Blow it out your ear!

I think that is my new saying these days! For the longest time (ok, since about 2002) I have dreamt about doing a fully ironman (specifically IM CDA), I have hit bumps and gotten some bruises but every time I get up, dust myself off and continue moving forward.  The latest saga is requesting the possibility of wearing gloves for medical reason during the swim portion of the race.  After Ironman said no even after USAT said yes for medical reason I decided Ironman can blow it out their ear!  I am not a competitor (by any stretch of the imagination), I am fat and slow, but I am a triathlete and no one or nothing can take that away from me.  Sadly, most of the 140.6 mile races are owned by Ironman which makes accomplishing my dream a little more difficult.  I started doing my homework; low and behold I found a few that aren’t Ironman owned.  I found one that won’t stop screaming my name; it seems like it would be the perfect race (they have said gloves are fine, if needed).  I found another around the same time of year (which should let me hit my goal of having an ironman under my belt by the time I am 35).  Either race will just take a little more maneuvering to get my cheering squad to the finish line.  But I don’t care, I will be an ironman (please note the lowercase ‘i’). 

While on the hunt for some answers, I used social media to my benefit.  First I posted on my local tri club’s facebook page and was given some very helpful advice (I will come back to this part shortly) and I posted on Ironman’s page because I am downright confused as to why USAT says one thing and Ironman goes and does something completely different.  As far as the tri club goes, I found out there is another member who suffers from an autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I know I am not the only person out there who suffers from one of the God awful diseases but it is nice to know that there are others out there who are in a similar boat.  I have people in my life who are sympathetic to what I am going through, but do not fully understand. I have to say through, I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t have these people in my life. 

By the end of next year I will have either completed Beach2Battleship or Great Floridian Triathlon.

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

You have got to be kidding!

You have got to be kidding!

It would appear Ironman does not necessarily follow USAT’s guidance. 

We started off with this from IM:

Hello-

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and I wish you all the best.

Neoprene caps are permitted if worn under the swim caps we provide. Booties are permitted in water temperatures colder than 65 degrees. Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Lauren (last named removed per request)
Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman Headquarters - 2701 North Rocky Point Drive
Suite 1250- Tampa, FL 33607
(p) 813-868-5920|(f) 813-868-5930
(skype) ironman.lauren
http://www.ironman.com/

Then this from USAT:

Hello Sammie,

We allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Simply bring a note from your doctor indicating your diagnosis.  You will not necessarily be asked to show it, but you should have it just in case  Print this email and keep it with your doctor's note.

Charlie Crawford | Commissioner of Officials | USA TRIATHLON

5825 Delmonico Dr | Colorado Springs, Colorado  80919 office and cell :: 334.332.9092 | fax :: 719.597.2121 | http://www.usatriathlon.org/

And this this from me to IM

Lauren,
I received an email from Charlie Crawford (Commissioner of Officials, USA Triathlon) stating they allow gloves to be used with a medical exception. Would this policy apply to Ironman? As directed by USAT I would have a letter from my doctor stating my condition and the reason for needing the gloves. I am hoping I would not need to wear them, but I can’t take the chance of needing them and not being able to use them.
Thanks again,

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Sammie

And then this from IM:

Hello-

Thank you for your email.

Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please attend the mandatory athlete meeting to speak with race officials directly. Ultimately, they are the only ones able to make the call.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Lauren (last named removed per request)
Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman Headquarters - 2701 North Rocky Point Drive
Suite 1250- Tampa, FL 33607
(p) 813-868-5920|(f) 813-868-5930
(skype) ironman.lauren
http://www.ironman.com/

All I can say is it is VERY disconcerting! These events are NOT cheap! But they still want me to sign up and talk to an official on race weekend to find out they may or may not follow USAT’s guidelines?  Seriously?  Not only are we talking about registration fees we also need to factor transportation costs, lodging, a SERIOUS amount of training!  I can’t not do something like that while flying by the seat of my pants, it does not work that way!

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Roller Coaster

After finding out the hard way about my hands and contacting race directors I was pretty happy yesterday and then I got an email back from Ironman…

Hello-

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and I wish you all the best.

Neoprene caps are permitted if worn under the swim caps we provide. Booties are permitted in water temperatures colder than 65 degrees. Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Talk about heart breaking!  I can’t not drop THAT much on a race only to drop out after the first event.  Needless to say I was not happy with that answer so I went higher up and contacted USAT directly!  I fully understand “4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.” I get that, but I am not talking about swim gloves I am looking at dive gloves, if anything I see them more as a hindrance than a help. 

This morning I was greeted to an email from USAT…

We allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Simply bring a note from your doctor indicating your diagnosis.  You will not necessarily be asked to show it, but you should have it just in case  Print this email and keep it with your doctor's note.

