Race Day!

Saturday morning arrives which was the day before the race. Mom and I got up early packed the car and off to Dallas we went. After about five hours we finally arrive to Plano Cycling to retrieve my race packet which included my bib number, race number for bike, a nice T-shirt, cycling socks and of course fliers for all sorts of advertisements. Normally you get the race number, T-shirt and fliers but when you pay over a $100 for a race I guess socks are included! I also received another shirt after the race! Anyway I was speaking to a volunteer and we were discussing the Lake water and how cold it may be due to all the rain it had gotten. She asked if i had a wet suit and I said "No". I was racing in Dallas, TX and it didn't even occur to me that a wet suit may be needed. Not only was I stressed about the race but now I was worried about getting too cold in the lake. Another volunteer over heard our conversation and asked if i wanted to change my race from the half iron to the Olympic distance. I politely said no thanks but in my head I was saying "hell no, I've been training for months and I don't want water temp to stop me from doing the half". They were both very nice and very helpful, in fact, they sent me to Richardson Bike Mart where they rent and sell wetsuits. Okay, I'm calming down at this point!

On my way to the next bike shop I phoned Brian to give him the heads up on my situation. The situation was I may be renting a suit for $55 or buying one for $300-$400. Yeah, guess which one he wanted to support! I walk in and talk to Cara which was very helpful and i explained my situation. First, I needed a suit for the race and I would eventually need one in Washington State but wasn't sure which one would work in the long run. I thought there might be two suits to choose from but NO, there were about 3-4 different types and I was so confused. I then decided to just rent one for the race which was sleeveless and fit perfect (the scary thing here was I have never trained in a wetsuit). I asked if I could mail it back so I didn't have to drive all the way back to the store and she said that would be fine. Great, got me a suit and I knew I would be fine in the water!

All dilemmas solved and Mom and I drive to our hotel which was a La Quinta. It was nice and clean but in a not so good area. My cousin Bobby told me about it and he was staying there as well. We met up with him and his friend, Jeff. We all four went to the Olive Garden for dinner. We all car bed up on pasta, salad and bread sticks! By the time we got back to our hotel it was going on 8:00. I was getting a bit tired and had to lay out all my gear in preparation for the race. I was a little worried I didn't have enough fuel (gels, snacks etc.) but I felt what I had would get me through. After packing everything up and laying out my clothes I hit the sack and was out in no time. This was a good thing since I thought I may not be able to go to sleep feeling the way I was.

The alarm buzzes and it's 4:00 a.m. race day morning! My stomach is a ball of nerves and I'm not that hungry. There is something defiantly wrong if I'm not hungry. I got dressed, iced my water bottles and forced a bagel with peanut butter, fruit, a hard boiled egg and some coffee down my throat. I new I had to eat so I forced as much as I could without making myself sick. Mom was ready and we packed the car and drove to the park where the race was being held. It was about a 20-30 minute drive from the hotel. It was still dark when we arrived and I had a few moments to gather my thoughts.


I enter the transition area with all my gear and I began to set up next to Bobby and Jeff. We were all there about an hour before the race to prepare and get set up. It was getting near 7:00 so we began to suit up in our wetsuits and head to the water. Mom was great and had the camera ready! The gun went off and we hit the water and i felt great throughout the entire swim. I never had to switch to another stroke and didn't stop. I got to the shore and gave Mom a big smile and began to unzip my suit. I ran to T1 (transition 1) where I stripped off the wetsuit and got my biking mode on.


I jumped on the bike and felt really strong. The weather could not have been better at this time. It was very overcast with a very few sprinkles. At one point my feet were getting cold. I had my motor tab (drink with salts) in one bottle and a mixture of Gatorade and water in the other. I had two gels, energy jelly beans and bars chopped up in a baggie in the front pouch of my bike. I ready for anything, well almost anything! The bike course was a two loop of 24 miles each loop. The road was a bit rough and there were some rolling hills. As I was finishing the first loop, I began to feel a bit tired so I remained with my snacks and gels. I was worried at this point because I new I had 24 more miles to go plus the half marathon. I kept on trucking and I began to feel my second wind. By the last 10-12 miles I was ready to get off the bike and those rough roads. I had no flats and dropped my water bottle only once which I did stop to get because I knew I would need it.


