Santorini Dream Wedding

"What would your dream wedding be?" That was the question. Well...besides "Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"

When we initially started thinking about our wedding ceremony, many ideas came to mind and we went back and forth between having a small traditional ceremony and reception locally, more of a destination wedding with family on a beach, or just simply saying "I do" in a familiar forest. We actually almost went through with wedding in Sedona, AZ a couple days after Snowman proposed at the Grand Canyon. A lady wearing a long flowing dress was to meet us at Merry Go Round Rock. It didn't go through and wasn't meant to be...because something else was:) Then we were set on a ceremony under the stars at the Observatory in Cincinnati. Once we escaped from the impulsive let's just do it, and the concerning "how it should be" thinking we reached ourselves. We thought about why we are together, what brings us together, and what this marriage truly means to us.

Love is beautiful. Love is easy and natural and even more beautiful when we're alert to the present moment and expectations, judgment, assumptions are non-existent. We are just two people who want to give each other this love and help each other be loving energy in the universe. Inspiration for our wedding ceremony came from our desire to support each other in this simple presence and of course from nature.

We decided on wedding in Greece because of it's aesthetic natural beauty, rich history of civilization,  Mediterranean roots from our own heritage, and opportunities to experience love within their culture. Plus we're both Pisces...water babies. The Cyclades are heaven for us!

Kosta Savva Photography

Once I set my eyes on Turquoise Tranquil Villa in Oia, Santorini....I knew this was the spot for us to do our thing. I contacted the owner, booked a stay, and he gave us his blessing on getting married at the villa. Once in Oia, his assistant helped us first of all find the place and get settled in, then pick up a wedding cake from Lixoudis, a local bakery. I couldn't find a florist the day before. I ended up just picking a few flowers from a vine on the villa terrace and wrapping a wet paper towel, then a lace curtain and white ribbon hair tie around them. OT creativity right there. We wanted to plan some things and let others just happen or not happen. We wanted to have some tradition mingled into our crazy adventure.


Prior to our wedding day we spent time together exploring the nature and culture of Athens, Paros Island, and Naxos Island. Santorini Island would be our last stop and we would explore the beauty of this island for a few days after our wedding day. We did have to do a little research on how to transport a wedding dress throughout travel. I ended up ordering a clear plastic garment bag to protect the dress from water. Then folded up the bottom part and put the dress within the clear bag inside a luggage garment bag. I let it hang straight when not in transport and brought a steamer to use once in Santorini, however Snowman fried the steamer by not using our surge protector once we got there. So we just let it hang straight over night and it was just fine. 

During the ceremony we had my parents Facetime in and had a few friends/family record readings. We selected meaningful music to play in the background. We had a blessing of nature since nature helps bring us all to the "now", as well as blessing of the rings. I found my nature object on Mt. Zas and Snowman found his on the beach in Paros. We found our rings the night before our wedding in Oia at an art gallery. The blue opal and Greek symbol for eternity seemed like a good fit for us. One of my favorite readings which helped inspire our ceremony and helps guide us today was "A Gift From The Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Kosta Savva Photography

"When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

Kosta Savva Photography

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides."

Kosta Savva Photography



Kosta Savva Photography

After the ceremony we moved to the upper terrace to share the traditional cake, champagne, and toasts! I surprised Doug with several voice memo toasts from family and a few close friends. We then went out for an adventure with our most amazing photographer Kosta Savva to explore some more remote areas of the island. I found Santorini Wedding Photography through someone else's blog post, so hopefully someone else can find it here! Snowman and I could not be happier with the photos. The photographs captured our moments and love so perfectly. Plus we had lots of fun exploring the different areas of Santorini. When my mom saw the photos she said "These are true art. There's composition." When some other family and friends saw the pictures they said "They look fake!" Combination of picture post card perfect setting, true love, and talented photographer equal some great pictures. Maybe someday we'll return to Oia with family and stay in Turquoise Tranquil Villa once again.

Kosta Savva Photography

Back to Basics: Fourteen Day Cleanse

        Overall, I would say I'm a pretty mindful and health conscious eater. However, I do enjoy my coffee, cookies, ice cream, pizza, and wine...which isn't too bad in moderation. With the lack of routine between healing from an injury (not working out) and the holidays, I was starting to feel a little "sluggish" come the start of 2014. So I thought it would be a good time to re-set my body and rid it of all those edible synthetic food-like substances. You know... the high fructose corn syrup, yellow #5, xanthan gum, citric acid, propylene glycol alginate, polysorbate 60, phosphoric acid, GMO soybean oil, etc. Ew. Knowledge continuously supports not eating the processed food that contains these ingredients. Culture, whether it be time, convenience, social situations, availability, or stress, makes it so easy to continue consuming food that contain them.   

        Detox kits, weight-loss shakes, and health clubs are all hot commodities come January every single year. Rather than purchasing some more "man made" herbs or nutritional supplements, I opted to go with a simple all natural fourteen day cleanse which involved eating only raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds,vinegar, and oil. Sounds kind of boring at first...but it was actually an experimental and adventurous two weeks. The caffeine withdraw headaches during day 2 were a little obnoxious, and I only drank 1-2 cups of coffee a day prior to the cleanse. Also, by day twelve, I was honestly starting to feel too calm and physically fatigued. This diet in combination with regular 1-3 hour daily workouts and nightly hot yoga was a little challenging. But overall my sleep, attention, focus, mood, and general feeling of homeostasis feels "just right". Now that the 14 days are over, I still plan to keep these foods as the main source of nutrition, but add more grains and protein. The plan is to continue limiting/eliminating dairy, gluten, and all that general processing junk. So I thought I would share some of my successes and failures over the last two weeks in this post. I blended frozen fruit, greens (spinach, beet or dandelion leaves) to make smoothies every single morning for breakfast. Stayed warm throughout the day with herbal teas. There were several dishes that turned out really good. And there were a few...that didn't quite make the yummy list. The ingredients, which seem so simple, can actually be combined lots of different ways to change things up and create deliciousness! 

