Andi's Movement Towards Change

Today wasn't just the last day of 2007, it was the last day that I can get another race under my belt. This time around, I entered the Belle Isle 4 Mile Fun Run, a casual running race located on Belle Isle near Detroit. I had been looking forward to this run for some time, mainly because I knew I would see friends and Team in Training teammates. It's alwasy so much fun to see people I know at a race. This race was also important to me because it gave me the chance to redeem myself after Saturday's pathetic run that I had. I had a bit of worry festering in the back of my mind since I hadn't tested my legs since that happened...but I was sporting new shoes! Perhaps the new shoes would make a difference both physically and mentally...like a golfer buying new golf clubs. The weather was overcast (as it is on most Michigan winter days), but we got lucky in that it wasn't raining or snowing. There was a light breeze and the temperature hovered at around 31 degrees. Perfec...

This morning, we had our group bike and run training. I was looking forward to the workout despite the cold, windy weather. The day started indoors at Fraser bike, where my team and I biked through a 60 minute spin workout. Coach Kevin worked us hard and I found myself quite winded more than once. By the time I was finished, I was invigorated having had what I considered the best bike spin practice yet this season. After the bike practice was over, I was intending on running 4-6 miles outside. After I changed into some dry running clothes, I was on my way. Within a half mile, something unexplainable happened. My lower legs completely cramped up. I felt as if someone had transplanted someone else's legs onto my body. I experienced muscle cramps, shin splints, fatigue, all resulting in me having no choice to walk. For a time, I felt like I could barely do that. I was so frustrated and had no explaination. With only a mile under my belt, I headed back to the bike shop, completely disg...

I close my eyes...and I find myself on an ocean-side beach house. The last remnants of a big storm that had blown through earlier today are in the form of an overcast sky. It's 4:00pm, and the rains have finally passed. I look out through the back window, where the beach is calling my name, inviting me to run with the wind down the shoreline. It doesn't take much to talk me into it. I strap on my shoes, get on my running gear, and head outdoors. My feet hit the sand, and I start to stride along side the water. The sand feels soft under my feet, reminding me of a leaf-ladened trail run. The stiff wind blows against my face in a refreshing sort of way, occasionally blowing sand against my body. At times, I find it hard to get good footing in the areas where the sand is not packed down. Despite it all, the thought brings a smile to my face. I run on. As I continue down the shoreline, I look for others like me. There is no one else, no other runner. However, I pass a number of adul...

Hello from Santa Rosa, California! I'm fortunate to have a change of scenery in my workouts this week. Instead of facing blustery snow, bone-chilling rain or both, I've awoken to the sunny, cool mountain air of Santa Rosa, California as my family and I visit my mother-in-law and family. Maybe I should correct myself. Santa Rosa isn't necessarily tucked in the mountains, but compared to what we have in Michigan, it seems that way. The locals call the scenery "rolling hills" in these parts. Whatever you want to call them, I call them beautiful...and challenging. I've approached my workouts with a "carpe diem" mentality on this trip. Though I haven't run every day, the days that I have run, I've made sure to challenge myself and enjoy every moment (or fake myself into thinking I'm enjoying it). On one of my runs, I decided to go where the wind took me. For six miles, I followed a creek and found a narrow path that took me through a beautiful...

A while back, a friend of mine told me about a race he participates in every year, the Detroit Turkey Trot. I had heard of this race, but only through mentions of local television reporters who would air the story as I'd sit back on my reclining sofa snuggled up in my comforter and plush morning slippers. This year has been somewhat of a turning point in my life, where I have found myself having changed from an occasional yet somewhat sedentary athlete to someone who can't go for over a week without doing some kind of blood pumping activity. That is why hearing of the race peaked my interest. I knew I'd have to run throughout the winter, so why not obligate myself to do so by entering myself in yet another race? I knew it would be fun (races always are), and I figured I'd see friends at the site that day too. Thus, it was decided. I was going to race in the Detroit Turkey Trot on a brisk Michigan Thanksgiving morning. Fast forward to November 22, 2007, 6am. I woke up to...

I was priviledged to attend an amazing event today, a benefit concert in honor of my friend Vesna. When I walked through the doors of St. Clair of Montefalco in Grosse Pointe, I expected to see about a hundred or so people who were friends of Vesna or patrons of the Vienna Cafe. Instead, I walked into a full church with well over 800 people. I quickly realized that there were so many people that were just like me, who considered Vesna a friend regardless of how long they've known her. In a short six-week time span, a few of Vesna's dearest friends, Barbara Ogar and Mr. Fishman pulled together an amazing benefit concert that included musicians from all walks of life. Some were from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, some were local muscians who performed with the Grosse Pointe Symphony, some were children who have played on Vesna's piano in the cafe, and some were complete strangers to her who had never met her yet who volunteered their talents for this special cause. Regardles...

