My back and my back.. and my hair?!

In the past two weeks, I have probably recited this scene from Friday in my head at least 100 times... is it random that this is what comes to mind first? Knowing me, probably not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbGI9SuhRwY

"Do you know how much money you can get for a slip & fall in a sto?"

So almost two weeks ago I managed to do SOMETHING to my back (again, I think its a combination of factors really- #1 being I have the weakest core on the planet, #2 being years of abuse finally taking its toll) in the shower, where essentially I was bent over and had to hand walk myself up the wall to get back up to vertical. Two weeks of chiro visits later, I am starting to feel like myself again.

The break has meant I have been forced to take a much needed REST, where I could really do almost nothing- no running, no lifting, no long biking, and certainly not in tri position. Not that I was going out there and doing any of these things post IMMT, but it meant I really couldn't do anything. So rest (REST YOU MUST YOUNG PADWAN) I have, and turn my attention to other random things.. I also have.

Which brings me to my next and probably most random rant post EVER- I have found the single most amazing hair care product on the planet! SCREEEEEEEEEETCH! Goes the record player. Wait a minute Jen, you talk about triathlons, and running with bulls, and treking, and adventure related topics... and now, hair care?!?! Maybe the zombie Apocalypse really is coming (more like the goopocolypse, but we'll get to that later.)

So I digress... hair care. I found the single most amazing thing I have ever used on my hair... EVER.

To start, it takes me 20-25 minutes to comb through my hair when its wet. It is RIDICULOUS. It knots, it tangles, it rips. My hair dresses laughs at me each time I come in, and after two visits- has built this "time" into our appointment. I have the human hair equivalent of those wire hair terriers- its just wirey, curly, and a mess. I've tried all the techniques: wait until its 80% dry before attempting to brush, comb through in the shower with conditioner still in, section hair and start from bottom to the top- with detangler/oil, wide tooth comb, ends to root shaft. ALL OF IT. I am left each time with 20ish minutes of my life wasted, sore arms from  brushing, and half a sink full of hair (just as Simon). I'm a fine wirey wavy haired mess.

Until, drum roll please.... I found the TANGLE TEEZER! ("Whaaaaaa?! High five!" - Barney Stinson) This little alien looking brush has amazed me, and I am not amazed easily, especially by products I presume to be some sort of gimmick, and certain not something that will work on this head. BUT... whatdayaknow, it actually works. IT ACTUALLY FREAKIN WORKS!

I put this bad boy to the test, straight out of the shower, wrapped my head in a towel long enough to get dressed, grabbed the blob and prepared to get one good brush stroke through before I have to reverse the hair brush to get it off my head. Oh no... blob went through the hair, with ease. Try again. Worked again. Ohhhh yes.

I brushed my entire head in about 3 minutes (and that's being generous), and looked at the blob to see only about 5 hairs in the brush. Not bad blob, not bad at all. Needless to say, I was almost reduced to tears I couldn't believe it was possible that I could brush through my hair in only single digit time, not have half a sink full of hair, and press on with my night.

Tangle Teezer- you are AMAZING!
The really sad thing is most people outside of the UK have never even heard about this yet! It was created in the UK, and up until recently, hasn't been made widely available outside of the UK. If you are in North America, you can find this little guy at Sally Beauty supply stores, for roughly $20 CAD (like $15 USD), and it is well worth every penny. http://www.tangleteezer.com/

Now that my random rant is over, we will resume our regularly scheduled programming of adventures and life experiences.

Next adventure teaser: A mountain bike trek from the Mexican mountains to the pacific coast! Coming your way November 2012!!! :)

And last by certainly not least... my uber favorite chocolate company has released a halloween addition to their Easter Candy goodness- Sceme Eggs!! The goopocolypse is coming.. and I am so ready!! :)

IMMT & beyond!

Well hellooooo there.
Its been a nice two weeks since the inagural Ironman Mont Tremblant, and things are finally starting to settle back down to 'normal'. Simon & I have been taking a much needed break from the ridiculousness of training and complete lack of a social life, to enjoy the last few weeks of Summer!

