Whew!!

Time for another update! So the month of May has been an eventful one, as far as racing and training goes.. As I mentioned last time, our 'open water swim mondays' have begun and I cannot describe how greatly this has helped me improve my confidence for race day swimming. The 1st time out in my wetsuit was a stark reminder of how my last (which was also the 1st time ever in a wetsuit!) attempt at swimming in a wetsuit went... It was at Chicago tri last summer... and it didn't go well. That race went OK, but I had a bit of a 'freak out' during that swim... So anyway, the more we've gotten out in the lakes to swim and break in our wetsuits, the more I feel like I'm actually swimming and cruising comfortably along...and I've already seen the benefits of this at races. Last weekend I tested my endurance and recovery by doing 2 triathlons in 2 days... it went well! I started off with the race in Terre Haute... it was a 'spri-lympic' distance (betweeen sprint and olympic), so 800m swim, 25mi bike and 5mi run... my longest race to date! I felt pretty darn good, aside from the side-stitch I got on the run (probably a product of pushing hard on the bike, eating on the bike (1st time for this in a race), and then starting my run off too quickly...live and learn! But I did manage a 3rd place (age group) finish that day. Then the next day was our TNT practice tri for those of the team doing the Elkhart race on 6/12...so it was another 'spri-lympic' with just under a mile swim, 16 HILLY mile ride, and then about a 4.5mi hilly run. I felt great for this race and managed to pull out a big 'W'!! I came in at 1:53 (ish)...which all that really meant was that I was able to push myself in races back to back, felt great, and gained more insight on racing smart, eating/drinking right, transitions, and much more! Training has been going well, too... Our longest group training was a couple weeks ago with a 30mi ride, then a 10K w/ 8 hill repeats in the middle of that...and then another 5K! All in all...took about 3 1/2 hrs... but it was a good one! This past weekend was pretty 'ride' focused with a 50 mile ride (after a 6mi run and 1hr swim) on saturday and then a HILLY!!! (yikes) 60 mile ride on sunday. I'm pretty sure this is the most riding I've done before, so my legs are pretty tired, but again...all in all... I feel pretty good! In other news... Mason got to run his 1st race last weekend, too! They had a 'fun run' during the triathlon in Terre Haute, so Mason got to join in. We have video...and I'll try to figure out how to add that here because it is SO cute... He ran, then would stop, then run and squeal, then stop, notice the 'water'(lake), run, stop to point out a 'doggie', back to running as everyone cheered him across the finish. Pretty cool for such a little guy! So...still having fun with the races... 2 more months to go til the big day!

The training and racing continues!

I wanted to update with a few of the highlights of the last few weeks of training. Things are going pretty well... there's ups and downs, for sure...but I feel good about where things are right now. 1st...I guess a word of warning for those out there that might be doing some training &/or bike riding of their own... LOOK OUT FOR DEER!!! I was out for a solo ride about a week or so ago and I was heading back for home after a nice ride, and I see 3 deer off in a corn field to my right. 'Huh', I wonder to myself...'what will they do'? I was a bit afraid that they might charge at me (not sure why they would do that.. but ya never know!)... But they seem to get a little spooked and start prancing along beside me...and then they DART out in front of me to cross the street?! So 2 of them were far enough ahead to make it safely across without any issues... but there were 3 of them..and that 3rd was not looking too promising.. So I slow, he slows (I'm assuming it was a 'he')...I scream (just a meek 'ah'! type scream..nothing too dramatic)..and he darts off behind me.. WHEW!! Pretty scary moment, seeing as how that deer would have made a significant dent on lil ol me and my bike. So that was that. We've had a couple of rainy weekends here lately, which means rainy saturday bike/run trainings with the team.. Which is actually a good thing because we have to get used to the idea of racing in whatever weather that day has to offer us. But this, too, is new territory for me (just like bundling up all winter to run!). I've found I really like it! We had a rainy 28 mi ride and 6.5 mi run (which..for those keeping track is HALF of what race distance will be) one day; then the next saturday was an hr ride followed by a hilly 9mi run. Believe it or not, I felt pretty good during both of those, but I DO realize that I need to start taking my nutrition and hydration during training times a little more seriously. I always plan well for races (and notice the time improvements for sure!), but as trainings get more intense and lengthy, I need to start fueling myself appropriately. So I will. Live and learn. This weekend was another race weekend. We had the Mini Marathon here in Indianapolis and a lot of us on the tri team were either running the race or there to cheer the rest on. I ran (under the alias of 'Andy Comer' due to some last minute issues w/ our race entries) and pushed hard to get my PR (personal record) of 1:45:05! I felt really good through the race and only felt 'pushed' during the last 1 or 2 miles where I was picking up pace to get to that finish line. I also must add that this was the 1st race that I had done 'officially' for Team in Training (TNT) and was wearing the famed purple jersey and all...and it was great! The support out there was really, truly amazing. Everyone talks about it...I had heard about it from TNT alum, but this was the 1st I had actually experienced it and it was fun! There were 2 gatoraid stops along the coarse that were manned by TNT folks, so that was a wave of 'Go Team' and some individual shout outs (from those who knew I was Sara, and not, as my bib proclaimed, 'Andy'!). But not only that, there were other runners and spectators along the way that would make it a point to say 'go team' or 'go TNT', 'go TNT, you're awesome'...very nice to hear as you're pushing along those 13.1 miles! So that was a good eye-opener to what this organization is all about. And today, Mother's Day (Happy Mother's Day, Mom and all moms out there!!), was full of training, as usual. I met a couple teammates early for a bike/run brick workout on 'Fishback hill'...good times! Then, after a delicious brunch with my family, I met up with some teammates again to do a 30 mi bike ride! So...that's it! This week should be a normal week of training. We start our open water swim trainings tomorrow, which should be an adventure! So I hope the weather holds up for some more great trainings!!

