Variability

Life in the Hughes household over the last month and a bit has been somewhat BUSY to say the least. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions and trips to the physio just trying to get me recovered from my annoying stress injuries. Feels like I have been doing a constant CHA CHA - one minute ok and the next not so good, with the light at the end of the tunnel appearing and disappearing continuously. Am I getting frustrated? YEP. Frankly getting quite sick and tired of it - but I keep trying to stay positive and happy, looking for things to do to keep me focused on staying healthy. 

Physio has been trying really hard to keep me out of a boot, and through no fault of theirs or my own, my feet just are not co-operating. Having to walk, stand, drive and use them for just about every damn thing you do every day will just about to that. They ache and swell at the end of the day and then first thing of a morning as I take my first few steps - the pain is at times unbearable. My shin - which was my initial complaint is healing well, in fact it doesn't hurt at all, however because the bones in my feet are so inflammed, it has now become the focus. But on the bright side - I can swim. 

Swimming has been my sanity. It is my saving grace really, and without it in my life I really have no idea what I would do. I have signed up for a few exciting adventures - The Dee Why 1.5km Surf Swim which I am really excited about as I had to cancel my Cole Classic this year and the most exciting one of all - The 24hr MegaSwim as a fundraiser event for people living with MS. Why did I choose this event? Firstly it seemed really intriguing, as I was looking for a good challenge. The words 24hrs and swim really appealed to my inner amphibian. But then it took on a deeper meaning - one which meant alot more to me. And that was the ability to help others who were struggling. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has touched a few friends of mine and a very close family friend a many years ago. I've seen how it can affect their lives and those of their family and if I can help just a little then that is what I shall do.

I have been very fortunate to have great friends jump onboard with the MegaSwim and TEAM AFLOAT and I am really looking forward to sharing this special time with them. There is something really special about joining forces with a common goal of doing good - completely disregarding your own agenda for a while and just focusing on the greater good. We will do great - I just know it. GO TEAM AFLOAT. And should you wish to donate? Please do so on our page - TEAM AFLOAT. Every cent will help - believe me.

My other long term goals in the swimming arena are really quite exciting. Some I know I can achieve without a shadow of a doubt, and the other is a mere glimmer - but a work in progress. I am going to sign up for the Aussi Masters in Geelong 2013, and compete in a few events. My 50m Fr/s and Bk/s are a definite with other events in the pipeline Im sure. But I'm looking forward to trying to hit a sub 30 sec for my 50m Fr/s since becoming an adult. Should be exciting. Then there is my goal of competing in the World Masters in Montreal next year for the Open Water 3km. Not only do I get to go to another beautiful country but I get to try a new event - long distance swimming. Which will hopefully lead onto my my new goal - one I don't know if I can do - Rottnest Challenge. Scary but something to think about. You never know if you don't try. Heck in 2010 I never thought I would do a Triathlon let alone a 70.3 and then 18mths later I did it. Why should this be any different right?

So life continues and I have had the pleasure of doing alot of fun things. Particpating in the Husky Long Course Triathlon in and awesome team event with Kimberlee and Brent, as well as some open water swims in the Nepean River care of Jen and her kayak. Then yesterday I worked with TriShave again at the Kurnell Sprint Series Triathlon - and what a great way to finish off the series for the season. 

Upon arrival I was told that I would be shaving Gus Worland's legs for his Triathlon debut. As he had his back turned and I completely suck at remembering names, I was like "Gus Who" - sorry Gus. But as soon as he turned I was like "Oh I know him". I didn't know he was part of Triple M "sorry once again". I remembered his face more from his series "An Aussie goes Barmy".

Gus is a really lovely guy. He seemed so relaxed for it being his first Triathlon and it made me feel relaxed as I really didnt want to cut him. He showed genuine interest in me and asked if I did Triathlons, which I thought was super sweet. And  hope my shaving prowess helped him cut through the water like a Barracuda.

Even if it didn't help - atleast he DID love the feel of his clean shaven legs. Watching him rub his lower legs together gave me the giggles. He is a very funny man. Check out this little video - courtesy of TriNSW. That's me in the opening scene. Click HERE. For more photos of me and Gus - click here and here.

