Recovery and Beyond

Eleven days ago I crashed my bike on PCH.  Read all about it here.  It was not a fun day.

Anyway, in the time since the crash I have been busy recovering and trying to get back in to the swing of training.  I landed pretty hard, not only on my head, but also on my left side/back, so the combination has made for what feels like a slow recovery.  I got back in the pool the Wednesday after the crash, three days.  It was tough.  My head was not super happy.  But, it felt good to move, cause sitting around was making me all stiff and crabby.   The next day I did a strength/core/stretching workout at home.  Most of it was really good, except the dizziness that happened with squats.  But, again, felt good to move.  Friday I was back in the pool - I did a TON of laps with the kick board.  Boring.  But, better than nothing, and I did about 75% of the prescribed workout.  (It was supposed to be timed - I did not time it, doesn't seem fair to make me time something when I'm getting over an injury and EXTRA slow.)  After that I picked up my bike from getting repaired and did a trainer ride.  This went exceptionally well.

So, on Saturday it was off to Griffith Park to run with the team.  This was good and weird at the same time.  I ran a 2:1 interval (run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 - way smaller than my normal interval, but necessary for recovery, even if it sucked).  I cried, sorta quietly, to myself, for the first 1.5-2 miles.  I have no idea why.  Not sure where the water works were coming from.  Seriously, I almost never cry.  Concussion day and the week following - more tears than I have shed in ages.  No joke, I'm a weirdo, non-crying freak.  Deal with it.  But, I made it through the run - even though it was really slow and oddly tear-filled - in one piece, with no dizziness and no head pain.

The next day the coach wanted me to get back on my bike, on the road.  WHAT?!  I was super nervous, and secretly praying for a freak rain storm that would prevent me from getting back out there.  I woke up Christmas morning to a perfect, sunny Southern California day.  Damn.  That ride was going to happen.  I laid in bed for a long time.... maybe I could just not do it.  I knew I needed to, but I was nervous.  So, I considered my options (not doing it was not one of them) - ride in my parents neighborhood, where there would be people close by, head out to Santa Monica or head to Griffith Park.  I opted for Griffith Park, closer to my parents than Santa Monica, and fewer stop signs and hopefully less cars.  I drove up the route I would take, scanning the road for dangers (potholes, loose gravel, etc).  I figured I couldn't be too careful for my first ride back.

I parked, slowly got myself together and got on the bike.  I rode around the parking lot a couple of times and then off on to the street.  I was super nervous at first.  What would happen if I crashed?  I just kept reminding myself, don't think like that.  I had called my dad and told him where I was and how long I would be, and to expect a phone call when I was done.  I kept my cell phone on me and was wearing my new Road ID.  I had done everything right.  I told myself to relax and just ride.  After a few minutes I settled in.  My pace was never blisteringly fast, but I did it.  I rode 8 miles in 31 minutes and lived.  No falling, no wobbling, no crashes.  I was good.  I thought about going out for another loop when I got back to my car, but I didn't want to push my luck, or worry my parents by waiting too long to call, and I had family Christmas stuff that night.  So, elated, I packed everything up, called my dad and headed home.  I seriously would've hugged someone when I finished if there had been anyone around - but alas, I was alone.  Whatever, it was a huge success for me.  Yay!

Monday is always a rest day.  Then Tuesday I had my bike fitting in Santa Monica.  I headed out to Helen's and got a fitting by Nate Loyal.  He was super nice and got me fitted properly to my bike.  When we were done he said, "Now this looks like your bike."  And, truthfully, now it feels like my bike.  He didn't seem to make any HUGE changes, but all the little things seemed to make it feel better.  (I bought this bike used, and thus far, it has been a great purchase.)

I had brought my run and swim gear with me, knowing there was a possibility the traffic heading back to the valley would be a nightmare after the fitting.  And, I was right - on google maps it was RED the whole way home.  So, I decided it would be a good night for a swim.  I headed to Culver City Municipal Plunge to get it done.  This swim sucked.  It was hard and hurt and I couldn't find a rhythm the whole time.  I was told to do 75% of the workout.  I did the entire beginner workout - which is 75% of the intermediate workout - which is where I was pre-crash.  My body was not happy.  Neither was my head at the end, I wasn't dizzy, I just felt off.  Urg.  Irritated after a crappy swim I headed home.

Wednesday called for a bike ride.  I got to work early on Wednesday - 715am, hoping to be out with some light left in the day for a ride on the road.  Fail.  I wound up at work until 6pm.  Totally dark already.  So, on to the bike trainer I went.  It was sweat-tastic.  But, it went well, I kept a nice high cadence and got it done (while watching Chopped - my new favorite show, thank you Sheree for introducing me to it).  I actually made one error during this ride.  I decided dinner could cook while I was on the trainer.  I put chicken in the oven before I got on.  Well, my apartment is small and the kitchen is right next to the room I keep the trainer in - so it was a million degrees.  Whoops. I still did it. The whole thing.  It was really sweaty, but good.