Race Weekend!

Well...it was another successful weekend of racing. Mason and 1 ran a small 5k that was run by a church near our house in effort to raise money for kidney transplant/donors...which is always a good cause.. So we ran that race....and both won our age groups! Ha ha... I was the 1st female to cross the 'big finish' with only 1 guy and 1 kid (yes, kid...he passed me at about the 1/2 way and stuck right in front of me the rest of the way.. I just didn't have the heart to get competetive with a 13 yr old...especially at a church event!) in front of me. And Mason was right with me in his stroller with no one his age in sight! So that was a nice saturday morning.. My coach had recommended we do a short 'brick' that day, so I did a little bike ride prior to the run.. So that was a nice little warm up day to our 1st tri of the season, which was the next day (sunday). Most of our tri team went to do the Carmel Sprint Triathlon this morning... It was BRISK!! To say the least.. The swim was indoors in an amazing high school pool.. Then it was a chilly jog to get on our bikes, just a 10 mi bike and then off for the 5k run! I did well... I actually wound up getting 2nd (or 3rd.. .not sure...it said 2nd on the results at the race, but on-line says 3rd... either way, I'm OK w/ it) in my age group. As it turns out, if I'm ever going to really be up there in the ranks.. I'm going to have to start caring about those darn transitions! I always view them as "oh, what's a few seconds for taking my time getting shoes, socks, etc (and chatting a bit w/ folks around me)" But...from looking at the results...it makes a difference. SO. I don't know... I guess I'll start thinking about it more. But at least I know my actual events (the swim, bike and run) are going well.. I did a 7 min mile average on the run! I think that may be a PR even when I have fresh legs! So that's kinda cool. I like to see improvement! So that was that. 1st tri of the season down... Next up is either an olympic distance in Bloomington (back to those hills!) in early June, or maybe a mid-range distance (just short of olympic) in Terre Haute at the end of May. As usual...I'm itchin' for that next race, so I'll more than likely go for the earlier date. But, again... I'd say this season is off to a good start! My wonderful husband and Mason were there, of coarse, to witness it all... And Matt took some stunning video that I'll try to edit and add something from it.. either pics or video.. so stay tuned!

Fundraising update!!

On the fundraising front...I MUST update you all that I have (since my previous post not even a month ago) reached 100% of my minimum fundraising goal!!! YAY!! That's really exciting...and again, I have all of you to thank for that.. So, THANK YOU ALL!! This is my first foray into the world of fundraising and it has been a great experience. All the money I have raised so far has been from individual donations (and the couple events that I did...but those were still individuals participating and donating..), so it's truly been a 'power of one' situation and it's inspiring to see, to say the least. I also must add, however, that this doesn't mean I'm done collecting donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... the $4200 personal goal that I had set was my minimum requirement for the event that I chose (Steelhead, in case ya forgot), but now that I've reached that, ALL donations/money raised above that goal will continue go to LLS and their efforts to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families... So please don't hesitate to continue to add your donation, if you haven't already. ALL of your support means the world to me and I'm honored to be able to do my part to help raise money for all those that are so greatly in need. Please remember that with these tough economic times, we all struggle, but charities and medical research continue to need our help!... So please just keep that in mind. As always, I thank you for checking in with me and I thank you for your support.
So keep on keepin on! (I feel like I should have a 'catch phrase' or a 'signature sign off'...how do ya like that one.. No?? Too much?? ah..I'll keep working on it..)