 SUCCESS! orange, pomegranate, fennel, red onion, walnuts, rice vinegar, mint, lemon juice

 SUCCESS! watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, mint, lemon

 SUCCESS! arugula, blackberry, apple, walnuts, apple-cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice

 SUCCESS! green leaf lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, mushroom, avocado, carrots, lemon, olive oil, pepper, basil, parsley

 SUCCESS! honeydew, avocado, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, scallions, lemon and lime juice

 SUCCESS! frozen bananas, ice, cinnamon, coconut, chia seeds

 SUCCESS! cilantro, cauliflower (shredded), lime juice, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, avocado, pistachios, iceberg lettuce

 SUCCESS! the lettuce wrap 

 SUCCESS! shredded beats and carrots, halved grapes, scallions, apple-cider vinegar

SUCCESS! spinach, pears, scallions, lemon juice, olive oil, walnuts

 SUCCESS! The pesto mix was good. Pistachios, basil, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper. 

SUCCESS! Pesto mixed with zucchini/summer squash, tomatoes, olives, and pine nuts. Tried to use a mandolin to create noddles with the squash; however that was a fail so went with the food processor. 

 FAIL! Trying to make a weeks work mix of the above recipe. Come day two it was watery and yuck.

FAIL! Soup in the Vitamix. I tried a few varieties of raw soup...and they never seen to work out. If you like foamy, green, brownish, lukewarm liquid meals...go for it. 

USA Ultra Triathlon Virginia Double Anvil: Party in the Rain!

The race was LONG...so the report is long...but trust me it could be longer. I wanted to document the experience to remember it myself and to share with others who might be contemplating participation in an ultra-triathlon, crewing for someone, or those who are just curious.   

The Idea

I decided to sign up to attend the Double Anvil party after the Louisville Ironman in August (check out Louisville post for more details if you're bored...and want to read a fun race "remix" write up). Why would I do something like this you ask? (Okay, really I ask.) The simple answer is because we are all miracles. Whether it be making the world a better place, performing cutting edge brain surgery, painting a masterpiece from a blank canvas, fighting fires, saving the environment, raising children, or doing an ultra-endurance race...we have so much potential inside of us which makes me ask why wouldn't I attempt something like this? Whatever I do in life whether it be personally, professionally, athletically, spiritually, I want to do my best and give all I have to give, I want to go the extra miles, and I want to think outside of the limits that have evolved over time to become "norms" within our society. It's not about competing with others to be the best, but it is about doing my best and finding my potential... wherever it may be at any given moment. So that's why I decided to go for it. That and the encouragement from my coaches at Veritas Endurance Coaching. After Louisville Ironman, I asked Coach Bob "So what do you think about me doing a double Ironman next month?" He replied "I think it's a great idea!" Once I know my coaches think I can do something...I know that I can do it too. Not only do coaches make us stronger and faster, but they also give us courage and confidence.

Party Planning   

After recovering about two weeks from Ironman I trained hard for a month and tapered 11 days. Training included the 44 miler ultra at Evergreen Lakes in Illinois, one ten hour bike, a few long runs followed by long swims, reading race reports, resting, not resting, eating, and accumulating the necessary supplies and equipment to help me conqueror this feat with limited experience and knowledge. For anyone out there looking to do one of these....reading race reports were very helpful. Be prepared for anything...sunlight, darkness, cold, heat, rain, fatigue, boredom, cognitive decline, wild imagination activation, illness, soreness, injuries, smelliness, bad breath, frustration, hunger, peanut butter cravings, thirst, tightness, gear mishaps, etc. Not all of this will happen...but it's a nice feeling to be prepared! The less feelings of worry, uncertainty, and anxiety we have...the better we will perform.

Party Supplies

The week prior to leaving for Virginia, I started organizing and packing the necessities (plus more). I packed a large plastic bin full of clothing and gear. Within this bin I packed a swim bag, bike bag (with extra clothes), run bag (with extra clothes), and a smaller box of bike tools, extra tubes, headlamps, etc. I also packed a tent and sleeping bag in case I needed a nap or place to change; however did not end up using either of these items. I packed a medium bin full of nutrition. Within this bin I had utensils, plates, paper towels and baby wipes, Coke, Mountain Dew, almond butter, honey, cinnamon, olive oil, avocados, rice cakes, potato chips, bananas, salt, chia seeds, energy bars and chews. I packed a cooler full of cooked sweet potatoes, gold potatoes, oranges, black rice, and Ensure. I also packed a small bin full of miscellaneous items such as supplements, ointments, hygiene products (can’t go to a party without my lip gloss and body splash), hot hand/feet warmers, plastic baggies, gum, mints, ginger candies, and motivational thoughts from friends back at home. You might think some of these items are not of importance; however I actually have a strategy behind them. Being an occupational therapist, I can’t help but to consider the use of sensory strategies to help modulate my energy level. Chewy candies are organizing and calming (plus ginger is anti-inflammatory anyways).  Citrus and mint are both alerting scents and tastes which would help me feel awake when the going would get tough. Nothing like a dab of strawberry lip gloss and splash of VS Mango Temptation to feel fresh and focused while cycling or running in the middle of the night. Okay, the Mt Dew and ZipFizz helped too…but I wanted to take in as little caffeine as possible. If you haven’t tried ZipFizz, I would recommend trying. It’s more natural and healthier than the typical energy drinks. http://www.zipfizz.com/

