Posts tagged Revolution3
Moving To AZ, There Will Be No Rev3, For Me
30
If you read my posts regularly you know that I’ve been planning and looking forward to running my first Half Revolution3 Triathlon this year. You may be wondering how I’m going to pull it off with our big adventure ahead.
I’m not going to pull it off. There will be no Half Revolution3 for me….this time around. I will admit, it pains me to type that.
After taking a few years off of running races due to my health this was supposed to be a decent race year for me. Or at least that’s what I had hoped. My first race of the year was supposed to be the Toledo Glass City Half Marathon. After several months of training I ended up with my first DNS due to an ankle issue.
As I eyed other races for summer I found myself having issues deciding on what would fit best into my Half Rev3 training schedule. I never did decide on a race schedule (maybe I somehow knew I wouldn’t be racing??) Instead, I set my eyes to my Rev3 training. I signed up for Rev3 Coaching, dealt with my freak out, and logged a decent amount of hours swimming, running, and biking.
I know to some it may seem like I’m throwing it all away and I’m sure some may even question my goal setting, planning, and execution. In my mind all of my hard work and time wasn’t all for naught. I believe no matter how big or small, every experience in our lives builds character and makes us stronger.
Running a Half Rev3 is a challenge I’d like to conquer, but it’s not my dream. Heading out west for adventure is my dream. I will definitely run a Revolution3 race in the future…and it will be sooner than later. For now I’m going to live my dream, continue training, running races/triathlons, and hope to pick up some more fun sports.
What helpful hints do you have for me as I head out AZ? Where should I run/train? What are your fave races? What other outdoor sports do I need to try??
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Don’t Fight With Light Bulbs
29
It’s Friday, which means this should be a “vegan” post. Well folks, sorry about this, but going to sidetrack a bit today. But now worries! Next Friday I’ll have a brand new vegan post for ya’ll!
Like I said Wednesday, on Tuesday I had an accident at work. I’d love to play it off like a shark attacked me during an open water swim or something “exciting”. Unfortunately I was attacked by a light bulb. Yeah, not real exciting.
Basically I was attempting to open a very high window with a contraption made to open the window. After opening the window I pulled the contraption toward me, knocking a light fixture, which then in turn busted a 4 foot fluorescent light bulb. The light bulb crashed to the ground, gouged my left calf in several places, leaving a not so pretty sight.
The first few seconds I didn’t think anything of it…until I actually looked down at my leg. My initial thought, “OH NO! MY TRAINING!” Seriously. Nothing else entered my mind. Then the blood came and I rushed to get a rag as to not bleed all over my workplace. Then, since I work alone, I decided to make a few phone calls. I knew I could drive myself to the hospital but thought it best not to. Unfortunately D wasn’t in the area so my parents rushed over to pick me up and take me to the hospital.
I’m not for grossing people out so if you want to see the “before” photo of my leg, you can see it here. Ye be warned, it ain’t pretty and viewer discretion is advised. Here’s a PG version…
As I sat in the waiting room (yes, I had to wait an hour to be seen) I had a triage nurse come out and grade my lesion. In passing I said I was a triathlete and how I’m training. She laughs and says, “Well, not for 2 weeks you won’t be!” Cue my tears. I wasn’t crying because of the pain I was in or that I had an inch of skin and fat dangling from my leg. No, I was crying because there I sat, once again with a wrench thrown in my Half Rev3 training. It seems as though I just recovered from my foot issue of unknown origin and now there’s this. Yargh!
I was seen by the doctor, numbed up, and put back together again. Here’s the finished product…..
Looks pretty good I’d say. I headed back to work and finished my shift for the day, because that’s what Buzzbombs do.
As for my training, I was told no running or biking for 5 days and no swimming for 10 days. I had planned to run my first triathlon of the season in just a few weeks and had already registered for a 5K for this Saturday (tomorrow). I have yet to decide if I’m running either of those. Time will tell.
Mizunos are all cleaned up and staying clean & secure with Tommie Copper
I’m trying to see this as a blessing in disguise or seeing some reasoning behind all of this happening. I know there’s a reason, but it has yet come to light. All I can think of is, “why the heck is there this negative energy trying to keep me from training?!” Thankfully it’s early on in in the season and I’ll adapt and overcome….because that’s what Buzzbombs do. 
