Iron Will

The Goat completed the St. George Ironman in 13 hours 23 minutes.  He woke up at 3AM for a gourmet breakfast of 1000 calories consisting mainly of liquids.  A banana, pretzels, and Ensure drink graced his stomach, destined to guide him into the long day ahead.  He left the house at 4AM and caught the big yellow school bus out to Sandhollow Reservoir, with the other athletes, arriving there around 5:40AM. 

I left the house at 5:30AM, and by the time I got to the fair grounds it was obvious that everyone else on the road was heading the same direction as me.  It was a long steady stream of traffic.  It was kind of pretty.  After I finally made it to the parking lot, everyone loaded like sardines into big yellow school busses.  Eventually, the busses arrived at Sandhollow Reservoir. 

The sun had yet to come up, and the crisp cool morning air was filled with excitement.  I had been to several triathlons at that same location, but I had never seen so many people there in all my life.  It was amazing.  

It didn’t take long for the announcer to call all athletes to the race chute.  The Goat slipped off his wedding band and tossed it to me, saying it was too loose and would fall off.  “Don’t lose that.”  He laughed not showing any signs of being nervous.  I watched him line up with the others, feeling proud of the moment. 

I lost sight of him when all 2000 athletes headed down to the water.   The visual of so many people in the water at once was incredible and inspiring.  I was chilly sitting there on the rocks taking pictures and wondered if the athletes were cold or quickly warming up as they raced across the lake.  The route looked so long, so far, and I couldn’t believe how fast they were swimming.  

I snapped more pictures than anyone could possibly need and sat there and took it all in.  It was beautiful as the morning sun rose up over the lake.  Everything about this race splashed magic on all the spectators as everyone watched in awe.

I headed over to the transition area hoping to get a peek of the Goat on his way out on the bike.  It was so crowded that it was hard to find a spot for peeking, but I found one.  I waited eagerly, very focused, determined not to keep taking pictures of the wrong guy.  

First, it was guy who looked just like the Goat from the helmet all the way down to the bike.  The bike was wrong, and then I knew it wasn’t him.  Next, I started with the bike.  The bike was his, all the way up to the body.  Then I knew it wasn’t him again!  

About that time I noticed a news camera man sticking his giant camera right in front of me.  I felt annoyed with him and said to my daughter….”What does that guy think he is doing putting that camera in my way like that?  I want him to move it!”  About that time the guy walked right up to me and said, “Can I interview you?”  I looked at him like he was insane.  

“You want to interview me?  Uh….I don’t think so.”  I said.  “I promise you it will be totally painless.”  He said as he pinned the microphone to my jacket.  “Why did you pick me?”  I asked.  “You looked so focused, so intent to get the perfect shot, it had to be you.”  He said.  I laughed and went ahead with it. 

To make a long story short, the most important question the reporter asked me was:  “What would you say to someone who says doing an Ironman is CRAZY?”  This was comical to me because I had just had this discussion with someone.    

“What is crazy to me is someone having no goals, no ambition, no dedication to anything or anyone.  Doing an Ironman requires dedication and commitment and completion of a goal.  I admire that, and it’s not crazy!  It’s great!”  

After my moment of stardom on camera, I got re-focused on the race and immediately spotted The Goat in his bright yellow jacket.  I snapped more pictures than I can remember and then ran down the sidelines of the bike chute as he made his way out onto the course, hoping to catch another shot.  

He disappeared, and I figured that was the last I’d see of him for a while.  That’s when I looked up and saw him changing out a flat right at the end of the bike chute.  It was like the Tour De France tire change since it took about 4 minutes or less.  It was amazing.  He looked right at me but later said he didn’t remember seeing me at all.  Ha ha.    It was another photo op for me, as he jumped on his bike and headed out for the 112 mile bike ride.  

He was gone, and I was ready to leave Sandhollow.  Little did I know that I would be stuck on a school bus until the very last swimmer got on the bike.  It seemed like forever, but finally the busses took everyone back to the fair grounds.  Locating the car was a different challenge.  The panic button came in handy.

I went back home and checked out the live coverage.  It was great coverage, and I felt like I was watching the Tour De France.  The live web cam was amazing.  

Later when I was down at the race finish, I was really glad other people were watching it because they knew more than I did when it came to Goat’s progress.  It was amazing to get the updates, and it made the waiting game a lot easier.    

Goat’s brother became an expert on the course and giving updates.  I was so glad because it made it even more exciting!  All my friends and family were texting me and checking on The Goat too.  Everyone was so excited!

You’d think I was doing the hard part of the Ironman race if you heard the complaints or watched my two year old attempting to destroy a Japanese Garden at the park as I waited with the kids for The Goat to appear.  The posters turned into scribble pads and wings as they entertained themselves for hours.  

By the time I heard the Goat’s name announced I could not be happier!  I watched for him, and it was so crowded that I had a hard time seeing him.  I saw him, and then he disappeared.  Then he reappeared guided by two volunteers after he had collapsed.  But of course he had a big cheesy grin on his face.   I met him on the way out, and he was a sweaty blabbering mess as he gave me a kiss and tried to tell me his muscles were giving out at the finish.   