Upon reading the race reports and talking to the race director I learned it would be wise to organize a support crew for this race. My first thought was who in the world would want to take off work for a few days to come help me through this craziness that I voluntarily put myself through. I would expect no one to do this, especially with short notice. And then my stubborn, determined and naive mind thought "I don't need crew, I can do this by myself". I had no crew. In fact some people close to me felt this was going too extreme and would choose not to enable me to participate in it at all. Of course I was determined to do the race...crew...or no crew. So I told the race director Steve "sign me up". Little did I know I would be blessed with having a crew of several amazing people whom would help me get through the race. People from afar, people at the race site, childhood friends, and people I've never met before. Four days before the race, Jamie, one of my best friends from high school, decided she would go with me to Virginia. She knew nothing about triathlons, but didn't want me going alone. She never fails to be there for me in times of need even when I don’t know I need her! A couple weeks before the race, one of the national triathlon coordinators for Team RWB sent out an e-mail to members living around the DC/Virginia area to help me find people to help. Two days before the race I received an e-mail from Josh, a Washington DC chapter Team Red White and Blue member expressing he could help out because he was on furlough due to the government shutdown. There's not many...ok pretty much zero benefits of a government shutdown. But having this Team RWB member as part of my crew team was actually one very positive outcome of the furlough I must say. Not only was he an experienced ultra-athlete, but also a mac daddy of numbers...which comes in handy when calculating caloric intake during ultra-triathlons. He was also a Veteran of the United States Army with explained his selfless service to help another person go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he could add to the effort throughout the entire mission.

Party Time!

We arrived  at Lake Anna State Park Thursday around 16:30. Just in time for race/bike check in and the athletes welcoming dinner. It was raining as expected. The triple and quadruple athletes were already on the course relentlessly truckin' away loop after loop in the rain. Before dinner I met up with my friend Amy and her crew Tammy and Fred. There were only three females signed up for the double Anvil and Amy was one of them. She’s from Cincinnati and we've camped and raced together a few years ago at Triple T, but she lives in San Diego now. We were both super excited to see each other at the welcome dinner and to be going through this race together. After dinner, Jamie and I went to unload my food and gear boxes to our shelter within the "the village". I gave Jamie a little

"The Anvil Village"

orientation as to what and where items were located within the bins. Jamie was planning on going to her Aunt/Uncle’s in DC for the night and coming back in the AM. Unfortunately, she had a close encounter with a deer on the way back to DC so she would be a little late coming back to Lake Anna the following day. Josh was planning on being there by the time I got out of the swim in the morning. Since I was staying the night alone and plans were a little last minute, the race director Steve hooked me up to stay in a bunk shelter with Ironman Billy and his wife/crew.  Instead, I ended up staying in a heated cabin with Amy, Fred, and Tammy though since they had a last minute opening. I was really thankful to have heat, electricity, and a bathroom that night! Amy and I shared a room with twin beds and I don’t think either of us got much sleep. We woke up around 05:00, showered, ate breakfast, and drove down to the water.  

The Plunge: 4.8 miles (12 laps) (2:42:30) (6/20)

The beach house is right there near the swim entrance. Our bikes were casually stationed within the

beach house area and this would be like our T1 area. While waiting around before the swim I stayed in the women’s restroom to keep warm. I set up my bike gear in there, did some foam rolling and stretching on the floor before putting the wetsuit on. Amy and I were so excited and nervous, we couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. I was full of excitement to enter the unknown amongst 19 other athletes from all walks of life and all parts of the world. I was filled with curiosity about how I would feel both physically and mentally in the hours to come. 

Almost time

Chillin' in the Ladie's Room

As the time neared 07:00, we ventured outside towards the swim start. Tammy, one of Amy’s friends and crew, volunteered to wade out into the water after our sixth lap and give us some nutrition. I gave Tammy a plastic bag with an Ensure, mini Bonk Breaker, and PowerAde. All of the double athletes gathered around near the swim start and we took a group photo. Steve gave a short pre-race speech and hit the Anvil two times to signify the start. Off we all went into Lake Anna.

Double Anvil Take Off

The water actually felt great and there was no fog…which I was worried about from reading previous race reports. I could see the buoys and sure was happy about that! I’ve never swam 4.8 miles before, so I was a little worried, but the swim was by far the easiest and most comfortable leg of the race for me. I exited the water in 6^th place out of 20 athletes that started. As I ran up on land and flipped my cap/goggles off, I heard a guy say “Let’s go Sarah!” and I replied “Are you Josh!?!” So I met Josh in T1 and he would be there for me, along with Jamie, Tammy, and Fred, through the thick and thin of the next 31+ hours. As Josh and I ran from the water to the beach house, I told him my plan to shower off and change. Then I would hand him my bag to carry up to our shelter in the village and I would get on my bike to start the loopy loos. My total T1 time was around 22 minutes. First time I've washed my hair in T1...and yeah maybe it wasn't necessary. 

The Never Ending Ride: 224 miles (45 laps) (17:49:42) (15/17)

Photo Credit: Nathalie Behn

My bike was ready to go with fluid and nutrition to last about an hour. While showering and changing, I had another Bonk Breaker and finished some PowerAde. The attire for my first half of the bike would consist of the De Soto  400 Mile tri shorts (which I got about a week before the race and really liked..thanks Team RWB Boom for the recommendation), running tights over the shorts, base layer shirt, another shirt over that, and a breathable wind/rain jacket. I also wore gloves and a hat under my old school helmet. The cold and rain make me melt. My fingers seriously turn white and go numb pretty easily. I went to the doctor about it a few years ago and she said it’s Raynaud’s condition and nothing to be worried about…just stay warm. Not only do I turn colors when cold…but my joints get stiff and my muscles tighten up telling me to just curl up in a ball under shelter somewhere. That wasn’t a choice here.

