.
 
Watching Humpback whales from the road, we wound our way along the coast road and soaked up the sun as it dipped beneath the waves, in what's seldom seen for us Aussie girls, a sunset over sea.
 
An unexpected turn and we found an extra night in Monterey and a spontaneous whale watching cruise. Living the dream, we watched whales and sea lions cooperative feeding within 50metres of the boat. Simply breathtaking. We heard baby Sea Otters calling for their Mammas, we had good food, Geo-Caches and a much nicer hotel, including waffles and we were in high spirits.
 

Oakland A's - Go team! - We lost...



Fallen head over heels for baby Sea Otters

Budapest our morning travelling song, on to San Fran and our next adventure. We were met by a vibey, welcoming city. We toured the bridge, Mandatory! so we did it 3 times. We toured the city, rode a street tram, ate at Pier 39 and the sour dough bakery and ran up steep streets to descend Lombard street and walk in the steps of Maya Angelou. I ate an old donut and the girls downed a beer as we waved one finger hellos at the players at Oakland Baseball Park.
 
We headed towards the West and into the rain. Somewhere out there Big Gazza was running through the canyon in 45 degree heat. I was so acutely aware of the contrast to our trips, only a few hundred miles apart from each other. But for us the wipers were on high and Yosemite on the map. We paused and I soaked it in. The view I had been longing for after so long. A bucket list moment as we laid our eyes for the first time on Half Dome. If you can breathe in a scene, then that's what I did. I let it seep into my pores and senses so I would never forget it.

We spent a magical  day at Yosemite, we hired old back-pedal bikes and rode slowly around the monoliths and gawped up at them in awe. We drank White Russians and more beer in the shadows cast by El Capitan and spied climbers on the rock, before they lit up like bright stars in the night as they tied themselves in for the night. Truly a special place.

As I travelled with my kid and her partner, I had an unexpected gift. A realisation that I couldn't have predicted. I had my girl to myself, uninterrupted time. Even though Sparky was with us, it made it even more special to see them together, interacting, laughing, loving, relaxed! In the amazing land of forest and granite, I secretly wished it would never end. Lost time in a lost moment. Sometimes, when you watch and listen, you can hear and see the memories wrapping themselves about you. 

From the forest we headed South and on to Las Vegas. Surreal moment as we crossed Death Valley, met a hungry Coyote, ran in the wind and sand for a few steps of the Bad Water, and landed in Vegas in a Casino with air con and wall to wall slot machines, spinning tables and colour and neon everywhere.
 
We hit the tables for some fun and watched the years of practice with G'Dood and a box of matches pay off as Kezwaldo black jacked her way through like a boss.
 
Finally, it was time to pick up Gazza. Done finally, we headed to meet him. But we were turned back due to flash flooding, torrential rain and car crashes. Crazy moments, but we finally got him home, safely and satisfied in our arms.

Meeting his goals head on, Gazza soldiered on like the diesel engine he is. Never giving up, and never stopped moving forward. He has made life long friends, even if they never speak another word to each other. They shared time, precious time. Shared an experience together and lived to tell the tale.
 
We took a couple of days to allow time for Gazza to recoup. We did a huge flying fox through Fremont Street. The four of us hanging on wires suspended and racing above the crowds on high.
 
Rested and keen to go, we toured Route 66 and drove headlong into the South rim of the Grand Canyon. I'm not sure really if the word is 'awe inspiring' as I have heard the G.Canyon described as before. For sure, no mistake, it is beautiful, unique and huge. But it was not as earth moving a moment as Yosemite. But still just as sweaty palmed as they sat on a cliff edge for a photo, hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. Back to the city lights of Vegas and shows including 'O' and 'Michael Jackson' we indulged and shopped and had coffee and shared time with Rory and Susan, our special friends from Canada. How the world can move and turn and twist and land us back together a year later.
 
This too shall pass, and my time with the girls came to a close with smiles and neck hugs and a 'goodbye travel buddy'. We saw them off and then Big Gazza and I headed towards the sun once more and the North Rim and then on to Zion. Oh my, what else can America offer us. No way, a spine tingling, white knuckle, rock scrambling, death defying ride with Angels. No ride is complete of course without an encore and so we scrambled our way to the top of Observation Point where, for my birthday and our 21st anniversary we had lunch with a cheeky chipmunk and heard an eagle scream through the canyon as we spied on him from our perch in the clouds.
What an amazing life I have............

