Gobsmacked Part 2

This holiday just keeps getting better. Not only am I enjoying the benefits of being able to train at Port Macquarie but we are all just relaxing and chilling and seeing different places around town. My children are not avid beach goers but they do love the pool so they have been taking full advantage of the resorts beautiful pool. We have even had games of tennis and gone for nice relaxing walks. I think the kids are just really enjoying not having a schedule and being able to sleep in to whatever time their bodies dictate.

It has been serving me kind of well the past two mornings as I have been able to get my training out of the way before they have even risen. Yesterday morning I was able to join forces with Port Macquarie Tri Club for one of their swim sessions thanks to Nicole from DailyMile. What a session! It was tough but so glad I got 3.9km out of the way. It went something like this:

• 400m warm up
• 10 x 50m Fr/s
• 9 x 150's (meant to be 10 but I died on 1 of them and only did 50m)
• 1 x 50 from the previous 150's
• 12 x 100's - 4 with band, 4 with band & pullbouy, 4 with band, pullbouy, paddles
• 12 x 25m sprints - 4 Fr/s, 4 Fly up Fr/s back, 4 Fr/s
• 100m cool down

I was totally stuffed at the end - but I had met some really nice people and was thankful that they took me under their wing for one session. By 1pm yesterday arvo I had to have a nanna nap to recharge my batteries - whilst I napped Stephen took the kids back to the pool for about 2hrs.

Then this morning it was back up at 0445hrs to go for a bike ride with Nicole. I wanted to end 2010 with a BANG, and that is just what I have done. I met Nicole out the front of the resort and we made our way out towards Lighthouse Drive. As we headed out I was thinking to myself, today is the day - today is the day I do Matthew Flinders Drive.

Making the way out there from the resort there are a few hills, nothing major but enough to get the blood shunted to your quads. I remember thinking to myself "if I am struggling now what am I going to do when I hit the big one". Oh well, there was no time to focus on that I was going to use the ride out and back as a warm up and try to get my mind focused on the fact that I could do this.

As we hit Lake Catheye - we stopped and had a drink - more for my sake because my back was a bit sore. My husband and his family used to holiday down here so it was good to see it. Will most definately take the kids down so they can go for a swim.

On the way back I started to fret - was wondering what gear I needed to be in to tackle that monstrosity. By the time we had made it to the first little turning hill which signalled what lay ahead, Nicole said to me "Barb, you can do it, just don't look too far ahead". Okay, it was time to grin and bare it - have some faith woman.

I could feel it start to ascend and I started changing gears to make it easier. No sooner did I do that, the road did another little kick up and it was time to get out of the saddle and start peddling hard. I could feel my legs really working hard to turn over a revolution and I was leaning so far forward I think any lower and I would have been kissing my aero bars. Just when I thought to myself I was going to have to stop - and believe me if I stopped I would have either rolled backwards to my death or fallen off, it was time to turn onto Davis Cres. There was a slight reprieve and then another short, sharp climb back out onto Lighthouse Drive. I have never been so happy to see a small easy climb - it almost felt like I was riding a flat path.

When I got to the top, I was sooooooo happy. I could not wipe the grin off my face. I rode past an elderly couple and said "I just rode up Matthew Flinders", they both smiled and said "Congratulations dear". I wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs and let the whole world know how far I had come - but being early in the morning I thought BEST NOT.

The rest of the ride was pretty much downhill apart from a few dispersed hills - spaced enough so I could recover. We rode through the heart of Port and I was shown where transition will be and where the swim entry and exit are.

What a way to end 2010. I have done so many things here at Port and the one thing that had me spooked beyond all words I conquered. Thanks Nicole. I look forward to Sunday's ride and seeing so much more of this beautiful countryside.

I want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR. May this new year bring you lots of love, joy, happiness, contentment, new goals, new dreams, and most of all a happy healthy self.

I know it will for me.

BRING ON 2011.

" Be Yourself... There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them. Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are."
Author Unknown

Gobsmacked - That's what I am. Part 1.

I was gobsmacked for many different reasons yesterday. Firstly because the sun was out - there was not even one sign of the previous day's clouds. Once again the meteorologists had gotten it wrong and the predicted forecast of a full weeks worth of rain and cloud had disappeared. Port Macquarie was going to give me gorgeous days to train in and I am so greatful.