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
PS Do you follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook? If not, you should be! I posted continuous updates of this fiasco in real-time. Yes, I tweet and post photos of EVERYTHING!
Buzz: I’m Freakin’ Out
23May 21, 2012
in Triathlon
As I’m getting deeper and deeper into my Half Rev3 Triathlon training I’ve been finding myself freaking out a bit. Specifically every time my weekly training schedule is posted I think, “How the heck am I going to do this?!” The funny thing is I always make it happen. So why freak out?!
My most recent freak out came this weekend. Although I’ve logged a decent amount of hours on my CycleOps bike trainer I’ve yet to really hit the open road on my new tri bike, “Sparky“. (Taking him out around downtown a few times and crashing doesn’t count.) I can swim, bike, and run, but dealing with an actual tri bike is a whole different animal and takes some getting used to. Needless to say I knew I needed to get out and ride Sparky…for real. But thinking about hitting the open road (with cars!), without crashing (hopefully), and for close to 2.5 hours, I could just feel my heart rate increase. What the heck?
As you can see I had some definite anxiety going on. But with a little compromise to make this feel more attainable, singing Florence + The Machine, “It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back…just shake it out!” to myself (over and over), and lots of positive self-talk I got through it.
Being out there was amazing. Although I’m appreciative of the countryside, so many things are overlooked when riding in a car. Including this…
What?! Yes, that would be a buffalo. I came across them midway through my ride and just had to stop to take a photo. Sadly these buffalo are being raised for slaughter which just tore my heart to pieces but this guy came up to me by the fence and we had some conversation. I also took advantage of the few seconds I stopped to down a Chocolate Agave #9 gel. 
Although I’m getting the hang of drinking and riding, fueling is another thing I have to master while riding Sparky. Next time!
Something else I need to improve on? Sunscreen application…or at least increasing my arm reach. I applied sunscreen by myself since I was alone and obviously couldn’t reach that far on my back. Hence, the splotches. On the right side of my back you can actually see finger marks where I stretched to reach as far as I could. Nice.
I didn’t come in contact with that many cars while riding and for the most part it was just me and the road. I felt free and calm. I loved it. I want more. All of my anxiety for nothing. When will I learn?
So there you have it. 2.5 hours on my bike, out on the open road, followed by a mile run right off the bike. Another obstacle tackled. Now, it’s time to stay calm and realize, “I’ve got this!”
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Buzz: Be A Smart Athlete And Listen To Your Body
19
On Friday, I posted this picture to my Twitter/Instagram account with the caption saying, “Am I running my half marathon this wknd? What do you think?” Everyone was held in suspense….Ooooh!
Well, If you haven’t figured it out by now, I did not run my half marathon this past weekend. Yes, I’m losing money, but that really had no effect on my judgment. Before you call me a pansy I’ll give you a break down of my thoughts.
I know I’ve already told you about my foot pain, but let’s recap. 3+ weeks ago I started having pain in my Achilles area. After resting for 5 days I went out for a not too successful run. Following that run I not only had the pain in my heel but also on the dorsal lateral section of my foot. I continued to rest, taped, and used NSAIDs. It wasn’t getting any better.
Last week I attempted to run again…twice. I made it to about 1/4 mile each time and by that point ended up limping home. My pride hurt. I stopped all exercise activity. My job calls for being on my feet 8+ hours a day, but I rested when I could.
DailyMile mileage for 2 weeks ago. Made me want to cry.
I hurt and if you know anything about me, if I say I’m hurting, I’m really hurting.
Even if I had woken up race day and felt fantastic I still wouldn’t have raced. My last long run was 3 weeks ago and it was only 10 miles. Even after running for 5 years, or me 3 weeks is a lifetime ago for my non-natural running self! Sure I could’ve pounded out 13 miles. It wouldn’t have been pretty and I’m sure I’d be hurting in more places than just my foot.
One word: Italy. Yes, we leave for Italy this week. Call me crazy, but after spending $2500+ on flights alone I want to be able to somewhat enjoy our vacation.
At this point I see the Dirty Girl Mud Run having a higher priority over the Glass City Half Marathon. 