It was nice to see the transition area again. I jumped off the bike and now was ready to run! Towards the end of the bike the sun began coming out and the clouds disappearing. The beginning of the run was a nice shady area through the park and then it took you on the road and then some on the highway. The run was also two loops and the road and highway part were awful due to the sun beating down on you. I was nice and strong for the first six miles but after that I began to fade a bit. I was putting ice under my hat and shooting gel from my bottle and staying hydrated. There were a few people along the way falling out and receiving medical attention. My goal now was to finish without any medical attention! Jeff caught up with me the last 4-5 miles and we kept motivating each other to finish the run. We soon heard the crowd and new the end was near. Before I crossed the finish line tears were rolling down my face and I was waving to Mom. I was so happy to see her and as I crossed the finish line we both hugged and cried. I was proud of myself for my accomplishment and so was she.


I finished 6:42 and 4th place out of my age group. I ranked 2nd in my swim, 3rd on the bike and 4th in the run out of the 5 women in my age group. It was an awesome experience and yes, I will do more in the future!

Trying to Stay on Track

After leaving Yosemite, CA, Brian and I headed to Las Cruces, NM. We drove straight through from California to New Mexico with a total of 16 hours. It was a long drive but we made it through and we were glad to see the Oregon Mountains (Small mountain range in Las Cruces). We stayed three nights and got to visit old friends and familiar places. We went to WSMR (White Sands Missle Range) where Brian and I first met (2004) and the bartender is STILL there. He has worked there for 35 years! Yes, 35 years as a bertender on a Army/Navy base. He is a hoot and so interesting to talk to. When I lived here we would bartend together and I really enjoyed working with him. A few other familiar faces were still there and it was great to see them after 3years, that was the last time we were there visiting. I spent some time with my friend Cindy by enjoying a 6 mile walk along the Rio Grande and then of course had lunch afterwards.

Leaving Las Cruces, NM, Texas/Houston was our next destination which took us only 13 hours. Yes, Mo is still with us and is still a great little traveler. By now we have been traveling for 10 days. The only exercise I have really been focusing on is running because you can do that anywhere. As you have read prior, running in new places is such an awesome feeling. There was one pool but was so short that I began to get dizzy swimming back and forth. As far as the bike, well I didn't have mine, no spinning classes available and not even a stationery bike. Out of the three legs, running is the best NOT to be slacking on!

We finally arrive in Houston April 30th! Brian and I put my bike together the very next day and off I went for a short 15 mile ride to test the bike. I shipped it from Hawaii to Houston (my Sister's) so I would have it for my race. It was so awesome to be able to ride again, the free feeling and the wind in my face. Two days later I got a 24 Hour Fitness memebership so I could have full access of the gym, group classes i.e. spinning and the pool! I did a swim and it felt better than I thought. I thought it would be much tougher due to the lack of swimming over the last couple of weeks. I was happy that my body still felt strong in the water and didn't want to just SINK!

I have one week and two days until my first half iron man and I'm pretty nervous! My goal is to finish!

Yosemite National Park

Wow, it was great to be back in the park after fourteen years! The winding road to the park takes about an hour to get to the valley. As you drive along this road you see miles and miles of pine trees and snow on the mountain tops. The air is crisp and clean as it passes through your lungs. Once you drive through the tunnel, there is a fabulous view of the valley, which was created by glaciers. That is amazing in itself once you see the depth of the valley.


Saturday we hiked Bridalveil Falls and Vernal Falls and it was quite crowded. We didn't realize it was National Park week (entrance is free) and many from all around were doing the same thing we were doing....enjoying Mother Nature at its finest! After the two hikes we were pretty pooped and enjoyed a hot pizza and cold beer at Curry Village. Curry Village is where I used to work many years ago and the memories were flowing. We were very relaxed and had a wonderful day.



Sunday we went back to the park and enjoyed another hike, Upper Yosemite Falls. We hiked about 4 hours and the views from above the pine trees were amazing. There were many switchbacks and the elevation gain was rather steep but challenging. Yosemite Falls is beautiful and breath taking all at once. The feeling you get from Yosemite is so peaceful and the spiritual feeling I feel here is like no other place!