Thursday called for a run.  I've been feeling better and better everyday.  So, I was excited to run.  I went in to work early again on Thursday - 730am - and decided I would run after work.  Even if its dark, I wear a headlamp and reflective gear, so no big deal running in the dark.  I got home around 6 and decided I would run at the park, there is a half mile loop, on a dirt track, that is usually fairly well lit at night (from what I remembered but I haven't run there since the summer), and if I felt funny at all I could stop and wouldn't be too far from my car - when I run from my house I do an out and back and could end up 3-4 miles away from home, not good if I start to feel bad, and coming off a concussion it didn't seem like the wisest move.  So, I headed over.  I got there, and it was fairly dark, not all the park lights were on.  But, I figured there were a lot of people around and it was light enough to see the ground.

There were some creepers in the park, but like I said, lots of other people too, so I went about my business.  After I got through 2 miles (at a 3 min run: 1 min walk interval - slowly increasing to where I was before) the groups playing soccer started packing up.  Two more loops and they were almost all gone.  Suddenly the park felt super empty.  Me and the weird creepers.   Hmmm. This didn't feel safe.  I mean I had my phone and Road ID on me, but that wasn't going to help if I got kidnapped or murdered (seriously, these are the thoughts that went through my head, thank you journalist parents for those thoughts, yes, its your fault).  I decided to call it at three miles, better safe than sorry.

When I left for this run, I had no desire to go out and do it.  But, it was a glorious night, weather wise - maybe 65 degrees, no wind.  I mean, how could I not go?  And, not wanting to go felt like the exact reason I needed to.  I'm glad I got it done.  I felt better in the end.  I did a strength/core workout at home and then off to bed, where I got a small stabbing pain in my low back/side from where I fell, which has been happening less and less, but still happens.  I seriously want to scream when that happens.  It doesn't feel good and I feel like I should be better by now.  It's been 12 days.  I just want to say, "Hey, body, I'm over this crap.  Get it together."

But, I am getting back in to the swing of things.  I have a couple of workouts this weekend, including a bike ride.  I'm really excited about all of it and I know that I'm healing, however slow (or fast).

Some other stuff that happened this week.... I registered for two training races that the coaches strongly recommend.  The first is International distance.  The second one, Wildflower, made me feel like I was going to throw up when I registered.  It took me approximately 10 minutes to hit confirm, I just stared at the page for a while, having a mini freak out about the whole thing. Notice it says Long Course.  That means 70.3.  It suddenly all feels a lot more real now (not that it wasn't before, but this makes it feel more real for some reason).

First triathlon I've ever registered for.

Biggest thing I've ever registered for... scary!

All in all its been a great two weeks, even with the stupid accident and recovery.  And, my friends and family are amazing and made a TON of donations over the past week and I won a fundraising contest.  I am incredibly blessed and humbled by this.  Seriously.  Amazing.  And, now I'm just over $100 away from hitting my first $1000 in fundraising for the IronTEAM for LLS.  If you want to help me hit that first thousand please click the link and hit donate now.  Every dollar helps.  Seriously, a bunch of people donated what they could this week, and for many it was just $5, and those $5 donations meant just as much to me as the $100, because it means you support me and this cause.  Without the support of my friends and family none of this would be possible.  So, to each and every one of you I say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Donate here:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/vinefirn13/ewallersco

Also, for every $15 donated you get to sponsor a mile of the 140.6 and I will swim/bike/run in your name or in honor or memory of a person of your choosing, just donate and pick a mile (or miles).

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year.

Thanks!

Wipe Out

My adventures in biking continue... This past Sunday I had a little bit of a bike accident while training... Here's what happened.

There are things that are inevitably going to happen when training for an Ironman.  One of those things is falling on the bike.  I happen to be an extra clumsy person, and fall, trip and walk in to things regularly.  I did fall while learning to clip in and out, but have had a couple of successful rides since.  I didn't imagine falling while I was actually out riding.  Unfortunately that is exactly what happened.

This past Sunday I headed out to meet some of the team in Santa Monica for a group ride.  I left my house and realized that I had forgotten my sunglasses, so I turned around to go get them, even though I knew this might make me a few minutes late.  (This is important later.)  I arrived and parked and saw my teammates leaving.  I was a little distraught.  I was going to have to ride two hours alone?  Crap.  Then one of my teammates rode up on her bike, followed shortly thereafter by my mentor.  Yes! I wouldn't have to conquer my longest ride alone.  We warmed up and hoped that the rest of the group would find their way back to us before heading out to PCH.  Luckily we managed to meet up with them.

We headed down to PCH, which meant riding down a steep hill (okay, maybe it's not that steep, but for a new rider like me, it might as well have been Mount Everest!).  I was at the back of the pack right away.  I am still nervous on the bike and tend to go a little slow.  I got stuck at a stop light that they all made it through, and for the rest of my trip north up PCH I was alone.  Sad.  I had a moment where I was questioning this whole thing.  Should I really be doing a full ironman?  Maybe I should only do a half?  Maybe I shouldn't be doing this at all?  The bad thoughts come when I'm on the bike, its my weakest sport of the three at this point and naturally, I worry.

