NOT RIGHT

Road to the Ironman Part 8: Half Ironman

This weekend I raced my first Half Ironman in Racine Wisconsin (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). The race went almost perfectly. The weather was cool and cloudy but not windy, providing calm water and good climate for biking and running without getting too dehydrated or sunburned. The course was set up in a loop fashion, so on the run we ran 3 miles out and 3 miles back twice. This was incredible because all of my speedy teammates would pass going the other way and we would high-five and cheer each other on. It's amazing what seeing someone you know can do for moral. There were people camping out in their yards of rural Wisconsin, some with boom boxes which really pumped me up. The aid stations handed out the traditional water, gatorade, gel packets but also OREO COOKIES, COKE, and electorlyte tabs. When I crossed the finish line my entire training team was waiting, cheering for me- which really meant a lot, especially since some of them finished 1.5 hours before me. My run much much slower than expected, but I only walked through the aid stations, so overall I am very pleased with my race.

I raced more than 30 minutes faster than my goal time!! Total time 6 hours and 27 minutes!! Next stop- IRONMAN WISICONSIN only 8 weeks away.

Billy Joel/Elton John at Wrigley

Thursday night I joined a group of friends from college on a rooftop in Wrigleyville to listen to Billy Joel/Elton John's show. We had a three story, all you can eat and drink rooftop filled with friends. It was the perfect setting for an amazing concert. Early in the night it rained, so we sat inside stuffing our faces with burgers and soft serve ice cream. The weather cleared and we had a perfect view into the stadium for the entire show.

Finally- A way to combine sports medicine with gastroenterology

UIC Freeballers

Since I commented on them in my last entry, I thought I'd post a photo of my beach volleyball team, The UIC Freeballers. Many of the team members have changed over the last four years, but the fun remains the same. And despite the now predominately female team, we kept "The Freeballers" as our name. We have played 6s for 3 years and now are playing 4s. We have never won, that I know of at least.

And last night, we found these beauties in the center of the court.....

I'm not saying I'm a ring leader but....

Since I signed up for my Ironman, some of my favorite drinking buddies are now training for equally impressive athletic feats.
Half of my beach volleyball (drinking) team, The Freeballers, are now training for or have completed in events

Anu, Becky and Dan are all doing Chicago Half Marathon in September.
Christina and Karin did their first Olympic Triathlon.

My non-freeballer friend, Amanda did her first sprint triathlon.

Maybe it's just our age, timing, but I'm taking the credit :)

Cubbies at the VA

On Monday as I was walking into the VA hospital a black caddy pulled up and 3 Cubs players got out to visit patients and sign autographs. We got to talking and I managed to find out were they would be later for photos. Here I am with Milton Bradley, who I blogged about a few weeks ago, and Jake Fox (a fellow U of M grad). I had them sign a hat for me and takes some silly photos. Bradley was really nice and I guess that was my lesson for making fun of him earlier :)

Happy Birthday America

Unfortunately, I did not attend the 2nd Annual Payne Lake Boat Parade- but this photo is too good to pass up blogging about. My crazy family decided to convert the pontoon boat to a 70s style shack and hand out beads. Apparently it was quite a good time and most of my cousins, aunts and uncles were on board. Next year I am going to have to do all I can to make this event, complete with fireworks and flag cake.

Instead I stayed in Chicago this weekend. I had two days of work, two days of intense training and somehow fit in 2 nights of BBQs with friends. It was a great weekend, but nothing like the Fourth back home.