Tri-geek? Perhaps

The white Specialized Allez is mine

A couple months back I decided to take on the road biking as really another way to spend more time with Todd who has retired from competitive marathoning and back on the bike. But the ignition switch, the gas on the flame, the moment of no return, had to be watching Libby Bergman and Dirk Bockel rock the 70.3 in Disney.

So I decided to take on my own triathlon in the form of Jax Sprint Series #3 in Fernandina! While no where near the 70.3 my 13.25 was the first for me and boy was that a race. The results even amazed me, 7th in my grouping! Cant argue with that. Todd and I both hoped for under 1h30m and I finished 1h15m. For all you non trigeeks out there, or runners looking to convert here are a few things I learned along the way from friends, Runners World, Libby and Dirk.

First is you need to train consistent and combos. For example a swim and a ride in the same day, not necessarily together(although a BRICK, covered later, is the ultimate prep) but a dual is so important for transition purposes.

Second, do the BRICKS!!! A brick is a bike, run, bike, or combo of 2 disciplines back to back. I did a 15 miles bike and 3 mile run every Wednesday for approximately 4 weeks with the St Augustine Cycling Group in the Shores. Basically I warmed up with the group, then when they went to sprint I held on for as long as possible, one time almost 2 miles at 27 mph! Then would finish the loop do a transition and run 3 miles. I think this was key to my strong finish.

For the swim I really wish I had done a little more. I did 2 swims a week for about 3 weeks, mostly just to get the laps in, with some side/rescue/relief swimming to practice.

The day before I put aero bars on the bike, this was awesome and difficult, so I suggest maybe a little more training for that. I also got the opportunity to chat with Dirk out in CO doing his training for Kona and got some great insight(all top secret, but one important part, have fun and race)



Notice all the gear, water bucket, lucky sumo wrestler, and Gatorade
absolutely necessary!





Lastly the gear. Todd surprised me with a 2Xu one piece so I didnt have to even think about transition. With Libbys advice I wore a sports bra underneath and I was good to go. I put no tie laces on my shoes, and braided my hair, ate a banana, and there I was.



Me stretching before at the gas station, in a sundress, yes im awesome



The swim is scary as hell. When we began the master of ceremonies had everyone raise their hand who had done an open water swim, amongst the 100 people in my heat there were 3 of us! 3! WTF, sorry for the extreme language, were these people doing running into the ocean! With that I moved to the front of the group, but when the gun went off you would think everyone of them were being chased by savage beasts and they sprint all out into the waves, once there they fell like dominoes!



Im in blue onesie



After a lot of trouble, I made it through the riffraff to have a close encounter. I kept feeling someone grabbing my ankle which I shook off a few times. Finally I flipped over, began to backstroke, and asked the guy what his problem was, "Help me! Im drowning!" was his response. Was this guy serious? So lifeguard training kicked in! "Sir let go of my foot and I will help you." This happened to at least 3 other people, I would turn to breath and just hear "help!"

                                               
  




Wall of reasoning



Anywho, after I get my own heartbeat under control and realize no, drowning is not normal, ok, or even happening to me, I finish the swim about 1.5 minutes slower than desired but happy to be out of the

water. I also exit about 50th due to the altercations.



Revenge Suckas



So I go and jump on the bike and man was that fun. I went out a little conservative as it down poured all morning and the ride to the race earlier was sketchy with some areas having as much as 6 inches of standing water. Seeing that it was out and back style I figured get comfy out, then blitz back, so 18mph out, 23mph back, did my 10mile TT right at 30 minutes, Todd wasn't even ready with the camera because he expected me to be at least another 5 minutes and I must admit, passing all the jerks who tried to drown me was one heck of a fun time! Left, on your left, coming on the left, have a great day, scum-os!