My goal for the bike was to pace around 15mph and finish around 15 hours…that did not happen. Per past performance in racing and training we would think that's a pretty easy safe pace...but through in the wet, cold, dark, extended hours...things changed. But next time will be better. For the first half of the bike I was close to goal pace; however as the dark set in and rain continued into the night my pace significantly dropped. I took a few 10, 15, 20 minute breaks throughout the bike, most occurring during the second 112. I tried to stay on the bike except to get off for bathroom breaks during the first half. Since I wasn’t sweating, but was continuously hydrating I had to pee like a million times (at least it seemed like it)...which was frustrating as well.  There was no way I’d be peeing on my bike during this race.  I never slept, but I completely changed into dry clothing at least once, and changed my socks a few times because they kept getting wet. Eventually I asked Josh to tape shut the holes in the bottom of my cycling shoes, then I put on a fresh pair of socks, then hot foot warmers, then another pair of socks, then a plastic bag wrapped around each foot, then my cycling shoes, and finally the neoprene shoe covers. Never leave home without masking tape and plastic bags. As Josh was taping up my shoes, Jamie was drying and vasalining my cold wet pruney feet and I was eating my dinner. Black rice, avocado, and olive oil oh my. At that moment I truly felt like a princess...a princess of darkness that is...

Back out into the night went the princess of darkness. As I slowly rolled through the Anvil Kingdom shinning my creepy light I did feel little bursts of fright. The party was quiet. The external stimulation was low. For the next several hours I would see blackness with little specs (rain drops) flying at me. Riding through the rain in the dark almost felt a little bit like night diving. Evoked some feelings of confusion, anxiety, and caution. I would look forward to seeing the timers at the loop turn around every 5 miles. I would look forward to seeing the life of the Anvil Village every 5 miles. It looked so pretty sitting there at first sight as I turned the corner and rode towards the light. I tried to use my imagination to pretend various scenarios and I made myself LOL on several occasions. Occasionally some true darkness would set in. At one point, I remember sitting in my crew tent. Just sitting there not wanting to go back out in the rain. Of course Josh and Jamie would patiently look at their watches and say “you really need to go back out there now”. Perfect moment for some mango body splash. The more frustrated and uncomfortable I got, the more I tried to reach inside to pull out my blessings and to remember that I can do this. I thought about the veterans I’ve worked with, the sacrifices they’ve made and their demonstration of determination. One inspirational veteran from Team RWB, was actually on the course completing the triple Anvil. Jim and I exchanged some Facebook messages a few times prior to the race, but I was looking forward to meeting him on the run. I thought about the veterans I have grown to know through Team RWB this past summer. I knew they were pulling for me back home and I knew I had to keep going and do this for them. I thought about people who are fighting or who have fought cancer. Anytime I needed a reminder, I looked down at my wrist to see my Team RWB and LLS bracelets.  

As I rode my last loop I felt joy and appreciation. I was looking forward to slower winds and more dry clothes. I finished my 45^th loop somewhere around 04:30 with a time of 17:49:42. At this point I was in 15^th place out of the 17 athletes that would end up finishing the bike.  Three out of the 20 athletes who started would resign from the race (which did cross my mind once or twice) during the bike leg.

The Happy Run:  52.4 miles (26 laps) (12:50:59) (7/12) 

I had been up for 24 hours, swam 4.8 miles and biked 224 miles…and now I was about to run 52.4 miles. During T2 we couldn't find the pants I wanted to change in to and maybe I got a little mean. You know how some things really aren't a big deal...but they seem like it at the time...this was one of those times. So, I'm sorry Jamie and Josh for being mean at that moment. Once I had my running gear on I thought “Oh shiiizzt this is great!” The excitement and adrenaline took over which made for a truly enjoyable run. Okay, maybe it was more like a jog or shuffle. The first two miles and the last two could be considered running. Sometimes I walked the hill, sometimes I shuffled the hill. I was just happy to be off that bike and feel my extremities once again. We started off with headlamps and some kind of light on our backs so the other cyclists and cars could see us. The run loop was 2 miles with a portapotty and aide station at the turn around. So we had some kind of aide every mile. The volunteers at the turn around livened things up with their funny comments. I looked forward to seeing them every two miles. The run was nice because we could actually talk to each other a little bit. Amy was kicking butt and taking names (and smiling) the whole way through the race. She went on to break the women's record for this race course. I was able to finally meet and chat with Team RWB Jim here and there. Don't get me wrong...there were several times when I was alone coming up with some crazy internal thoughts. I worked on a little jingle about doing the ultra shuffle, danced and sang it when no one was around...then laughed at myself. Yep. I also gave up on the portapotty once or twice when no one was around and peed in the woods on the side of the road. Yep. As daylight set in, Jamie's uncle from DC showed up with some coffee which hit the spot for sure. He joined in the crew for the rest of the race as well. About half way through the run, some friends from Cincinnati showed up which was a fantastic surprise that really lifted my spirits. Glenn and Katy moved from Cincinnati to Virginia a few months ago. Glenn was my hero when I did my first marathon with Team in Training in 2008. Little did I know then that I would go on to do the Double Anvil, let alone an Ironman. Coincidentally Glenn and I were both in this years Man and Woman of the Year Campaign to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When I agreed to take on that challenge is actually when I first started searching for ultra endurance events and found the Anvil. So Glenn inspired me to get through my first marathon experience and was here to inspire me again to get through the double Anvil. Throughout the race, I knew that the more I smiled the better off the experience would be. My legs kept slowing down as the miles kept increasing. I would tell my legs to shut up and move but they resisted slightly. Towards the last few loops, Jamie, Josh, Tom, Glenn, Katy and their two kids were all waiting for me and ran me in, around the cone, and back out to the end of the village. No stopping now...they had fluid and nutrition readily waiting to take on the go. Their cheering continued to grow and their energy transferred over to me. As I went off for my last loop, they told me to put it all out there...to speed up and push. I told them my legs just wouldn't move fast enough and I couldn't. But I did. As I left the village for one last time something came over me that still tears me up to this day as I think about it. I looked up into the sky and took all the emotions in. I thought about the people who inspire me. I praised God with thanks for the miracles of life. And the legs let loose. I know I was holding back some throughout the race...because that's what I had to do to make sure I finished. But now it was time to give it all I had and finish with nothing left. I somehow changed my shuffle to a run once again...and it felt like a miracle.  I finished the run in 7th place out of 12 with a time of 12:50:59. Twelve out of the 20 athletes that started would go on to finish within the 36 hour cut-off. My total race time was 34:06:25, finishing in 10^th place out of the 12 athletes that would end up completing the entire race. All 20 finished the swim, 17 people finished the bike, 12 people finished the run. It was a heck of a party which definitely reinforced my reasoning for doing it in the first place. We are all miracles.  