Race recap:
For those of you that didnt know, I had an injury manifest itself in the weeks leading up to the Boston marathon. At that point it was a minor ache that could be felt in my hip, and at the time nothing much more than that. A few weeks after Boston, when we began the ramp up for IMMT, the pain became much more severe, and spread itself from one hip to also include my groin. A few weeks later, and I could barely run 5k without stopping.
The frustration was mounting, so I visited a physio where we determined that my hip flexors were "shot". After much overuse and overcompensating for my complete 'lack of a core' I had effectively burned my hip flexors out. A sort of double tendonitis in both hip flexors that was agitating my right groin, and straining the the muscle that carries of my left hip. Nice. "So doc, what's the prognosis?", I said. "Stop training and rest." she said. "But I have an ironman in 3 months...there is a 112mile bike & a marathon I have to complete." I replied. Blank stare.... "yeah... no". she said. Hmmm, this might get interesting.
So pretty much since May, I was attending 1-2 times per week physio sessions, and running with my trusty "girdle" which in technical terms is a soraic (sp?) belt that when worn over the hip flexors draw up all nice and tight, essentially takes them right out of the running equation. An annoyance to run with, but emphasis on "still being able to run"... so I put up with it. There were a few weeks intermixed between May and August of completely no running, but overall I'd say the news more or less took the wind out of my sails, as knowing I wasn't going to be 100% by ironman time made me more or less not want to train at all.
I was still able to bike a bit, but I could feel my hip flexors attempting to engage over hilly parts of some of our training rides, and the frustration of them always feeling exhausted was a bit annoying. Eventually I started working a bit of running into my routine again, with the longest run leading up to IMMT of a bit over 18km.

Flash forward to race day. You never want to go into a race not ready, especially one that is as long as an ironman. The days leading up I wasnt nervous at all, not even a bit. I knew that my complete lack of training preparation was going to take me out of the top of my age group, so I decided instead to focus on the beauty of the course around me. There was a high probability that I would have to back out of the marathon, as doing so without any real endurance running training would be both stupid and put myself at risk for even more injuries.

The swim:
Its a gorgous lake. Clean, doesnt smell/taste like gasoline when you are swimming behind the boats, and a great temp when you have your wetsuit on. I didnt have the best of starts, as it was an out of water start, and the lack of any real swim training (Simon and I started swimming about 1 month before the race) left my 'get out in front' a bit more like 'wow my shoulders hurt, i think this pace might be it'. So it took me awhile to get moving, eventually evening out my stroke and slowly starting to pick people off. Exited the water at just shy of an hour. The transition was a bit long- roughly .6mi, but it was on a nice red carpet, so again- IMMT was setting itself up nicely as having checked off all of the things it could do to make racers comfortable.

The bike:
Again, we were a bit short on big training rides, but we did get an opportunity to come ride the course on a few long weekends during the summer. The city had re-paved the roads, and they were SPECTACULAR. Seriously, with the exception of a small stretch of road in downtown St. Jovit, we were riding on fresh roads smooth as a baby's bottom... minus the hills. I.HATE.HILLS. Or I should be more specific. Hills and I have a mutual understanding that unless I train on them every day, they are going to punish me. Also, my hip flexors being in the shape that they are in meant everytime I needed to climb (standing or seating) the action of pulling my leg up on the pedal stroke, meant engaging my hip flexors. They were screaming by the end of the 1st loop- which finished with a nice stretch of about 24km of the toughest part of the course. Loved the downhills, cursed the uphills. :) At the start of the chemin duplessey, Simon passed me asking, "I dont know if I should stay behind you and draft the rest of the bike, or pass you!" Butthead.
As Simon took off I figured that was the last time I would see him, as he obviously was basking in the happiness that this race was essentially in his backyard. I would later catch back up and re-pass Simon on the 117, but he would again pass me back for the final time before we hit part 2 of the chemin duplessey.
As the bike drew to a close, I started going through the 'will I or won't I' try and run. I knew that Simon's family had an aid station at about 8km on the run, and I had always anticipated running atleast the first loop, stop by and say hi, and then pull out just after 21km. When I dismounted off the bike and handed my bike to the bike catchers, attempting to run the 600 or so meters to the transition tent, my legs had a slightly different thought in mind. I could barely lift my legs up the few inches it took to swing them forward. Well, this isnt good- I havent even gotten to the change tent yet! I rounded a corner where I saw my parents & made the "cut it" signal to my Dad, who immediately understood, and nodded his head in acknowledgement.
After going into the tent I sought the medical/massage staff and had two very nice ladies stretch me out & attempt to work out some of the kinks in my hip flexors. It provided a nice relief to the throbbing, and would help me to hang out at transition for the rest of the day, to see Simon come in.