Our hotel was very cozy and "in the woods" kind of feel. It was definitely a new place to run and enjoy the crisp clean air. I ran about 10 miles and enjoyed every mile looking at the mountain tops with snow and the smell of the pines. The picture enclosed is one of the streets I ran along. It doesn't get much better than this!

Back on the Mainland

We boarded our flight Wed. April 21, and the five hour flight went smoothly. Mo was settled in and did awesome for a cat on a plane. A few meows here and there but once he realized he wasn't getting out of his carrier he slept. They had movies available so we watched Avatar. It was a pretty good movie and glad I finally got to see it. The drive from LA to Delano was quite nice. We saw snow on top of a few mountains and the temp dropped to 41 degrees. Mo was content and slept well in the jeep. The picture proves it! :) Once we arrived in LA we waited patiently for our luggage. We hopped on the shuttle and headed to our room at the La Quinta Inn.


We woke up bright and early the next day so Brian could pick up the jeep from the LA port. The jeep is in great condition with no scratches or dings. Brian was sad because his Tom Tom (GPS) broke so he found a Target and bought a new one, a Garmin this time. I said we had a map but he insisted we would "need" the GPS. I have to admit they are pretty useful! Finally we arrive at The Best Western in Delano, CA. Once we settled in Brian and I went for a run, well we didn't run together because he ran 1.5 miles and I ran 4. After the run we hit the pool and I swam a few laps, yes laps which the pool was 25 feet long which made it about 7 yards. Yeah try and get some decent swimming in that. Then we jumped into the hot tub and relaxed for a few and finally got showered and had some dinner at the local diner which reminded me of a "fancy" Denny's! Here we planned to stay two nights and explore Sequoia Nat Park but called and the road conditions up there are not looking good due to snow. We have decided to stay only one night and head to Yosemite today which is Friday. We will stay there for three nights and see as much as we can and hopefully hike around if not too much snow.

Next post will be about Yosemite hopefully with beautiful pictures!

First Stop Navy Lodge

The movers came last Thursday to start packing us out. They finished by Friday and Brian and I are now homeless with no street address. We are currently staying at the Navy Lodge on Ford Island in Hawaii of course and have 4 more days left. Wow, can't believe it is coming to an end so soon.

Moe, the cat has adjusted pretty well. He had a vet appointment yesterday morning and his health certificate reads a clean bit of health! After his appointment I had to kill several hours before hotel check-in. I had lunch with a friend, picked up my race packet for my sprint triathlon on Sunday, and then finally tried to check in the hotel a bit early. No can do said the receptionist! So Moe and I sat in the truck with a nice breeze blowing through overlooking Pearl Harbor for an hour. It was kind of nice to just sit and relax for once. I did talk to my Mom for almost that full hour as well. I'm looking forward to seeing her and my family!

We finally get checking in, taking almost 35 minutes just to get my room. I had four huge suitcases one being a sea bag weighing sixty something pounds. As I wheel my cart past the front desk I ask where is my elevator to my room, her response was "oh there is no elevator for your room"! I then begin lugging the suitcases and not too long after Brian shows up to the hotel and helps me out! NO elevator! What kind of crap was that!

We unloaded and got organized and Moe finally got to check out the room. Cats are very curious creatures and must seek out all ends of the room. The hotel has nice big window sills for him to view the outdoors. He now sleeps soundly knowing one, he is not going anywhere and two he is safe with his mama and papa!


Our first night here I went out with my girlfriends for dinner and some dancing. I haven't been to a club in a long while and it was more fun people watching than it was to dance. I am so happy that I have Brian and don't have to date anymore. It seems really scary these days! Brian went out with his friend and played some darts and had a few beers. We slept in a bit and had some coffee this morning and now on day 2 here at the Navy Lodge!