ANVILIZATION

Twisting and turning all through the night

Heart beat pounding through the invasive fright

Rising to eat hours before daylight

Foam rolling and stretching to avoid the dreaded tight

Walking to the water preparing for the anvil flight

Hysterically laughing before taking the plunge

Pessimistic thoughts we must try to shun

Knowing in our minds that ANYTHING can be done

The anvil strikes

The anvil strikes

Venturing out into the unknown

But realizing that we're never alone

Reaching and twisting, pulling and kicking

Breathing in, breathing out

Gliding and sighting

Like speckled trout

Spin through the day

Spin through the night

Spin through the cold

Spin through the rain

Spinning machines are not tame

Although the squirrel cage does get lame

Run, jog, shuffle, slog, walk free

Pee

Look at the trees

Giving thanks is key

Think about anything you could be

Feet on the ground

Peace has been found

It's a wonderful sound

Finish line bound

The anvil strikes

The anvil strikes

The Party Guests
There were so many friends at this party in person and spirit. From crew, volunteers, and other athletes at the race site to people back home...everyone played a special part which I will forever be grateful for. All the friends before the race and during that gave me words of encouragement either through Facebook, phone calls, or text messages, really meant the world. Knowing that people from all over were tracking and cheering made me feel supported, loved and gave me energy to fight through the hard times and finish for them.  I just wanted to name at least a few guest of honors. 

Veritas Endurance Coaching. Coach Bob, Cody, and Julie prepared me and believed in me. I started off the season with a pretty low base, but they obviously were able to build it up within a few months not only to help me get through an Ironman comfortably, but to go on and do an ultra+ trail run and a double Anvil. If you follow their plans, they can make anything happen. Their knowledge and honesty always helps increase my awareness of my abilities, my performance (weather good or bad), and my potential. I thank them for helping me realize I can do more than I think I can. I'll continue to look to them for guidance on where to go next and coaching for wherever I go.   

Dinn Chiropractic. I came to Dr. Dinn in the spring feeling physically and mentally fatigued. He worked with me to modify my nutrition and introduce additional supplements to get my energy levels back to normal again.

Josh and Maria. They are one of the most caring supportive couples I know. Always checking in with me either through a random text, phone call, or facebook. In Louisville they carried around the giant head, made over my bike, and had dinner with me and my family. They called the night before the race to give me a pep talk and made me feel supported as they always do. They are full of love and good at sharing it with others. 

Doug. The new boyfriend...who is also a triathlete...yay! Well at the time of the race he was new to my life...maybe not even my "boyfriend" yet. Maria introduced me to him the night before Louisville Ironman. A few days before the Anvil, Doug sent me a five page document titled "Sarah's OT (Occupy Time) List", which consisted of thoughts and questions to ponder throughout the long race since he couldn't be there in person to support. I read it the night before. It made me laugh, smile, and maybe tear up just a bit. It made Doug score big points with his demonstration of creativity and thoughtfulness there. Both some of the several good characteristics which make me "heart" him. This list might actually be a large part of the reason he's still in my life today. So good move Doug. I just hope he supports me with other ultra endeavors such as triples Anvils, 100 miles runs, or Ultramans;))

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training. TNT has been there from the moment I started running. I've met a ton of friends through them and several were supporting me through messages and some in person. When I saw Glenn, Katy and their kids I was super excited. Katy mentioned through a message that they would try to come, but I didn't know if they'd be there especially with the terrible weather. They are continuously giving people. Always inspiring and helping others. The kids had some awesome sparkly pom poms that were pretty festive too. 

Team RWB friends. You guys motivate the heck out of me. I feel honored to be part of such an amazing group of people. In the weeks and days before the race, Cincy members would message and ask if I needed anything and share words of encouragement. Some of them really wanted to come help crew, but couldn't because of other obligations. Just knowing that they wanted to was important and made me feel like they were there from afar. Besides the local Team RWB support, I was totally impressed with the national support. As soon as I posted on the Team RWB triathlon page, the triathlon coordinator responded and sent out e-mails to members in the Virginia area. This is how Josh ended up hearing about the race and need for assistance crewing. Talk about teamwork...