What?! Yes, you read that right. I want to be spry and ready for that mud run come a couple weeks. But why?! Because I want to run it with my sister and have fun. As we’ve grown older we’re not as close as we once were. Now, more than ever, I want that time with my sister. To me that holds priority over almost anything.
My sister may have the same look on her face after Dirty Girl….
I was looking forward to this race but it is not my “A” race for this year. I wanted a medal to add to my measly, but growing, medal collection. I wanted this race and the medal and I wanted it bad. But not as bad as I want Rev3 Cedar Point. That is THEE race for me this year and I’m going to do what I need to do to make it there, in one piece, and successfully complete it. If that requires me to sit out this race, or any others, I’ll do it.
And lastly, after speaking with Carole, my coach through Rev3 Coaching, she politely told me, “There’s no way in hell I’d run that half marathon.” She basically said what I was already thinking and gave me the confidence to make my final decision. She also encouraged me to make a doctor’s appointment ASAP, which I did.
Let’s bullet point, shall we?
- On Friday I went to a podiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic.
- Radiographs showed no fractures. Without MRI we do not know if there is any ligament, muscle, etc damage, but given there are no signs of inflammation that is not called for right now.
- The majority of my discomfort resides immediately over my cuboid bone.
- The doctor believes that my discomfort could have something to do with my footstrike while running.
- Having a history of a broken femur and knowing that I compensate for my gait even while walking, and having residual issues from my accident, I’m not surprised and would have to say I agree with her. (Haven’t read the story of my broken femur and my residual issues? Read it here.)
- The doctor said because of my accident my legs could actually be different lengths and over time this problem has come about.
Our plan?
- I was fit with orthotics and a cuboid pad, which basically pads and lifts the side of my foot immediately under my cuboid, and an ankle brace (pictured above).
- I am to play around with each of these…try them together and separately, to see if anything helps.
- If comfortable enough, I am allowed to run. Weeeeeeee!
- Upon our return from Italy I will be fit for custom orthotics and also start physical therapy.
- Part of my physical therapy will also be a program called “Run Smart”. They will video me while running and analyze my gate, posture, etc. and we’ll go from there. It may sound crazy, but this excites me tremendously.
I think this is quite ironic since I’ve already been talking about getting back to basics. I’m REALLY going back to basics. Maybe I’ll be able to pass some knowledge on to you!
I truly appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement you have sent me these past few weeks. Some may not think I’m a pansy and not truly an athlete since I didn’t push through the pain. But, I think this is all part of being an athlete. Being an athlete calls for being smart and listening to your body. And remember, I run for fun and enjoyment…not to kill or hurt myself.
I can’t wait to wear this. Soon enough!!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Rev3 Run Across America
5
If it isn’t obvious enough from my blogs (here, here, or here) or my tweets, I have to tell you I love Rev3. Why do I love Rev3?
Besides their cool visors and shimmer swimsuits?
They are a first-class company that puts on fantastic races with a charismatic group of people. I am not a Rev3 Staff Member or even an Age Group Team Member, but I’ve witnessed their workings first hand and am beyond impressed. I can’t say enough about them or the work they do. I believe in Rev3…what they’re about and what they do. I have since become ”friends” with some of the Staff Members/Team and have signed up to run my first Half Rev3 distance triathlon this summer at Cedar Point, in Ohio, with them. But if you’re familiar with my blog, you already knew that.
Recently Rev3 has kicked it up a notch and announced that it’s staff would be running across America in hopes of raising $100,000 for The Ulman Cancer Fund. The Revolution3 Run Across America consists of 10 people on a core team, doing 15 miles each day, to get from Oceanside, CA to Washington DC (3,080 miles), in 21 days (March 26th to April 16th). Along the way the Rev3 Age Group Team will fill in days where they can. In addition to the main group, there will be many “virtual teams” throughout the United States logging running miles where they can, raising funds towards the cause.
The Ulman Cancer Fund was started by Doug Ulman and his family after his cancer diagnosis while in college. Since its inception in 1997, UCF has worked tirelessly at both the community level and national level to raise awareness of the young adult (ages 20 – 39 years old) cancer issue and ensure all young adults and families impacted by cancer have a voice and the resources necessary to thrive. As Rev3 runs across these great United States of America they will strive to spread their good word and give many children and families inspiration and access to the services provided by the Ulman Cancer Fund.