Secondly, we drove around for a bit to find Matthew Flinders Drive. I have heard alot about this hill but nothing was going to prepare me for the enormity of what I was going to have to do. As we drove down it I suddenly heard a THUD, it was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. I just looked at my husband and said "what have I gotten myself into", "I don't know if I have what it takes to tackle this". I almost felt teary and already defeated. As we turned around to take one last look I asked my husband if he could stop the car so I could get a photo. My son caught one of me taking a photo.

After a few moments of silence and regaining my composure I decided I needed alot of

I can do this.

Thirdly, I got to run again - only this time I decided to take the coastal track which led me straight out onto the Breakwall. For obvious reasons I did not run the whole lot - but, I got another taste of what I will be seeing when I am here again on the 1st May. Once again I saw a stack of people - some walking, others running and some even wearing Ironman T-shirts doing their thaing and I was a part of it.

I took this path all the way into Town Green and stopped for a little bit to take it all in. I was standing on a path that many had taken before me and I too will take before others. How exciting. Yesterdays run was all about recovery so the pace was nothing fast and kind of glad in a way as my legs were a bit sore from the previous day's run.

Fourthly as I made my way back to the resort and entered the unit I could feel the heat of my body rise to an all time high. I think I was a few shades shy of beetroot red and I was really looking forward to a beautifully cool shower and getting ready to go out to dinner for our 8th Wedding Anniversary. Stephen and I have been together for 16yrs - amazing how time flies.

We have 3 beautiful kids and a great life - and I feel blessed to have found a person who tolerates all my craziness. The kids came to dinner with us - they have pretty much shared in all our anniversary's - they were even part of the bridal party when we got married.

After heading home with a belly full of food and totally content with my life I fell asleep like a baby knowing full well I was going to be awake at 0500hrs to go for a swim with Nicole B from DailyMile. She is part of Port Macquarie Tri Club and has been so kind to let me tag along for a swim and a few bike rides. Just the loveliest person, felt like I had know her for ages.

A great mix

Holiday and exercise - what could be better. Is it challenging to be able to find the time and inclination to get out and about - YES. I am not a creature of comfort but I do sometimes find it a bit daunting to get out on my own in a strange place. But yesterday's run was just awesome.

You see, we have headed up to the town of Port Macquarie. This place holds special significance as it is the town of my impending first ever 70.3. My darling hubby thought it would be a good idea to go visit the place that I would be racing in to see what it is exactly I would be getting myself into. And I am so glad he did. In all my years of swimming comps - I always felt better and did better when I knew the area. It was almost a sense of kinship that I felt in the areas that I had been at before.

As I headed off for my run with no real idea of where I was going other than following the coastal road, I started imagining what it was going to be like on the day. How would I feel, what words would I be saying to myself when I felt tired, where would my family be positioned, who would I see whilst out on my journey. Thinking about all these things made my run feel really real. Nobody I passed knew the thought's going through my head or the fact that I had such a huge goal to get to - but their smiles made me feel good nonetheless, and I used their energy to continue with my run at quite a tolerable pace.

I did have a few pitstops along the way of no more than a few seconds to get some shots of the beach as I ran.

Although cloudy and drizzly the air temp was really nice to be running in. Towards the end of the run I got a really good headwind which made it a little more challenging, but from everything I have heard about Port Macquarie and the winds that frequent this place I am more than 100% sure I only got a taste of it.

Upon returning home I saw this gorgeous flower near the apartment units.

"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."

~William Feather~

Garmin Forerunner 110 - How I love thee.

How nifty is this little gadget. Not only is it stylish in design (black, sleek, non-cumbersome), the actual things you are able to do with it are just awesome. I have just spent the last hour and a half setting up my GarminConnect account and downloading my first ride on it. Being technologically challenged it took me a while to figure out how to change the run mode to the cycle mode but I finally figured it out.

Today's ride was awesome - hard but awesome. I didn't do the distance I was hoping for - I was spent on the first hill, but nonetheless I still completed about 52km.

I have never ridden in such a huge group. There were about 40 cyclists - give or take a few - another thing I find challenging - guesstimating numbers. I think I did well holding a straight line, what I struggled with was my timing in letting those behind me know there was impending debris ahead. I too was aiming for everything that landed in front of me - very surprised I didn't get a flat. Elissa and I just kept laughing saying "Ooops, did it again". She kept hitting the cateyes.

