A swim, then another swim, a shorter bike and a run....oh yeah, and yet another bike!!

me with Oscar, Sandra, Diane and Sharriff

83 days to go!!!

Yesterday I did an Olympic race, followed by a 3 hr bike ride.
Weirdest race ever!
Swim:
About 10 seconds before the wave start, it began pouring!! So when our wave started, we jumped it, only to realize from a calm, cloudy morning, it has changed to a crazy, windy storm! The water immediately got very choppy and the wind kept pushing us to the left. I could only swim on the left side, that's how bad the rain was! We could not see our way, nor the buoys. I started to follow all the light blue caps, but many were just standing there calling for lifeguards. Then a huge lightning followed quickly by a thunder struck! I said "oh shit!" I'm too far to turn, so I'll finish. Then I was able to follow the orange caps of the wave behind me. About a 1/4 mile into the swim, someone reaches me and tells me, "the race has been canceled!" So we all swam back to shore. 3 minutes later they restarted the race, cutting the swimming distance to a 1/2 mile.

Bike:
We get to transition and everything is so wet!! Thank God my stuff was one of the few that was only soaking wet and not under water! Got on the bike and although there were some puddles on the road, it felt safe. So I'm thinking, I'll go moderate, and really push it on the second loop! Only to hear the volunteers shouting "only one loop!" What?? Are you kidding me??

Run:
The run was fine, but my socks and sneakers were soaked. I did exactly what I said I was gonna do. I did an effortless 10 min/mile. The run really felt like we were doing Mudder races. The course was full of puddles and mud. I was looking for the 100m obstacle course! I think putting salt pills in my drink bottles is what saved the day. I finished fresh!

the Longer Bike:
The 3hr bike ride was windy. I was tired and realized it in the first loop. But I figured, doing a race and then go training will prepare me so much more for the conditions I might or will experience in an Ironman. I think mountain bikes were passing me! But I figured, its all about the saddle time. I also figured out I need to make changes in my nutrition. As I finished, I felt so nauseous I didn't wanna eat, but while I stretched, I still drank my Endurox, a banana and an apple. It made me feel better, but my stomach felt like in Augusta, so time to try something new in my nutrition.

I'm glad I get to race with the people I call my friends! As I ran, I cheered everyone who was under the weather, as well as to those who were giving their 110%, I even pointed out a hot ass Hammerhead to a fellow runner! (By the way, where the hell did he come from?)

Oh! and I tried some acupuncture for my disc, and I think it's making me feel a little better! Juana is all about being spiritual and she knows her shit! I'm perhaps the least spiritual person, but I believe in positive thinking and although I was wondering about the spritual side of Chinese medicine, whatever! It works, I wont question it if you're making me all better!

La cosa se pone buena!!

90 days to go!
So yes, Many of you know by now, I went for a second opinion regarding my herniated disk. The new doc says he's be crazy to operate on me! Apparently the stretches and the yoga are working wonders. I'm gradually feeling better, perhaps 10% better every week. I think the moment the doc ok'ed me to continue, I automatically felt better! Amazing what the mind can do! I continue to be careful, so if you need any help moving that piece of furniture, or carry your 57 lb baby, its not gonna happen! I don't mean to be a bitch, I just don't want to. Oh yeah!! and the hernia, yeah, because of the hernia!!
I had a hard week. Every day I feel stronger and better at my game. I had an ok bike drill (I need to do it with other people) A very tiring swim session and strong (but short, due to heavy rain) track session. The Saturday run was challenging, getting out of my comfort zone for 12 miles, and I liked it!!
Then the 82 mile bike ride on Sunday. This is furthest I've ever ridden! The Adamo saddle did not make it easier, but everyone says I will get used to it. Yeah, because my ass will eventually be deformed! It helped that I have an awesome training group who challenge me. The problem is that when I get tired on the bike I start cursing. I try not to, they just come out! So now I try to curse in very Puertorican, so I don't offend my fellow athletes. Unfortunately I train with four very Puertorican people who now think I'm a total potty mouth. Oh f*ck it, they'll survive!
I tried Powerbar Endurance in my ride (along with the crackhead mix of Perpetuem, salt pills and Accelerade). Totally recommend it!! It tastes good! I am looking into the 80-10-10 lifestyle. I don't know if discarding pizza forever will be in my plans, but I'm definitely interested in implementing it in my diet. I'll keep you posted.