I left him on the grass in a blanket to recover since he was not ready to get up yet.  I went and got his bike and bags hoping to find him in better shape upon my return.  

He was still staggering a bit but talking up a storm.    His fan club began to call and text, and it was apparent that this was one happy Goat.  

A baked potato and some pizza were his request.  How he had so much energy after such a grueling day was beyond me, but this man/goat out lasted me.  I dozed off around eleven, and he said he was awake most the night.  I guess he was so wound up, so excited, and proud of the accomplishment that his brain wasn’t ready to rest with his body! 

I am so proud of The Goat’s dedication and ability to follow through on this goal.  The mental effort is equal with the physical effort because I honestly believe that a strong body also requires a strong mental will power to accomplish this.  A strong mental will power is the drive behind everything and everyone that ever becomes anything; so I score The Goat an A!  I admire the strong will.  

“Goat, you are an Ironman again!”  2.4 mile swim-112 mile bike ride-26.2 mile run!  Wow!  Well done. Well done.  

The race details can be found here:   http://www.ironmanusa.com/results/index.php

http://www.ironmanstgeorge.com/ 

Farm Animals in the City

Some of the city ordinances were recently changed regarding what types of animals can be kept within city limits.  I began to ponder what category a goat might fall into.  That's when I decided to ask my uncle, who is a building inspector.  He is around codes and ordinances every single day.  If anyone would know, he would.  I said, "Uncle, is it illegal to keep a goat within city limits?"  He said, "Not if it's your favorite goat and you keep it in the house."  Looks like I am in good shape.

The pre race days are melting away one after another like the mountain snow feeling the current 80+ degree temperatures!  If a calendar on the wall isn't proof enough, the big orange signs placed throughout the city on the course will warn everyone.  No more pretending that time is secretly on hold.  This race is coming quickly!

The Goat wanted to do a practice round in the time of day that the race will take place.  Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far; so it was a good test.  Just in case the heat  hits May early, he wanted to know if his nutrition plan was going to work or not.  He has done more research than I can explain here on proper nutrition during this long race and has had to experiment with a few things to figure out what his stomach can and cannot handle.  Apparently after so much exercise for so long, the stomach shuts down; so the trick is keeping hydrated and enough calories to keep going without puking.  Sounds like fun eh?

I was relieved to hear the Goat say that he's getting tired of all these killer long bike rides and runs and is ready for a break.  I thought I'd never hear him say that.  Wow!  He said it!!!  He said he was planning to wear his ugly old jersey because his new one is "too hot."  I said....."Um.....no....you're not wearing that thing.  You worked this long and hard and you will wear something NICE if I have to design it and make it myself."  I will confiscate that shirt if he tries to wear it.  Gross!

To add to the wild weekend coming May 1st, we are expecting puppies!  Whew.  I could be wrangling the paparazzi job at the same time as baby bullies.  But I'm so excited!  :)  Ruff Ruff Bahhh Bahhh

Oh, supposedly the weather forecast right now for Ironman weekend is cloudy!  The Goat has his fingers crossed.  A delay in the Southwestern Heat could be a magical relief.  Goooooooo Goat!!!

Onward Goat

The Goat informed me today that he only has one more week of hard training left before he tapers off in preparation for race day.  He said it was time for another blog entry, and I didn't explain to him that I'm failing my courses in glycogen storage and also have lost track of where he is riding, running, or swimming on any given day.

I couldn't remember how many eload packets he said he ate on his 100 mile bike ride yesterday, but I did pull out about a dozen from the back pocket of his bike jersey when I was doing laundry.  It's a good indication that I am becoming more and more clueless when it comes to these excessive miles and/or calories needed to continue this quest. 

Since I am admitting to my inability to follow the extreme excesses of this training plan I will just link you up to the facts.  Here is the story on glycogen.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycogen

I do know that The Goat gets an upset stomach when he tries to process certain electrolyte drinks/and or foods during those long runs and/or rides.  But he swears by eload.  Here is the story on eload.  http://www.medioncorp.com/e-load-snapshot-p136227

The St. George Ironman is supposed to be one of the most difficult of these type of races.  The Goat has been training on the actual course as much as possible.  Now if that doesn't make him feel extra confident, his Goat horns are growing into his brains, making him confused.

He keeps asking why I am yawning or why I am so tired, and I say "I don't know."  But truthfully, his training is exhausting me.  Or could it be his "mini-me" trying to be just like daddy?  I don't even need to work out anymore because The Goat is doing enough for all the neighbors and me.  Crossing the finish line would be cool if I could hook my cart up to The Goat and crack the whip.   

Here are the details of this race.  Does this look like fun?  Check it out!