Transferring

The last time I posted a blog was almost a month ago. Here it is April 1st and I have exactly 20 days left on the island. The weeks and months have flown by this year and I knew it would. We are in preparation of moving off island. Brian has sold some items that we will no longer need such as my surf board! :( We have planned our road trip from California to Houston and have even shipped my Jeep. Things are happening so fast and the worst part of it all is I am sad to leave my very close friends behind. It's great to move around, explore new cities, have new adventures but meeting great people and leaving them behind sucks! Yes, there is email and the phone but what about the coffee and lunch dates? Those are gone unless you visit that person once you have left. Good friends and good people are hard to come by these days which is sad but so true.

I have one more week of work and then it's vacation time for the Rieger's. Brian will be on leave from April 8th until we leave the island which will be April 21st. We are flying to Los Angeles, picking up our car, and staying one night there. Our first stop will be Sequoia National Park for two days and then Yosemite for three days. I'm so excited about taking Brian to Yosemite. We will then drive towards Las Cruces, NM to visit a friend of mine and then finally head to Houston.

We will enjoy the time we have left here and spend as much time with our friends that we can. They will be missed dearly and thank goodness for skype!

Oahu Island Ride

What would be a more beautiful ride then around the island of Oahu? When I was thinking about this I had just over two months left here on Oahu. I thought of some friends that would be interested and loved the bike. I had a meeting at my house regarding this ride with my friends and we all came up with a weekend that worked for everyone. Saturday, March 6th was the day!


During this time while waiting for the big day, a friend calls and wants to know if everyone would like to wear a Spam jersey. Yes, Spam in the can. A little info here; Hawaiians are big on Spam and you can order it in many restaurants around the island including McDonald's. So Spam is a huge thing here!


The day finally arrived and me, Brian and five of my other friends all met at my house at 7:30 am ready to ride. We started out heading East and cycled through Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Pearl City, by the airport, Honolulu, Waikiki, Hawaii Kai (where we stopped for lunch; Greek food), Makapu'u, Waimanalo and finally finished at Bellows Air Force Base. This ride was 52 miles long with a couple big hills to climb. I felt really good after the ride and wanted to go for a jog but the Miller Lite was staring me down so down the hatch it went with four more to follow. I don't normally drink but we rented a cabin on the beach and the setting was perfect for a few beers after an awesome ride. They went down pretty good and knew I must stop after the 5th one because I knew I had seventy something miles ahead of me the next day.

That night we had BBQ and all the fixins (yes I said fixins, that is what Texans say)along with cookies and smores melted by our camp fire. It was a beautiful night and we all got to relax and enjoy the beach, sunset and camp fire!


Sunday arrived and we woke bright and early to finish the ride. We headed out and not even off base yet, it begins to rain. We pull over under a bus stop and wait it out. It finally stops and we begin once again. About 12-15 miles later we stopped at a McDonald's for a breakfast snack. When you are biking this many miles, you are entitled a McDonald's snack! Once again it began to pour cats and dogs so we waiting and took more pictures! Once the rain had settled it was still a bit dark and grey the way we were headed, but we knew we would probably get wet anyway so we got on our bikes and began once again. Sure enough not even five minutes into the ride it begins to rain and it was coming down pretty good that it was beginning to sting my face but we pedaled through and finally it stopped! We were good and wet and so were the roads which is not a good thing for small road bike tires. Then it started, out of seven of us we had five flats. Two people had one flat and my poor girlfriend had three in a row. At this time we were not making good time with all the stops but we kept on pushing through the Windward side of the island.


Finally making a bit more progress we stopped near sunset beach for lunch at Ted's. It was a great place to stop and we were all starving. I haven't eaten this much in one time in a long time but it was so good and so worth it! After lunch the three flat tire friend was not feeling well so her husband came to pick her up. We were all sad to see her go and not finish with us!

At last we made it to the North Shore and was mentally preparing ourselves for pineapple hill! This hill begins by the North Shore and goes up steadily for five miles to the Dole Plantation. We huffed and puffed and all made it to the top. It was quite the hill and would almost like to try it again for training purposes. We were now 20-22 miles from the house and the last 15 miles were some rolling hills and we were cruising at about 25-28 mph. At last we were back at my house and it was six o'clock and we started at nine o'clock that morning. We had completed seventy-six miles and had been off and on the bike for eight hours. It was a great ride and we all had a blast!

Yes, we got the Spam jersey!