Jamie. As long as I've known her she's always willing to give and help others whenever needed. She's one of my best friends because she's caring, open, forgiving, smart, and fun. Jamie had no idea what she was getting into when she offered to come with me a few days before the race, but because she cares about me, she made some pretty significant sacrifices and supported me. Jamie did a great job supporting me emotionally during the race and creating culinary delights! She also took pictures and updated my FB status throughout the race. My favorites were the sweet potato, honey, almond butter, cinnamon, chia seed sandwiches. Yum. On top of all this, she drove my car home the entire way back from DC to Cincinnati and she arranged for us to stay at her aunt and uncles house pre and post race days. Speaking of...they deserve an extra mention of thanks as well. They gave me a comfortable warm bed to sleep in and hooked me up with a post race Epsom salt bath and a nutritious delicious veggie and seafood dinner.  

Josh. Another awesome person I met through Team RWB! He didn't even know me, but he took me in like family! Josh is definitely the type of person that puts forth full effort in everything he does. Not only did Josh do the basic crewing such as give me fluids and nutrition, but he took charge and developed a system. Josh secretly had an Excel spreadsheet (that I knew nothing about) keeping track of my pace, calories and fluid consumed. He sent it to me a couple weeks after the race and the sheet was top quality professional. Josh also took photographs and helped other racers. He did not rest and he deserves a medal for being there road side every single loop through the entire race.    
Amy. When Amy found out I signed up for the double, she called right away. We were both excited each other would be there and talking to her helped ease some of my worries. She also offered to share her crew, since I had none till a few days before the race, and requested to Steve that our shelters be right next to each other in the village. The night before the race, she offered a space in her cabin since one of her crew members was unable to come last minute. One kind act after another! She's one of the nicest people I know. Her crew members Tammy and Fred also deserve a big thanks for helping me from wading out in the cold water to holding up towels while I changed in the shelter to drying my wet clothes in their motor home.  

Jim. Team RWB Jim is actually on a poster I hang in my office at work to hopefully inspire other Veterans to join Team RWB and engage in socialization through healthy physical activities and volunteering. Jim inspired me before and during the race. Jim is a US Army Veteran who was injured while serving our country in Iraq. His mission is to inspire others both Veterans and civilians to support each other and overcome challenges. My friend Tom actually told me about Jim and said he would inspire me before I ever met him. The note he left me wrapped in an American flag was a reminder to remember those who cannot be here and to wear the eagle and make them proud. Jim did the triple Anvil this year and is going on to do the deca Monterrey Ultra Triathlon in 2014. 

Steve. Talk about an awesome race director. Besides that, Steve is also a US Navy Veteran. He actually answers the phone anytime and will talk to you and answer as many questions as you need. Steve and all of the volunteers put a lot of time and energy into this race and their effort is noticeable. I can tell he his passionate about the sport and about helping others be the best they can be.  

Evergreen Lakes Ultra and a Half: My Glutes, My Glutes, My Glutes are on Fire

It was 3:30AM and the alarm went off. No more twisting and turning and listening to the wind blow against the tent. Overall, I slept pretty well even with the wind. My friend Kevin decided to join in this 44 mile running adventure as well. We had a super foods pre-race camp meal the night before our race with salmon, and quinoa, and spinach, and of course potato chips! (Thanks to him for grilling out the spectacular salmon!) Kevin tucked into his tent by 8PM. but I stayed out to get some last minute moonlight foam rolling in before crawling into my tent for the night. Nothing like foam rolling and hamstring stretching while staring at the moon and stars, listening to crickets, and smelling camp fires. 

I wiggled out of my sleeping bag to put my running clothes on and get in some real food before embarking on the longest run of my life (thus far). For breakfast I opted to go with a banana and Vigilant Eats Organic Superfood Oat-Based Cereal (no gluten, no soy, no dairy, no additives, no preservatives, no refined sugar). I never tried it before (and yes I know you're not supposed to try new things on race day...but I did anyways as I usually do). Loved it and plan to eat it again. Even comes with a spoon inside the container, so it's really nice for traveling. 

We met the 15 other ultra plusers at the race start for a 4:30AM "Go!" We placed our drop bags in 2 piles (one to keep at the start area which we would pass 5 times and one to keep half way through the big loop which we would pass twice). I loaded my bags with Ensures (yes there are preservatives and additives, etc. in these....but hey I'm not nutritiously perfect), a bag of mashed avocado (which didn't work out too well), gum, body splash, Stinger gummies, Bonk Breakers, Chocolate Haze PocketFuel Nut Butter, and Sports Legs. I kept extra socks in each bag and a pair of extra shoes in one bag just in case.  

As all 17 of us started off in the dark we mostly stayed together for the first 5 minutes, then we gradually all spread out. The first 12 miles of the course consists of 3x 4 mile loops. For me, this was the most difficult part of the course. It was dark, my head lamp kept falling down over my face, it was hilly, there were lots of roots/rocks (things to trip over) and my HR was definitely elevated even though I was going slow. I started out cold, so I was wearing long sleeves, gloves, AND Hot Hands. The gloves and Hot Hands quickly came off after the first loop. During our third loop the sun was rising and it was so neat to actually see the environment I was running in for the past 2 hours in the pitch black. "Oh look, there's a lake I've been running past a few times and had no idea it was there!" After finishing the third loop, I realized that I was the last one in the race at that point, but I was totally ok with that. My legs were already tight and I knew that I had a LONG way left to go. I have to admit that I was worried about making the first cut off time. 

