On Politics

So you know who I'm defriending next on Facebook? The next person to write, "OMG, I'm hiding all of these political posts because I can't believe my friends have opinions!  And they are DIFFERENT than mine! #IDontCareAboutPolitics. Except enough to want to defriend you over it."

And after that?  The next person that posts this e-card on their Wall:

From Someecards.com

Did you really think that your friends were mindless dolts with no relevant thoughts?  Were you not aware when you hit "accept" that these people might not share the same beliefs, thoughts, or political views?  If you hate their personalities, why are you friends with them anyway?

The third group that may lose the illustrious title of my Facebook Friend in this Election Year is the group that continues to post something along the lines of, "Like your Facebook status is really going to change my mind!"  Am I the only one who believes that debate and the exchanging of ideas and information is what will move our country forward and get us out of this Partisan Disaster?  What's wrong with reading an article on someone's Wall and saying, "I feel that is biased because it was reported by XYZ News Outlet...here's a post from the other side."  Or, "Here's the full text of Candidate A's comments, if you read it all, you will see that he is misquoted in this snippet that you posted."  Or better yet, if you're the one that posts a misquoted snippet and is called out, wouldn't it be nice to respond, "Oh wow, I see how those words were misconstrued or taken out of context."  And finally, if you really disagree, "That's against how I feel or believe, but to each his own, maybe if you understood where I was coming from you would understand why I feel this way.  Perhaps we could talk about it sometime." If we insist that what we believe is always right without listening to other opinions, we will never achieve compromise or progress, in my opinion anyway.

And for those of you in the #IDontCare camp...shame on you!  Perhaps you should move to a Communist Country where you don't get to have an opinion since you're happy to move along in his world without a thought.  We live in the Greatest Country in the World!  One where our candidates can argue on a public stage, broadcast by multiple TV networks for the entire nation to see, and then shake hands at the end.  While there are some that will disagree with me here, I don't believe for one second that you decide to run for President of the United States of America if you don't genuinely believe that your ideas are what is in the best interest of this country and it's people.  Here's the deal, we only have two candidates with a chance of winning...one of them will win...which means one of them will be leading us Americans.  Have a say, will ya?

Many people say they don't vote or can't choose someone because they don't fully agree with either candidate.  Unless you actually are that person, NO ONE believes everything their chosen candidate says or does is what's best.  But you don't need to vote for someone because you share all of the same ideas, you just need an educated, logical reason.

So here are my suggestions on how to be part of the system without me (or anyone else who gives a damn) dropping you from our friend list:

1. Think about two things: What issues matter most to me? and What issues matter most to this Country?  (There are many items to choose from: Foreign Policy, Health Care, Citizens' Rights, States' Rights, Unemployment, a Balanced Budget, Women's Rights, Gay Rights, Gun-Owner Rights, Agriculture, the Environment, Public Health...and so many more.)  
2. Once you have a priority list, do some research as to which candidate seems to have a plan that is aligned with your belief system.  (Word of caution here: In the month of October, candidates are trying to win over people "in the middle" so answers you find in the media might be a little vague.  A quick trip to the candidate's website should clear things up.)
3. Choose the candidate that seems to have a plan to help you with the issues you've chosen as your top priority!  It's okay if you're split on #1 and have to go down your priority list a little further, it can happen.
4. GO VOTE!  On election day you don't need to disclose to anyone who you voted for, but you will know that you voted for someone based upon your priorities and beliefs.  Should someone ask you and you wish to disclose you can confidently say, "I voted for Romnibama because I support X and he does too." Or, "I think Obaney's plan for job growth will positively impact the industry from which I am currently jobless."  
5. Do not judge those who voted for a different candidate than you did, they have their reasons and priorities as well.  Perhaps you can even have a discussion about why you each voted the way you did so you can achieve a greater understanding of the other.
6. Don't whine if things don't go your way.  Don't threaten to move to another country (unless you are the a fore mentioned thoughtless, absent-minded person that posted #IDontCare, then by all means, go on not caring somewhere else.)  Just because one party wins over another, it doesn't mean that your thoughts and ideas are gone now too, it just means that you need to continue to be involved about what matters to you and how the political system can help you as a citizen achieve what matters to you.

Now get to it!  Below are cheat-sheets to help you with item #2.  You don't even have to use Google. 

http://www.barackobama.com         http://www.mittromney.com

Poconos 70.3 Race Report

So here it is...a race report from the most disappointing 29 minute PR ever.  Sorry for the length.

"The hardest part of finishing is starting."  This couldn't have been more true for this race.  Sadly,  this event corresponded with my school's New Student Orientation, for which I am solely responsible.  On top of Orientation, I've recently assumed responsibility for our International Students.  Many of which planned to arrive (planned being the operative word) over the weekend.  A series of unfortunate events and some snafus with Immigration greatly delayed me getting to Packet Pick-Up and another very special event, which sadly, I had to miss completely.  Luckily, around 3pm on Saturday, I was able to leave my post at Orientation and race like a lunatic to the Poconos in an attempt to get to the Expo before it closed.  