Onward Goat!  The big day is fast approaching.  Stay tuned! :)
http://www.ironmanstgeorge.com/course.php

The Cold Hard Facts

 Open water swimming in 52F water may be wonderful fun for the Goat, but for me it is about as alluring as a root canal.  The Goat went to the dentist today, in addition to his open water swim; so maybe he just loves self torture.

He disappeared into Sandhollow Reservoir today.  I had to refuse his tempting invitation to join the fun.  I will be ready and willing when it's 100F outside with the sun is shining over water temperatures in the 80's. 

My mind began wandering tonight, thinking of how cold that water was!  I gathered a little information just to quench my own active and curious imagination.
     
Hypothermia occurs when normal body temperature of 98.6F drops below 95F.   Body heat is lost quicker in water.  Exposure to water temperatures of 50F can lead to death in an hour.  Water temperatures approaching freezing can lead to death in about 15 minutes, and temperatures as high as 79F can lead to hypothermia after prolonged exposure.

It's dangerous to swim in water colder than 70F without some type of thermal protection.  The following website explains the different types of wet suit thickness for varying temperatures.
  http://www.menswetsuit.net/

Obviously, adding a wet suit to the equation makes a big difference.  The wet suit catches a layer of water between the skin and neoprene.  The body's heat warms this layer of water making it more comfortable, safer, and possible to swim longer in colder water. The better the fit of the wetsuit, the more effective it is.  The more body movement produced, the more heat will be also be produced. 

How to Select the Right Wetsuit
http://www.onetri.com/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=2

Close Out Wet Suits from Last Year
http://www.trisports.com/blueseventysynergie.html

The Blue Seventy Web Site
http://www.blueseventy.com/

Goats eat Butterflies

The days have turned into weeks and the weeks into months, adding up to almost a year!  The big day rumbles, like the stomach of a hungry lion on the savanna, with only two months left before the feeding frenzy.

Do goats simply eat race day butterflies when they get them?  He says he gets them, but it doesn’t look like it to me!  He must get them and eat them when I’m not looking!

He has three, one-hundred mile bike rides to complete this month in addition to the short rides.  His runs are 13+ miles in addition to his shorter ones, and he swims when he can, usually going back to work with big scary rings around his eyes from his goggles!  At the end of this month he will begin to taper off for the last four weeks prior to race day.  The paparazzi will be ready!   

Defining the Short Ride

“Anything other than stay is go.  Anything other than yes is no…” like the John Mayer song says.  In Goatology this means “Anything less than a 50 mile ride is a short ride.  Anything more, and he’s going alone!”

Sometimes the short ride is more than a ride.  It’s an excuse to explore, inhale, and simply enjoy pretty surprises.  Last time I went with the Goat on his short ride, we stumbled upon something wonderful.  The ride was on an incline against the wind for 8.5 miles, no big deal for the Goat, but I was considering a tow job.    Luckily, at the top  was a beautiful village that made it all worthwhile.  http://coyotegulchartvillage.com/

We stopped to look around and take a break.  Goat had a coffee while I sipped a nice hot mint tea.  It was so relaxing that I forgot we were in an outdoor café as I put my bike shoe on the table and kicked back looking at the moon coming over the red mountains in the afternoon light.  We checked out the menu and decided it’s on the “to eat at list.”      http://xetava.mondodesigner.com/s/?CFID=574797&CFTOKEN=33051418

The ride back was all down-hill and beautiful!

Goat in O-Zone

I’ve been slacking when it comes to keeping up with the Goat, but maybe that’s just my subconscious common sense kicking in to save me. Keeping up with his blog ought to be easy compared to keeping up with him in general, but lately I can’t keep track of or understand his “work out lists,” let alone keep up with him. I’m working on a translation dictionary in Goat.

The dawn of twenty ten brought the Goat into the “O-Zone!” This is my definition of his “Obsessive Compulsive Zone” where his detailed work-out schedule would tire, weaken, or kill most, just from reading it. But to him it’s spiritual gospel in his own religion, and he takes strength in the details. I stand back to catch my breath, happy with a ten mile bike ride, as he heads over the hill pushing for sixty, seventy, more, more more.

Part of the weekend ride was seventy plus miles to Zion. I drove out and met him there while he powered off the “O-Zone.” The next day we made the 17 mile round trip ride through the park and back down pulling the Burley. I was excited when he said he was getting a good work out pulling the trailer, thinking maybe my rides are harder than I think.  The trailer=20lbs+baby=23lbs+stuff=8lbs=51lbs! Ok, ok, so we had a nice ride minus the rude California drivers who wanted to kill us. The park was quite crowded because of the holiday weekend but as beautiful as ever! The Goat logged in some running while we were there too, but I lost count how many times or miles. Like I said before, I cannot keep up with or understand his work out bible. The language, to me, is ambiguous but beautiful.

 I didn't know there was time travel in the basement, but it's possible when it rains.  He rode to Zion in the basement, 67 miles, in the rain, watching movies.  Magic.  The Goat is on track for his resurrection in May for completion of the Saint George Ironman! The count-down is on for the Goat.