I got about 9 miles before it was time to turn around.  I didn't realize it had been 45 minutes until I saw a couple of my speedy teammates heading south on PCH.  At the next light I managed to get to the other side of the street and head south.  I realized that I hadn't been drinking enough water or Gatorade. I attempted to drink while I was riding.  I managed to get my bottle out of the cage and drink, but then I was struggling to get it back in the cage.  Grr.  I pulled in to a parking lot and stopped so I could get it back in place.

While I was in the parking lot admiring the view drinking my Gatorade, Coach Brad went by and saw me.  Caught.  Okay, seriously, I wasn't stopping to admire the view - which was spectacular.  It was a clear, beautiful Southern California day along the coast.  Can't beat it.  I actually was drinking my Gatorade because I was really behind.  So, Brad pulled in and asked me what I was doing.  I explained that I feeling like I was going to fall when I pulled the bottles out and wasn't able to get them back in the cages.  Hence, the need to stop.

After he made me chug a bunch more Gatorade we got going again.  He was giving me pointers on how to position my hands and go faster.  It was going pretty well.  I decided during that ride that I have to find a way to make the Wednesday morning rides work for me.  While the bike trainer is helpful, I'm still so new to cycling that I know that I need to fit in actual rides on the road during the week.  I'm going to make this happen after the first of the year.

I'm not 100% sure about what happened next.  I don't actually remember what happened next, this is what I was told.  I apparently hit a pothole in the road and couldn't correct myself out of it.  And, boom, I crashed.  I landed to the left, away from the parked cars and toward the moving ones.  I did not get hit by any cars, thank God!

The next thing I remember I was sitting on the pavement, I think between a couple of cars and Brad was asking me questions that I'm pretty sure I was answering wrong or couldn't answer at all.  I had no idea what had happened, how I had gotten to where I was, where I was at all.  I think that when asked what day it was I said December.  I think.  Clearly December is a month not a day.  But my brains were muddled.  This was all very scary and confusing for me.  I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what, and I knew I wasn't giving the right answers, but I couldn't figure out what the right answers were.  I remember being worried about weird things, like a missing water bottle, and the hole in my pants.  That's normal.  Or not.  Again, I hit my head hard, so my brain wasn't working quite right.

I remember someone else being there as well, but I don't know who it was, and handing me a band aid for my bleeding finger and something to put on my forehead, which was also bleeding.  I remember pulling out my cell phone to call my parents and not being able to articulate what had happened.  I don't know how much time passed and have no recollection of the ambulance showing up, but the next thing I remember I was in the ambulance telling the paramedics my name and address.  The drive to the hospital is also blurry.  I remember them telling me they were going to put in an iv, but I don't remember it actually being put in.  (I don't think I ever lost consciousness, I just have very blurry memories of this whole experience - actually most of the day after the accident is fairly blurry.)

I remember getting to the hospital and telling the nurse the amount of every medication I take daily, apparently I can recite that no matter how hard I hit my head.  I think I was taken to one room and moved to another.  But, that might be wrong.  Maybe I was only in one room.  I don't know how much time I passed, I remember crying a little.  I remember my mom getting there, but I don't really know what we talked about.  I remember crying when I was talking about what happened.  Then my dad showed up.  I think I cried again.  Most of the tears were because I was scared.  I know one of the first things my mom said to me was "You know you have to get right back on the bike, right?"  I said yes (not begrudgingly, as I know that I need to get back out there, no point in being scared).  She also told me that this little incident had aged her 10 years.  Not at all what I was hoping to have happen on Sunday.

Fun times... hospital bracelet, IV and my face while I was still in the hospital (looks worse now)

From my tetanus shot - best band aid ever.

I remember Coach Brad showing up at the hospital and having a conversation with him about how I would bike again.  I think.  I don't really remember what we talked about.  I just remember him being there for a minute.  He brought me clothes, just in case they had cut mine off of me.  I still had my wits about me enough to not allow them to cut off the expensive spandex clothing.

I remember being thirsty & they wouldn't give me water.  I got a CT scan.  After a tetanus shot, having my cuts cleaned up and diagnosis of a concussion I was discharged.  My mom took me home.  My dad went & got my car.  My bike went to be fixed.  Team work, all to help me!

I spent the afternoon relaxing. I actually thought I would be able to work on Monday.  (I didn't, I stayed home.)  I had conversations with a bunch of people, I don't remember most of them.  To anyone I had a conversation with from the time I had my accident until Monday evening, I'm sorry if I didn't make sense or was rambling or more repetitive than normal.  But, I did hit my head pretty hard.  Please forgive my bizarre conversations, that I, truthfully, can only half remember.  (I looked through my call log, and I really don't remember talking to some people... Note to self, next time you have a concussion don't talk on the phone.)

My amazing sister Alexis came over and brought me soup and magazines and hung out with me for a while.  I slept very uncomfortably on Sunday night, every time I moved something hurt, my left hip, part of my back and leg feel like they are horribly bruised (but, thankfully no bruises have formed!).

how my face looked Monday.
Not cute.