In the Meantime........

So much has happened lately, its hard to know where to start. But I guess a great place would be to lay on a little Coach love (as you know I do occasionally) but what the hey!. Here it is.
 
Well, a while back Coach went off to Ironman Melbourne for a great race and landed a Kona World championship slot at the roll down. It was a tough race for him and we all whooped and hollered for him, me from 1000kms away through the IPad as we live streamed. He arrived home to the announcement that Coach and Megz were expecting their first baby, due when? The day of Ironman Hawaii. So Kona 2014 was put on the backburner and while Coach was elated at the news of a baby coming, the bottom lip quivered just a little. On a roll, and never one to be down about anything, he readjusted his lens and found a solution....Segway here.....hanging out with the Crew and Coach, I find I am surrounded by people who will always find a way, they never say can't, wont don't! Anyway, with a new goal and Ironman Japan fixed firmly in his sights he set about working a crazy rollercoaster of training around other commitments. He made it to the start line. Won his age group in some pretty tough conditions. Wow! Check it out at http://ap10.com.au/blog/ironman-japan-win AND an Ironman slot for Kona 2015. Yeah, we are going to KONA woohooooo!
 

 
Over to me and the fun times...I am just about to head off to the U.S with the Kid and her partner to do the tour from L.A - San Fran - Yosemite to Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Big Gazza is off to do the run of his life with the Grand2Grand Ultra run. We will catch him at the end of his race, as we can't support him during the race.
 
So, knowing I will be out of training for about 3 weeks, I have been working hard on getting my long bike rides in. Slippery, The Onion Man and occasionally Big Gazza have been coming out and having some fun. A couple of weeks back we hit the big slopes in Jamberoo. 

Slippery, The Onion Man, Me and Big Gazza

 

Top of the hill at Jamberoo, some tough climbs

There were some tough climbs on the day, but I made it and didn't feel too bad at the end. The hills and long rides continue, but Saturday Coach called a few of his Crew in for a test. The email said ...."This test is a 20min max test, which will then give us an FTP (Functional Threshold Power) - which we can then derive zones from and a great to reassessment point." Ok, I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I was excited. I had been doing some reading about Power Metres and how they work as I had bought one recently with Coach's approval and was keen to start implementing it in my training. I wanted to pack a bucket, just in case I vomited. I was doing a good impression of someone who just might as I drove to Coach's place early on the morning of the test, but opted for the Big Lebowski dressing gown and Billy Headscarf instead. Imagine if you like a mix of......

 
But in reality, it ended up looking more like this...........
 
I tell you, there is something to be said about the power of a Coach!
 
The test was describe as, find a normal cadence rate and power that you can hold at Max for 20mins. Ok, What the F! Does that look like? Pre Ironman training there had been some 9 min T.Ts in the bars at Ironman or half Ironman pace, but nothing like this. So armed with one ear bud, so I could keep one ear on Coach, I jammed it deep into the ear, turned up the sound, dropped the head, closed my eyes, went to a safe place and blocked out everyone else doing the test and went for it. Coach called out "You're halfway 10mins to go....5 mins, ok 3 mins to go. 2....30secs, give it everything you got!"
The stats show every time Coach spoke my cadence altered for maybe a moment
 

 

 

 
So, with smashed legs the final result looked like this..Average Power divided by Weight = Functional Threshold Power. soooo 162/64.4=2.51 ummmm Yep, I have no idea WTF I am doing, but there you have it! Test over. Later that day Coach said, "Great riding today Bowden!" Ok, so maybe the numbers weren't great compared to 3.7 max on the day from a 30 year old Male, or compared to Chris Froome (Worlds best TT) at 6.7. BUT the numbers are real, they're mine and from here Coach can set a program that is more individual to me and hopefully when we redo this test somewhere down the track, we can see an improvement in my fitness so we know there is progress.
 
And to top off a great couple of weeks, some shots from Sunday's ride...
 

Lil Red - Salute to the Sun

Started off a little early so went around the headland near our house. I met a really nice old guy named Jim and we chatted about how we live in such an amazing place. Where else would you live he said...and when I thought about it....Yup, no where else would I rather be than right here!

Anyone for CycloCross??

I met up with Slippery and The Onion Man and we had a great ride, lots of laughs and the usual hanging shit on each other. We also did a little off road cycling.... I played a "Girl Card" and got off and walked through this. I know better than riding through here given my Mountain bike skills, I figured it would be safer.