The second 32 miles of the course consisted of 2x 16 mile loops. This part of the course was fun and beautiful. We ran on hiking trails, grass, gravel, and road every now and then. We went up, we went down, we climbed over logs, and tripped over sticks. In the middle of the first loop, my legs were just killing me, but I kept going. I ran into my friend Kevin who was also having some issues. You never know what race day will bring. Might be fine one moment and sick or injured the next. But there's always more days ahead. It was nice to run with him for a little bit though. Always good to have friends on the course with you. At the start of the second loop things felt a little looser, but my knees started bothering me due to all the downhills I'm not used to (most likely) and my glutes were on FIRE on the uphills. That's when I just started singing (sometimes out loud...it's not like there were people all over) "my glutes my glutes my glutes are on fire, they don't need no break, let them ** burn" to the tune of the Bloodhound Gang's The Roof is on Fire. Yeah. As I continued on, of course I started to feel more confident that I would finish and the running actually got easier and I felt stronger. I was thankful to be out there in the middle of nature with nothing to do but run and just be. I knew I would finish at that point and I knew I would finish strong.   

Plenty of manned and unmanned aide stops spread every few miles. I really looked forward to the smiles and the fuel at each aide stop. You won't find any gels there...BUT you will find natural foods like gold potatoes, piles of salt, fruit, sweet potato chips and peirogis. My favorite snack were the energy bites, so of course I needed to get the recipe. http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/ Can't go wrong with these! The volunteers were fantastic and helped you move in/out of the aide stops as quickly and easily as possible. 

The finish was great too. Lots of homemade food and cool people waiting for you, along with some of the coolest finishers gear ever. Each runner who completes the 44 milers gets a handmade arrowhead medallion, a hand carved engraved hiking stick, and a thermal long sleeved hoodie. The plaques were cool too. 

This race also offers an Ultra course (32 miles) and a Half Ultra course (16 miles). The 32 miler would be a really good "first time" ultra and the 16 miler would be a really good first time trail run. Considering the first time I ever ran on trails was the week prior to this at Mitchel Memorial park (which is awesome) back home I'm happy with my performance. Over the course of 44 miles, I was able to bump up from being in 17th place around mile 12 to finishing in 8th place overall. And now I'm also addicted to trail running:) Anyone looking for a good time laid back ultra run...I would definitely recommend the Evergreen Lakes Ultra hosted by the amazing Shady Hollow Trail Runners of Hudson, Illinois. Thanks to them for making my first ultra experience an enjoyable and memorable one. Thanks to my friend Kevin for joining me on this ultra-adventure! Thanks to Bob and Cody with Veritas Endurance Coaching and Go Fast Multi-Sport (http://www.veritasendurance.com/2012/) for their awesome coaching that gets me through any crazy endurance thing I want to do...even if it is kinda last minute notice:) They told me exactly where to keep my HR and pace during the race. I listened and finished right in the predicted time. I LUV them!!! Also thanks to ultra Craig at Tri-State Running Company for giving me lots of helpful advice on trail and ultra running. AND last but not least thanks to Team RWB for always supporting, inspiring and motivating me to push my limits.    

EverGreen Lake Ultra & a Half: 44 miles

Bib: #213

Place: 8/17 overall, 2/3 female

Time: 9:51 

September 15, 2013

http://www.shtrs.org/#!ultras/c10d6

Bringing it home through the finishers path!

Handmade arrowhead plaque and medal

Hand carved walking stick each finisher of ultra+ gets and thermal hood that each registered participant gets to take home with pride! The stick is very helpful with ambulation and steps during the days following the race.

Pre race organization, much less than a triathlon...but important items one must not go without! Next time I would like to try different hydration gear...carrying the bottle got a little old after a few hours in. 

One of Many

As I sit here tonight, post Louisville Ironman day two, my body is a little sore and tired, but my mind keeps going. I'm thirsty, hungry and tired, yet happy, excited, contemplative, curious, peaceful, and grateful. My time of 12:14:23 with an ave HR of 136 was just fine by me. It wasn't a PR, but I wasn't expecting one at all. My training didn't really start till June due to...well...other life stuff. But the training I did get in was quality and the race was yet another great experience.

Looking back on this year's Ironman journey, I think of the many times when I wanted to not put my workout clothes on, not jump in the cold water, not get out of bed for early morning workouts, not go faster, and not work harder. But even though I didn't always want to do these things...I did them anyways. Because I knew if I wanted to get faster and stronger and healthier, I needed to do them. There were also many times when initially not wanting to do something turned into wanting to push myself further and then wanting to work harder. I would think to myself, I'm just one of the many. I liked to think about the other people physically working out just as hard to accomplish whatever it is they were aiming for at whatever baseline level they were, whether it be an endurance sport or a basketball, football, or tennis tournament, etc. I liked to think about all the people in the world overcoming their own personal challenges and overcoming our worlds challenges. During those long swims, black line after black line, flip turn after flip turn, so many thoughts would go through my head as I tried to keep count of what lap...but then when I was able to revert those thoughts back into the present moment and focus on my breath and movements I was able to feel stronger and faster. When I had to do track speed work all alone, thinking about other people doing the same thing somewhere in the world, somehow made me want to run faster and keep going. Occasionally, I would feel like my heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was going to explode during speed work. Or I would feel like I was going to fall off my bike during hill repeats. During my first month of training I didn't enjoy that...at all. But getting back into shape after time off is always hard. As the second month of training started I noticed improvements both physically and mentally, and I started to embrace and enjoy those challenging workouts. The journey (race including) was a balance between the many thoughts and the present moment...the imagination and the right now...the knowledge and the actions...the past experiences and the internal/external awareness...the help of so many other people and the appreciation for that help. The journey doesn't end...it keeps going. This is the recovery week. Compression gear, water, nutrient rich food, yoga, swimming, relaxation, socialization, and lots of sleep are in line. The Louisville Ironman was just one of the many journeys.