I spent most of Monday being uncomfortable.  My head was throbbing and my whole body aching.  Sitting and laying down didn't (and still don't) feel great.  It feels better to move around a little bit.  I slept uncomfortably again last night.  Seriously, every time I move I wake up cause something hurts.  I'm hoping this passes soon.  This morning I woke up with no headache.  Yay!  I'm hoping tomorrow to get in a swim.  The doctor said Wednesday was the soonest I could work out again.  Hopefully a swim will help my body not hurt as much.

So, you might be wondering, why those sunglasses were important.  Well, they saved my eye from being scratched.  This is what they look like now.  This is why you wear sunglasses when you ride.  If you notice the cuts on my face they start just above my eyebrow - these $20 Target sunglasses saved my eyes.  I will be purchasing another pair this week.

Also, I have a Road ID interactive on its way to me (I ordered it last week, it just hasn't arrived yet).  This is important, because if I had been alone at least I would have been able to be identified.  I had nothing to identify me on my person, thank goodness someone was with me.

Things I am incredibly grateful for: that I wasn't alone, that my coach knew what to do, that my parents came to the hospital, that my bike is already fixed (it had minor damage), that I have good health insurance, that I will be able to ride again, that I didn't break anything.  The list goes on and on.  This could have been so much worse.  No, a concussion is not ideal, but really, I didn't break anything and I will be okay.  No, falling off the bike, getting a concussion and going to the hospital are not how I expected to spend my Sunday, I had big plans for the day - none of which happened.  But, I'm alive and well, and that is what matters.

Yes, I will get on the bike again, sooner rather than later.  Why?  Because I'm training for a cause.  And, shit happens.  Yes, I still hurt right now, but it will pass, I will heal.  And hopefully if I fall again it won't be as bad (or at least, hopefully I won't be as scared).  I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous about getting back on the bike again, really nervous.  But, I will do it.

And you know what?  As bad as this was and as much as it hurt, its not as bad as cancer.  It's not as bad as cancer treatment.  Its not as bad as having a loved one with cancer.  I'm just bruised.  I will heal and I will ride again.  I will keep training for this race and raising funds for a cure.

If you want to support me and encourage me to get back on the bike, please consider making a donation.  I need your support every step of the way.  And this next step will be a scary one, probably my scariest one yet.  Your donations will help me get back on the bike and make it easier.

All I want for Christmas is to pass $1,000 in my fundraising efforts.  That's not too much to ask is it?  I mean I got a concussion... Help a girl out!  Click the link and hit donate now, show me that concussion wasn't in vain (even if you can only spare $5, it helps).

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/vinefirn13/ewallersco

Thanks!

This Girl and That Girl

Tomorrow marks my five year anniversary of sobriety.  Five years.  A lot can change in five years.  In many I was a very different girl five years ago.  I don't think that girl would recognize this girl, the girl (woman) I have become.

Five years ago I was very wrapped up in myself and my own things.  Understandable for many reasons.  I was a wreck, emotionally and physically.  I was killing myself slowly and didn't want to see it.  I was not an every day drinker.  But, I did drink too much.  One of the last times I drank I blacked out.  That scared the hell out of me.  But, still I didn't completely quit.  I drank one more time after that.  I figured I could have one or two drinks, no big deal.  One or two turned in to 7 or 8, quickly.  I drove home that night.  Yes, I drove home, with two other people in my car.  I thought I was okay.  I got lucky.  I made it home safely.  I woke up the next morning and knew I had gotten incredibly lucky.  By the grace of God I did not get in an accident and hurt myself, my passengers or anyone else.  I always thought I was smarter than to drive drunk.  I obviously wasn't.  I just thought I was okay.  I knew that morning I had a problem and that something had to change.

I have been sober since that day.  December 17, 2006.  I don't know why that incident pushed me in to sobriety, maybe for me that was my rock bottom.  I thought I had seen the bottom several weeks earlier when I blacked out, but obviously not.  At the time I was in weekly therapy, I had been suffering from some severe depression, and had started taking anti-depressants.  I talked a lot to my therapist about my decision to quit drinking.  I talked to him a lot.  I talked to him about my depression, my sobriety, why I drank in the first place.  I talked to him about whether or not he thought I would be able to drink again (short answer - no).  I talked to him about my life choices and the things I had done.  We talked a lot. Without him, I think my sobriety would have been much more difficult to maintain.  (A couple of months later, after more therapy, I got an updated diagnosis, Bipolar II.  The doctor had suspected for some time, but wanted to wait until I had been sober for a bit to confirm.)

I have never been to an AA meeting.  I don't have a good reason for never going to one.  I know AA is an amazing group and does work wonders for so many people.  For me, I just never thought I needed it.  (Although, looking back I realize there are many times in the previous five years where it would have been helpful.)