Looking forward to watching you complete many more Gus.

So here's to may more adventures for Barb. Focusing more on swimming and making this girl swim like no other. Whats on your agenda?

You can't just stay down.

Over every mountain there is a path

Although it may not be seen from the valley

~ Theodore Roethke ~

Reality. Had I have read this last week when I got the news, I would have told Theodore where he could have put his quote. And it was some place that would have made it quite uncomfortable to walk for the poor chap.

WHY?

Because something that I wanted to do really badly was taken away from me. Not because those who decided the fate were doing it to be horrible humans, they were doing it because that was their job. To look after their patients. But I didn't see it that way. My Ironman dream was gone. Just like that. All I heard was "Barb, your out of cycling for 5 weeks and then you need to rehab and strengthen muscles". I said "so that means I cant do Ironman" and she said "unfortunately no". From that point on I don't think I heard much more. I know in my head it is just a race, but really every race I have done has been used to take me a step away from the person that I was back in 2008/2009 when I started this whole journey.

I was angry. Angry that yet again I had to stop. Angry that my body was choosing to stop. Didn't it get that everything I was doing - the early mornings, the weightloss, the conditioning, good food, hours of training and trying for the last 4yrs was all for it. And once again it was like it wanted to set me another challenge - another wall to have to climb over. I was so FREAKIN' over having to start all over again. I wanted to just wake up and go out if I wanted to to and take my bike for a spin with my friends or go for a run (even if slow). I just wanted to BE for ONCE.

FAST FORWARD A FEW DAYS.

Sob story over. And I now whole heartedly agree with Theodore. He is quite a smart individual. All I needed to do was step back and look at what was right in front of me the whole time. Swimming has been what I have enjoyed my whole life. Swimming is what gives me comfort. Swimming is where I get the greatest peace of mind. So whilst I let the bones in my legs and feet heal, I shall swim. Well, I shall swim in about 2 weeks - self imposed complete and utter leg rest. And then - when that is done - I am going to swim until I grow myself a set of gills. 

I have a goal. And for me it's big. I needed something to replace my BIG goal of Ironman. Im not ever excluding Ironman - but if I am completely honest with myself - shin splints x 3, stress injuries to my feet x 2 and twisted ankles x 3 (since 2009) is a pretty big red light warning of my body telling me it really struggles with running. Atleast thats how I see it. So my future I believe will be in team events for Triathlons where I can swim and ride or just do solo swims. This still puts a smile on my face. I still get to do things with my friends. So I am happy. A wise friend once told me "There is always something out there to challenge us, and the stuff that happens to change your plans is just that. A guidance, not an ending". Thanks Lance.

Im looking forward to my next challenge.

Bridge to Bridge 5km OWS

" There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger." 

 Eric Bates

Often the most unprepared activities are the ones that turn out to be the most fun. There is not that huge build  up of anticipation and fear - but rather and unknowing ease or beginners naivety. Whatever the case, when the idea was brought up to me during a massage with Kristen I got terribly excited about doing something I had not even dreamed of. I was already planning on doing the 3km but the concept of swimming 5km straight, thrilled me and scared me all at the one time. Swimming that distance in a squad set is very different to swimming it continuously without the aid of a wall to tumble turn off. But I was up for the challenge.

The Bridge to Bridge 3km is the competitive component of the day - you can then choose to do the swim through to the 5km mark. When I arrived at the Regatta Centre and saw how far up the markers were I must admit to feeling slightly anxious. It was so far away but the great thing is that the water is never choppier than the wind that is occurring on the day. So luckily it was nice and calm with a shower happening. It was great to catch up with a few friends on the day too who were participating and supporting - Clair, Louise & Andrew, Andrea & Rodney, Marc, Alan & Karen, Jen, Kimberlee & Brent, Kate & Paul. Plus my family as always was there to support me. Their un-waivering faith in me is something I can never live without.

Before too long it was time to get in the water and find myself a spot where I knew I would feel comfortable. I sat myself to the far right of the first turn can and just tried to get as much clear water between me and the mass of arms and legs. As I turned that first can I kept looking up regularly until I started to notice a bit of a break that I could squeeze into. When I finally got in, I honed in the underwater rope that held up the row of small bouys. That way the only time I needed to sight was actually just to see how far the next turn can was away.

