42 days until the Pac Crest Triathlon

I'm setting my transition area up for another brick.  Yesterday we did 22 miles of riding and 4 miles of running which with all the rolling hills it turned into walking up and running down.

I'm at 95% of my fundraising goal...thanks to all of you for supporting me on my journey to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Brick #2

Today was our second brick, which in triathlon terminology means 2 of the 3 events at one workout.  We rode 20 miles and then ran 4 miles.  Wow...the workouts are building up and Team In Training is really preparing us for our triathlon.  I LOVE TNT!!!

If this bike looks new to you ... that's cause it is!  Happy Mother's Day to me!!  

This is called a transition area where you put all your gear that you need for racing.  Last time I think I had a couple things that I didn't really use but this time I was much more prepared.

The whole workout today took me 2 hours and 40 minutes and it just thrills me that I'm getting in shape with such an awesome group of people who are such a support system it's more like a family.  A lot of the people who sign up for Team In Training know someone who was affected by cancer and it's a very personal journey for each of us.  Some people do it just to get into shape but are fundraising for a great cause non the less.  The coolest thing is that this journey of mine has been so awesome because of all the other people I'm training with.  We can share our experiences with who was touched by cancer and we are there for each other. 

I love Team In Training!!

Still Going Strong!

Oh man this Team In Training journey is AWESOME!  Today we had an intense workout which triathletes call a brick.  We trained two of the three sports...today was 15 miles of biking and 3 miles of running.  I was soooooooooooooo nervous but off I went to workout...

It was a beautiful day to be outside!!

Here was my first go at putting together my transition station.  Nice bright towel to recognize where my stuff is though it was really easy to find because we all put our towels in front of our cars.

I was excited to see how quick I was able to finish today.  Nervous to ride so far and then run for 3 miles but did it.  It took me an hour to finish the 15 miles on my bike and then I spent 4 minutes in transition then off running for 3 miles which took me 35 minutes.  I really enjoyed todays workout and looking forward to more.

Fundraising is going great!  I've raised 86% of my $3,400 goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Thanks for all your support!!!

Sincerely,

Summir

A Wet Ride

Today we met up for what was to be a flat 15 miles but turned into a super rainy and windy ride.  It was an awesome challenge and felt oh so wonderful to be in my car with the heater on max when I was finished.

Today was very motivational.  One of our team mates shared his reasons for joining up with Team In Training.  His dad had lymphoma cancer and was in remission but had complications with getting sick after and passed away.  His passion for finding a cure was inspiring.  He said he was pissed with how many people he knew how have lost their battle with cancer and wants so badly for a cure to be found.  The coaches asked us to remember why we joined and that reason is in my mind every single day....my grandpa!    

As I hear the rain pour down right now, I'm guessing our 5k Shamrock Run tomorrow morning will be pretty wet as well!

2nd Workout Session

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!

Today we had an awesome 15 mile hilly ride.  It was crazy exhausting.  We did an out and back ride which means we came back the same way we went out.  It was nice to know the exact 1/2 way point.  The Team in Training group is filled with excited and motivating coaches, captains and mentors who are filled with great advise and useful tips.  They were cheering us on today.  One mentor in particular helped me get passed several of the hills and gave me so advise about road safety and my bike gears.

It's great to meet so many people.  One person shared their personal story about having lymphoma cancer when she was 15 and her emotional story was extremely moving.  She said she was so thankful for the research that is being done to help others.  Her grandpa had cancer and worked with cancer researches as he went through and eventually lost his battle.  She said she was so grateful that her grandpa took the time and effort to let them learn more about his cancer to help others.  She is one of my teammates for the Pacific Crest triathlon, raising money along with everyone else to help fund more research.  She won her battle with the cancer and passed her story along to us this morning...so I only see fitting to pass it along to you as well.

Special thanks to Alison and Peter, in that order, were the first to show their support of my journey to help Leukemia and Lymphoma research.  They each donated $50 to support my fundraising goal. Just $3300 to go!  Thank you guys so much!!!

Sincerely,

Summir

1st training session and some emotional stuff too...

Wow today was crazy hard!!!  First of all I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so excited.  Then I woke up at 6am, got ready and headed for Sauvie Island (a really cool place up here where they do lots of farming and u-pick fresh delicious food).  On my way there I was very overwhelmed with the feelings of why I wanted to do this.  I've been thinking about my grandpa A LOT!  His battle with cancer lasted 3 years and ended in August 2000.  This time in my life was absorbed with swimming.  I lived swimming from the moment I woke up to the dreams I had at night.  My grandpa and I corresponded as pen pals through my years at Fresno State.  I loved to here from him and he asked to hear all about me.  I didn't spend much time with him during these years....something that is really hard to admit.

The summer of 2000 for me was exciting, most of it at least.  I had qualified for the Olympic Trials that year at my conference meet in college.  I turned 21 in July.  I swam all summer long...morning and nights...training for trials, which was in the beginning of August.  My mom, sister, aunt, 2 cousins and their little ones came to cheer me on...what a surprise that was!!

Shortly after returning from that meet I had to head back up to Fresno for training for my senior year and school to start.  That is when I got a phone call I will never forget.  My mom called on the weekend and told me, "grandpa isn't doing so well" and I assured her I'd drive down the following weekend right after Saturdays workout.  She said I needed to come sooner.  I flew down to LA about 3 hours after our phone conversation and went to my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dan's house where my grandpa was living out his last days.  He held on to say his good-byes and pass on knowledge to those he felt he needed to say something to...he was an amazing man!  

So with all that said...yeah this morning was a tough 45 minute drive to the meeting point which I pulled myself together and rode 12 miles.  I am exhausted.  It burned.  I'm out of shape! I've actually been crying while writing most of this post.  I know this journey is not just about helping raise money.  It's more then just getting in shape.  This is seriously therapeutic for me!  I have stuffed away feelings I didn't know I was holding onto about my grandpa.  I love him so much and miss him dearly.  He has made such a huge impact on my life and I'm truly so grateful that I was able to spend part of my life knowing him!  

I am so glad to have a team to train with...a team who's common goal is to help each other get better, race their best and fundraise for a fantastic cause.  I'm so excited to be a part of this experience!

Sleeping Well Tonight,

Summir

12 miles done, bike loaded up...now it's time to go home and sleep  :)