Not until the Fat Lady sings!

94 days to go!
Ok, so it's been kind of a long week for me. After going through an epidural without having to give birth, the damn injection did not do absolutely nothing! So my doc wanted to do two more, if that didnt work, then surgery....ummm WHAT??? People tell me horror stories, that I will feel fine until one "fine" day, my disk will turn against me and will leave me motionless! I asked about other alternatives, but I think my dr did not like that word. All I want is to be able to do whatever is in my power to help get better! I'm not expecting to go to the mountains and chant my way out of the hernia!! (wait, would that work?) I've been researching whatever options I can find. But no one tells me what I can or should not do as far as workout. This weekend I've been very sad, just the thought of quitting Ironman. Most of my friends think I should sit this one down, that it's not worth it. Very few believe I can pull it off and finish strong. I know my friends and colleagues mean well, and they don't want to see me hurt. But an Ironman, in my book, is the biggest milestone in my life so far! Coming from being the laziest smoking/drinking/partying human being I know, to be completing this, man I tell you, right now, doesn't get any better than that! And now you're telling me I cant do it?
Fuck that......not until the Fat Lady sings.
Well, with some modifications, of course! I'm doing what I believe is right for my body without pushing it to hurtful extents. So far, I've taken upon myself to stretch a little more, some more yoga, and to not run. As it turns out, I can power walk as fast as 13:30min/mile! Technically, my back doesn't hurt, (the tingling sensation comes and goes, but it doesn't get worse with workout, it actually gets better!) and I feel the best when I'm working out and being active. Anyway, tomorrow I'll get a second opinion. I hope its better news. The way I see it, my boy Ralphie has no option, he would NEVER be able to scratch his face with his own hand, let alone finish a race. So what am I bitching about?
weight: 129 lbs

Sad, pissed, but hopeful

We had an awesome workout last weekend! I was able to stay with the pack the whole time, and remaining fresh at the same time! i felt really accomplished, and also stronger as a cyclist.
I got an MRI done. I was a little bummed out to learn a herniated disk, especially when the doc at first said "no marathons." But he said it was ok to continue, but to clearly listen to my body. My back doesn't bother me, it reflects in my leg, and only when I'm sitting down long longer periods of time. I'm good when I'm running fast and in long workouts, go figure!
So I got one of three epidurals in my lumbar. This is supposed to take down the swelling and to turn me back to normal. It hurt like a mother fucker!! I think it was more the fact that I was scared and thought it was about to hurt much more. So yes, I cried. Once the anesthesia runs out, your but feels like you are constipated (or at least what I think constipated feels like!) I hope this works. The tingling in my leg is really annoying!
I'm gonna continue my training as scheduled, but with some walking/running involved, to avoid the pounding.

I have hope I'm gonna get better, I'm gonna be smart about it. This is only gonna make me stronger!!!

My First Blog!

Sometime ago, I was told that perhaps I should blog all the crap I write on my Facebook status. Well, I chose to document my next 111 days on my way to upcoming first Ironman in Arizona! Gracias Pepe por la idea!
Well, as I start a new week, I wonder about last week's training and why did I feel slow. Even though I've had my doubts in the past, I trust Frank, he's done this before. I'm paranoid about the swim because I want to make sure I make the cut-off time. I'm scared about the bike, because I want to make sure that my nerves don't take the best of me if I get a flat. I worry about the run, because I don't want my mind to play dirty games.
I know I can do this, I will be ready by November! Now I just hope this tingling sensation thing in my lower leg goes away, because is really getting on my nerve. No, really, it IS affecting my nerve somehow!
Weight today: 132 lbs.
Knowing my weight is not solely for self humilliation, I just want to see how much I have lost or improved by the end of my journey.