My goal for the first 3km's was to kick a nice good pace. Consistent rhythm, nice long and powerful strokes without overdoing it too much as A) I havent swum 3km in one hit and B) I still had the 5km to make. The first 3km's actually went by quite quickly. I spent the time singing, trying to spot fish and spotted the occasional floating yellow cap. I also spent the time imagining what it was going to be like swimming the 3.8km at Ironman and I tried to stay focused on keeping my breathing under control so then I could know what it would feel like.

I also tried to set small goals along the way like - trying to catch the person infront of me without using up too much energy. It was quite exciting to get a little competitive in the water and feel that I could make some headway. When I set my sights on a person in front of me, it was really cool to start spotting those little bubbles in the water which indicated that I was finally catching up to them. And then when I passed them, then I tried to get catch up with someone else.

As I reached the end of the 3km mark, a tiny little voice inside my head said "you can stop now, you dont have to do the whole lot". "Pfftttt, as if" said the other little voice, and with that I swam under the finish sign and made my way around again for the last 2kms.

The next 2kms were a bit more challenging in that the first turn can up the top end just never seemed to arrive and my that stage I started to get a bit of a hand cramp in both hands. I could only imagine that they resembled a birds claw after it had dropped off it's perch and taken it's finally flight to bird heaven. I tried to open my fingers and give them a bit of a stretch as I was swimming and before too long they settled down thankfully, but not before my feet started to do the same. I was also starting to get a bit thirsty. So to take my mind off of it I started to try to gain ground on the 3 people who were just ahead.

Little by little I inched my way closer until I finally overtook them too and then it was onto the home stretch. As I reached the pontoon just in front of the grandstand I noticed 2 very familiar faces screaming my name - Stephen and Clair. Clair had finished her cycling class at the gym not long before and came to give me support. Seeing those faces made me give it one last crack and I swam straight for that finish line. As I tapped the sign I had just realised what I had accomplished. Even though my arms were dead, I couldn't stop smiling. That was until it all hit me - system overload and it all started to switch off 3, 2, 1. Thanks Stephen for the sequential shots.

Could I have been happier - at that point I thought not. It wasn't until they started to call the age champions that I was called out as the first placegetter for the 35-39yr old women in both the 3km and 5km. I was so stoked. I had no clue. Kurt my son had kept that little secret from me as he had seen my name on the board about 30mins before.

3km - 47:14

5km - 1:22:27

I really enjoyed the 5km swim - I had alot of time to think and to just be. I realised how much I love being in the water - how at home I feel. No pressures, no stresses. Just being me. It made me have really good insight into myself and what I enjoy most- and it was good as the next few days were going to test me.

Onwards and upwards.

Real success is not about never having a bad day. What is important is how fast you

can turn that bad day around, how quickly you can form a strategy to overcome 

any obstacles that may appear on your path and how fast you can recover 

from a disappointment or blow to your confidence.

~ Dominique Bertolucci ~

A couple of posts ago I had disclosed that my shins had been giving me grief. Well pretty soon I was told to rest by my trainer and physio till I got some scans done to diagnose exactly what was going wrong in there. My physio, whom I have aptly named now as "Stef the tenderiser" was quite concerned with the amount of pain I was in everytime she went anywhere near my bone. After a few sessions the pain which I only felt in my shins (which was quite localised) had dropped to below my ankle. I had also told her that my first few steps of a morning are painful and now kicking when I swim was starting to hurt in my ankle too. Hence the reason for a bone scan.

Jen (SpartaPT) my coach rearranged my training program to exclude running and crosstrainer and to include water running till diagnosis and future plans for rehab were discussed with my physio. Going for my bone scan was a bit - ALOT - nerve wracking. Not only was I kept waiting for forever, but I could hear my name being whispered as well as terms like "ankles, scan higher, her shins" only then to have the Doctor come and speak to me about where my pain was and he then stated "I can definitely see shin splints but want to investigate a bit further". I started crapping myself right then and there. In my head I had already been diagnosed with something horrendous. Panic stations were on high alert and I was sent off to wait for Part B of the scan.