Sometimes the body knows when to call it quits. I can definitely say that it would have been stupid given my lack of run training to attempt to complete a marathon, but sometimes when you are used to putting yourself through the pain, your mind tells you you can do it, and hours later you are setting yourself up for even worse injuries. I wasnt upset about pulling out. I knew it was a distinct, almost probable possibility, and most importantly- I had nothing to prove to myself. Having completed two Ironman's already, it wasnt about testing myself to see if I could finish, that I knew wouldnt be a problem. So I handed my chip off to an official and headed off to meet my parents.

It was nice to get to spend time with Mom & Dad at the race site, grab some food, and just chat while we waiting to welcome in the overall male winner. A bit later we would stage ourselves to see Simon come through on loop 1 of his run, setting a great pace. I knew when I saw him he was having a great race!

Just shy of two hours later, we would be screaming out heads off to welcome Simon home to a new personal best by about 40 minutes, and a new 'family best'!! He looked great coming in to the finish, even having enough energy to jump up about 3 ft in the air across the finish line. Not surprised. Simon has more energy that a 4 yr old hopped up on mountain dew and espresso.

So now we are back in Toronto. Enjoying the last 'official weekend' of summer. Its been nice to catch up with friends, and also fit in meeting one of our favorite athletes of all time: Chrissie Wellington! I even got to chat with her a bit about last year's Kona, and the portalette inspection I conducted. :)

So now, a much needed break. Well kinda. We are still planning our next vacation 'adventure' which is shaping up to be a mountain bike trek through the mountains of Mexico. :) I know what you are thinking.... that isnt really a break. No its not. In the words of rapper Young Gunz, "Can't stop, won't stop, Roccafella records" :)

3 siblings & 3 unique weddings

So its been awhile since my last post. Lots of travelling due to work, pleasure, etc, but now that I have a weekend to get through some of my 'to-do' list, I decided there could be no better post than to reflect back on the fact that all three of the Smith kids have now married! From the first marriage of Kevin & Leah, to now Heather & John, what is so exciting is that each marriage celebration was a unique reflection of the couple it showcased. No single celebration was the same, which meant that there was no way to compare each celebration- as they each reflected a different style & location!

Kevin & Leah August 13, 2009, Lake Placid, NY.
Kevin & Leah chose a place that meant the most to them. It also happened to be a long standing family vacation spot for us, and Kevin bringing Leah to Placid for the first time, was very special. They chose an intimate lakeside ceremony on Mirror Lake, with a day that lived up to the expectation. The forecast the week prior was not looking good, but like wedding magic- the day was exceptionally beautiful with a sunset overlooking Mirror Lake, that just made the day that much better! It was a true intimate style wedding, with a live band, yummy food, and close family & friends. For them, they couldn't have had a day that was more perfect for them!

Simon & Jennifer August 7, 2010, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Our wedding was a traditional Catholic wedding in one of the most beautiful churches... scratch that- the most beautiful church I have ever laid eyes on. Right away I knew that if we were going to have a church wedding, it would be in the chapel of the Basilique Notre Dame! We decided to go for vintage classic romance, in Simon's home town of Montreal- which is one of the most romantic cities in the world. History, tradition, and culture just ooze out of this city. We also chose to have our wedding conducted in French, by a priest that had known Simon almost his entire life. It made it more special that Gilles could speak from the heart about Simon, having watched him grow up from a wild child to the man he is today. It was a bit of a departure from the original wedding I had always imagined as a small girl (on the beach in Pensacola, Florida, in English) but having made our ceremony a reflection of us- I couldn't have imagined it any other way. It was a combination of all the little things that matter to us: we had 75 close family & friends attend our celebration, Simon's car Lola have a moment to shine-- with a humorous story, and an ending with dancing & fireworks on the river. It was a truly magical weekend!

John & Heather March 23, 2012, Walnut Hill, Florida
Right off the bat, Heather & John being the 3rd & final marriage of the siblings, came with a small amount of pressure to be different than the previous two, unique, and memorable. Knowing my sister, she was acutely aware of this- despite Kevin & I both supporting her and telling her that her wedding would be uniquely different and beautiful no matter what- because it was 'Heather & John's wedding' and nobody else's.