Lastly we are at the run. Now under Todds direction, which more than likely should have listened to myself, I didnt wear socks on the run. If I knew then, what I know now, OYVAY! First of all, I wear road bike racing shoes, not tri-shoes. Tri-shoes do this awesome thing call draining! Heard of it, well its really useful when you are soaking wet and you ride 10 miles sweaty and dont wear socks. So now that my feet are all moist a supple lets stick them in stiff racing flats with not socks and see what happens! SURPRISE blisters and cuts mimicking my Adidas stripes! ARGH! Slowest 5k ive done in 3 years, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was slow my roll or spend the next 2 weeks in Europe with jacked feet! SO 27 minutes on the run

But all in all, good experience! Im crushing my bike right now( 60 miles last weekend avg speed 21mph) and swimming a couple times a week and race training for a couple halfs this fall(really aiming for that 1:45 or better half) and looking forward to a full sprint season next year, and who knows, maybe an Olympic distance?

I know, I know, its been far to long my friends

I realize it has been entirely to long since my last post, but so much has occured from traveling to Europe, my first triathalon, the Hursh-Fowler merger, Nannys Birthday in CT, going Paleo and so much more!

I have actually been writing quite a bit but my pics are on a seperate computer, so with that said please look for a lot of updates in the next couple weeks! So much to share!

Just an update!

Today the bill and contract was due for our wedding reception! Its an exciting time and a very confusing time. Family(not close) has been somewhat of a blockage in the persuit of happiness, and selfishness has caused some frustration, but Im standing strong, Todd at my side, and moving forward.

Im hoping to have at least one finished blog tonight on my triathlon, followed by a glimpse into returning to troop 255/211, then Europe, Work, CT, and finally run training.

Thanks for reading, exactly 2 months from tomorrow left!

Mugs and Magnets

Growing up in Jacksonville Beach Florida I never understood the need or necessity of the mug or the magnet besides function. When we would venture for the daycation to St Augustine, Daytona, or the likes, there were rows and rows of mugs and magnets at every gas station, Mcdonalds, and shell shop, why would anyone want these things? My father being the minimalist he is, never had novelties around. Also doesn't everyone get away to the same summer vacation destination each year? What about the movies, and their summer homes, why would you need a magnet at your winter home to remind you of where you know you're going, its the same every year!

Until 2001 I had never stepped foot on a plane. The Sutherland's vacation each year consisted of hauling our boat, Whipit, down to Marathon Florida to enjoy the snorkeling, fishing, diving, key lime pie and fried lobster tails. I can still remember my first trip, I was 8 my brother was 2 and they had mosquitos the size of taradactyls! We only ever went between the 2 places and approximately 49 weeks after we left we went right back, same fishing holes, same smells, same people! So whats with all the mugs and magnets everywhere!?


Fast forward to today and I go to grab a mug from the kitchen and my coffee from the fridge, I see NYC, Key West, Boston, CT, Las Vegas, and on and on. I get to walk down memory lane every morning. They are the sweet tokens to remind us of where we have been in case we never may go again. Mugs and magnets are specifically designed to reflect the region, with the colors, tastes and sometimes smells.

As I blog about the old days and drink from my Nashville mug my in-laws found me on a trip last year, im admiring all my mugs!!It keeps it simple, a small token to stir up emotions and memories. And I know they clutter the fridge, but when I wake in the morning and see my magnets as I take the creamer out, Im reminded of the girls trip to NYC(and my first ever to the big city) and Jersey Boys on Broadway, I think about taking Todd to the Keys for the first time and all the fun we had running from Tornadoes and snorkeling the reefs, my magnet of CT is a reminder of the first time I met Reina and Nanny in North Haven and seeing Yale which everyone must visit in their life. I cant wait to fill the cupboard and fridge doors with Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Kona, St Lucia and who knows where else this year and beyond!

So cheers to Mugs and Magnets, SALUTE!

Holy Fromers.........

So lets just say I've spent the last few days immersed in travel planning!!! Todd and I have spent a lot of time thinking about the Honeymoon, and other travel plans and last Thursday we received some news that would change our next 4 months!!! But where to start the story. I guess with the bad news.