Today was the first group practice of the new season. Around 40 of the 70 athletes that have signed up so far to participate in the Team in Training triathlons in May showed up bright and early at the Cranbrook Natatorium. Though there was a football season chill in the air outside, the inside of the building was unusually warm and tropical-like. It made huddling up at 7:45 that much easier! Our practice started out with some words from Coach Anne, and then the floor was turned over to me for a few minutes as I was given the opportunity as a team mentor to dedicate this day's practice to an honored hero. Having found out just a few weeks ago that my friend Vesna was diagnosed with stage-4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma, it was only natural to highlight her as our honored hero for the day. I was so happy to be able to dedicate today's practice to her, especially since this was truly the launch of the new season. It was symbolic in a way. Here, all of us are facing a long ang grueling tra...

Back in late August, my husband was out of town for a few days on a photoshoot. When it's just the girls and I, we often go out to dinner at the restaurant of their choice. I joke that the girls are taking me out on a date, and it's a wonderful time of bonding and special moments for us. My daughter Lindsey, even at a mere five years old, had asked that we go one of my favorite places, The Vienna Cafe, for dinner. As with all of the other times we have visited there, we were welcomed with open arms by Miss Vesna, as the girls call her. She is the owner of the Cafe, a place that we have frequented since Lindsey was just a little baby. Vesna Dulbic has been able to watch the girls grow up as the years go by, and she celebrates that by posting their yearly school photos on her beloved wall of patrons' children. Most of the time when I am at The Vienna Cafe, Vesna is a one-woman show. She waits the tables, she cooks the food, she does the dishes. With all of that, she always ta...

The new triathlon training season is less than a week away for our Team in Training. It has taken me some time to get back into the swing of things. I've found the time off to be welcomed and frustrating at the same time. During this downtime, I've had a couple more precious hours to spend with my family, and that is always cherished especially because my girls will be all grown up in what will seem to be the blink of an eye. On the other hand, I feel that my body has gone into hibernation mode. Since the triathlon in Washington DC, I've gained a few pounds and surely have lost some muscle. My will to exercise has been hard to find, and I have found myself starting to slip into the habit of finding the sofa more comfortable than hitting the pavement. That is why this past weekend couldn't have come at a better time. I headed down to sunny Florida to spend some time with my wonderful cousins. One day was spent in Miami with family from my mother's side, and that was ...

It ain't easy being green... At least I was able to raise some green for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Today I headed up to East Lansing, Michigan, the home of the beloved Spartans. My objective today wasn't to see the 100th rivalry game against the U-M Wolverines. It wasn't to spend the early part of the day tailgating, either. Today was my first ever "Bead Drive", where I spent many hours giving away beads for donations to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There couldn't have been a better day for tailgating, football games, or fundraising. The weather was cool but not uncomfortable. The bright sun offset the slight breeze that would have otherwise sent a chill down a spine every now and then. And the atmosphere on campus was one of hope and optimism regardless of where alliances laid. I was a bit nervous when I first started heading into the crowds, not just because of the always-present fear of rejection (which I know I can usually quickl...

Michigan's fall weather has, for the most part, been amazing so far. This day was no different. Today was a beautiful, brisk day. The temperature topped out at around 55 degrees during the day, which is perfect running weather. My busy day didn't permit me to get out of the house, though, since I had to take my kids to a pumpkin decorating party. (That was a treat for me too, since I always enjoy watching my kids have fun and it is also a great opportunity to catch up with friends.) I ended up being able to lace up my shoes right before sundown and head out for what I hoped would be a long run. I wanted to knock out six miles, but I wasn't fully expecting I could do that being that I've only been running once a week in the last month. The temperature was holding steady at 50 degrees, so I never felt like I was overheating. In fact, it was almost energizing. I decided to take my long route along Lakeshore Drive. It proved to be a good decision as I enjoyed observing all ...

Tonight I attended the Mentor Kickoff meeting. There are five of us that will lead the three Team in Training groups that will be racing in the spring. I'll be mentoring the people that signend up for the Wildflower Olympic Triathlon (the race that I will also be participating in), and also the group that will race in the St. Anthony's Triathlon in Florida just a week before ours. (No, I won't be racing at that one.) There is also a group that will be racing in the Wildflower Half-Ironman, a 70.3 mile race that is twice the distance of the Olympic distance. I'm really looking forward to being a mentor. Our role is significantly different than the coaches of the teams. While coaches will advise on technique, training and nutrition, I'll be able to coach my team on how to successfully raise money for this good cause. I'll also be with the team every step of the way, attending the practices, meetings and other activities that are scheduled throughout this venture. ...