John & Heather searched high and low for where they wanted to celebrate their marriage, and after months- finally decided that their marriage would best be celebrated in a place that was unique to them- John's family farm. About an hour north of Pensacola, it was a beautiful piece of land, with green grass and trees as far as the eye could see.

Similar to Kevin & Leah's wedding, the weather the week leading up to the wedding was NOT looking good. There was a rather large slow moving storm heading straight for Pensacola, that was almost hovering... biding its time until Heather's day. My mother had done enough praying and worrying for everyone involved, as there was no back-up scenario for this outdoor wedding. A while back, I had learned of the "broom voodoo" which as the legend goes- you put brooms in the trees a few days prior to ward off storms on your wedding day. So on Wednesday, John's mother placed a broom in the tree... and would you believe... IT WORKED!! (Well, there were probably a whole lot of other things that culminated in their day being breathtaking... like countless prayers being said around North America) but it makes the story sound better that the broom did the trick :)

The morning of Heather's day was spent getting nails done, and trying to ignore the loud lightning storm going on outside the nail salon.... the boys (Simon, Kevin, cousin Christopher, John & his brother & friends) went out to the farm early to sweep (yes sweep) water out from underneath the reception tent, drop about 500 pounds of pine straw, and work like slaves to get the place ready. Boy did they do an amazing job!!

At 1:30pm the sun came peeking through the trees, and at 4pm when Heather walked down the aisle, there was a breeze and beautiful sun shining down during their entire ceremony. The ceremony was 'short and sweet' just like John wanted it, but rustic romantic like my sister wanted it. It was the perfect balance of the two of them, culminating in a ceremony that couldn't have been more perfectly suited to their tastes and styles.

The reception was a cut above the rest. The food.. including a macaroni and cheese bar, and the cakes were perfectly matched to the weather and the southern vibe and feel that was so effortlessly portrayed. The reception was topped off with a band that was the best live band I had heard in awhile. Perfectly chosen, the band played southern foot stopping music that was so perfect given the setting, and definitely made me stop on several occasions and reflect on how great it was being "back home in the south". I was excited for Simon to be exposed to this as well, because this was the music that I grew up with. While he didn't know the words to every song (but he did know sweet home alabama) he loved the vibe, and was dancing and stomping his foot to every song. As if it was planned (i assure you it wasnt) there was even 4-wheeling in 3 trucks on the field out back during 'sweet home alabama' it couldnt have been better planned! Lots of whooping and hollaring, were had by all, as John & Heather departed under the glow of sparklers. I couldnt have imagined a better day for them. It was the perfect way to top off 3 weddings, uniquely them, and a fitting finale!!! Thank goodness for the broom! ;)

KONA

Every now and then... you get to check something major off your bucket list. One of those 'majors' for me... was the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I remember the first time I learned of the Hawaii Ironman. I was in elementary school, and watched a special on Dan & Rick Hoyt, the dynamic & inspirational Father-Son duo who not only completed Ironman's, but the grueling Hawaii ironman- several times. Its a story I recommend EVERYONE watch, as it is a true example of the power of believing, the personal struggle, and the personal glory of just crossing the finish line in an Ironman. From that moment, I always considered Kona to be the single biggest sporting race on the planet. Little did I know, that one day I would get to be a small part of something so much bigger than any of us individuals participating. This race is so much more than just a sporting event. It is a full test of the human spirit, making sure you are willing to go 'to that special place' just to finish the race. This island is notorious for making you work to get to the finish line. I have been told that the simple act of FINISHING the race, makes it all worth it. I can assure you, that is 110% correct. Run, walk, or crawl.. the desire to cross THIS finish line, and hear Mike Reilly- the now Ironman Hall-of Famer, call out 'You are an Ironman!' after pushing your body through 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and a full marathon, IS worth every single second you spend hurting on this course. All to join the small club of those who have been to & conquered the Big Island. Here is my Kona journey...

We arrived the week before the race. I was told by several friends who had previously raced Kona to come the week prior to acclimate to the weather & humidity. If I still lived in Florida, I probably wouldn't have done this same plan- being that the climates (and humidity for that matter) between Hawaii & Florida are so similar. However, having spent the past year & a half living in Canada, I am starting to feel my 'skin' acclimating to this um.... great white north ;) So a week early we went.. and WOW! I forgot what humidity really really feels like. It was an adjustment.. but as the week went on, I started to feel the southern girl peel off her tundra skin and really feel the hawaiian weather. Before we knew it, it was Saturday morning at 4:15am.. and the alarm was going off for what would be a LONG LONG day, before I would return to this bed.

