I feel light, already!

Well, Iron-fans.  It's pretty much official.  I'm done.  Ironman Wisconsin came and went last weekend and not only was I not racing, I sort of did not care.  Sure, I checked the weather and results after a friend reminded me that it was Iron Sunday.  I even woke up at about three AM, relieved that I didn't have to wake up at four.  I also called a friend who somehow has managed to complete every single Ironman Wisconsin since the race began over ten years ago.  Overall, it feels pretty good. I'm interested and engaged in other things (make something every day) so there doesn't seem to be a lack of activity in my life.  I'm managing to stay in decent shape, sometimes more, sometimes less exercise, and almost always taking in healthy food.

Dropping a habit or hobby that consumes so much energy, effort and focus, allows me to try things that I always wanted to work on, but may not have had the chance.  Over the years, I've most likely invested a small fortune in Sport drinks, bars, gels, supplements, powders and the like.  You know the brands.  Probably one of the best is Hammer, but really, when you're relying on so many of your seasonal calories to come from a giant plastic vat of powder (mix with water),  it's a far cry from the sort of basic food that I gravitate towards when not pounding out hundred mile rides and three hour runs.  

So I'm not eating any of that packaged stuff, although my family and I still enjoy the occasional Kind Bar.

Kind Bars, YUM.

But at our newly opened Sugar Beet Food Co-op, we're carrying these little energy bars that bring back a lot of memories.  I think I started buying these little pouches of carob/nut/etc. bars at the infamous Berkeley Bowl in the late eighties.  Back when I first moved to California and I was living in a little apartment as an eighteen year old, I had already established a pretty hardy/cheap/mostly vegetarian eating style, but this was my first foray into living/feeding myself completely independently.  I remember how amazing the Bowl was, what with so many varieties of grown food, such  a vast selection of breads, bulk items, butcher, fish, cheese and more.  The Bowl was amazing, but it was also incredibly overwhelming.  I really had no idea what I needed/wanted and as I gazed at the intense veteran foodie/hippie folks who would pore over the produce carefully, knowledgeably, I'd sort of freak out.  I'd sometimes grab a few pippin apples, bulk pasta, nuts, peanut butter and get the heck out.  Yet I do remember that in the bulk section I found these awesome nibs, and not only was the price right, it was the sort of thing that I'd munch on for a light meal, between meal snack, on the go.  A life long relationship with food, launched.

Presentation is everything.

Fast forward to my years doing Ironman in Madison Wisconsin, and, frankly, one of my favorite things about training for this race and doing the event was the opportunity it afforded me to visit Madison, which feels in many ways so much like my hometown of Eugene, Oregon.  Madison's farm to table scene is alive and well, and there's no shortage of food co-op energy in town.  I'm a proud member of the Willie Street Co-op, and visit the store anytime I'm in town.  Used to be, that I'd stock up on a huge supply of dried goods when in town for raceday, along with items that I'd like to have along the way for my race and pre-race nutrition.  Always available, in a similar packaging at Willie Street was the little energy bar.  I'd munch on these a few days prior to race, also race morning, and stick a few in my food bags for the race. Easier to get into than the hermetically sealed cases that are cliff/power/gel whatevers.  A lot tastier, with a bit more texture, and naturally sweetened.  One of the great benefits of the little squares is that they are small.  I can eat, one, two, or more.  When I open a pre-packaged bar, I sort of have to commit to the size of the serving.  I don't know how often, in my life as an endurance athlete, I've found some sort of half eaten bar at the bottom of a sport bag or side pocket of a car or running shorts.  Then the question: do I leave this on the shelf and wait til next time to eat?  I'm frugal enough to hold onto that sandy crumpled bar, but let's face it, not appealing after a while.

So, I'm so thrilled that we've founded, built and opened a state of the art food co-op right here in Oak Park.  Seriously, I'm still pinching myself.  It's a long hard battle, and many folks aren't sure what to make of it, but every time I'm there I see people who either look as if they've been in a decent food store before, or as if they're curious about making something about the Beet work for them.  Not everyone is going to go as whole hog as me--after all, I know I'm pretty unique.  I know that not everyone wants to eat little cacao energy balls with flax seeds and pistachios crunched up inside.  But I also know that this is an amazing opportunity for those of us passionate about food climate to move forward, on so many levels.

Seize the day!

And here I am, after this morning's run!  Even I, after all these years, have had a rough patch or two in my fitness regime.  I've added a few pounds, slowed quite a bit, and often roll back over in bed rather than lace up the shoes and get out the door.  So, another of the benefits of our new grocery option is that I feel as if I've got my own shot at renewal.  Hard to not sound braggy, but I feel lighter, more energetic, more sexy, more alive.  I was already eating well, but the bump and passion of the Beet has brought my game to another level, as if the years and the surrender are peeling away.