Talk about being on Cloud 9! Needless to say I wrote back Ironman…

I received an email from Charlie Crawford (Commissioner of Officials, USA Triathlon) stating they allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Would this policy apply to Ironman?  As directed by USAT I would have a letter from my doctor stating my condition and the reason for needing the gloves.  I am hoping I would not need to wear them, but I can’t take the chance of needing them and not being able to use them.

Hopefully they will come back and say they will comply! 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Lots o stuff!

Ok, I have been fairly quiet for a while now, but a lot has been going on. Mostly I have been dealing with (what I hope is only) a mini flare up affecting more body parts then my last one.

Last week I took my kiddos to Elitch Gardens in Denver. The park is really two parks in one; a water park and an amazement park. We got there nice and early so I could plant myself under an umbrella covered myself with 100 spf and let my kids have fun (they had to check in with me frequently!).  I decided to go into to the wave pool for a little while and the water was cool, it wasn’t to bad once you were in and got used to it.  So I thought!  When I got out of the water (maybe 10 minutes after getting in) I could not move my hands!  They hurt so bad! I started thinking about my upcoming triathlons and started to worry, I really need my hands to work as soon as I get out of the water.  Like any smart person would do I contacted the venues explained the situation and was so excited to read that two out of three (so far) have no issues with me wearing gloves during the swim.  I have also sent a letter to CDA IM to find out if it will be possible to wear gloves next year if need be (I am not dropping that kind of money if I am screwed during the first event). 

I am going a little better, my vision is still having some serious issues (my right eye is just going nuts!), my lower back has finally settled and my shoulder is now within a tolerable range (so no pain pills, finally!)

My “Century” ride(that got lowered to a 34 miler a few weeks before ride day) did not go very well at all!!!  I brought my bike into the shop the day before to have something looked at (can’t remember what anymore) I thought I saw them check my tires. Well two miles into the ride my back tire was low on air and my CO2 canisters weren’t cutting it.  So I had to wait for the sag wagon.  It was actually a good thing I did. I got a lift to the fat tire stop (the only stop with a good service area) and this poor gentleman was kind of stranded.  We were at the off road stop and they didn’t have any road tubes, lucky for him I just so happened to have two (that were the size he was looking for), I gave him one and he was able to get back to riding, he was so happy! Eric (the sag chauffeur) was a really nice guy.  We got back out to the road and continued the ride.  Well, I started having issues.  Looking up was making me see spots and making my shoulder hurt, looking down made my vertigo kick in full force.  I stopped for a moment and when I started up again I fell over! I knew it was coming and all I could do was put my arm out and prepare for the impact! I got to the next rest stop not doing well, so I threw in the towel.  Low and behold the knight in shining moving truck arrived, saw me and said ‘you again?!!”  so I had to give him a hard time.  He offered to drop people off at the “Cheaters stop” so I figured what the heck, I will give the last stretch a shot.  I am glad I did.  My chain did pop off (that is what I brought my bike in for! I was having issues with my chain!), I jumped off my bike, put it back on and I was off within a minute.  I flew down the hill, up a little guy and made it to the finish area. I did a total of 20 miles.  I need to work on hydration (I was having issues), I don’t remember having blood sugar issues, so that is a good thing.  All in all I had fun.  I will be doing Ride for the Cure next month.  I have not decided my distance yet, but I can figure that on ride morning. 

Next week I will be starting to ride to work, I can’t wait! (this week is let my body get back to normal week, so I haven't even looked at anything [no pool, no running shoes, no bike, nothing!])

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

New Rheumy, to much homework and Elephant Rock

Well, yesterday afternoon was my appointment with my new Rheumy.  I have to admit I was really hoping he would tell me he did not agree with the previous diagnosis.  I got there and it was a nice little office, but couldn’t help complaining to myself that I am just to damn young to be sitting in a doctor’s office like that.  I finally got to the back and the doc came in and introduced himself and first thing I noticed was his bed side manner was a lot better than rheumy.  He actually talked to me not at me, he asked me questions, listened to what I had to say before jumping to conclusions.  He looked over my records did a physical exam and then told me I do have lupus but he isn’t so sure about the RA (I was happy to at least possibly have one knocked off the list).  I had to have even MORE blood drawn and got to pee in a cup again!  I got back in a month, but I can say, happily, I think this doc is a lot better than the other one. 

I did not make it to my run this morning, I just have WAY to much homework to get done.  I am about half way done, sort of.  Tomorrow I am still planning on the bike festival.  Baby (my bike) went into the bike shop today so they could readjust my thingy (I have no idea what it is called, but it is the track thing for the chain on the front), he also did a quick over to make sure everything was good.  I am only doing the 34-miler tomorrow but I am looking forward to it.  I will be wearing my Sam I am shirt!!!!!!  LOTS of sunscreen and I will be prepared to pay the price for being in the sun that much.  I don’t care, I will have fun! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

You want me to do WHAT???