Perhaps you are visiting this entry because you came across it accidentally in pursuit of some life-changing information that you were hoping to find on the Web. Perhaps you are blog-curious and wanted to learn more about the world of online journals. Or perhaps you are visiting here at this point in time because of an email I just blasted out to you. (Maybe it's all of the above!) For those who got my latest email, you may have been hoping that you wouldn't hear from me again for a while. Well, I tried to restrain myself, really. But when it comes to email, I just can't help myself. (Hey, I did get the SPAMMER OF THE YEAR award at my work, mind you.) If you did get my plea to join me in the next part of the Team in Training journey, I'm encouraged that at least you are checking out my blog. Perhaps this can sway you to stick around for a while. Please consider adding yourself to my email list so you can travel along with me in this next venture. Email me at aduncan@pmv...

I found this video during my lunch hour on the 2007 Wildflower Race. This is the same race that I will be participating in through Team in Training. Here, you can get a glimpse of what I'll be enduring come May. Though this is still over six months away, I started getting really excited when I saw this video! Well, until I found THIS video. This is the infamous Lynch Hill, filmed from the front seat of a pick-up truck during a Team in Training weekend...This hill is the "big one" that we have to conquer during the bike portion of the course. It's a 7-mile incline. My legs are sore already...I'd better start training. ------------- Help me in my mission to raise $4,000 in the fight against cancer! Check out my progress at my new web page!! http://www.active.com/donate/tntmi/andi

I set up my new Team in Training page today. (Check it out at http://www.active.com/donate/tntmi/andi and let me know what you think!) It's kind of a wierd feeling. Though I now have the experience of completing a race through this program, the same original fears are creeping up on me. Fears about the course (the Wildflower is one of the hardest in the country), fears about fundraising (I am starting from scratch), fears about time and life balance. I've always been one to stare fear in the face and say "you are not my problem", using that fear to fuel my desire to find a solution. I will persevere this time, too. I won't be able to tap into the same crowd I did last time for donations (though if any of you are reading this and need a last minute tax deductable donation at the end of the year, keep me in mind!!). Sorry for the shameless plug *smile* I'm going to have to get creative this time around. I'm also going to have to set a good example, because I...

When I was in the height of my training this summer, I got cocky. I felt great, my injuries were behind me, and I knew deep in my heart that I would finish the Nation's Triathlon in September. I had been deeply involved in discussions with my online group of triathlon friends, and everyone was talking about their accomplishments and their goals. I was having fun racing in sprint triathlons and training with my friends. I realized that the momentum must continue even after this race in Washington DC is over. So, in a moment of insanity, I registered for something that at one point I never would have considered. I registered for a half Ironman race. I hadn't COMPLETELY lost my mind by thinking I could do a full Ironman. That's a 140 mile race...only crazy people do that. A half Ironman is certainly attainable, I thought to myself. It's just double the distance of an Olympic distance traithlon, something that I have already accomplished. Almost immediately after I hit ...

I turned in early last night (around 11pm). It's obvious that I don't stay out late often and that I can't hang with the young crowd anymore. Some of the group didn't come in until after 2am. That's a rare thing for me, and after a day of racing, I surely wasn't up for that! I woke up this morning and I felt great. My right hip flexor was a bit sore, but not to the point of concern. I ended up doing a bit more sight-seeing before we would all meet back at the hotel to go to the airport. I decided to head over to the Smithsonian's Museum of Archives, where the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and so much more is housed. The place was fascinating, even for a gal that wasn't really interested in history when she was a kid. A detail shot of the Museum of Archives. There were so many things to read up on, so many things to take in, and just not enough time. I ended up buying a book on one of the exhibits there so that I could rea...

I swam... I biked... I ran... I conquered! What a memorable experience! (Ongoing editor's note: There are so many more memories and photos that I want to post on here, so keep checking back. I hope to have all of this up in the next few days!!!) YES, I FINISHED my first Olympic distance triathlon today! Above is the medal that drapes a couple of celebratory drinks! The day started bright and early, like any other race day. We all met in the lobby at 6am with all of our gear so that we could bike to the race site. Riding with your transition bag takes a bit of skill. Combine that with navigating through Washington traffic (which was fortunately minimal at that time of day) and the fact that it was dark out made for an interesting ride. We checked in and set up our transition areas, and then waited for the race to begin. Some of the time was spent mingling with other racers, some of the time was spent warming up...but most of the time was just waiting. Racers bring their bikes into ...

For those of you older folks out there, here's a question for you. Remember Rolf Harris? No clue who he is, eh? Hint: Singer. Still nothing? You surely must remember the song "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport". Well, I grew up listening to the album in which that song resides on, and there is another song on it, called "I've Been Everywhere". It's a catchy little tune, and I one that I found myself singing after my truly fun-filled and action-packed day. Fair warning, this is going to be a long entry. The day started off with a trip to George Bush's residence, the White House, for a self-guided tour that I was able to set up just for Team Michigan. The plans for this started months ago, when friend Ken Rogers of Automation Alley had suggested that I contact our local congressman, Joe Knollenberg, to see if they could arrange for our group. At the time, I didn't think everyone could get in (since most groups are limited to 10 or less). Nevertheless, I ...