Where do I come into all of this? I’ve come to the realization that yes, I love to run, but it’s time to do something more with my running. I’d like to raise money and awareness for organizations when and where I can. As you know, I’ve already signed up with Team RWB to raise money for our veterans and I have now signed up to raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund by helping Rev3 Run Across America. Unfortunately I am unable to take 21 days off of work to run across America, so I’ve joined forces with Harmony Davis and the rest of her virtual team to log miles when and where I can. This will be during the same time period the others will be running across America.
Where do you come in? Donate! Although I’ll be kicking up my Team RWB donation efforts in the future I’m currently looking for my readers to donate to Rev3 Run Across America. I’ve also added a widget to my right side bar. Just click and follow the prompts to donate. When asked, choose to donate in the name of “Team Davis”. No amount is too little. And word on the street is that Rev3 is working on a raffle for those that do donate. So if you donate you could be walking away with something fun. Hot dang!
Thanks everyone!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Found: Triathlon Coach(es)
16
If you can remember back, I was looking for a triathlon coach. Being my first full season as a triathlete and undertaking my first Half Rev3 distance I knew I needed direction. I was unsure where to go, who to ask, and what to do. People were giving me names and contact information (which I truly appreciate and have saved). Then I received word that Rev3 was offering a coaching option. Bingo!
So my coach(es) have been found. I’ve chosen to sign up with the Rev3 Group Coaching. Here’s what all it includes:
- Monthly training program with daily workouts to include race specific guidance, equipment tips and nutrition suggestions.
- Training opportunities with Team Rev3!
- Password protected forum available to each athlete in the program. Rev3Tri Team, Rev3 Race Director and Rev3 Staff will all be available on the forum for continued support.
- Advanced information given to include: course updates, course maps, race director tips, coach tips, race weekend schedules, and so much more!
- On-course training days
- Race weekend meet ups, racing tips, motivation & strategy, meeting the athletes on Team Rev3!
- Webinars and online chats on specific training topics.
That’s exactly what I’m looking for. I knew I needed direction but didn’t want to get myself in too deep and realize, “Crap, what have I done?!” My biggest concern was having a training plan and this will be provided with the program. In addition I’ll have the guidance and support of fellow triathletes. I’m super psyched and grateful for this option. Thanks Rev3!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Power Of The Rev3 Visor
6
Talking about the “power” my Rev3 Headweats Visor has given me and the motivation it’s recently provided through the Rev3 Run Across America for the Ulman Cancer Fund.
What’s your favorite go-to piece of clothing/technology for your workouts?
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
2012: Believe In Yourself
13December 31, 2011
As we head into 2012 I hope it’s everything that you hope for and more. Whatever your resolution (or non-resolution), success begins with believing in yourself.
As you saw, I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions. However, like so many, I have some plans for 2012. Here they are….
Run my 2nd Half Marathon – As of last night I have registered for the Toledo Glass City Half Marathon. It’s scheduled a little early in the season for my liking (April), but it’s what worked with my schedule. It won’t interfere with our trip to Italy or my Half Rev3 training.
Italy!!!!!!! – I don’t think I could add enough exclamation marks to show how flippin’ excited I am about going to Italy!!!!!!! D and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary this year. It has always been our dream to venture to Italy and it’s finally becoming a reality. We’re looking forward to spending 9 days in Rome, traveling through Tuscany, and also Florence.
Complete my first Half Rev3 Triathlon – If you haven’t been able to tell from previous posts, I’m super stoked and super scared about this all rolled into one. Although it may sound crazy, I’m looking forward to the long hours of training that are heading my way.
Cruisin’ the Western Caribbean – To add to our 10th wedding anniversary celebration, we’ll be sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas in the fall. We’ll be joining my parents, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and my brother and SIL, also celebrating their 10th anniversary, along with a few aunts and uncles. This is sure to be a good time.
(Something to note: both trips are each planned within one month’s time following each of my “big” races. Ha, fancy that Gotta offset my hardwork with some enjoyment too. Right?)