Bad news is we will not be doing a 2 week honeymoon, just 1 in St Lucia. Ok enough bad news.

Here's the Fab news; we are going to the BALTIC SEA!!!! That's right I made Presidents Club at ADP and we get to go to Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, St Petersburg, and Copenhagen!

But the news gets better, we are starting that trip in INDY so we can fly back there for Fowler and Hirsch's nuptials and see all our favorite CUTTERS!

Then the news gets even better, and this is a BIG SURPRISE FOR THEM, we are heading to KONA to see Dirk compete in Ironman World Championships and help Alicia cheer him on, that's right HAWAII!!!!!!!!! We were going to make it a real surprise, but of course Dirk has goated Todd about us coming and now Todd thinks we need to tell them! Where better than a blog?(for those who dont know the Bockels, they live in Luxembourgh so we only see them when Dirk comes here to train, we met them recently but they have become great friends quickly)

Then is gets even better, as a compromise for the abbreviated Honeymoon, we are going to the Tour de France 2011!!!!!! WOOHOOO

Ok so heres how it all went down. Todd decided after many frustrating weeks running that he is retiring from racing the marathon. Being 73rd in Chicago with a time of 2:30 is definitely a way to go out on top!! With that said he made the side comment; Todd "You know since we arent going to Chicago we could go see Dirk?" Me "We could". SO the wheels begin working. With the waiting game of finding out if I was indeed top 15 in the country at ADP(ended up 9th, whoop whoop) it was difficult to make any plans between now and the wedding.

As I booked a night with the Hilton Castle at Universal and was sent over to do a "survey", not really paying attention I find myself listening to some guy named Ricky in a very KY accent tell me about Teluride, Chicago, and Disney packages. Me, "Hold up, what is this for?" Ricky "This is a special package we have for you to buy today with a great savings" Me "Listen Ricky, unless you have a package in Madrid or Kona, im booked for the year!" Shouldn't of opened my mouth, "Why yes Ms Sutherland, we do!" Next thing I know I have purchased a 7 day 6 night stay at Waikaloa Village, with rental car, 2 luau tickets and a $200 gift card for, get this $799!!!! So I did it, but, and big but, didnt ask Todd, but hey, he wont be mad right? It was his idea to go to Kona in the first place.

Well in my enthusiasm I had neglected to think about time off work. Since at that time I didnt know about club, we were already looking at 3 weeks out of work in the next 6 months. John Hunter, a good friend of Todds and a fellow Starbucks connoisseur, had said there is a splurge threshhold, and you have to find it. Well I dont know if I found the splurge but definitely the time away from work. EEEEEEEK

Debate ensues, Todd" Heather we will just have to go after Little 500, there is no way I can take more time off work." Me, "Come on, it will be great, Baltic Sea, Hawaii, St Lucia and Madrid/Lux, we need to take advantage of time now."

Compromise, Baltic, Hawaii, St Lucia, all just one week and then next summer FRANCE AND LUX!

So, I cant wait!!! I cant wait to see the Baltic, I cant wait to see the Bockels and watch Dirk crush the Ironman, I cant wait to get married and then St Lucia!!! What a ride this will be!!


Wedding update:
Plans are set, now just the execution of the plans made

Taking my dress to the seamstress week after next to start the fitting process

Started a second round of P90X to ensure no back boobs(thank you Tosh.O for making me aware)

Biking is going awesome, 47 miles last Sunday!!

Trying new things.........Am I crazy?

Between work, P90X, training for a half marathon, planning a wedding and at some point taking a shower and sleeping I've decided to try something new, bike racing! As Jem Fromant says(one of Todd's 1000 FB friends) a "proper sport." After having the Cutters stay for 2 weeks, seeing Little 500(and the fact that those women have "proper" butts) and witnessing Libby and Dirk get after it at Ironman Orlando, I just had-ta!