Back to that girl - the pre-sober me.  That girl would not believe you if you told her one day she would not only run a marathon, but fundraise for a cause while doing so.  That girl would not believe you if you told her that she didn't stop at one marathon, but by age 32 had run 3 full marathons and 13 half marathons.  That girl would not believe that this girl had completed a mud run and a 200 mile overnight relay - with strangers.  That girl would not believe that this girl had gone bungee jumping and faced down her fears.  That girl would not believe that this girl loves being active and getting sweaty.  That girl would not believe how much her life would change and how happy she could truly be.  That girl would not believe the things that this girl is capable of.  Because that girl, that lost girl, drinking to hide her feelings, her topsy turvy thoughts, her anxiety, her discomfort within her own skin, her fears, would never have thought she would have the courage to do any of those things.  That girl was scared of life and hiding behind a bottle.  That girl looked like she was having a great time and enjoying life, but in reality, she was lost, lonely, sad and confused.

Then, I would not believe what I have
accomplished now.

It might have appeared that I was having fun, but really I
was hiding from reality.

This girl that I have become, she is strong, brave, confident and follows her dreams.  This girl is happy.  This girl has big goals and big dreams, goals and dreams that I can and will achieve.  This girl knows that life is short and precious and fragile, and you need to embrace it.  This girl lives her life and enjoys it.

There are many thing about me that are the same now as they were before I was sober.  I was and still am a fiercely loyal friend.  I am still crazy independent.  I am a bit of a homebody.  I am still one of the most stubborn people you will ever meet.  I still love my family and friends and would do anything for any of them.  I still work hard for what I want.  I still have a stack of books on my bedside table and love taking pictures of the world around me (and still don't love having my own picture taken).  I still have the same attitude and spark.  I am still the same person, just changed for the better.

And this girl, me, today, is embarking on the craziest adventure yet.  That girl I was before would certainly NEVER believe in a million years that I would sign up for and train for an Ironman.  Seriously.  That girl probably only had a vague idea of what an Ironman is.  That girl definitely thought people who run marathons were bonkers, let alone training for something of the magnitude of an Ironman.  Marathons alone were such an abstract thought.  And now, here I am, preparing to run a marathon, after first swimming 2.4 miles and then biking 112 miles, all in one day.

Holy shit.  I'm gonna do it.  I'm training for Vineman, July 28, 2012.  That girl wouldn't even know how to comprehend the idea of even considering training for such an event, and here I am, busy training for it.

I am incredibly thankful for my past and present.  Yes, even the crazy drinking days.  Without those days and those experiences I would not be the person I am today.  I know that all of those things are what got me to where I am today.  Some experiences are blessings in disguise, some are straight up blessings.  My days of drinking were in many ways blessings in disguise, because it makes me so thankful today for where I am today and what I know I am capable of doing.

Tomorrow I will celebrate 5 years of sobriety by getting up in the morning and going to run with the IronTeam and then I will meet up with some girlfriends from high school.  It will be a perfect way to honor this day and enter my next year of sobriety.

If you would like to wish me congratulations on 5 years of sobriety, you can do so by supporting me in my efforts to train for Vineman.  I am fundraising, once again, with Team in Training.  And, I need the support of my friends, family, loved ones, and even strangers to help me get there.  Consider not buying a cup of coffee at Starbucks just one day, or giving up just one drink at happy hour.  Every dollar donated will help this girl achieve her goal.  I appreciate every donation, whether its $5, $5000 or somewhere in between.  To everyone who has supported me through my journey (of sobriety and beyond), thank you.  Every time I think about skipping a work out, I know that is what the girl I was before would do, not this girl I am now.  This girl will work hard and show the world that she is capable of anything.

I hope each of you is out there embracing your life and living it to the fullest.  I said it before, and I'll say it again.  Life is short, precious and fragile - embrace it!

If you would like to donate please click this link and hit "DONATE NOW."

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/vinefirn13/ewallersco

Thank you!

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  But, I'll share some weekend highlights with you... (this is very picture happy and doesn't talk a ton about the race, I'm sure you've all read enough RnR Vegas recaps for a lifetime)

I flew out to Vegas mid day Saturday, with cupcakes in hand, for Allison's birthday.  Let me just tell you, if you ever want to get attention at an airport, bring a clear Tupperware container of cupcakes with you, you'll get more attention than you ever wanted. 

We dropped off my stuff at the hotel, Circus Circus - which was nicer than I expected it to be. (Although 3 women in one room makes for a lot of stuff.)

 

Then I headed over to the expo to grab my bib.  I've run a bunch of races this year, all the expos are basically the same, so I just wanted to get in, pick up my bib and leave.  The swag was pretty good - I got a blinking red light and a headlamp (perfect for Ragnar!).  Somewhere between the expo and hotel my favorite sunglasses went missing too! Sad.

  RAGNAR READY!!!

Susie, Allison and I went to a fancy dinner Saturday night to celebrate Allison's birthday at The Steak House at Circus Circus.  This joint is apparently one of the best steak houses in Vegas, and man, it was good.  And, on top of that, a friend of Susie's paid for dinner. (One of my favorite things was the steer shaped butter, so silly, but I loved it.)



Birthday desserts for all!