With Part B done and what felt like a lifetime of waiting, my results came through. Shin splints. But not just in my right shin, although that was the worst - it was in both. But my right showed definite stress changes especially where most of my pain had been. With there also being uptake of the radionuclide in my feet. And whilst the news was upsetting, in a way - I was glad to hear that I wasn't imagining my pain. 

Thank goodness for my family and friends with their supportive words. Cause if I had to just sit and wallow in my own misery it could have been tragic. 

And whilst the road to IM will be more challenging to say the least - I can now go on focused with the things I need to do to make sure I will make it across that line. And that is lots and lots of swimming, cycling and water running. When it comes to water running - I think I have found my new love. There is something about it that I absolutely find extremely relaxing. And maybe it's just because I am in the water, but doing something that hurts so much in an environment that feels so nurturing really makes me want to go do it everyday. And that is not something that I can say so freely when it comes to running on land.

Check out that beautiful form. Not something I can boast about when running on land, but in the water, surprisingly I look graceful and feel just as graceful. And as I am running and doing my efforts I imagine that this is what it must feel like for my friends who are seasoned Triathletes or long distance runners. For once in the water I can pretend I am fast even though I am moving at a pace that closely resembles that of a sloth. And I know I am getting a good workout because I finish with heavy legs and arms thanks to the waters resistance. Bring on more water running I say. I really do enjoy it. And because I know I am going to be in there for the long haul, I purchased an Speedo underwater MP3 player so I have some tunes to sing to during my workouts.

So even though my direction has been re-routed, Im still getting there, just via a different path. And it's a journey I am enjoying.

So tomorrow, I do my first Open Water 5km - Bridge 2 Bridge swim. Looking forward to it with slight trepidation. Not quite sure how to pace myself for that sort of distance. Nevermind, I will just keep swimming. 

Nowra Olympic Triathlon.

Don't wait for extraordinary

opportunities.

Seize common occasions and

make them great.

~ Orison Swett Marden ~

Having been thrown a curve ball on my journey to Ironman Port Macquarie, 2013 - I decided that rather than let it get the better of me and just lay down and tap out, I was going to still take the opportunities that I had planned and run with it. Well not literally but figuratively.

Let me explain.

On my last post I do believe I said I was going to get the verdict on my sore shin. Well, a bone scan has been booked for this coming Friday to exclude the possibility of a stress fracture of my anterior tibia or Periostitis traction (ie shin splints). Both of which I do not want, but both could explain as to why it hurts to run or jump on that leg. So, whilst I wait for the scan and the results, I have not been running but I have continued to swim and cycle. And now I can add water running to the mix for which I am ever so thankful for. Sounds like it is going to be fun and I am literally in the water 5 days (between swimming and water running). I think I am going to grow a set of gills shortly. Not that Im complaining. I love the water.

Anyway, back to the reason for this post - Nowra Olympic Triathlon. I had signed up for this Triathlon I think at the end of last year with the intention to try and squeeze in as many Olympics as I could before doing Ironman. But with the possible diagnosis of a stress fracture and being told not to run I was thinking that maybe I should just pull out from it. But the more I thought about it, the more I began to realise that I could still do part of it, so long as I felt comfortable with the idea that there was going to be a DNF at the end of my name. Of that I didn't care. So off I headed down south with my hubby to stay with some very dear friends Paul, Jennie and their gorgeous girls at Jennies parents home away from home. Paul was racing too.

The morning of the race we woke up to rain. I dont mind racing when it's wet, it cools me down. I ate my usual pre-race brekkie - toast with honey and a good cup of black coffee. And before we knew it, it was time to head to the race. Paul and I set up our stuff in transition and caught up with some friends Erin, Nicole and Clare. It was great having Stephen, Jennie and the girls there for support. Also saw Ben (Erin's hubby) there too. I love hearing my name be yelled when Im racing. The usual pre-race jitters (upset tummy) got the better of me which meant I missed the pre-race briefing so as I headed down to race start I had to ask someone as to how many laps the swim course was. Turns out it was one - thankfully. I'll tell you why shortly.