I know there will be additional races and that life will be throwing us other ups and downs throughout the year, but this is what I’m looking forward to most.
Be Grateful and Keep Smiling =)
Shaq, You’ve Been Challenged!
2For those who don’t know, Shaquille O’ Neill has a show called “Shaq Vs”. On his show he challenges athletes in their respective sports to try and prove that he’s “the greatest athlete.” Well, my fellow Team Red, White, and Blue teammate, Jim Wilkes, has issued Shaq a challenge: Run a sprint triathlon. Say what? Tis true. Jim Wilkes wants Shaq to come to Sandusky, Ohio, when Rev3Tri rolls into town, and run a sprint triathlon.
Check out Jim’s challenge to Shaq:
I think that this is an excellent idea and hope Shaq accepts the challenge. Not only would it be great to see Shaq attempt a triathlon, but I think it’d be great for my hometown of Sandusky, Ohio.
Please retweet, repost, and get the word out. Hey Shaq, accept Jim’s challenge!!
Choo! Choo! The Decision Train Is Rolling!
6
I have been having minor wig out moments recently. As you know, I have some OCD-like tendencies. I like to feel like I have control of the situation. If I don’t, enter my wigging out. I know the future is uncertain. Heck, tomorrow is not guaranteed. However, I was at the point where I didn’t know what decisions to make or how to implement them since my future is so uncertain.
On top of that my head has been spinning about planning a vacation for our 10 yr wedding anniversary, creating a race schedule, figuring out a training schedule, getting a coach or not, deciding if I want to join a triathlon team, keeping up with all of my jobs, and becoming a FitFluential Ambassador. Believe it our not, most of these are somehow all interconnected.
As Elphaba would say: It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap. So I did.
Source: imgfave.com via Alexa on Pinterest
For well over a year we’ve said, “Let’s book a trip to Italy.” Well, we finally booked it! This past weekend D and I booked our flights to Italy to celebrate our 10 yr wedding anniversary. It’s always been my dream to travel to Italy. Having married at such a young age, having little time to savor our wedding, and having very little funds, a honeymoon wasn’t in our cards. Thankfully after 4 yrs of marriage we were able to go on vacation and have since been on several wonderful vacations. With that being said, we always say that we choose our vacations to “make up for our missed honeymoon.” This definitely fits the bill, as either of us has been to Europe. We’ve spent countless hours researching, trying to find the best places to stay, which fit into our budget and style. We area beyond stoked to head to Italy in just a few short months. I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about this in the future.
Source
As for creating a race schedule, figuring out a training plan, and deciding on a coach…well that’s still a work in progress. This is my first off-season as a triathlete and I’ve been kind of like a deer in headlights. What do I do? I’ve just been rotating my workouts to cover all of my bases. Then, adding in trying to train for a half marathon put another spin on it. Thankfully Laura has come to my rescue and shuffled me along. I swear I’m beginning to think we were separated at birth or something. She can read my fears and anxieties as if she’s been through them (maybe she has?) and has provided an abundance of knowledge, guidance, and reassurance just when I thought I was losing my mind. With her assistance this is what I’ve come up with. Tentatively I am planning for the Glass City Half Marathon in early spring, have several ideas for smaller triathlons throughout the summer months, finishing up with my “A” race, the Half Rev3, in September. I plan on focusing on the half marathon throughout the winter months using Hal Higdon’s training schedule, which also includes cross training/strength training days. Finally, as for a coach/Half Rev3 training plan, I’m still working on that. I think there’s something coming to fruition that will fit the bill. I’ll fill you in on that when it becomes available!
I already posted that I have chosen to join the Team Red, White, and Blue Triathlon team, so that’s not really any news. This was one of the first decisions I made and it helped get the decision train rolling.
Lastly, I have to keep up with my jobs along with adding in FitFluential Ambassador duties. As you guessed I am a very organized person. Keeping up isn’t necessarily hard, I just have to use any spare time to my advantage and optimize any time that I do have. Making lists and crossing off items definitely helps.
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Since I’ve already made some major decisions other things will begin to fall into place. Now, instead of saying, “What if…” I can say, “When this happens….” I feel more prepared and more in control. Ahhhh.
Be Grateful and Keep Smiling =)