The first time I did Vineman Ironman, in 1994, I went to a farm stand in Sonoma and bought some munchies to carry me through a few days.  I recall, fresh lime, pistachios in the shell, raw garlic and jalapeño pepper.  Okay, it may not be what you're going to feed your family tonight, but you get the idea.  Food that sparks the imagination, food as start point.  Food in small enough portions to not be stuck with leftovers and packages and the angst that is modern everything.  I feel light, already.  C'mon, join me.  You'll look, feel, and be amazing.

Action Shots, Mile 11

 Mile 11, Ironman Wisconsin 2012.  Dreamlike day.  Fantastic weekend with friends.  Write-up coming soon, but wanted to get these two awesome pics out there.  How to sum up my learning for the weekend?
Never lose focus, never give up, always have fun, always stay true, always know yourself.  I made a hat of six crochet flowers to commemorate six Ironmans. Now it's seven--holy smokes!!!!

"Mom, I think you should do Ironman first. Really, you've been working for this all year long."

Here it is! The day I wait for,  practically all year.  Today I load the car and head up to Madison, Wisconsin to participate in Ironman.  As I pore over the dining room full of clothes and gear, I wonder how I got here, and if "here" is indeed where I want to be, and what have I done for the past twelve months, if anything, to get ready for this adventurous feat? As a seasoned Ironman athlete, it might seem that I should have this in the bag, but sometimes I wonder the opposite.  As the years tick by, am I  becoming more careless?  Am I tempting my own fate to attempt this endeavor again and again?  Who knows?  But here I go again, and on the bright side, I'm healthy, fit, injury-free, and for cry in' out loud, I'm forty five years old and still taking part in Ironman, a game that I've been playing since I was in my late twenties!  I'm proud of myself, dammit! So here, a year in pictures, as a reminder to the length of the journey, which really is a lifelong one.  A journey, in my case, of self-discovery, challenge, fun, whimsy, passion, even creativity, rolled up into one self-indulgent event that sparks the imagination and drive in many a person.  Once again I pony up to the start line, thankful for my friends and family. Thank the universe for my own idyllic childhood in Eugene where I could swim in clean water, breath clean air, and ride unencumbered and learn the joy and challenge of two-wheel transport. 

Ironman Wisconsin finish line 2011.  I LOVE YOU KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JULIE & MARY training buddies and terrific friends, mid-winter. You push me, you inspire me.  Mad leftist powerful women fighting the good fight.

another lonely run on a dark chicago March winter day. Alone, I must deliver my own joy and beauty.

Wa-Laaaa!!! try this, make it beautiful!!! Make the planet beautiful!!!!

and I can still jump! I love crochet skirts!!!

Have socks, have cycling shorts, have bowling jacket.  Check. Ready. Go.

OK Y'all.  What's up with the yarn?

I dedicate my 2012 Ironman journey to Dad. You're strong you're powerful. We're ready to let you go, but not before shedding a bucket full of tears.  Does this mean that I'm the grown-up now???? Holy shit, yes. Grow up!!!!

My crazy badass radical training buddy. you abandoned me for the Castro, but one day you'll come to your senses and move to the East Bay. For now, keep the calls and FB posts coming. I Love & miss you, friend.

Peter says he loves bringing the kids to boring ol' Ironman. i can't imagine why, but they come, year in and year out.  I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!!!!

Peter says: "I wanna brag on my wife." Glory be. He's been cheering me on since 1992.  I love you Man.  And, like the song says: "It's time to get a gun. That's what I'm thinking.  I could afford one...If I did just a little less drinking." -Fred Eaglesmith.

And so it went! Another year again.  The event becomes a marking place, a memory of what was happening around us.  This year will be a doozy.  After a delightful year of celebration and good health, our family is getting ready to say goodbye to dear Dad.  I have no idea how many tears one might shed during or after or even before an Ironman, but if I ever paid six hundred bucks to cry all day, I'd rather do this than say, a twelve hour therapy session or even more challenging, a silent meditation retreat.  Dad, I'll be with you all day long, whatever that means.  Even better, I'll be with you on Tuesday, and to that, I'm truly looking forward to.  This was a weighty decision, one that I don't want to regret.  When I asked Addie should I go ahead with Ironman or rush out to Oregon, she was thoughtful and kind; "Mom, I think you should do Ironman first.  Really, you've been working for this all year long."  Man. I love that kid. I love that kid.

Hoot-n-Holler it's Healdsburg in July!!!