I made my way into the water and was quite surprised as to how warm it was. I did a quick out and back warm up and then found Paul before he headed off for his swim as his wave set off before mine. And then it was my turn. As usual my heart started to beat loudly in my ears and I just wanted to get started. I positioned myself up the front but to the side - turned out it was the perfect spot for me. As the siren sounded, I took off and took the lead with 2 other ladies. For once I played my swim strategically and positioned myself behind the second lady. It was a fantastic spot. Now I know why people do it - I hung for dear life to her that was until we started to reach the green turn around bouy. Then something happened. She disappeared.

I started to feel that I was working harder and harder and the turn bouy was difficult to get to. I made it - JUST and then I found that instead of going directly straight to the next bouy I was swimming uphill diagonally to it. The current had picked up - BIG TIME. I worked my toosh off to get to it and then as I finally turned the current literally dragged me back to swim start. Somewhere between the start and the 1200m I also noticed that we were sharing the river with jellyfish. And not little ones either. They were big, fat, gnarly ones. In my head I kept telling myself "you have swum with jellyfish before at Yeppoon" & "big fat jellyfish don't sting" - WRONG. As I turned the last bouy to come into shore I copped it fair and square from my left shoulder down to my elbow. A searing burning pain and the first thing that came to mind was "hurry up - swim faster". I didn't want to get stung anymore - it hurt alot. 

Coming out of the water I started to do a little bit of a jog to T1 - the pain in my lower shin reminded me that I shouldn't be doing that. So I did this funny little jig that could have quite easily been put in the skit "Ministry of funny walks". I heard Stephen call my name but couldn't see him and then as I approached Jenny she asked how the swim was. I think I said it was good. Certainly for once I actually felt alright exiting the water even though there were a few challenges.

SWIM : 27:33

As I came out of T1 I was really looking forward to getting on my bike. With my strength training and WT sets from SpartaPt I have started to feel strong on my bike again. I do believe the only time my speedo went below 32km p/hr was when I was turning a corner. Other than that I tried really hard to keep my cadence high and the speed up there. Twice I saw Paul and tried to get his attention out on the bike course - but he looked so focused. Finally on the way out on the second lap I yelled out to him and he gave me a really big grin. Then on the way back 2 really fast girls passed me and I thought to myself "you don't have to run, so what the hell are you holding back for. Gooooooooo". So I cranked it up a couple of gears and tried to hang on (within legal distance) to those 2 fast girls. Thanks girls for making me go faster. So with this little pick me up I ended my bike leg on a fantastically fast note for me.

BIKE : 1:15:18

As I ran out of T2 - I crossed the line and then went straight to first aid to get some ice for my leg and then caught up with Stephen, Jennie and her gorgeous girls and Ben and his little cherubs. With my job done it was time to cheer on the rest of PTC. I later found out that Clare wasn't able to finish due to her bad Jellyfish sting. Her arm had massive raised red welts on it. Paul scored himself a first place in the Clydesdale division - his medal is AWESOME. So proud of you Paul. Erin looked superb out there, always smiling and did a great race as did Nicole. I wasn't able to catch up with Susanna - Jen from Sparta's new client but I heard she did great too.

After all was said and done - it was so nice to hear Paul say he was really proud of me. A) I look up to Paul as a great swimmer. He is like a great white shark in the ocean. Strong and powerful. B) Paul is like my brother. So to have my surrogate brother tell me he is proud of me makes me feel very special indeed. Thanks Paul.

It was finally time to go back to Paul and Jennies home to rest, relax and enjoy the remainder of the weekend till we headed home the following day. I had such a wonderful time and it was great to get away with hubby. Thankyou Jennie, Paul and girls for your wonderful hospitality and for sharing your little slice of heaven with us.

Oh and before I forget - I scored myself a pair of Hokas. OMG - they are awesome. Talk about feeling like you are walking on clouds/marshmallows/foam.I look forward to wearing them whilst running, but in the meantime I shall reap in the benefits of less impact whilst I am walking.

Hurdle Number 1.

Amazing how quickly the body can decide when it's not liking something even though you have been doing it for a while. Amazing how with all the best intentions and laid out plans when your body says ENOUGH, it really means it. Amazing how even though running is not my preferred leg in the sport of Triathlon, it is the one I want to do most now to get to my goal of IM. And whilst a part of my brain wants to feel frustrated and sorry for itself, the other side is refusing to allow it.

