We couldn’t make it out to Hawaii for spring break to hang out under the waterfalls, so we drove 2 hours, 105 miles to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. Beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails- with built-in steps galore. We were up high at look outs as well as low, into the canyons, hiking 5.2 miles for 3 hours – even with our dog Riley kept up. He managed to stay in front of us, eager to lead the way. We didn’t have time to see all of the canyons – so will be back!
It’s spring break, already the end of March, and I’ve run my first 13.1 in February in Ft Lauderdale, FL. We knew it’d be hot, but humid at 6 am?? Really? Funny, though, the humidity lifted over the ocean as the sun came up. So unlike the Midwest. Our finisher medals were cute metal sandals – very beachy and just what the doc ordered in the middle of winter (albeit a mild one!)
My training continues….as I sit here now, my hamstrings are twinging now and then as I’m in the midst of a build week of intervals. It goes on and on….build, peak, rest, and the cycle continues.
But each week, each cycle of training brings a certain level of the unknown; what am I able to do this week? How will I feel when I cycle for an hour with intervals- pushing my limits? Will I be able to go faster and feel good? That little level of curiosity sometimes is all I need to get my butt out there and try. I always feel pretty good for at least trying.
I’m always pumped up about learning & discovering new things. Life would be boring without this for me…so when I get an email from Active.com or USATeam and I can click on a link to see a video about swim technique or how to fuel myself better with carbs and protein. The science of training is always changing as we learn more.
For those of you enjoying spring break in a far away place… share your training travel stories with me (especially those on the Big Island!!)
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When the “Chicago City of” came up on my caller ID at 1:25 pm today I finally relaxed a bit. It had been 7 weeks since my initial inquiry to the Mayor’s Press Office.
Back in early December I called the Mayor’s Press Office asked the general staffer about arranging an interview with the Mayor for a column for Triathlete magazine. Rahm Emanuel had finished 9th out of 80 in his age group in the Chicago Triathlon in 2011 and Triathlete was interested in a profile on the Mayor of Chicago if I was granted an interview. (Come to think of it, my original pitch to Triathlete was in November.) Multiple emails and phone calls later and more pitching to his Press Secretary, Tarrah Cooper, a very professional, highly organized 25 year old, told me I was given the slot to interview Emanuel today. My fingers were crossed all day that his schedule would still permit…I prayed something else more urgent would cross me off his list.
I waited at my computer, file of questions open, land line phone by my side- charged and ready to go- when Tarrah phoned me on my cell at 1:10 pm…”Hi Betsy, we are running 10-15 mins behind today.” “That’s perfectly fine. I’m here and ready for his call, no problem,” I said relieved he was still planning to call. Then my phone rang just 10 mins later…
“Hi Mayor Emanuel…thank you for calling and finding some time to talk to me today. I’m writing a profile of you for Triathlete magazine.” Okay…”How did you find your way to triathlon?” There we were….his familiar voice was loud and clear on the other end of the phone. It was like I knew him, but I didn’t. Conversing with him was totally different then hearing snipets of him speaking on the news.
I learned a lot about the Mayor in a short 15 min. interview. I learned about his passion for swimming, his daily discipline toward his coveted workout schedule (7 days a week!), his love for his wife and family, his devotion to the City and his competitive nature (and sarcastic twists)- all qualities that have propelled him to success and leadership throughout his career. From White House Chief of Staff to Mayor of one of the largest cities…In a way at the end of our conversation when I asked him if he planned to do the Chicago Tri again this year, he said he hopes to- he’d like to, but his schedule is not his own- I felt a bit sad for him. He’s lost a bit of his freedom with his political office; with giving so much of himself. In his life as a public servant, he’s schedule is not his own – even on a Sunday morning.
When I asked him about his bike lane and rack initiatives in Chicago – his voice became a little more tense as he put on his mayor hat – “I want to make this a very bike friendly city…” He is no doubt passionate about Chicago.
“Thank you, Mayor, for your time. I appreciate it. Have a great day.” “Thank you…”he said.
Read more details of my interview in the May 2012 issue of Triathlete magazine! Mayor Emauel is a triathlete in every sense of the word!