Me, Susie and Allison

After dinner we headed over to the Cosmopolitan where we met up with our friend Joy and a friend of hers and headed in to Marquee, where we were on the list and didn't have to pay. I'm sad that I missed the blogger meet up, but there was so much going on I just couldn't swing it.

So, I was wearing these giant heels, which I knew would make my feet hurt all night & I would pay for it during the race the next day, but I wasn't looking to PR, & they looked good with my outfit.  A little foot pain (or a lot) is no big deal, right?  I'm lying, I wanted to cry, these shoes were not meant for wandering around in a club and being on your feet all night - at least not for me, I wear flats, sandals or running shoes 90% of the time, my poor feet couldn't take it. At least I looked good!  And that's clearly what matters most, right? ;)

Me, Joy's friend, Susie, Joy and Allison

The next day we grabbed breakfast (nearly 24 hours in Vegas and breakfast was the first time I spent any money, I'd say that was pretty impressive).  Then Allison and I wandered up the strip where I bought some awesome, $10, Elvis sunglasses.  Viva Las Vegas!  (I had been holding out hope that my sunglasses would appear, but no. Also, those Elvis sunglasses are still in my purse and I keep thinking about wearing them.)

Mid afternoon we left the hotel and headed up the strip, via the light rail, to the start line.  Now you all know everything that happened during the race, the debacle of the crowds, the insanity of getting to gear check, the craziness of the corrals, the illnesses that so many people felt.  The only details you need from me are that I carried my iFitness hydration belt filled with Nuun (I am not a fan of Cytomax, but I did drink the water on the course), I wore my lululemon Run Inspire capris, my Ragnar Ambassador tank, black lululemon arm sleeves (best sleeves I've ever worn, they should really make them again), a C9 Target ear warmer head band thing (found the Friday before the race for $10.99, Targe for the win!), throw away gloves (that I never threw) my visor, and my royal blue Team Sparkle skirt (running in a sparkle skirt makes everything more fun! Same for running in a tutu, makes every race more fun.).  I tend to overheat when I run, so this was the perfect outfit for this cold weather for me, I was only cold waiting in the corrals and at the end.  Although, based on a comment on my blog post on the water in marathons I'm starting to wonder if maybe my issue was partially a little bit of hypothermia, I don't know, maybe my body just wasn't adjusting properly.  I'm not actually really even sure what the symptoms of hypothermia are, so this is just speculation. (Here's a picture of me on the way to the race, wearing my Ragnar Ambassador jacket.)

Deb (wearing a light up hat), me and Susie                          The back of my ambassador tank

That's a lot of people...  

Can you find me? It's like Where's Waldo! You can see the
finish line was a madhouse (I am in this picture)

The only other thing I'll tell you about this race is because of the crowds I got pushed, shoved, elbowed, almost tripped, yelled at and was generally crowded the whole way.  I was also sick during the race, multiple bathroom stops (which required crossing over the full marathon lane - fail) and some dry heaving toward the end.  Perfect.  Or not.  I thought about just stopping when we went back past Circus Circus but I had my bag at gear check and obviously I'm dumb and didn't think to have someone grab it for me.  Fail on my part.  I finished in 2:52, not my best time and not my worst.  I was just happy to be done.  I grabbed water, a couple bags of pretzels and a greenish banana and headed to gear check.

After I got my bag I sat down on the floor in the gear check room and dumped out my bag and sat staring at all my stuff for a minute.  I was a little confused/disoriented, but apparently aware enough to take a picture of my crap, what? (You can see my fancy blue shoes - I LOVE them, Saucony Kinvara 2.) I finally pulled myself together and texted my family to tell them I was done and alive.  A friend found me, and thankfully my gear bag was toward the end of the line of bags so I was easily able to see the signs for the shuttles.  We got on one and quickly got back to the hotel.

Post race exhaustion.  Am I alive?  Yep, just feel like crap.

sun coming up over Vegas

After a shower everyone was going to get food, and I just couldn't bear the thought of going to eat, the idea of food made me want to throw up.  So, I went to bed, then got up early and caught a 7am flight home and headed straight to work (another error in judgement, I should've taken Monday off).  I felt off and my stomach was upset all week.  I don't know what caused me to get sick.  I don't know that it was the water on the course.  Maybe it was the fact that I had been a little under the weather all week.  Maybe it was the dinner the night before.  Maybe it was the shoes from the night before (unlikely, but maybe). Maybe it was lack of sleep.  Maybe it was the beginning of hypothermia, it was cold, maybe I didn't wear enough layers.  I don't know.  It was probably a combination of things.  What's done is done.  I'm not blaming Competitor or RnR for getting me sick, but I do think we should all think about where the water / electrolyte along a race course comes from and how its handled.  Even if the water isn't something that got people sick, we should still be aware of what we are consuming and where it comes from.

What I do know is that regardless of where the illness came from, I am done with Rock n Roll events.  Actually, I had basically decided that before the event.  RnR's are very pricey and they don't usually have great customer service, I never love their events.  There are PLENTY of other races I would rather give my money to, races that have great customer service, aren't insanely expensive and are fun.