Ready. Set. GO!

Hello! Well...race season is now in FULL SWING, so 'ready, set, go' is something heard a lot around here these days (actually, we hear it mostly from Mason who has taken a liking to 'racing' himself just about anywhere..any time... dr's offices, through the house, any ol' place will do! I'm pretty sure he always wins, too, which is good for the self esteem..). My 1st race o' the season was the IU Mini (or 1/2, to most) Marathon, which was a HILLY half, to say the least, and was on a rainy day (luckily I didn't start in the rain.. That's always a bummer... I just got caught at about mile 8 and then it didn't really get pouring until I was less than a minute from the big finish, which was therefore dramatic, for sure!) the 1st weekend of April.. I'd say it went well. Other than the weather, everything else was smooth as butter! I felt pretty good the whole race, except for my legs getting a lil tired by the end due to those hills! But for not really following a training plan, I fared purty darn well. In fact, I ran this one faster than the 'oh, so flat' Indy Mini Marathon just a little less than a yr ago! (my time at IU this yr was a 1:52 and I think, if memory serves me, the Indy mini was about a 1:56) And the hills, I must elaborate a bit to give you folks that are going 'hills in Indiana??'...trust me.. These folks were serious about giving us midwest runners a hilly challenge. It was pretty comical, actually (at least I thought it was). Most of it would be long, gradual climbs and then you turn a corner and BAM! a short steep son-of-a-hampster right there waiting for ya! And in the last mile of the race... TWO more hills packed in there! And if there was a downhill...I don't remember it. But anyway, it was fun. Matt and Mason were there with their new (courtesy of my fabulous husband) 'Team Blunck' shirts on to cheer me on. It's always so amazing to see them...and Mason's really starting to recognize me more as I come running by! The down side of that... he started calling 'up' when I came by the 2nd time and then started crying when I passed?! Oh, dear...we'll have to work on that one... Any way. So racing has started and is going well. Training is still fun and going well... I was even able to get some good runs and trainings in while we were out in Baltimore visiting family and watching the O's home opener (don't ask... for those that are fans, they were a bit bitter about the finish..), which was fabulous fun. We (being Mason and I..Matt has to work) have the Komen Race for the Cure 5k this saturday.. Mason will be riding in style in his stroller, which I will push while I run the 5k (even though they'd prefer we stick w/ the mile family walk...but if I'm going to get everything together and get out there by myself on a saturday morning... I'm running 3 miles darn it... So LOOK OUT! Here comes Team Blunck!). Then this sunday I have my 1st tri of the season! It's a sprint...the swim will be in an indoor pool, but the ride and run are outdoors... I'm looking forward to it! I'll let ya know how all of that goes... Here's some pics of the IU Mini and our trip out to Baltimore..

Here's Mason and I before the start at IU Mini in Bloomington, IN

blowing kisses to my little man! (this was before the tears started...Mason's, not mine..)

Here's my guys! 'Team Blunck'..FULLY decked out in O's gear..

Much needed update..