The Swim:

Everything you have ever heard or assumed about the Kona swim is true. The areal video of the cannon going off and chaos beginning.. is exactly how it feels! Flash back to this summer's Swim Trek in the Greek Islands, and our coach Dan's now famous quote... 'Long periods of calm, followed by extreme moments of chaos'. This is the only way to describe it!

I put myself amongst a pack of swimmers (remember, everybody in Kona got here for a reason- they are fast... and a good majority of the swimmers are fast) and just prior to the cannon blasting there was a massive amount of pushing forwards and backwards all around me- think mosh-pit at a concert. But before we knew it, the helicopter was making its last low pass, Mike Reilly was yelling 'You earned your right to be here, I will see you at the finish line!' and BOOM! The cannon fires & scares the crap out of all of us!

CHAOS CHAOS CHAOS begins! White water everywhere, bubbles, kicked in the face, elbowed in the cheek, scratching at my legs.. you name it. I was surrounded by dudes taking no mercy.. fine- you want to play that game? Time to get run over. I was immediately flashing back to our running of the bulls experience- be angry, 'bows up' and start shoving people around you, or you will get knocked down! At about the half way point I finally felt like I wasn't swimming breastroke. It was bedlam for the first half. I never got a point to stretch out my stroke due to the sheer amount of people ALL around me. By 3/4ths of the swim, I was finally able to get out in a small pack of guys who weren't thrashers and aim for the beach. As we got closer the excitement starts to build. You can literally hear the crowds waiting for you, screaming for you to come back.... AWESOME. I felt the beach, ascended the crooked steps to transition, made it to my bag, changed, and then to the bike.

The bike:

Riding through downtown Kona is such a rush. There are people EVERYWHERE along the course, at the turn around, along the streets, cow bells clanging, signs held high, intense screaming... so cool. We made our way through the town, then back north heading up for the long ascend to Hawi. I was told about the crosswinds. They are legendary. There is a reason everybody talks about them, and I got a chance to be humbled by them the week leading up to the race.

A few days before I went up to check out just how bad these crosswinds were. They were so bad I was blown across the double yellow divider, and after a second scare (at 40mph gusts) unclipped and put the bike in the rental car. I was so mentally defeated, and scared that I came all this way & an element was going to potentially stand between me & finishing this race. But... this is Kona. This is why this race is here, this is what Ironman is all about. Testing your limits to make sure that only the really worthy will have what it takes to cross the line. I went back and talked to a bunch of people, read up on the winds, and was told over and over again to RELAX, as backwards as that sounds, and let the bike move and sway, and just lean into it. Boy did that ever work! Luckily the crosswinds weren't as bad on race day as they were the day I went out there. The head wind was still severe coming up to Hawi, but I was the most terrified of the crosswinds. I leaned as much as I could, and relaxed as much as humanly possible, and was smiling as a I came down the final hill from the turn-off at Waikoloa, because I knew I had come through the nastiest part of the crosswinds. I knew that I was one more challenge complete to crossing the finish line on Ali'i drive! The rest of the bike had its share of extreme heat & headwinds, but the biggest challenge I faced coming back was the mounting pressure to use the restroom. My stomach was churning and cramping & things were happening that alerted me to something 'not right' brewing. I kept telling myself I could take all the time I needed in transition, and suffered through the last 20 miles to make it back into town.

*Please note- skip 'The Run' if you do not like reading about bathroom & female related topics. You have been warned!!

The Run:

I spent my time in transition, between changing, and enjoying myself in the sauna of a portalette (not really, but hey- have to find humor somewhere) and was greeted by not only the evacuation of my bowels, but mother nature herself. Yippie! In truth, I knew she was suppose to strike at some point during the week we were in Kona.. all the signs were there- but I was hoping against hope she would hold off just one more day.... come on- it wouldn't be an Ironman, & it certainly wouldn't be Kona if you weren't tested in every manner possible! So I planned for the worst, and luckily had packed provisions in each of my transition bags. So a lazy transition later, I was out on the run course, cramps and all!! The pavement was a blistering 135F, oh yes... just get out the steaks cause its time to grill baby!! The first 10 miles of the run are in town, in an out and back manner, followed by a 16 mile gut session in no-mans land to the energy lab- which Simon affectionately called the 'energy sucking lab' (he ran out there and back a few days prior and said it was every bit the run he expected- lava hot, painful, no shade, and no mercy!)