So, all in all, I enjoyed Vegas.  I had a great time with my friends, and really, that's all that matters.  I had a fun weekend and spent some quality time with women whose company I really enjoy - and George, our rockstar who showed up on Sunday to hang out with us after running his first ultra - a 50k - the day before!  So, regardless of how I felt during or after the race, I am happy I went to Vegas.  Next year, I'll go spectate.

If you were in Vegas I hope you had fun, regardless of the race outcome.

Water in Marathons

As I'm sure you all know by now, many many people were sick during Rock n Roll Las Vegas (if you don't know what happened in Vegas check out their Facebook page.)  And, a lot of those people are claiming that it was the water served at the aid stations on the race course that cause their illness.  In the aftermath of RnR Las Vegas there has been much discussion about the source of the water used during the race, and the fact that RnR races utilize water from fire hydrants.  I posted a blog last week about the water that is used in marathons.  See original post here.  (I know, I still need to post my RnR LV recap... but there have been so many already... maybe what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?  I'll probably post something short this week.)

Cups and cups of water- but where did it come from?

If you're anything like me you've probably never given the water source in a race much thought.  Many races have a water sponsor, even the Rock n Roll Marathon series has a water sponsor listed for some of their races, including RnR Vegas (sponsor was Arrowhead).  You might assume that the water that is served along the race course is provided by the sponsor, and thus bottled.   But, that might not actually be the case.

In this article in the Las Vegas Review Journal, Peter Englehart, the CEO of Competitor Group, (which owns and operates all Rock n Roll races) said, about their usage of fire hydrant water for the aid stations along the race course, "Every big event in the country does that, and even some smaller ones."  Competitor says that they use water from fire hydrants in every race they put on in the US, some 23 marathon and half marathon yearly (they also put on 4 marathons/half marathons internationally).  If you look at the sponsors for all of those events you'll see that a number of the "tour stops" have a water sponsor.  So what is this water sponsor providing?  Probably just the bottled water at the finish line.

You might be wondering, what's the big deal?  Water from fire hydrants is the same water that comes out of your tap.  If you didn't know that, yes, this is true.  At least here in Los Angeles, many people filter the water from their taps, whether through their refrigerator, a filtering jug, or just using bottled water.  But, even still, water from a fire hydrant really shouldn't cause problems, as long as it's been flushed out and the proper techniques for getting the water from the hydrant to the cups to the runners is used (proper technique = using food grade hoses and ALL people pouring water and serving water wearing gloves).

Gloves are good.

No glove, no love.

I decided to do a little digging to see if what the Competitor CEO said was true.  So, first I posted a couple of tweets, to the San Francisco Marathon, LA Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and NYC Marathon.  I got responses from SFM, LA, and MCM -  very quickly.  After I got their responses I decided to look up the biggest races in the country and get in touch with all of them and find out their source of water.

So, based on 2010 finishers, on marathonguide.com, here is the list of biggest events in the country with their water sources next to them, starting with the largest (if I have not yet received a response the space next to the race will be left blank until I do):*

New York City
Chicago - One-gallon sealed jugs of water for all on-course fluids.

Boston -  Bottled water - Poland Spring 

Los Angeles  - Bottled water, but uses fire hydrants if it is a hot day and more water is needed.

Marine Corps - Jugged water provided by Walmart

Honolulu
Disney World - All runDisney races use 1.5 liter bottles of Dasani - one of the race sponsors
Rock n Roll Marathon Fire hydrants**
Philadelphia - Bottled water
Twin Cities - Some stations fueled by bottled water, others by hydrants.
Portland

Houston - Filtered fire hydrant water at all aid stations (from their website)

San Francisco - Bottled water
CIM - Use businesses and home owners along the course with food quality hoses.
St George - Local bottled water company provides all water at aid stations.
Rock n Roll Arizona Fire Hydrants**
Grandma's - Water from Lake Superior from private homes and properties, using food grade hoses.
Rock n Roll Vegas Fire Hydrants**

Nike Women's - Bottled water - FIJI

Dallas White Rock - Several sources, water from hydrants among some.
Rock n Roll San Antonio Fire Hydrants**
Columbus
Cincinnati Flying Pig
Rock n Roll Seattle Fire Hydrants**
Pittsburgh
Austin
Richmond

Rock n Roll Mardi Gras Fire Hydrants**

Long Beach - Purchases all water
Big Sur - Water barrels filled with private spring water, no hydrants.

Others I contacted (or who contacted me) -

Eugene - Own hoses and use tap water from sources at homes and businesses on the course

Surf City - Bottled water - Arrowhead

Ocean Drive Marathon -Water is supplied from the US Coast Guard base with bottled water at the finish. 

