Finally...a new post

Today Lisa and I are headed out on a long ride. We are going to reach 70+ degrees here. Just waiting for the Hostel Shoppe to open so Lisa can get her bike, and we're off. Just the road, warm weather, good friends, and good conversation!

WE HAVE SNOW!!

I feel as though Santa has already come. Right now it's still snowing out, and by noon today we are forcasted to get at least 5 inches. With the boys only having a 1/2 day of school today we are headed to Granite Peak to ski and snowboard. As the boys have gotten older (this year they are 8, 6, and 5 years old) our time spent outside in the winter has become much more easier and a lot more fun. Nothing is better then being away from all the phone, computer, and all the other distractions found at home, and putting 100% of my energy and complete focus into the family. I will post pictures tonight. Have a great day!

Pulling It Back Together

Iron Jenny kindly reminded me that I really need to post more then once a month. I couldn't agree more. Seriously...I've been in the world of Slack City! After Ironman Louisville (end of August) I ran the Twin Cities Marathon (October) and right after that my body just sort of crashed- physically and mentally I was tired. I cut back on my work outs as I got sick, and for the last 4 weeks have been in a constant state of pain, tiredness, headaches, etc. You get the picture. It must have been bad as I had at least 4 people a day ask me what was wrong. YIKES! I think everything hit me all at once. All the enormous amounts of training were done, my kids were all in school, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do all day with no kids at home. We're talking big changes all at once.

This past Monday rolled around and it was time for TriMom to kick it back into action. I taught a spin class in the morning, and once the kids were off to school I hit the pool. It was my first time back in the water since August. Most of this I blame on my M-dot tattoo. I got it the first week in Sept. and soon it was obvious I was allergic to the red ink. Then I had to wait till it healed only to get it fixed. It felt so good to be back in the water. Swimming used to be my least favorite of the three disciplines, and over the last 6 months I've grown to love it. I feel totally at peace in the water. I am happy to back swimming.

Today I ran and lifted weights. I am running the Noodleini 15K the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so it's time to get moving.

Needless to say after the last month if feels good to be moving again. I no longer feel like I am going through the motions of working out because it's the right thing to do, rather I want to be swimming, biking, running, lifting, etc. again. So there is peace among us. So all you swimmers in the Twin Cities I am with you in your holiday challenge! GAME ON SISTERS!!

Good Times in the Fall with the "Shicks"!

I love the fall- especially when the leaves start to change colors. It's a great time to look back and reflect what was acommplished this season, areas that need improvement, plan for next year, and spend time with friends doing the things we like to do the best- being outside. Every week holds something new and I am looking forward to the winter as the skis and snowboards are waiting to be used. Though right now I am having a great time catching up with friends, and enjoying the change and off season!

Joy and Gratefulness

There was no racing of any kind this weekend for me. I came off of the Twin Cities Marathon feeling pretty good and thought of all the options that I had for this weekend. As hard as it was I pulled the plug on any form of racing this weekend. This past week has been filled with some "baggage" and my body nor my mind was in any shape to be on any race course. I had mixed feelings about all of it, but then joy and gratefulness started pouring in Saturday afternoon as Lisa and I sat in Kavarna.

The stories of the weekend can best be told in pictures, as the feelings were too good to be put into words. Here's where it begins:

Text from Iron Jenny. Her redemption from the Twin Cities Marathon last weekend. She has qualified for Boston at the Whistle Stop Marathon. I had not an ounce of doubt Jenny, that this was yours and his race!

Lisa and I cheer to Iron Jenny, while she's on the phone!

Oh Henry!!

A small remembrance of my grandmother who passed away last Sunday. We say "chicken", but she would've said "shiken".

Lisa with the books we should be reading for our "book club". No worries Gretchen, we're deep into the book now.

Saturday night our time. Here's Rick in Kona at the Ironman World Championship ready to cross the finish line. Earlier that a.m. we spoke on the phone and in our conversation he tells me he'd like to go sub 11:00. He doesn't know if it will happen or not. I hung up the phone and laughed out loud and said "of course he's going sub 11:00...it's Rick!"

Sub 11:00 by far! 6th in the world in his age division! Cheers!

Sunday a.m. Lisa's on her first leg of the run, proving that she'll PR on this course!