Around 5pm, I made it to the Expo.  It was in the same dark, windowless room as it was last year.  The volunteers were wonderful in helping me get my wristband and pack of bags and stickers (point to point race).  Sadly, as I went to pick up my t-shirt (it should be noted here that I registered for this non-sold out event shortly after registration opened), I was told that only Large and X-Large shirts were left.  As was the case with the New Jersey State Triathlon (for which I also registered early), my husband got a fantastic tech shirt to run in.  I asked if there were directions for getting to each Transition and was told by the lead volunteer, "We sent you this in your Athlete Packet, use those directions."  I was a bit annoyed, but knew I had the packet in the car, so we departed for T1.  

The swim start was only 4 miles from the expo and was quite easy to find.  I would have greatly appreciated the lead volunteer telling me, "turn left, drive 4 miles, turn left again at the sign" instead of having me sit in the car cursing my phone for 10 minutes to tell me that very thing.  We made it to T1 without issue.  I was able to set up my bike (but nothing more) in preparation for the race.

Next, it was off to T2.  It was only a few miles from T1, but it took 45 minutes to get there.  I made it there with plenty of time to spare to drop off my running gear...shoes, socks, hat & race belt.  I hadn't yet talked to my coach and was quite nervous.  Luckily I ran into training friends Patrick and Brady whose familiar faces  were a welcomed sight. 

After that, we were off to the Ramada Limited in Tannersville, PA.  Check-In was a breeze.  The Husband checked us in and I had a few minutes to chat with my coach, Jack (well-deserved plug here for Walton Endurance).  Jack is one of the most positive, yet calming, influences you could possibly imagine.  When it comes to racing, it's very matter-of-fact as to your race plan and then the rest is mental affirmation...eg - "Believe you can finish in the top of your age group,"  "Know that you're capable of running 9:40s," etc.  After our chat, I knew this race was going to be a huge PR.  How huge was going to now be the question.

The Ramada first put us in a Smoking Room (seriously, that still exists!).  Though it had a great fireplace, 20 seconds in the room and I felt like I was being strangled.  They agreed to move us to a room that didn't have the mini-fridge, microwave or fireplace, but was Non-Smoking and had a Jacuzzi tub...in the middle of the room.

Only two shower curtains between the toilet and the bed - awkward!

We went to a local brewpub for dinner.  I had a  few sips of Stout, Husband enjoyed the beer sampler.  I had a wonderful pasta dish and was happily tucked into bed by 9pm.

I slept like a log.  I woke up around 4:45am, mentally walked through my race plan again and got out of bed just before 5am.  I had some coffee and a Clif Bar.   The Husband drove me to the Shuttle Stop to get to T1.  I was lucky enough to sit with a great guy from central New Jersey who was an accomplished runner but in his same year (two and a half) of triathlon as myself.  We had both been cursed with cancelled swims in 2011, and badly sized t-shirts in 2012.  Chatting with him calmed my morning anxiety.

We finally arrived at the start and it was cold...very cold.  I went to my bike to check the brakes, put air in my tires and set up my bike gear.  I had been there just a few minutes, when I mentioned to one of the women next to me that I wanted to use a Port-o-John.  She pointed to a VERY long line, with less than 20 Port-o-Johns and said, "I waited for over 30 minutes, it's 6:45, you'd better get in line."  I quickly got air in my tires, laid out my gear, grabbed my wetsuit, goggles, cap, Morning Clothes Bag, and got in line.  My wave was slated to start at 7:18am.  At 7:15am I was still 10 people back in line for the restroom and the gun hadn't yet gone off for the Pros.  After using the facilities, I handed my Morning Clothes Bag to another competitor's mother, who was nice enough to run it to the bus (as it was pulling away) and we took off in a sprint to the water's edge.  I had just barely zipped up my wetsuit when my wave entered the water.

The water was frigid.  We all gasped as the chilly lake water creeped into our wetsuits.  I immediately went to the right side (knowing we were making right turns) and got to the front.  The gun went off and we took off at a furious pace (mostly to try to warm up).  A few girls took off never to be caught.  About 10 other girls were in a pack, swimming at a good pace.  I decided to draft off of this group and see if I could hang with them.  For the entire 1.2 mile swim we took turns swimming over each other, drafting, passing the violently thrashing men from the previous wave, and pushing each other.  There was never a moment of peace for the 1.2 miles.  I swallowed way more water than I wanted, but came out of the water 16th in my Age Group.  Though I lost track of the others in the final 100 yds., the results show that 9 girls from my age group finished within 20 seconds of my time, so the pack stayed mostly in tact through the finish.  I was feeling great knowing that I was somewhere near the top of the group.  In fact (though only by 6 seconds), I actually beat the overall Age Group winner in the swim portion!