I was in the front pack on the flat but as soon as we hit the first hill, that was it - I dropped off - quicker than I could say "dropping off". Frustrating, I totally suck at hills and wish I could be half as strong as my colleagues. They just zoomed past me like they were riding downhill. Drew once again gave me a push up that hill and as soon as I got to the top I stopped with Elissa. I then made the choice that I could not go the remainder of the hills and we both along with Matt took a detour to take us back onto the main road. Thankyou Matt for joining me on the ride back and having a great chat with me - you are a true inspiration. And Elissa, my aim is to ride like you one day - YOU ROCK.

Upon returning back to the Coffee Club I had the nicest 2 cups of Long Black and 2 Cinnamon toasts. As I watched everyone return from their full distance they were all saturated. They had hit rain on the way back and were completely soaked. Kind of glad that I turned around when I did but sad at the same time that I didn't feel up to tackling it. There is always next time I guess. I know when I get back from my holidays that my long rides with the girls are going to be hills after hills. The only way to get better at them is to do them. And that is what I shall do.

The whirlwind has stopped

Okay, I'm tired. Probably mored tired than I am after a good race. The tiredness though has all been worthwhile though. I have been totally blessed to be able to spend it with family on all 3 days and eat more than my fair share of good food and definately more than my fair share of alcohol. But, if you can't do it over the festive season - WHEN CAN YOU DO IT.

On Christmas Eve we all spent it at Dad's. I had a great night - food was just delicious. Dad's partner is Lebanese and the food is always to die for - and one is never short of a good feed by any stretch of the imagination. There was Taboulleh, baby lebanese sausages, hommous, salad, My potato bake, BBQ chicken, Kibbeh (a national Lebanese dish which consists of raw meat, ground onion and wheat). Sounds gross but totally the most delicious thing I have tasted in a while.

Kids got to enjoy spending time with their friend and they really enjoyed the evening. We didn't get home on till 1:30am and by that stage I was totally knackered. Christmas Day we all woke up a little later than usual and had to wake the kids up to come open their presents. Stephen and I were chomping at the bit to see their faces when they opened up their presents. The eldest 2 got a new mobile as their last one's we bought when they were in Yr 7 and were just about on their last legs. Kyle got a PS3 game which he had been hanging out for. They also got clothes galore - will they ever stop growing.

At 11:30am we made our way to Stephen's sister's house with my Mum and once again the feast was laid out before us. BBQ chicken, Ham, x3 salads and the best damn desserts I have ever tasted. After we all rested it was time for the kids to play some classic catches whilst I got roped into it by means of just being in the way. They also played backyard cricket and tennis - that I had to play. I totally suck at tennis, so I had them running all over the place.

By 7pm we headed home and it was time to just put our feet up and rest. Another great day done and dusted. I headed to bed rather early knowing full well I was to get up nice and early for my morning girls ride.

That was not to be. As my alarm went off at 5am and my brain adjusted to being awake, I could hear the faint pitter patter of rain on our tin roof. However as I opened the window it was not a faint sprinkle but rather a decent drenching. After a text message to all - I rolled over and went back to sleep till 8am. I had slept in for the first time in ages and now I had to rush around like a headless chook to tidy everything up and get food prepared. I had another family gathering, only this time at home.

My cousin and her 2 children, my Aunt & Uncle, Mum, Stephen's Dad & brother and us 5. Only this time we did a South American BBQ - that we call ASADO. Basically the cow ribs are cut cross ways - so different to the lengthy American style pork ribs.

We also had salad, ham, chorizos, desserts - you name it and it was on the table. Mum also took the opportunity get group shots. My mum is always snap happy.

3 generations - Mum, myself, Taillah

Mum and I

My cousin Rosario and I

The clan - Top Row, mum, myself, Stephen, Evan (Stephens bro)

Middle Row, Barry (Stephens Dad, Aunty Sonia, Uncle Elbio, Rosario, Sebastian

Bottom Row, Taillah, Kyle, Kurtis, ChiQui (the dog), Lorenzo

Boxing Day was done and I am shattered. Fingers crossed the Panthers Tri Club bunch ride is on in the morning, although with the storm we have just had and the fact that it is still raining - I am not sure I will go if it is bucketing down.

I also forgot to mention the most important part of the post - and that was my Christmas present. CHECK IT OUT.