It's been a while! I almost don't even know where to start... I guess, 1st..let's talk fundraising. So I've made it to 70% of my goal...which is awesome... but I must say, I had my goals set high and I'm a bit bummed that I'm not just a wee bit closer to my minimun by now. Well, let me rewind a bit... I'm 100% greatful to all of my friends and family who have already donated and lent their support to both my fundraising goals and my training...it means so much to me and I thank you all so much! I have also seen a lot of great things that companies in the community have been willing to do to help support the cause as well, which is very cool. For example, if you've never been to Chick Fil-A (which I never had before this..), they. are. amazing. First, they have awesome customer service in their restaurants (what other fast food joint has people walking around the dining room asking if you need any more napkins, sauces or a refill??)..which it seems lots of people already knew about that. But they were also SO supportive of my fundraising efforts and they donated a BUNCH of chicken nuggets for my Gymboree event last weekend...all with really no questions asked...just 'when do you need them?'... I just think that's awesome... They have a fan for life in me, for sure! So with all of this fundraising, it's definitely been a learning experience... I've learned that there is a lot of good out there and a lot of willingness to support a great cause. I've also learned that sometimes, even with the best laid plans...an event can be a bit of a flop. Again, I've had a lot of amazing supporters, but it's hard to not be a tad disappointed when you spend an entire afternoon at an event that you organized...only to have ONE person show up. Ah... Live and learn, I suppose.. (in fairness...I had the Gymboree event on both friday and saturday, and friday was pretty darn successful.. And I should also add that Gymboree has been amazing in that they offered their facilities and supplies and such ALL for the event and ALL for nothing in return...so that was awesome, too!) So anyway, that's how fundraising is going. I don't have any other events planned at the moment... But I'm still happily collecting any and all donataions at the website/link at the top of this blog! Again...I cannot thank all of you enough for donating and supporting me, my goals for training and fundraising, and the cause. I guess my husband, Matt, helps to keep things in perspective and reminds me that I have raised over $3,000 for LLS in just a couple short months, which is GREAT! ...but when I'm training along side the moms of our teams 2 honored heroes and hearing them talk about their 1st time hearing that their child has cancer...about the long years and struggles and ups and downs of treatments... about how they started in with Team in Training not quite knowing what event they could do...but just that they needed to be a part of something to do whatever they could to try to cure their babies... I just want to do more. I want to do my very best to get them and their families the treatment and care and CURE that they so need and deserve...
My training is still in full swing, too, of coarse. My race season officially kicks off this saturday with the IU half marathon...so...let's get this thing started! I'm trying to taper a bit this week to have my legs nice and fresh for the run...but training still goes on. Last weekend, on saturday, our team met up for a lovely brick workout at Eagle Creek. I was only able to stick around for part of it because we had Mason's 1st egg hunt to get to! But I did get in about 10k run, 15k bike, and then a few minutes of hill repeat runs (just for good measure) before I hit the road and raced over to the church for some good family fun!...which was great, by the way... Mason got 3 whole eggs in his robot basket (he picked it out...nice one, Dad!)... He was a bit unsure of the whole things and kept putting the eggs that I was encouraging him to pick up...back into the grass, like "what do I want with that thing??". But then...he opened one to find a mini candy bar...and THEN they were worth holding on to! He did get to take a bite of his 'treat' and he was more than pleased with the mornings events! So that was my saturday morning..then off to my Gymboree event... And that's a day in the life of a fundraising triathlete!! It really is fun, though... I promise!!

I'm FREE!!!

Woo Hoo!! We got outside on our bikes today for the 1st time this season...and though it was only about 30 degrees when we started, it felt GREAT! It's been a long, cold winter of indoor cycling, and there's just not much (that I can think of at the moment) better than getting back on the road. Our trusty tri team met up at 8am today and the group I rode with made it 9 miles on the bike in about 30 minutes (not super fast, but OK for our 1st time out in a while), and then my teammate, Ashley, and I ran a lovely, leisurely 9 miles after! I must say... I love tri training! I do. I really do. And having a team to get out there with (and to help justify riding your bike in 30 degree weather!) helps so much. So that's been my day here so far.

We got back after our long weekend in Playa Del Carmen, MX late on monday, so I kind of crammed a lot of training in to those shorter weeks. I did train while I was away (I know...most call that crazy, but it really was enjoyable), but not quite the same as I do when I'm home. I did get some great runs in on the beach, which is always a welcome change of pace. In fact, here's a little snapshot of what my morning runs looked like last week!

Pretty nice, huh... See, now I don't seem so crazy for wanting to get out to enjoy this scenery, right?? Anyway, it was a great time, but I did miss my little guy, Mason, whom we left at home with his Grandma Bucher. Aside from all the great training I got in this week, I must add that Mason had quite the accomplishment, too!... he's now a proud, official member of the 'no cavity club'! He made it, quite successfully, through his 1st dentist appointment

So that's been our week! All in all, I think it's going well. Fundraising is still going; it's stalled a little bit, but there's still time to donate, so never fear! The link is still at the top of the blog (aptly titled 'my fundraising page') if you want to add your donation. I still have my Tastefully Simple fundraiser going on...feel free to order on-line and add me as your host and your purchase will go towards the fundraiser. Also, if you're in the Indianapolis area and have little ones that like to run and climb and have lots of fun, we're having a Gymboree Playgym for LLS coming up on friday, 3/26 from 4-7:30pm and saturday, 3/27 from 2:30-6pm where donations will be collected, there will be items up for silent auction, food, games, fun, come join! So that's what's coming up with fundraising. I thank all of you so much for the support you have offered. I continue to think of my honored heroes and all of those suffering through treatments and rough times as I head out for my trainings, and it keeps me focused... My eyes are on the prize and every little bit that we all can do to raise money to help these folks helps so much, so thank you for joining me in this great cause!