So before I write a mammoth post about last weekend's  TOMRV bike tour, I have to share a delightful story that I stumbled upon amidst the epic weekend.  Friend Jilly introduced me to a woman that she describes as knowing "since we were three" and having done triathlon and ironman for just as long.  A kindred soul, indeed.  Long time Ironman-er, PE teacher, and lover of life. 

Nancy's the gal second from the right (from her blog)

 Nancy also blogs about her terrific adventures, most particularly her most recent attempt to complete one marathon in each state...yes...one marathon in each state.  Fifty marathons? Holy Moly, Macaroni!   Jilly kindly introduced me as having done "a fistful of Ironmans" (Jilly has raced in all ten Madison Ironman and at least one other (Kona), probably others along the way.  So Nancy, it turns out, gets to chatting with me about where I've raced Ironman.  Canada (yes, both of us) and Vineman, back in the nineties.  I ask which year, and she can't quite remember, but shares with me that she is trying to prove she raced Vineman, so she can check California Marathon off her list.  I shared with my newfound friends that I might have evidence of her race results and their jaws dropped. "You save that stuff?"  I replied, "Not always, but I have a scrapbook, and I saved results from Vineman, back in the day when you waited a month or more for hard copy of race results rather than instantly available on the web."  So sure 'nuff, I go home and start plowing through my scrapbook, and there it is, plain as day, the second year I raced Vineman (1995) Nancy was there along side me.  In fact, our run times were only seconds apart, and our swims pretty close as well.  What a thrill! It's been seventeen long years since then, many life events, and here we are, still plugging away at a sport that has exploded in scale, popularity, expense, and everything else.  True Believer, Indeed!  Nancy looks absolutely terrific and is as charismatic as they come. 

Vintage Ironman:Northern California!

upon close inspection, tri-geeks, you might notice my tendency to explode on the run is long standing, but not terminal.

So much to notice in this old race packet.  The small number of sponsors, primarily local companies, somewhat related to healthy lifestyle.  Small number of participants.  20 female finishers, total, and this in an Ironman Hawaii qualifying race!  One of my fondest memories of those old times was that not only was there a reasonable shot for some of these awesome athletes to qualify for Hawaii, but the Kona slots were distributed at the awards ceremony, at which one must be present to take qualifying spot.  There was always one magic slot, a lottery, so to speak, reserved for one finisher of the complete Vineman.  Just think. Someone finishing late in the day, or with a not blistering race, by virtue of finishing Vineman and attending the awards ceremony, at which point they could applaud the age group podium finishers, this person could gain that coveted spot at Hawaii Ironman.  A reason to finish the race on what always is a tough day.   I remember whomever won that spot, they'd holler out from the rear of the Healdsburg Theater, where the ceremony was held, and it was truly the most exciting time of the weekend.  Those were terrific times!!!

Don't forget, the palms face outward.

Long day at work, what's an. Ironwoman to do?  Remember pull-ups?
I once did eight in a row...this was back in my twenties. These days I'm lucky to do two.  All right then.
Tips? Practice at a playground on a low bar. Decrease the pounds you're lifting by standing through part of the lift.

When I'm forty-four...

So I'm almost forty-four and sometimes I feel blissfully youthful.  However, sometimes these days I feel more like sixty-four.  Today as we drove home from the pool, I was describing the new triathletes of the summer (every year we get an influx of triathletes at the pool, anywhere between January and May). At least one of these athletes, as a rule, is doing "their first ironman!" and they are so cute and excited and nervous.  I may as well be sitting there with a ciggy hanging out of my mouth, "yeah, kid...I know iron...it's a love that'll suck you dry. Ya give it all ya got, then, bam! you wake up a few years later with creaky joints, empty bank account, and an expensive bike in need of repair."  As I, shall we say, mature, I've realized that there is small joy (and decreasing possibility) of me dusting these people in the pool (or anywhere else), so I'm considering further polishing my mentoring/wisecracking/unsolicited advice skills, all of which come in handy if one is attempting to employ expertise with minimal physical output.

Ya wanna talk iron? I'll talk iron, with ya, sweetie.

Yup....I've seen it all...

Let me tell you about the time I won the whole thing...oh...that was somebody else, but I saw someone win the whole thing!

I joked, in the car, that it is just a matter of time before I meet a triathlete at the pool who was born the year that I participated in my first Ironman.  So....here's the deal....a few years from now, at the pool, when I meet somebody who was born on or after 1994 and they say "and I'm training for an ironman!", I'm going to promptly get out of the pool, walk to the nearest bar, and grab a beer.  I don't care if it's six in the morning.