Garmin Forerunner 110

I am stoked, stoked, stoked. has to be the coolest present ever - thankyou so much Stephen for getting me this. I have to also thank Dave from the bike shop for giving my hubby my TriSuit and for both of them keeping it a secret from me. You are very, very cheeky. THANKYOU. Even my friend Sarah knew about it and held onto the secret. Wish you could have seen my eyes as I unwrapped the present. I had the best morning.

How was everyone's Christmas?

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas has come around quite quickly this year. And with the usual organised chaos comes the inevitable questions from the kids - "which presents can we open tonight, do we have to wait till midnight, do we get to open the others as soon as we wake up on Christmas Day". All of them answered "you get to choose, yes you have to wait and yes you can apart from Nan's one".

My husband is probably the worst but not in regards to his present but wanting me to open my present. Last night he was all like "Ohhhhhhh go on, pleaseeeeeee open it, your gonna love it". What fun is that I said, I want to open something on Christmas Day. So he finally relented and walked away like a sad little boy. I hate breaking his heart, but the one thing I love is opening presents Chrissy Day, after all it's only tomorrow. Before I know it, I will be up to my eye balls in unwrapped Christmas paper and enjoying seeing the kids faces light up as they see what we have gotten them.

I spent up till about 10pm last night wrapping presents, and the whole day cleaning up around the house. The kids helped heaps and in the process they got to re-arrange their rooms - I don't mind, it means I get to cull alot of the garbage which has accumulated over the year. My motto is "if it hasn't been used in a year atleast once - then it has to go". Alot of the clothes they had outgrown which were still in decent shape got given to St Vincents de Paul for people who really do need it. Each of us had about 4 bags full - Merry Xmas to whomever receives it.

Then this morning I woke up nice and early with my eldest son Kurt and I got in a 7.6km run whilst he rode his bike. God love his cotton socks he said to me as we arrived home "Wow Mum, your getting faster". Do you think he wants an extra special present..... In all honesty, he was really impressed with how far my running had progressed since the last time we did any exercise together. I feel good knowing that my son thinks so highly of me - makes me feel special.

I have also noticed my energy coming back with avengance as I have been sticking to my new eating plan and have also started back on my nutritionals from Neways. I absolutely love Ming Gold and Revenol and can't speak highly enough of how they make me feel and how much more stamina I seem to have. I can really notice when I am not on them. As with any good plan it is all about sticking to it so you can make full use of their properties.

So it is here I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thankyou all for your kind support since I started in this blogger world. I hope each and everyone of you get spoilt rotten and share in the love over this festive season. I get to have tomorrow off and then back at it Boxing Day.

(Photo from Sabinche - Flickr)

Here I come!!!

Ok, so I have signed up for my second 70.3 - Yeppoon, without having done my first. Not sure if it was a wise decision, but something in me told me to DO IT. It had been playing on my mind for a while now and I thought if I was going to do another one after Port Macquarie then this would be the one. Heck, if I totally sucked at Number 2 then I could atleast rest and recoup at Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon.

Look at this place, it is spectacular. Capricorn Resort is nestled on 20km of secluded coral reef coastline (Great Barrier Reef) and looking out towards the neighbouring Great Keppel Islands. It has a host of things to do and see with over 25 free things to do or for extra costs you could go beach horse riding, canoe adventures and the list goes on. My kids will love this place and so will hubby. My daughter even said "whilst your out doing you stuff mum, we can rest and relax in the pool and watch you run over the bridge". Gotta love teenage motivation.

I have also calculated it to be 105 days after my Port Macquarie 70.3. Three and bit months of more training should see me get a little better at it hopefully, or atleast make it not hurt as bad. The course at Yeppoon looks really manageable too. The swim course is a straight out and back with water temps being around 22-23 degrees celsius PERFECT. Funny thing about it is that you have to walk about 1.7km to the starting point - one could use that as a bit of a warm up.

The bike leg is a 5 lap flat route. Should make for some very fast times but it could also make for some real challenging mind games. 70% of the ride is along the coastline on closed roads or closed lanes. Can't wait - if the images are anything to go by I should be totally distracted along the way.

The run which will be my hardest leg as always is set entirely within the resort grounds. It has a combination of hard and soft terrain with plenty of shade and finishes right in the middle of the resort. Once finished you get to cool down those weary muscles in the pool.

What more could I ask for in a race. Yeppoon 70.3 HERE I COME.