So on my out part on Ali'i drive all felt smooth until about mile 5, when my bowels effectively launched 'Operation Evac NOW!' so I sprinted to the aid-station portalette... occupied. Dammit. I banged on the door impatiently that I needed to go, to which the person inside yelled 'Im busy!' ok... 2 minutes later, I decided to try my luck at the next aid station, (the turn around) on the way I came across a little boy holding a poster.. this poster would be the inspiration for the rest of my run, it had but three words: Embrace the Suck. You got that right kid!

Turn around potalette was occupied. Turn around and go back to previous aid station (where there was a portalette) SUCCESS!!! Spend time in the sauna. Come out thinking someone turned down the temperature... nope, 3 minutes later it is still hot.

As I continued again through mile 7, I started to realize I was still needing to go, AGAIN. Oh yes, this would continue for the remainder of the race! Now you might be thinking there is no way a person can produce a #2 for the remainder of the aid stations, but I assure you- one can, if they have spent the week leading up to the race eating enough fresh Papaya, Pinapple, Cantalope, and Honeydew to feed a small country.... oh yes, did you know Papaya alleviates constipation? I do now :)

I passed Simon and my parents at Mile 10, still attempting to run, but knowing my pace had fallen off the wagon. As I neared where they were, I started thinking about bailing on the run- but quickly had my first 'come to jesus' meeting with myself. 'Wait a minute, LOOK AROUND YOU! Do you know where you are?!?!' Yes, you do. Keep going. Ok. I passed them and smiled/ waved, and figured I should just enjoy this. I am not going to do a best time, Im going to have to start walking soon, but at least make it past them! So I jogged past them, up the hill on Palani, and turned onto the Queen K. Ahhh no mans land... This. is. going. to. suck. As I turned onto the Queen K, the pressure from running was putting too much on my bowels and intensifying the sensation to 'go' that I had to slow to a walk. I was now doing my best as$ shaking, side to side, old lady power walk- and laughing at myself.. where is NBC when you need them- this is one of those moments in life. I knew Simon would be tracking me on the iPad, and would see the pace fall way off. I couldn't wait to get back and tell them I got the 'sh#ts'. I was constantly pouring water on myself in shower format and praying I didn't have anything on myself... that'll look nice for the kids on NBC.

Another 4 miles goes by. Now I am WAAAAY out in the middle of no where, just me and lava. Guys are stopping off to the sides and puking. Pros are walking. The sh$t appeared to be hitting the fan all over. I had another 4ish miles before I even reached the turn around. Motivation, energy, and legs were starting to get the best of me. I institute 'come to jesus' meeting #2 with myself, and looked around at where I was. If it took me until midnight, I was going to finish this race. It meant that much to me. Not the place, or the time.. but crossing that line, surpassing my own expectations on this day, and playing the hand I got dealt. Energy lab... yeah, Simon was right. Nothing glamourous. Special needs, WAHOO!! I filled up, and started taking every cup handed to me at the aid station. Water, coke, powerade, pretzel, banana- which almost made me yack thinking about another piece of fruit... but I tried to draw as much energy off the aid station volunteers as I could. They really, truly made the run for me. If it hadn't been for their energy at EVERY single aid station, screaming, encouraging, dumping water on my head- I dont think I could have continued (and god bless the portalettes!!). I continued my inspection of each portalette at each aid station (btw they were NOT next to the race course- but rather down a side street about 100 yards, wtf!) and continued on my way back towards Kona. My watch had gotten wacked during the swim, which subsequently stopped the timer, so I had no idea where I was time wise- nor did I care, but I did know what time it was... and all I cared about calculating was how much time I had until midnight- the official cut off. (Yes, I know I could have done the math based on what time I started and figured out where I was, but my thoughts were on finishing within time, not on what time I would go). Slowly but surely the miles ticked away, and I made my way back to Kona. Tons of people passed me, and it hurt to not be able to go after them... but 'live to fight another day' I always say... so I had to let each and every one of them go... but I knew we were going to the same place, and I knew as I got back to the turn on Palani, that I was going to do this...