So now it's off to the next big adventure.....
More exciting blogs to come lol. 

Everything is imminent............

I am running out of time! We are about to launch off into our next adventure and suddenly what was light years away, is now a matter of days away and of course in true Sammi style, I have given nout towards any thought. hmmm what should I wear? Is it even cold over there. Shheeeesh!

AND, in true Sammi style... has over complicated the whole bloody thing and sent myself into a tiz about it all. But let me explain.

Sooooo, Big Gazza has signed up for this.....

The Grand to Grand Ultra, Grand Canyon Village, Ariz., to Escalante National Staircase, Utah
This race connects two of the most amazing geological wonders of the western U.S.—the Grand Canyon and the Grand Staircase—in a seven-day, six-stage race that covers 170 miles and 19,000 feet of vertical gain across Arizona and Utah desert terrain. With the exception of the 7.6-mile final day, stages range between 26 and 52.7 miles between group campsites. Runners must carry all of their provisions except water while maneuvering over sand dunes, through slot canyons and over rocky, dusty and sun-seared terrain. But the scenery is amazing every step of the way. The third edition of the race will held in mid-September. Info: www.g2gultra.com.com Photo: Courtesy of Grand to Grand Ultra

North America's Hardest Running Races - Competitor.com

Want to see what your made of? Test your mettle in one of these crazy-hard races!

running.competitor.com

 

Yup, this race ranks at #3 as the hardest race. So he signs up a year ago or more and has been training for 2 years. He is now within 2 weeks of heading off over seas. The plan is for the Bowsons (kid and partner) and I to head over after him and do the road trip from L.A to San Fran, Yosemite and then catch him when he comes out of the desert in Las Vegas. I have done all the booking and accommodation etc. But in the meantime the bank account and credit card has been taking an absolute pounding.

 

Insert, let's just complicate this more and buy this little guy.....

Hello Mumma!

 

No name as yet. And yes that's Scooby out there on the road being all pouty bum faced about the new kid on the block. Of course getting behind the wheel meant yet another hit to the hip pocket. Then!!!! The dog goes and blows not one but two ACL knee joints so can't walk now. Possible operation pending. We also have Big Gazza in melt down mode as his hips play havoc with all of the running he has been doing. Insert MRI cost. But wait let's make that 2 x $250 as I have an MRI on the foot too.

 

But not just financial stresses pre holiday Noooooo....Sammi needs to add other outside stresses to. What ever happened to 'I'm going to un-complicate my life".....

 

Along came a Spider and sat down beside her...

 

Someone is coming close. I keep pushing away but she is somewhat insistent. She has discovered my Achilles heel and filled a drawer literally with 20 Boost bars. Not only is this not fair, it's down right dangerous for me. She who has absolutely no will power. We had drinks last night, and I have an overwhelming feeling that I am a fly and she, a Black Widow Spider playing with me. I am not keen to go back to that life again and so I will not play the game this time. It all feels so Deja Vu and not healthy. I wont put Gazza and I through that all again. So, I slam my sensible hat back on my head and will close my eyes.

 

Oh, yeah, Triathlon...after all this is supposed to be about the journey, this blog'o mine. Insert high pitched arghhhhhhhh! I have done the cals, only 4 more long rides left before my first race when you take out no training over the holiday of 3+ weeks.... I'm in trouble.

 

Quick recap. Injuries are preventing me from going hard at this point. I can ride, so that is the good and positive stuff. Running is tricky as my foot still hurts occasionally and swimming is ok, but doing any hard swims or with paddles is upsetting the shoulder. I have a twang somewhere deep and it is right where I need to hold my arm for swimming position and it is obviously weak as Coach says my arm drifts out when I get tired. I felt like a lump of lead in the pool this week. But, the water is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and Spring has arrived.

 

Me in Blue 5th from the left

Perhaps 3 weeks off will be good for the body overall, just a little worried about the eating while in the US and staying clean. Always tricky when you are on the road.

 

Time to go to work and attempt to empty an in-tray. Wish me luck :)

 

Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion..............

 

A text from The Onion Man.

 

Hi Sammi, stay positive with your training

We will get fitter very soon and training will be more enjoyable.

Its been hard for you cause of your injuries.

Its a hard sport, but one we love mate.

You will be back and ready to race and train hard again ;)

Just grind the next couple of months out and summer will be here.

 

Thanks Onion Man, your words mean the world to me. Friendship is everything!