Next up is the Evergreen Lake Ultra and a Half (44 mile trail run) on September 15th in Illinois and then the Virginia Double ANVIL (4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike, 52.4 mile run) on October 11th. P.S. If interested in being support crew, shoot me a message please. Because I need you! But, no I have not fallen off my rocker. Remember that first time you did a 5k, or a half marathon, or a marathon, or an Ironman. I want to experience the unknown again. I've thought about these distance events for a while and now is the time to do. I've been discouraged by few, but encouraged by more. I'm doing these because I feel good, I want to, and I believe I can. Oh...and because I have the best coaches in the world at Veritas Endurance Coaching. If something happens along the way and I DNF, that's ok:)  But there's something inside me that is making me try...and I just can't deny that inner eye.

So, before I forget, I wanted to share some of the many thoughts that go through my head while spending long hours by myself in the water or on the road on race day. There are way to many thoughts to even remember and if you participate in endurance sports, then you probably understand. Some of these thoughts I'm proud of and some not so much, but I'll share them anyways. My favorite thought is telling myself that I'm one of many in this big world. I'm one of many happy, one of many hurting, and one of many loving. One of many, but on my own journey...so don't hold back...live that journey. Here's my 2013 Louisville Ironman race report. Maybe I was one of many thinking some of these thoughts during the race:)

Swim

• move b**** get out my way get out my way get out my way (not a word I'd typically say...but it's a song we've all heard...and very appropriate for this OWS situation)
• touch my leg one more time, I'm going to kick you hard
• stop hitting me!!!!
• that was a big gulp
• did she just try to purposefully push my goggles off? oh no she didn't, go forward, fight forward 
• just give me some space!
• do you think you could swim a little straighter? are you doing this on purpose?
• shoot, water is in my goggles, I'm going to get an eye disease, should I stop to clear or just deal with it?
• I'm going to run you over
• inch by inch, just focus on these six inches in front of my face, that's it
• oh yes, this current is nice
• ahhhhhh, space
• reach further
• kick a little harder
• breath
• where is the buoy? I can't see, where is the finish?
• should I pee now or wait till closer to the end so I don't have to in transition?
• yes! made it out of the Ohio River

Bike

• is that my head on a giant sign? oh no they did not. I can't believe they did that. It's huge. My friends are crazy, I love them, I love it!  
• one down, two to go
• my bike is very pretty
• this new lizard handle bar tape is nice
• have fun and enjoy the next 112 miles
• ugghhh, my left hammy is tight, this is not going to be fun
• breath in air, breath out the tightness
• spin from the hips
• loosen up
• these people are flying by me, maybe I should pick it up?
• no, keep the HR down, keep it loose, it's my race, this is between me and the course, no one else
• what a beautiful day out here
• the volunteers are so nice
• ok, everything is feeling good
• let's get up this hill, sit back down, stop pushing, gear down, spin the legs
• how the heck is THAT person on THAT bike going so fast?
• be nice
• no need to crush this hill, you have all day
• remember you still need to run a marathon after this bike ride
• he's cute, nice accent, I wonder if he's from Georgia?
• hope I don't get a tack in my tire, better keep an eye out in LaGrange
• I've got this peeing feeling oohooho this peeing feeling, I've got this pee'ing feeling but I can't can't ohoohoho
• yay, I see people I know! 
• go a little faster
• breath
• drink drink drink
• oh my gosh, that's a pro that just passed me on their second loop. cool. 
• awww, look at the horses! 
• almost time for a Bonk Breaker 
• move over 
• why do people pass you, then slow down and take a water break? I mean really?
• oh well, step back or spin forward, I'm racing my race, not theirs
• 20 miles left, let's do this!
• ouch my neck
• time for a little on the bike cat/cow yoga
• 10 miles left, spin it out and bring it home!
• I see the city

Run

• here we are a'last
• I feel good, go easy, keep that HR down
• it's hot
• there's my head again! 
• I have gallons of fluids in my belly and I still yearn for more, but not sure they'll fit
• I feel like I'm pregnant with all this water in my belly
• how can I consume more water if I don't get rid of some?
• that says mile 15, but I'm only at mile 2, next time around I'll be happy to see that 15
• just pretend like you're running 50 miles instead of 26.2
• there's Team in Training! 
• Spike, think about all those people with cancer, run for them, don't stop, they can't stop fighting, you don't stop fighting
• two laps ain't nothing, just four 6. somethings 
• yes! a firetruck with hose! I know it's going to suck having wet shoes and socks, but I'm going all in
• the bottoms of my feet hurt
• push through, the bottoms of your feet do not hurt, go, you're not stopping
• 6 miles down, take in some cals
• yes! a priest just came out with his bells to cheer! bless me! I love you God, shine down and get me through God
• look at all these awesome people God made, he's shining through all over this race course today
• nothing but peace right here right now
• look at that sky
• smile
• I just want one pretzel, give me some salt, I need some salt, noway I don't want a cup of pretzels, just one
• these volunteers are awesome, make sure to tell them and thank them
• ugh, this will be my last sip of Perform, that sh** is strong
• there's Team RWB Cincy crew! 
• there's Team RWB racers! 
• she's blind and running with a guide, now that is awesome. you go girl.
• think about all the Veterans and Soldiers you know, think about what they have done, what they have sacrificed and fought for, don't stop, keep pushing, keep moving forward 
• water...all I want is water...I want to drink water...I want those water sponges...ice...I want ice
• that pool where the Perform is icing looks amazing...how great would it be to just jump right in there?
• don't do it, you won't want to get out
• take the coke, you need a little pick me up
• it's mile 22 and I haven't hit 'the wall' yet, this is good
• is this kid really persuading me into taking his chicken broth? 
• these kids volunteering are smart! ok, I'll take it
• is that lady still running with blood all over her face? wow, shouldn't someone stop her?
• oh yeah, I just hit the 25 mile marker, 1.2 miles to go, that's nothing
• this is great, this is the Ironman
• run you're little heart out to that finish line