The Swim Bike Family headed to Myrtle Beach, SC for Thanksgiving this year—-and for a first ever Turkey Trot.  [Apparently many don’t go to the beach in 34 degree weather. We do! And saved a ton of money doing so! #swimbikefrugal]

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The Expert and I were up entirely too late—we didn’t arrive at the condo until about 6:00—and after obligatory Turkey Day grocery shopping and dinner—it was 9:30 before we sat down.  The kids stayed up super late and at 12:01, I said, “Well, I better go to bed.”

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I haven’t been training very much lately. My hips have been bothering me, but getting in some swimming, yoga, trainer rides and short runs.  I wasn’t expecting too much out of myself on this one. Especially under the circumstances.

I thought about what Andy Potts said in his Q&A – he likes to see how far he can take a workout— “Can I puke this time?” he will ask himself.

Then he will answer himself, “Yep. I can. That wasn’t so bad.”

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I’ve always had some issue with pushing in an anaerobic state. I can push and go and go in Zone 2 and Zone 3, but the crazy anaerobic-I-can’t-breathe-and-my-lungs-are-dying-state? At some point, I pull back the reins, and I say, “Okay, that’s enough.” I just can’t take myself there.

I was determined to get to the finish Andy Potts’ style.

The kiddos and the Expert had a ball:

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Pretty good crowd at the race. I started out the run walking and waiting for the “start” line—the place where you run over the timing mat. I never saw it. Crap. I must have missed it. Go!

I clicked my watch and went.

Up until Mile 2, I was just fine.  Clicking along at around an 9:30-10:00 pace. The last 1.1 was tough.  With less than a half mile to go, I felt it as I cranked down to 8:30.

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The puke! It was coming! Yes!

Except, I hate to puke. Like hate it. Never do it. Refuse to do it. I can count the times I’ve thrown up on my hands.  Not thrown up ON my hands… but you know what I mean.

With 0.3 left, I stopped and bent over. The puke was coming. Oh no.  My time! No no no!

I swallowed and went to the finish, high-fived the kiddos and clicked my watch.  29:43! Yes! A PR by 1:35.

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We followed the day up with a day in the (indoor!) pool. Crazy Expert swam outdoors in the heated pool.  The pool was warm(er) yes, but it was still cold.

The Expert and I cooked an out-of-the-box Thanksgiving in our rented little kitchen condo (classic green bean casserole, instant stuffing, kicked-up Kraft Mac & cheese, and a quad of Cornish game hens instead of turkey)… wonderful day, wonderful vacation.

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Full of food and love and very happy tonight.

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Today, I am thankful for my family.

My friends.

And YOU.

Hope you had a wonderful day.

10 Responses

  1. Wahoooooo!!!! Had a wonderful day here in PA too! So glad you had a PR and a great little family vacation. Sometimes, it truly is the little things in life that mean so much more!

  2. So excited for you – breaking through the 30 minute wall! WOOT! There is a lot of truth to that whole pushing yourself thing… I have been thinking a lot lately about why my speed has picked up. I haven’t been training any differently really other than maybe dropping back a bit on the biking. In the end, I have come to the conclusion that I have just been pushing myself harder when I run. I *thought* I was doing the best I could before but having pushed past that I realize that maybe I do have something more in there somewhere. Now that you have pushed a little past the comfort zone, it is kind of a confidence booster. You know it is possible, not just a maybe 🙂

  3. Love MB… have never been there this time of year, something to think about ahh so peaceful. Great job on the run, I too did a turkey trot this year with husband and son. Didn’t break 30 mins but close {30:24} still a PR for me 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

  4. I just found your site and it’s what I’ve been looking for. I used to be a runner until arthritis and high arches made the pain unbearable, the surgery with a new titanium screw and joint (yes I sometimes sing the song “Titanium”) Anyway, my husband is an Ironman (florida full Ironman 2013) and I am in awe and very jealous of him. I am trying to work my way back to fighting weight (gained 20 over the past three years being sidelined with foot pain and feeling sorry for myself). I’ve decided to push through the pain and the “you can’t run anymore” from my doctor and train for a triathlon. I have a built in coach, the kids have all left for college and there is finally time for me. The hubby is super supportive. Here’s the problem…. I don’t think I can do it. I’ve failed everytime I’ve tried to lose any weight over the last two years, I hate going to the “puke” stage of working out and I’m terrified. I’m 46 years old, none of my other friends would even consider such an endeavor. I feel alone in a quest that seems like Mt. Everest. so I ask myself why? And try and talk myself out of it. I’m looking forward to following your blog….. Thanks for listening/reading ….. Help anyone? Advice anyone? I’m game for it all….. I think.

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