 

 

 

 

112 bOTTTLES OF bEEER ON THE wwALLLLLL.......

Arrived at HQ. Looked like it was shaping up to be a nice day. Part of me secretly hoped for screaming winds, hail and a nice tornado. Actually a large part of me.

I pulled Little Red out of the back of the car and set about adding lights (weight) drink bottles, Garmin watch (more weight). Caught up with the Onion Man for a shivering hello and we wheeled our bikes over and parked them safely before heading inside to a warm but frosty reception from Coach.

Normally I love his pre-ride morning chats, usually motivating, typically a lesson or observation rolled in for good measure. He has been away with the Commonwealth Games Triathlon Team and I was expecting a chat about our heroes. Apparently not. He set about informing us that it wasn't a good enough excuse to be cold, turn for home cause its wet, call it a day cause its hard. Usually, I guess that would be motivating, but in my vulnerable state I sat there taking direct scuds to the body. I knew I wasn't the only one feeling a backhander, Katie was too. Not sure if anyone else was, but as Coach pointed out the 'girls group' seemed to be the problem and guess what...that meant me! Ouch!

I still maintain that riding up Bald Hill in the pouring rain and squalling winds is far too dangerous, especially when I have loads of alternatives like riding tomorrow! But, I get that he was trying to say, just cause its hard that isn't an excuse to turn around and head home. Still, OUCH!

I'll FUCKINNG show you. I quietly left the house and mounted up. On the ride today was Lil Dog, E.T, Katie, The Onion Man, Juannie, Benge, and Me. We headed for Bald Hill. I was still trying to warm up at 20kms when we have to climb this beast. I wasn't last up the hill. But at the top was Coach, waiting with his camera.

Me in Blue....I'll leave it home now unless its raining.

I was already shattered. Packing too much weight right now makes climbing a hard job. But  reprieve as we descended into the bowels of the Natio. And then another climb up to Garie. Here is where I felt the legs starting to struggle. Lil Dog had said she was feeling it too. But I was rapidly disappearing out the back on the bunch.

There is no smile on that figure in blue.

A quick break at Garie and then we headed along the flat to Bundeena. I hit the front and time trialled with The Onion Man. Speed 57kms, Sammi can T.T. And was told to ease. We headed down into Bundeena. And what goes down with a tail wind......

Yep, it's all smiles with me and The Onion Man. We are halfway.

Must come up with a head wind. And climb we did. And into a headwind we rode. Benge kept just in front of me and blocked the wind and rode me back to the group when I dropped the pace. I was working hard. The legs had nothing. We headed back towards Garie. Where I had time trialled, now turned into a slog as we headed up the long incline. Finally down the descent back into the Natio and the long climb out again. I set the legs to churn and secretly wished the Crew would Piss Off! leave me to it. I know they were all waiting for me and going slow. I know how frustrating it can be. I have been on the other side. You feign patience, but really it's hindering your own ride as you are not being challenged. I convinced them to go once we got back to the top of Bald Hill. With 20kms to ride I could do it on my own, in my own time. E.T insisted on staying with me and so did Juannie, so we came home with me in 2nd or 3rd wheel.

Finally, Lil Red was tucked back in the car safely and I was driving home with tears splashing on to my cheeks. I arrived home and walked into the safety of Gazza's arms. He held me while I sobbed and cuddled me while I fell into an exhausted sleep.

I woke 30mins later and showered and headed out again, Lil Red still in the back of the car and made my way North again for a study session. I arrived home at 9pm. Fell into bed and slept. Drained.

Sunday, 5am. I am hitting the books again. I need a break but I have another assignment done. I head down South to the KTC duathlon. My foot is shot and so are my legs. There is no race in me today. I chat and stand in the sun watching the runners.

Me in black in the background. The one with the back fat!

I see you Sammi, in all your magnificent vulnerability.

I see you screaming in your silence as your skin withers from your face.

I see your smell, it is rancid on the wind as you claw and scratch at the hand.

You have become your biggest fear and it oozes from you like puss from a weeping sore.

Perhaps you should disappear. Go ahead, make it so and stop.

You are not courageous, you are exposed and you stand stripped to the bone.

You are funny, I want to kick you. Go ahead, laugh with your head thrown back.

I see you Sammi, what you going to do about it, huh?

Here is My Home

As I sit here and smile.....I am reminded of how lucky I am.
Really; it is a cheap price that we pay for existence!