Feat of Fortitude - Bring It On!

BB/BS Trail Half Marathon 2011

Remember how I ran a half marathon one day and then competed in a half-iron distance triathlon the next day last year? If not, you can read about it here and here. They called it the Feat of Fortitude and gave complimentary entries to girl/guy with the lowest combined times. I was fortunate to be that lucky girl, and so here I go again this weekend!

Because, really, how could I pass up such a fantastic opportunity???

Never mind that I have been on the brink of losing it for the last few days. Not as bad as last time, but almost! Basically ever since we left my in-laws' home in Utah. I know: Some people don't get along with their in-laws but I happen to love mine and it's always hard to leave family, friends, and training buddies after a wonderful vacation. Throw in a (rainy) camping trip in Bryce Canyon on the way home, and not only the house is big mess but, apparently, so am I.

Late this morning I just wanted to lie down on the floor and scream really loud! Maybe even break a few glasses or bowls or something! But that would've resembled the behavior of my 3-year-old a little too much, so I decided to just march on and make the best of it. And eventually I realized that I am incredible blessed and things could be much worse.

Thanks to Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution for finally figuring out what's wrong with my bike and fixing it for free! Thanks to Ali for inviting Noah into her home so I could go to Max's preschool orientation without a big bossy brother. And thanks to Karl for being patient and supportive as always.

MountainMan 2011

I don't feel ready to race. I have been at low altitude for 8 out of the last 10 weeks and there is no taper on the plan for this weekend. That doesn't seem like a good combination considering that I will be racing at 7,000 ft! No big deal because there is no pressure. Right? Well, that is what I thought until I found out that I will be wearing #1 for the triathlon. Really? They gave me bib #1? Yikes. Now I am screwed. That's kind of like wearing a big fat target on your back. I just hope I can live up to the expectations!

This is what Coach M had to say: All I want is a good half marathon on Sunday after the swim and bike. I need you to feel good and have fun! Haha. Thanks, Coach! Easier said than done! Especially considering that I have felt good on a total of 4 runs since the middle of March! But I will give it my best and, no matter the outcome, I know it's going to be a blast. I love racing!

Wish me luck! I will need it!

Happy Racing!

Comments

I am so lucky

I feel the need to write. My thoughts are all jumbled. Can I make sense of them on paper? Writin g gives me perspective and makes it easier to let go. Last weekend I was very frustrated, mad, self-centered, unhappy , wallowing in self-pity. This weekend I was more balanced, a little more patient, trying to be less selfish, happy . How did it happen? I have had to deal with myself for almost 30 years now and, luckily, have figured out a few things on the way. Like how to feel at peace with myself , my family , my life . It shouldn't be complicated to be happy in my circumstances. I realize that. But sometimes it still is. Sometimes being a mom and wife doesn't come easy to me. Sometimes I think everyone would be better off if I wasn't a mom and wife. Sometimes I wish it was easier to just take off and do nothing but swimbikeruneatsleep for a week or two. It's not helping that my German teammates are doing just that. Right now. On a beautiful island. In the warm...

Racing Season '09

So far, this season has been really good . I have done 4 races and have been able to stand on top of the podium 4 times. Yeah! I am still far from where I could be and would like to be but, I guess, I'll take it. But I really need to get my act together... Having nice gear always helps, though. And, thanks to Salt Lake Running Company , I have plenty of it. Unfortunately, in January when they ordered our stuff, I had big plans and was hoping to be back in shape by May. Well, I am not. So most of the beautiful stuff they sent is just sitting in the closet waiting to be worn for the first time. My fault. Should have ordered a bigger size . Maybe next season. Luckily, the backpack fits! Noah loves the pink. So do I. These are the fanciest running shoes I have ever owned. I love them. They are so comfortable , really light , and super fast to put on. Sadly, I only get to wear them on race day. If they were not so expensive, I would get myself a pair just to wear around. Okay, not...

Feat of Fortitude - Half Triathlon

The alarm went off way too soon on Sunday morning. 4 am? Really? Well, it was time to move my butt out of bed for Feat of Fortitude Part II: the Mountain Man Half Triathlon . Why did I choose to run a Half Marathon one day and do a Half Triathlon the next? Because the prize for the fastest combined time of these events was free entries to both events next year! Considering our financial situation, I had to give it a shot. I knew I was not going to have enough time on race morning but I just could not handle the thought of waking up at 3:30 am. And I paid for it. I forgot to tape a couple of GUs onto my bike. Lesson #1 : No matter how early the race starts, I need to be there at least 2 hours early . Most people don't need that much time but I do. I always have. I like to get a good spot, set everything up perfectly, take my bike for a little spin (when allowed), run, stretch, chat, etc. Those might be my favorite 2 hours of race day! The swim was great! I was loving it...

Sarah Borst Jarvis

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