I seem to be climbing a lot on my bike lately.  A ride up Tantalus is a great way to start a morning, so I try to get that in at least once a week.  Add to that Boca Hawaii‘s bike clinic to prepare people like me to bike up Haleakala, and I can count on major weekend hill climbing.  Kamehame Ridge, Alewa Heights, Sierra Drive, Waialae Iki and the infamous Hill Hell Day are all part of the fun. People who…

It’s been 7 weeks since my “10th and final” Ironman and I’m thinking about doing another one.  Well, sometimes thinking about it.  For now, I have a huge goal in front of me–to launch a successful bikesharing program as the CEO of Bikeshare Hawaii.  It is already taking most of my time whether I’m at my computer, on the phone, in a meeting, or tossing and turning in bed with ideas racing through my head.   Many of you know that what makes me tick…

China. Team USA. ITU. World Championship.  I wouldn’t have ever dreamt that these words would come out of my mouth in one sentence.  But if you ask me what’s up next, you’ll hear them all.  And with an undertone of honor, excitement and pride. “On September 21, 2014, I will be racing with Team USA at the ITU Long Course World Championship in Weihai, China.”     The distances and formats of ITU (International Triathlon Union) races vary.  In my…

I consider myself an Ironman after racing at nine Ironman triathlons and earning an invitation back to Kona this year by winning my division at Ironman Brasil. But earlier this month, I also became an IronGirl. And that race has been a major highpoint of the year.   IronGirl is a sprint distance triathlon (500 meter swim, 20k bike and 5k run) for women run by the World Triathlon Corporation, the same folks that bring you Ironman (3.8k swim, 180k…

The two most exciting times for me in Ironman racing are 1)  when I sign up, and 2) when I cross the finish line.  In between those two times, perhaps six months to almost a year, come a lot of highs and lows.  Lack of motivation and simply being tired of it all is perhaps the toughest of the lows.  Being injured and sitting out training and racing is also tough, but it actually grows my desire.   As a…

That worrisome feeling about whether I’ve done enough training for my upcoming Ironman is back.  In full training mode my brain is busily focused on my stroke, my run position, that pothole ahead, or some such thing.  In taper mode when volume is down, there is plenty of time for doubt to seep in.   But, I am ready.  The training is done and now I must taper and prepare. Thinking about adding long, hard training is tempting (to “test”…

Anyone who trains for an endurance triathlon knows that nutrition, hydration and recovery are as important as swimming, biking and running.  They all know it, but when it comes to doing it, they are much more diligent about the swim/bike/run than the eat/drink/rest.  Myself included.   You would think that after training for and racing eight Ironman races and nine 70.3 events, I would have figured out how to get through a tough training day without bonking.  But bonk I…

There were two times in my life when I wanted to be older than I actually was.  First, was the obvious 20 year old who wanted to be 21 so I could legally drink Boone’s Farm and Sloe Gin.  The second was likely less obvious to most people–when I was 59, I couldn’t wait until I turned 60.   Welcoming a major birthday with open arms is a gift competing in triathlons and running races has given me.  I am…

I was still swimming, and it was dark.  The sun had set and everyone else in my training group had finished and changed and were into their post-swim run.  But, I wasn’t alone.  Patiently swimming right at my side into the night, saying “you got this, girl”, was John Sarich.   Johnny was with me when I first entered triathlon as a non-swimmer, lapsed casual biker and 4-mile max runner.  As a coach for Boca and then for TryFitness, he helped…

The Ironman World Championship is known for heat and wind and suffering.  Held on the same Big Island of Hawaii, is the Lavaman Triathlon, known for fun and a great post-race party.  Having experienced my share of suffering on the Big Island, fun and partying  sounded absolutely great.  And it was.  Here’s my recap of the Lavaman Olympic Distance Triathlon, held on Sunday, March 30 2014.   LOGISTICS:  The setting is Waikoloa, a resort area with numerous hotels, condos, shops…