The Finish:

I was going to cross the finish line. The same finish line I saw Dan & Rick Hoyt cross. The same finish line I saw in the gatorade commercial with Chris Legh, where he collapsed with 50 meters to go. I was going to CROSS this finish line. I was going to enjoy it. Pain and all.

I rallied something deep inside me to run the last 3k through town to the finish line. Simon met me with about 2k to go and ran with me (faster than me mind you- in flip flops) until I turned & he cut through to the finish line. The screaming started again, the streets were lined with people, as they had been earlier. It was just like the Tour de France- they were so close, only parting ways for you to pass just as you neared them. At 1k to go, a guy yelled 'enjoy the next 5 minutes, they will be the best 5 minutes of your life!'

It was incredible. It only got louder, the people only got thicker on the sides of the streets, and ahead I could see the lights, hear Mike Reilly, and see the carpet. Feel the carpet. Pass the Ford. Flags along the sides of the barriers. Enter the spot lights. Final ramp up to the finish. Oh. my. god!!!!

'Jennifer Vaillancourt of Toronto Canada, by way of the United States, You are an Ironman!!!!'

Everything I ever thought it would be, it was- and then some. Pain, tears, completely humbling elation, surpassing my wildest expectations.

Dear suck, Embrace THIS! :)

Two BQ's in O-Town!!!

This past Saturday Simon & I ventured East to Ottawa to run the Ottawa Marathon! This would be Simon's second time running it, & my first. It was also Simon's big goal race for the spring, as changes to the Boston Marathon qualification process means he needs to qualify earlier than previous years.

His current qualifying time (all based on age-group) is the fastest qual time for Boston: 3:10. I knew Simon had it in him, but after some spotty training before last year's Scotiabank Marathon- he had the speed, but lacked the endurance & bonked at the 33km mark. This year, he set out to train harder, and make a serious attempt at qualifying. He did the work, and BLAZED to a 3:08 finish! I couldn't be happier for him!! :) The best part is... he knows what else he can do to get faster, so I think he is going to pick a late summer marathon to try and squeak below the 3:05 mark- which guarantee's early registration for Boston.

After September of this year, all the BQ times drop 5 minutes, AND this year they are starting a new registration system: 5 minutes or faster than your BQ mark allows you to register in week 1. 4 minutes and to the BQ mark, means you have to wait until week two & its a selection process.. meaning even if you quality- you may not get to race. Not wanting to take chances, I think Simon may elect to do the late summer race & get under the 5 minute mark!


My race was anything but pretty. I knew going in to this, that my lack of long runs & sheer amount of traveling for work would make this puppy hurt. My endurance wasn't going to be there- so this would be a sheer 'finish' race strategy. It would also help jump start my summer training block in preparation for Kona. Let's be honest, with the winter lasting up here as long as it does- its not really feasible to get out and do much IM training before May. So... now that I have officially started my training, here's to the next 5 months!

I started out with a group of runners holding a pace much faster than I should have started out at (given my lack of endurance training) but what can I say- I am a gluten for punishment & all those years of chlorine to the brain has done a number on me! So holding the nice 3:20 pace felt fine until about the 18-19km mark... as I knew I was reaching my threshold of long run training... sooooo at round about 23km I hit the 'bonk wall'. Normally in a marathon I have heard people discuss the 33-35km bonk wall... where you legs just seize up & its hard to place 1 foot in front of the other... yeah- 23km for me buddy! I knew going out too aggressive for my training would come back to bite me- buuuut I just slowed it up a bit... ok, a lot... and tried to not quit the next 19km. I also knew that the 32km mark was ACROSS THE STREET from our hotel, & it took every ounce of my mental strength to not dip out, go to the hotel & take a nice bath. As I watched the people pass me, I kept trying to hang on to someone- but the legs just weren't going to help me today. Today it was going to hurt... baaaaaaad. Crossed the line 10 minutes off my PR, but still under the BQ mark for my AG, so it wasn't a complete disaster, in fact, I was expecting another 20 minutes added to my time- so I guess I came out better than I thought! :)

I guess for me it came down to this: First or last, fast or slow, I am doing something that not many people can physically do. There are people that for whatever medical reason cannot, even if they wanted to, go out and do a marathon. For that reason- there is absolutely no reason for me to quit a race, ever. Even if I walk across the finish line, even if I add copious amounts of time to my PR, at this point in my life the pressure to perform at a certain level- retired with my collegiate life. I do this, because I can- for those that cant.