Cowtown Marathon - Depends on location - approx 3 locations use fire hydrants, majority from spickets on outside of businesses.  A couple of water stations use bottled water.  Food grade hoses are used.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon - Water is donated - Premium Refreshment Service Co, distributor of Clear Mountain Water brand.  Do not use fire hydrants.
Baltimore Running Festival (Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, Kids Run) - Bottled water from sponsor
Oakland Running Festival (Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5k) - Bottled water from sponsor
Frederick Running Festival (Half Marathon, Relay, 5k) - Bottled water from sponsor
Detroit Free Press Marathon - Water in gallon jugs
Cleveland Marathon - From their website: "The water we use on the course on race weekend is from hydrants that are flushed twice before race day. The hydrants are flushed two weeks before the race and once again the day before the race or race morning. The process we use to obtain the drinking water results is the same quality that a Cleveland resident would receive from turning on their faucet. The Cleveland Water Department tests the water quality, and assures us that it is safe. We also purchase new hoses every year to ensure the highest level of quality for our participants. And, as an added safety feature, our water stop volunteers wear gloves while distributing the cups."

So, what does this all mean?  Well first off, Peter Englehart, the CEO of Competitor Group, should get his facts straight.  Yes, I'm calling you out Mr. Englehart, make sure you know what you're saying is correct.  As you can see every major marathon in the country does not utilize fire hydrants for their water during races.  In fact, so far, aside from Rock n Roll events, most do not use it, or only use it for extra.

Second, we, as runners and consumers paying good money to run these events, should all DEMAND that proper food and health safety guidelines are followed at every race we participate in.  I get that this is not necessarily cost effective, but shouldn't the health of your runners - the people who give you money to put on a race, your customers, be important?  If a waiter's bare hands were in your water cup you wouldn't drink that water, would you?  (And I definitely saw race volunteers without gloves on passing out water and their fingers were in some of the cups, gross.  This is something I've heard from many people who were also at RnR Las Vegas.) We need to stand up and say something.  Enough is enough.  Whatever your water source you need to make sure your volunteers are practicing proper food safety guidelines.

A lot of people got sick at RnR Las Vegas, myself included (multiple bathroom stops and some dry heaving, followed by an upset stomach all week), and there must be a link.  I am not saying that the water from the fire hydrants caused it, but something did, this is not a coincidence.  I am not a new runner, I have run many races.  This was my first night race, and I can't prove that the water at this race is what got me sick, but I was sick.  I always carry my own hydration, but I did still take the water along the course, thinking it was safe.  Now I wonder if it was.

A race using water from a fire hydrants will not prevent me from running it in the future, but their health and safety practices, those I will take in to account.  The only way things will change is if we, as runners and consumer, demand those changes be made.

*If you would like to see the races exact responses let me know and I'll share their emails with you - a few races gave me VERY detailed responses about how they serve the water, exactly where it comes from, training of volunteers, etc.  Also, one race pointed out that RnR was wrong in their account of who uses fire hydrant water, as they do not.

**I did not email Competitor Group, as in the article referenced above they stated that they use fire hydrant water in all of their races.

What's in that cup of water?

So, I have a whole post about Rock n Roll Las Vegas that I need to share.  But first, before I do, I want to get some answers about something.  I'm hoping those of you out there who read this can either answer this for me or can get someone who knows to answer this for me.

During road races (marathons, half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, all other distances not mentioned) how common is it to use water from fire hydrants for aid stations?  I am not judging this practice, I just want to know. 

MANY people are claiming that they got sick running Rock n Roll Las Vegas this past weekend, and a lot of those people are claiming it is due to the water quality.

Competitor Group says that they use hydrant water in all of their races around the country, and that most major and even some smaller races do as well.  

From this article from CEO of Competitor Group: 

"San Diego-based Competitor Group, which owns all the Rock 'n' Roll events around the country, said the water distribution process is not unusual. CEO Peter Englehart said that is not only standard operating procedure for his company's events around the country, but for almost all major running events.  "That's the plan, and we have it in every city. We've done it in Las Vegas the past two years, and we've been assured by the water district that it's potable," Englehart said.  "It's the process we've followed in 25 other cities around the country. Every big event in the country does that, and even some smaller events.""

I found on the Chevron Houston Marathon website that they "Utilize filtered hydrant water at all course water stations. (Not a race I've run, just did a quick google search of road races and hydrant water, and besides the article about Vegas this was the first thing that came up.)

From this article:  "Lee Haney, a spokeswoman for the Competitor Group Inc., which organized the race, said filling lined trash cans with fire hydrant water is standard in marathon races. (Instructions for water stations at the Carmel, Calif., marathon state: “Fill one trash can with water from the hose attached to the fire hydrant or nearby building/house.”)"

The reason I ask about the hydrant water is not because I'm upset about races using it, the reason I ask is because if EVERY race does this, or even most, or even most major races, then the question of getting sick from the fire hydrants in Vegas becomes a moot point, as it is common practice.  But, if RnR is exaggerating about the usage of hydrant water they should be called out on it.  And, runners who pay for races have a right to know where their water comes from.

So, I know that lots of races have water sponsors (Vegas had Arrowhead water as a sponsor), but do those sponsors provide the water at the aid stations, or do most races use hydrant water as RnR claims???

Who can answer this for me?

ADDENDUM:
If a race uses hydrant water that does not mean that I will choose not to run the race, I will just make sure to carry my own water. 
AND, races out there, if you are afraid to share your water source, maybe you should reconsider what that source is.  Just saying.