And here's Frank. If you are an endurance athlete around the Fox Cities area you most likely know Frank. 77 years old and lives every day to the fullest. If you're not inspired by Frank's passion for these events and his endless determination and smiles, I'd be surprised. Here's to another great year Frank!

Lisa is now a believer in Imodium! There was NO visit to the "cake box!" Team Imodium- you have another turd to add to the roster!

Back at home. Caught T-Man in bed with his IM Lou hat on after talking to Rick and letting him know one day he'll go to Hawaii and do IM.

Dr. Wally ran the Chicago Marathon for Team in Training in honor of his nephew. Congrats Wally on running a great marathon honoring all of those that are battling their own fights. You gave not only of yourself physically, but your endless love and commitment and that is what you're all about!

It was all of these blessings- friends having great things happen to them this weekend, doing great things, that reminded me of why we do the things we do, the risks we take, the insane hours of training we log, and the endless sacrifices on our end as well as our families. This weekend will forever be etched in my mind! Congrats to each and everyone of you!

Here's to Ironman Rick and Nancy!

My thoughts this week are with Ironman Rick and his wife Nancy. They arrived in Kona, Hawaii this past Sunday, as Rick will be racing in the Ironman Championship this coming weekend. This is his second consecutive year returning to the island to race, after successfully qualifying at Ironman Louisville both years. These two are a riot! They are a great mix of fun, determination, and have this never ending source of helping others out, giving advice, while tending to their own training. (Nancy is currently training for another marathon). Their energetic spirits and determination are easy to catch. And what awesome role models! Nancy is such a big support of Rick and his Ironman addiction. It's great! Rick is documenting his journey in Kona and will be featured on Roman's website this week. I am looking forward to spending more time with these two. Best wishes, and as always HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS!!

Twin Cities Marathon-2008

Well, another marathon is under the belt, and I must admit this was one that taught me a lot of life lessons. Perhaps it's that point in the year when my mind and body is telling me it's time to take a break, but I felt as though I gained a lot of insight into what is important in my life.

Arriving to the start line the rain began slowly, and it gradully picked up. It rained/down poured for the entire marathon. My brother in law Mark was running his first marathon and so was Lydia. I was super excited for both of them. They both had put a lot in to their training, and you sometimes forget how you felt during your "first". It was great to have another family member (Mark) so excited about endurance sports. Mark and my sister, Heidi, are expecting their first baby in November, so they've done a lot around their house this summer, and Mark has done so much and somehow found a way to fit his training in. The best part was that Mark had an INCREDBILE day out there on the course. He had casually mentioned he wanted to run alone and do his own thing as he "just wanted to finish". Well...Mark ROCKED the course! I am so proud of him (Heidi too) for their commitment, and his results showed it all! WAY TO GO MARK!!!

Lydia and I ran together, and it was a roller coaster of emotions. Around mile 13 I heard someone scream "Kim Basala", and I turned around and there was Iron Jenny!! It was so great to see her out there, running with her huge grin. I ran with her for a quick bit and chatted a little. She looked great, and the "Jenny sighting" came at a great time, as she lifted my spirits, as always. She ended up having a great day out there, despite some struggles early in the run. :)

We ran through puddles, rivers, and sometimes it felt like lakes, but we trudged on. The support along the course was amazing. Despite the rain the fans were out cheering. I saw and heard a females voice shouting my name, and finally figured out that it was Erin that I had met at Chisago Lakes. Saw Steve in Speedo in his chicken get up. My mom and sister were also along the course to lend some support, along with Lydia's parents- who are absolute ANGELS! They are some of the most caring and warm people that I've meet.

I remember crossing the finish and just wanted to keep walking! Though we quickly meet up with my family, and it was off to shower!

I think mentally this marathon was more challenging for me then anything. Though I gained a lot of insight, and think I've found some answers that I've been looking for, and now it's time to put them into action and move forward.

I later found out that my grandma had passed away shortly after I had crossed the finish line. This marathon is dedicated to her, and her lifelong athletic passions. She raised some great endurance athletes, and now we're already into our 2nd and 3rd generation of endurance athletes. I think all of her children, grandchildren, and great children will continue to walk in her footsteps and perserve with our passions!