Here we are at Friday again.  This week started off REALLY rough, but rapidly improved!  I got three really good workouts in with two more to go.

Monday – I was flat on my back because of to much pain.

Tuesday – An amazing run/weights workout

Wednesday – Swimming JJJJ

Thursday – Pilates…  I had planned on going for a ride, BUT I had a very long day at work and I was tired AND my sister (who wasn’t coming home until late) had the key to the garage (where my bike just so happened to be).  So I was flying down the road to pick up Cuervo for gymnastics (yes, my son is in gymnastics and he was awesome at it!) and called the Y to see if they had any yoga classes available, they didn’t. BUT they had a Pilates class at the perfect time! I dropped Cuervo off (I am sorry, but I cannot deal with gymnastics moms, I can’t do it) and off to the Y I went.  I walked in and there were a whole two people in there (with 5 minutes until class started), the instructor introduced herself (nice lady), I set up my stuff and ran to the bathroom.  When class started there were a whopping three students (I was the youngest) and the preggo teacher!  I got one heck of a workout in but I felt so relaxed when I left.  During the class we were doing leg lifts and the instructor asked if anyone’s hip was popping and I was the only one!!!!! (read above “I was the youngest one there”) Anyway, like I said, wonderful class.  As I was heading to pick up Cuervo I got a call from him letting me know he was waiting outside the gym (I was a whole minute out).  Got home, let the puppies out, I was still tired from the long day at work, but I felt good. I was very glad I went! Oh! And yes, I fell off the ball at least once!

Today – REST! YAY!!!! Actually, today I will be heading to the new Rheumy (wish me luck!), then I will be stopping by the hospital to visit a very dear friend (please keep her in your prayers).

Saturday – group run – I am shooting for 3 – 4 miles, maybe 5, not sure I will play it by ear.

Sunday – should have been my century ride but (assuming my back is playing nice) I will be doing a 1/3 of the distance.  Since I have not been making it out on the bike like I should be I am shooting to keep it under 2 and a half hours.  

Monday according to my tri training schedule is a rough swimming day (but I can’t wait!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

One, two, three, BREATH!

No, I am NOT in labor!

 

Last night I finally made it to the pool again.  First I am excited to report I bought a new pair of ear plugs and they work amazingly!  Sadly, years ago I jumped into a pool in just that right way that the pressure against my ear ruptured my ear drum or channel (I can never remember which), anyway I thought it was cool because I could blow bubbles out my ear! Turns out it is not so cool! So now if I want to avoid massive ear problems I have to wear earplugs when I am swimming and yes, I wear them while I am racing too! Until recently I have purchased normal stick in the ear and go ear plugs, well they leak and they makes me cut my swim time short.  Then I came across some that had a funny shape to them so I figured I would give them a shot.  I doubt I got a drop of water in my ears last night, it was wonderful!

I was going to do a thorough workout, but then I remembered two minor facts #1 my back has been hurting really bad and I don’t want to piss it off further and #2 I have not been in the pool in a few months, so I figured a nice 1-miler would be fine.  As soon as I pushed off the wall and the water went rushing by I felt every muscle in my body start singing!  500 yards complete, everything feeling good.  Shoulder – find, back – fine, ok, time to continue.  Next 500 arms only (hey, I am a triathlete I am not supposed to swim with my legs!!!!), done, back – fine, shoulder – fine!  I figured I would throw my 300 in so I did just legs, after 100 yards my sister came in. I knew she had forgotten her cap and goggles and I just so happened to have two spare caps and the goggle that don’t work for me so I stopped and waited until she got in (we had to share a lane, which is a very uncommon practice at that pool), handed over the stuff, made a comment that she could not take the lane next to me (the guy was “finishing up”) because there has been someone waiting for a while.  Finished my last 200 of that set.  Made another comment to my sister about the lady waiting to get in the pool, the dude in the lane next to me was standing there stretching and really? There is someone waiting, it wouldn’t kill you to let her know that you are about done and she can get in, but did he NO!  Last 500, (my) normal freestyle.  One mile complete!  Took 45 minutes from start to finish, but that is including social breaks.  As I was getting out of the pool I stole a nice big gulp from my sister’s water bottle, I am sure she didn’t mind! J

As a good athlete I made sure I got some nice stretching in, while I was in the hot tub!!!!!! After stretching out everything I planted my tush right in front of a jet that was perfectly positioned to hit my lower back.  Last night was the first night that I did not have to put a heat pad on.  I might have to sneak out of the house early and get some nice swimming in before going to work.  I felt so amazing after my little bit of time in the pool. 

This afternoon I plan on trying to take my bike out while Cuero is at gymnastics, I will have to see if my bike will permit me or not. 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~