I had a great transition and despite not being able to feel my feet, and took off down the 4 mile descent that was the start of the 56 mile bike ride.  In my previous 70.3 races, I had only averaged 15.5 mph on the bike.  I wanted desperately to have an average of over 16 mph.  I'm happy to report that my Garmin showed 17.9 mph as my moving average.  I felt so good on the bike...easily climbing the hills, pushing hard in the big ring on the flats and passing lots of people.  Shortly after bottle exchange around Mile 40 however, my stomach started cramping.  I shrugged it off, slowed down a little bit and pushed through.When I arrived at T2, there were no other bikes on my rack!  I told The Husband that I didn't feel too hot, but was so excited about the bike situation, I threw my Newtons on and took off.

Still feeling pretty good about this race!

 I happened to glance at my Garmin about .5 miles in and I was running 9:22s.  Holy crap!  I've never run under 10:30s after a swim and bike!  The excitement was fleeting as it all fell apart just before the 2 mile mark.  My stomach started cramping severely, forcing me to walk.  A few seconds later, I was throwing up on the side of the road.  At Mile 6, I had my head on a water station table and was sobbing.  My mind had long gone to a dark place...I was mad at Mark for not coming to get me when I told him my stomach wasn't feeling great at T2, I was mad at every volunteer and competitor who told me to "keep going" or "hang in there,"  I was mad at Jack for telling me I could do this, when clearly I couldn't, I hated myself for every run I'd missed or cut short, and much of my misguided anger was at the Official Motorcycle for not letting me jump on the back and take a DNF...  After being sick again around Mile 10, I started to feel okay.  I started to jog a little faster and finished the last 3 miles feeling pretty good. The last two were even under a 10 minute pace.  My half marathon time was my worst yet, 2:20:34, a 10:43 pace.

I finished the race in 6 hours and 15 minutes.  About 29 minutes under my Syracuse time of 6:44.  My goal at Syracuse had been to break 7 hours and here, I'd beat that by nearly half an hour.  After getting my medal, I took my heat blanket, sat on the sidewalk, and cried.  I've only ever set measurable and attainable goals because I hate to fail or be let down.  I always play it safe so that I feel accomplished when things go better than expected.  As an example: it's been nearly 15 years, but I still regret applying to a "reach" school for college.  Of course, they rejected me, the only school that did...and to this day it upsets me.  Not because they said "no," but because I knew they would and took a chance anyway.

After the race, I was sad that I foolishly let myself believe I could run a sub-10 pace after a swim and bike, I immediately thought, I'm NEVER doing this again.  My typical reaction after a race is "When's the next one?"  A few minutes later the Husband found me, pulled me off of the curb and told me how proud he was of me.  I realized I was proud of myself too, 29 minutes is still 29 minutes, a great PR!  And I didn't flag down that motorcycle and beg for a ride to the finish.  Sure the run was a complete disaster, but I used to hit my brakes at 30 mph on biking descents and I'd hit 43.7 mph during this race, I'd hung with the top girls in the swim, and most of all, I faced adversity and gutted it out, that was something to be proud of.

I have no idea why my stomach decided to revolt, perhaps I didn't mix the right amount of powder into my water bottle, perhaps I swallowed too much lake water during the swim, who knows.  It wasn't a matter of training, that's for sure.  Other than a tiny bit of soreness the day after, my body felt great.  Maybe I did push outside of my known limits, or maybe it was just some bad luck.  The only way to know for sure is to train hard during the winter and try again in 2013!


Other stuff:

• Though I was critical of the Expo, I highly recommend this race.  The new course is great, challenging, and lot of fun, especially those first 4 miles!  Point-to-point races are a pain in the ass, but this one is very well-organized.  The Finish Line Festival is awesome, especially for families.  Gear retrieval was no problem at all.  More Port-o-Johns are needed and I think some of the Shuttle Buses arrived late in the morning, but those are things that can easily be worked out for next year.  
• People often ask why I utilize coaching for triathlon: Am I trying to win something (like money)?  Do I want to be a pro?  Isn't coaching just for people trying to be on the podium?  I'm sure I could write another blog post (and just might) about why coaching is such a great idea.  For me, it's about structure, learning something new (I've only owned a road bike for two years now) and having someone help push me beyond those comfortable limits.  It's as much about a physical challenge as it is a mental one.  I'm doing an Ironman next year and I can't imagine navigating such a task without a training group and coach.  For those who have asked, I'm coached by Jack Braconnier (Professional Triathlete) at Walton Endurance ( http://www.waltonendurance.com/).  As proof that coaching isn't just reserved for Elite Athletes, Walton put my PR on their wall of recent highlights!  Of course many people are up there for winning things, but they celebrate those of us who just want to get faster too!

From Walton Endurance Facebook page.