Rockstar

Well, it is safe to say that trying to manage the triple life of working full-time, working out, and being on tour with a rockstar has made me NOT want to be a rockstar... well, if I had to continue doing all 3!

For the past month we have been on tour, Wild Vines presents Matt Dusk 'Back from Las Vegas' Canadian Tour, across Canada! The good times have been plenty, the short nights of sleep followed by LOOOONG days have been all too frequent, but it has definitely been an experience I will never forget!

Here is one blogger writing about his experience at our Ottawa show:

http://ottawaarne.blogspot.com/2011/04/evening-with-matt-dusk-and-anna-wilson.html

As well as several links to pics online from a few concerts:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?fbid=204351916253121&id=171662312855415&aid=47636

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?fbid=202009339820712&id=171662312855415&aid=46569

Failing at organizing the group photo...

In related news... hubski and I are traveling back to Montreal this weekend for birthday celebrations & the Montreal demi marathon! Next week its back to the tour with Regina & Edmonton!!

And miles to go before I sleep...

Toto, I dont think we are in Florida anymore!

Yes my friends, we are a long way from the sunny beaches & smell of salt in the air that is my home. No matter how many beaches I have visited all over the world- there is no place like home- the home of my childhood. Today, I call a new and adventurous place my home. I cannot even compare the two! One is sunny, and warm, with distinct smells and sounds- my new home, depending on the season, is the exact opposite! New sounds, smells, and feelings- like 'crisp' & fresh, which you cannot even begin to encapsulate into words for the people of my childhood hometown. This surfer girl has traded in her surfboard for two significantly smaller surfboards- that are attached to each foot! (Although, you should know my surfboard actually sits in our apartment in Canada! Right where I can see her :) )
I must say.. I am HOOKED on my new favorite sport of the Tundra- Nordic skate skiing!! Or as it is called in French, Ski de fond! This sport combines it all! Hard work, the thrills of constantly working on mastering the technique, conquering a downhill, and boasting the best athletes of any sport with the highest VO2 max... Nordic skate skiers are the fittest people on the planet. The first time I made it up a hill (which running I would have done no problem) on my skate skis, was after I had to stop mid way just to catch my breath. This sport is not easy. The technique is also a necessity. People who you would consider to be 'not as athletic as you' will leave you in their dust if your technique is sub par, it really is amazing how much it plays into it all!
I am actually getting sad that the season is soon to be drawing to a close. In a few short weeks, almost all the snow base will be gone, and my new skis (Simon bought me new skis!) will be put away in the locker downstairs. The exciting thing is, next season- I will be back!

To say I got to have a 'season' on a completely new sport is a slight exaggeration, but for two months I got to practice my technique each Saturday, in preparation for the Gatineau Loppet 29km race two weekends ago. The race was fantastic, I actually did it, and I finished well below my goal time!! I set a 3hr goal time for myself, not knowing what to expect, but come race day, I was ready to go crush that time (and the fast conditions of the snow helped too!) and came in at 2:00:22 4th in my AG and in the 40's overall for Women (including Pros)... and was more aggravated that I missed breaking 2hrs by 22 seconds.. bah. Next year!
Simon had an INCREDIBLE RACE! I saw his wave B start (you start in waves A-E) as I was in E, and after the first turn around into the woods I saw him skiing strong in 3rd position with two other guys about 20 meters in front of the pack. I knew at that point he was going to have a killer race! And killer he did, clocking a 1:23 for 3rd place in his AG & 30 something overall, including Pros! Next year he will definitely start with the A's & I will probably move up to C or D, just to put myself in a better seeding position.
Next year I will also have my brand new skis & poles (not that my skis and poles were bad- but they were 15yr old skis, the camber was almost dead & the aluminum poles were old and too long for me) which will allow me to technically descend down hills much faster, where the previous skis I was using lost most of their edges & was resulting in me having to slow myself down the hills (pizza slice) to keep from wrecking into trees.
I guess it is time to start thinking about warm weather sports again (by May) but it is still too cold to ride outside, so the bike has remained in the bike box since IMAZ & its been too cold to think about going to a pool... so there hasn't been any swimming since IMAZ. Unless you count the swimming I did down in the BVI with a drink in one hand, swimming out to a big raft? No? Ok, maybe I should go swim soon too. :)




And the new skis! :)