I’m a warm weather kind of gal…but my family isn’t. When winter failed to arrive in Chicago in December, we went looking for it in Utah.
Salt Lake was a bit balmy for their standards this time of year. Temps reached 55 one evening. I had no reason to complain. But being the snow experts they are, they had the snow making machines cranked up and spitting out snow for weeks before we arrived! The base was a measly 38″ or so, way down for the 200+ the previous year, but that didn’t stop us from sneaking in 3 good days of skiing. And a spa treatment, an Alpine Coaster ride and lots of good quality time with family. We were there hanging out with the in-laws – grandparents. There’s nothing more enjoyable than seeing your 14 and 10 yr old ski with their 70-something parents. They still ease down the mountain with such grace and style- pure love of the sport and mountains!
Back at home- after a spring-like 54 degree day last Wednesday- the snow came flying down and blanketed the ground with 4-6 inches in beautiful white just 24 hours later. Okay, I was bummed we weren’t going full force right into spring, but now that I’ve been out snowshoeing and shoveling, I’m glad winter arrived. Yes, I actually think I would miss the season if we just skipped over it completely. I know I’m not alone in stating at least winter will be short this year.
Gliding through the snow on my snowshoes and swinging my poles warmed me up quickly. Riley bounced along exploring and sniffing on the golf course. This dog is truly in love with the winter- nice a cool & snow to eat! I came back from a great outside, no-impact workout with a clear head feeling exhilarated! I’ll be back out there soon…
What do you love about winter?
My hiatus has been short lived…thankfully, it turns out I ruptured my plantaris tendon (aka “tennis leg”). No it’s never a good thing when you rupture something in your leg, but the recovery is quick. 2 weeks later and I’m walking without pain – able to get up and down stairs even! Every day is better and less discomfort. Bruce says the tendon is harvested to repair other tendons in the foot and hand so it’s a tendon I can live without; walk and run fine.
Hosting Thanksgiving was a bit rough – on my feet for hours at a time and in the grocery store with help from my mom. Nonetheless, it’s REALLY IMPOSSIBLE to stay off your feet during this busy time of year! I exerted more energy for a few days trying to hobble around on crutches…not fun, but necessary. And so I adjusted. Changed my mindset for a few weeks and propped up my foot as often as I could.
I was back on the paddle courts Monday, but with limitations. No match play this week for me. I so crave being outdoors and active…that I did get my butt into the pool and swim and managed to cycle twice. So, on the mend….it’s good to take a mental break and step back, assess what I enjoy (I do miss running!!) and be thankful for what I can do. And be patient with my healing, for long term benefits.
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Along with the benefits of being active everyday, we take a risk. A risk of getting injured. Yesterday was my day on the court. No, not biking or running, but jumping.
I jumped for a lob during a paddle tennis match. I came down on my left foot and heard and felt a pop in my calf. We had just started the match, too, and I was looking forward to playing. I stopped right away and knelt down to rub my calf. It hurt! I was in denial, I felt this couldn’t be happening to me. It just can’t.
My teammate came over to see how I was. We stopped play and my captain came out of the hut and said “Betsy, it’s not worth it.” She was right…but I really didn’t want to stop. My gut knew there was no way I could run and land on my foot.
I went into the hut and commiserated with my teammates and after some ice and little bit of stretching had to forfeit the match. My captain, Janet, offered to carry me on her back to the car and Chris carried my bag. I had tried calling Bruce but he was so busy he didn’t pick up so I hobbled into his office and plopped into a chair. He was happy it wasn’t my achilles tendon – I’d be out for long term and never be the same. So he slipped on a compression sock, gave me a boot, and crutches.
Staying off my foot is going to be tough. And yesterday was Brad’s 14th birthday. We celebrated – there is much to celebrate!
We hope an ultrasound will show exactly what snapped and Bruce will have a better idea of my recovery. 2- 6 weeks? I’ll take the 2 if I get a choice!
Being active has it’s benefits and I’d never stop to avoid injury. I may even jump in the pool today with a buoy and swim some much needed laps! And there’s always water running….as Mark and Kim say, they’ve got the weight belts and it’s great for recovery.
I’m on the road and hope it’s fast!
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