For the past couple of run's my right lower shin had really been starting to plague me. And after Thursday's run I really struggled to touch the bone without grimacing in pain. It's the one that always bothers me when I start running again, but it is the one that had me stop running at the beginning of my journey to Port 70.3 in 2011. Now with not an awful lot of training time left to get to Port IM (5th May, 2013) I cannot afford any down time with my running whatsoever. So it's off to the physio today I go.

Am I scared with what he is going to say? You bet!!!!! But am I optimistic with all the choices that will be laid out in front of me to help overcome it? Damn straight I am. Since it started being a pain (literally), I have been icing, stretching, NSAID's and praying. But it needs more now, more care then ever before. 

I'm sure I sent a mental memo out to all necessary body parts at the beginning of this journey for them all to comply with the rules. Somehow, my shins decided to ignore it. Well, it's now time to up the anti, and get them behaving. This is just a mere hurdle. And what do you do when you face a hurdle? Well it's obvious isn't it? Jump over the bloody thing!!!! I am known for not letting things get the better of me. Even if something beats me at first, I am the one that eventually comes through the other end a better and stronger person. And this is no different. It's just a hurdle.

What hurdles have you had to overcome?

The tides have turned.

I have my MOJO back. Finally, at last it has arrived and I don't feel it subsiding any time soon. Oh how I have missed thee. It's been a long time in the coming, and whilst there were snippets of it here and there I was beginning to have grave doubts as to whether it was going to stick around at all. But something happened and I am not quite sure what - but I felt an instant feeling of well being - an urge to get out again and to keep conquering. So instead of fighting it, I just went with it for once and here I am - STOKED TO BE BACK. 

My training is going really well. I am feeling heaps stronger, but the main place I am noticing it is in my core and my hamstrings. Those puppies have had far too much time off and since starting on my program with Jen from SpartaPt I have really noticed a huge difference. I can now do hamstring curls on a swiss ball which I have never been able to do and I am now able to do a plank on the swiss ball whilst alternating leg raises. This is a HUGE improvement and an awesome step in the right direction. Am I happy? You bet ya.

Two days ago I had another awesome breakthrough. I started the day at Kurnell with the TriNSW Sprint Triathlon down there. I didn't compete but I did help out with TriShave. It was another awesome day spent promoting a great brand and seeing lots of awesome Triathlete's do their thing. I was able to catch up with a few friends too - that was a nice surprise. Funniest thing happened whilst I was there handing out the prizes. I was standing next to a really nice young chap who had the nicest legs and who was handing out the medals and he was asking me if I was into Triathlons, Im like "yeah, love the sport. I love swimming but I suck at running, I start somewhere at the front then finish towards the end". He proceeds to say "yeah I love running. Im the other way around". Five seconds later he gets announced as having the fastest run split (5km) during his race of 14mins. He looks at me and smiles, I look at him........my jaw drops, he laughs a bit more. Anyway, he was really supportive of this old duck trying. 

After the day was done I still had a 70-80km ride and a 15min run off the bike to get done. Doesn't sound to bad, but Sunday was stinking hot. At 4pm it was still 34 degrees celcius and there was a hot wind blowing. Now where I live there is not alot of shade happening so it was just about hydrating well and trying not to let myself overheat too much. I stopped twice along my ride and bought some really cold water to drink as both my aero bottle and normal drink bottle were hot as hell. And I just dug in deep for a 3hr ride. Good Ironman training I kept telling myself. Three hours spent in my own head was not as bad as I expected it to be. I was entertained by the stares I was getting from people, and it kind of made me feel BAD ASS......hahahaha. By the time I finished my run, I was dripping sweat and just couldn't wait to get in the cold bath. It was divine.

Then this morning I found my run mojo. It's been ages since I felt really good about my run and I have never really had anything positive to say about running. That was until today. Something just finally clicked, and I could feel myself just running. And whilst I still know I run funny it just felt good. I had great music happening, the sun had only just gotten out of bed and I was enjoying the moment. I feel only good things coming my way from now on. Strength, courage and determination will get me to my goal of Port Macquarie Ironman 2013. Of that I am certain.