"This is the cool way to relax on your bike"-Todd


I must admit, with the white wedding dress, the idea of a giant scab or sling for a broken collar bone does make me think twice, but I went yesterday for the first time and yes Libby I'm hooked.


For those who don't ride, here is a run down of the correct first day thanks to Todd! I will say I have been spinning for years, some Saturdays for 2 hours. And while that does prepare you in certain aspects, the fixed bike versus the road bike is a whole new world.

Before you get on the bike, you need a few essentials. First a shami! This is basically a nice soft diaper sewn into a pair of hopefully breathable shorts. They should be snug but not cutting off your circulation. Second a helmet, if you think its cool to not wear one you're an idiot and should not ride a bike. Water and a little nutrition before hand is important. I have been running for the better part of 10 years and have never been hungry even after a marathon, but I was starving after my ride. And of course a bike! I'm fortunate enough to have good friends who enjoy sports so Sasha and Libby both offered up. I ended up on Sasha's Synapse Cannondale with pedals that you slide your foot into(vs locking in.) Plan to budget some dinero for this sport and if you cant get the right gear wait until you can. You will be safer, more comfy, and ultimately enjoying yourself.

OK now you are ready somewhat. As I woke yesterday I also put on Bodyglide(thanks for the advise Felicia Regan) and sunscreen, I don't want to work on my "Pro-tan" -Jason Fowler.

We arrived at the boat ramp on Shore Drive. Took the bike's out and began learning. First we pumped up tires. Between 100 and 120 lbs is good(we went 110). This in itself is a new challenge; there are no kick stands on road bikes so its a delicate act of balancing, loosening the seal, pumping and doing it all over again.

Now for some White Lightening! This stuff is awesome. Its a cleaning lubricant. Putting it on is a feat in itself. Hold the bike, turn the pedal backwards and spray at the chain then pat your head, rub your belly and chew gum at the same time........get it?

Mount the bike, couple things. First you never ever put your foot over the top tube, so not cool, you have to swing around the back(first few times I managed to hit the tire, oh yeah looks who's awesome.) Ok now put your foot in, and push off, oh wait this bike weights about 3lbs, and I push down and the whole thing goes down! Needless to say this took some time.

So the next 30 minutes is filled with FAST heartbeats and SLOW mph, I'm talking about 6mph! I was so scared. Coming from the beach cruiser world where your feet do all of the work this was scary. Im 28 years old and have never been on a bike with hand brakes, it was like throwing someone from Arkansas who cant swim in the ocean. To quote Todd "that has to be the worst I have ever seen anyone at the start of a biking adventure and I'm pretty optimistic, but that was bad Heather. Surprisingly by the end you did great, lets pull the trigger on your bike." So after many expletives and some advice from Todd I finished the day having gone 24 miles, average speed about 17mph on the second loop, and hit 22.6 mph.



Check out my "rookie mark."


You finish feeling worked out but not beat up, your lungs are open, the wind is cool, and the views are beautiful! I cant wait to ride again. I went and bought shoes and clip in pedals and another shami already.




So am I crazy, maybe. I was talking with Juan Mas after our 5 mile loop this morning and he pointed out that all bikers get hurt, its expensive and if the novelty wears off well.... While the percentage of hits, falls, and other sillyness is higher(some guy up in Jax was so angry at a biker last week he stabbed the guy), there is less stress fractures, ITB issues, over heating and well, you just dont feel like the pavement beat you up when you finish. As for novelty, with Todd, the Cutters, The Bockels, Libby and Neil and the Regans, I dont think theres a lack of inspiration or people to ride with.


All I know is I went and bought clip in pedals, Diadora shoes, another shami, and gloves of my own and will be riding again Wednesday in the South if not sooner!!!!



GET GET GET

Zach Thomas Photography, nuff said

SO, as you can see now, there was no immediate words that could describe my excitement, the photos are amazing!! Little back story:

Todd and I looked long and hard at photographers because there are so many great ones in St Augustine, but we had a few specifics we needed. First and foremost we are not your typical sappy couple, its meaningful, its fun, its complicated. So we wanted someone who could capture that and who was willing to look outside the box to depict what Todd and I have. So this lead us to Zach Thomas Photography. Zach(ztphoto.com) is a local guy who amongst other things rocks in a band and takes sweet photos. When Todd had suggested him we had a quick phone call one day that basically went like this:

Me: Hey Zach here's the deal, I dont want hundreds of photos of Todd and I rolling around in the sand kissing on the beack or walking hand in hand in front of some house that isnt ours. I want something significant, I want 2 good photos

Zach: Do you have an idea or theme in mind?

Me: NO but Todd and I met through our professions, mainly I went in to solicit his CPA firm to partner with my company(ADP shameless plug) and his secretary thought I was cute and put me on his schedule. Todd actually cancelled the appointment at first because he doesnt meet with sales people but when his secretary insisted that he wanted to meet me, he took the appointment. I thought he was actually interested in buying/partnering, he was just interested in partnering emmmhmmmmm you know what i mean.

Zach: ok heres what im thinking, office romance, 1950s, sitting across a desk, its going to be a totally different process but it will be cool

Me: lets do it

Zach then hooked me up with Tara Ferreira who is a stylist for photos. I had actually seen some of her work on their family postcard(sethandtara.com). She came over with a few dresses and that was it!

Next thing you know im shoving quesadilla in my face on a sunday while Tara magically created this amazing beehive, beautiful lashes and the always neccessary attempt in the 50's to be as pale as possible. By the way as Tara says regarding lashes, "get ready to live!"

All in all Im looking forward to our second photo shoot with a little different theme, and of course the wedding!!!!!!

Inside the 6 and so much has happened

OK, I know I know, its been way to long since my last post, especially considering I said I would have a series of updates, but a lot has happened personally, professionally, and of course with the wedding.

So let's start with the why? Why haven't I posted? I mean really, how long can it take to type my own thoughts and submit on blogger? Well first things first Ive been working about 6 days a week for the past month attempting to make Presidents Club at my company which is a BIG deal; for my ego, pocketbook, and future with ADP(greatest company ever, and I mean that.) Normally this hasty pace doesn't occur outside of selling season, however as anyone reading this that's in sales knows all to well, you have your ups and your downs and well the first 6 months were down, way down. So, you will all be happy to know I'm pacing well and received a promotion this week to Senior District Manager, thank you very much!! I will know about Prez Club in about 2 weeks, keep me, my sanity, and Todd's unparalleled patience in your thoughts!! We get to go to the Baltic Sea for a week(Ive never left this country other than the DR with ADP in my life)

Next, and this was big, we changed the location of the reception. Several factors came into play and after having a very helpful conversation with my favorite St Augustine Accountant Ashley Trimboli about how much OCD I have and the panic that would follow we decided to move and are happy to announce we will be at The Loft and Rooftop of the White Room. We are so excited about the change which still limits the number of guests but with the 90 invites that went out we are NOT experiencing the 75% RSVP rate, actually close to 100% so we needed the space for sure. With the Nights of Lights being the night before, it will be beautiful from the Rooftop overlooking the main street down the river and we now have a dance floor and trolley to move guests to and from!!!

In addition we asked Mayor Joseph Boles to be our officiant and are looking forward to the personality he will bring to our day!

Other quick updates, our engagement photos are, pardon the explicative, BADASS! No other way to describe it, I'm so overwhelmed that any educated artsy specific articulation of them will have to wait until I post the finals on a blog; but I will say Tara Ferreira and Zach Thomas outdid themselves. I feel lucky to know such talented artist and look forward to our wedding photos and other fantastic opps to use them both in the future.

So that's it for now. Look for the engagement photos soon, as well as other details about flowers, and my new adventure, bike racing, which should be interesting! On a personal note, I'm one week out from P90X first round and its amazing, I will certainly pop those pics up and I'm up to 11 miles this training season already(maybe I will do the marathon this fall.)