Hypothesis Proven

So it's been two days since my second crack at Barb's Race half ironman.  My second chance, my second go, my second time racing in the beautiful place I call home.  But this time I got here in an incredibly different way and the results were better then I imagined. 

If you didn't know this already my training going into this race was a complete experiment.  Reading through my race report from my last go around it was clear to me even in retrospect that after that race I was burned out...severely.  I gave up the sport of triathlon entirely for over a year and then only raced short course for the next two years.  I vowed to find a way for that not to happen this time around.  So the experiment began...

First I had to examine what went wrong last time.  I had a great coach, great friends, and the will to work hard...but I didn't have the time.  I tried to pack traditional long course training into a very non-traditional schedule.  I was a full time night shift nurse, I had two small children, I had a husband who needed me, I had a home that needed time/effort, I had friends that valued my time...basically I was busy and my schedulewas abnormal to say the least.  It just didn't work.  I was trying to fit in workouts in between 12 hour night shifts that were just too long or I'd try to move them around to fit better...but with one kid still at home (Addison was only 3) it was impossible to fit all the training into my schedule so I'd end up feeling depressed and defeated by something that others managed to make look easy.  And again, my coach was amazing, but unfortunately if you don't live the married with kids and a crazy night shift job life...you don't entirely understand the demands of it. 

This time around I still have a full time night shift nursing job...I also managed to add in a job as a Naval Reserve Nurse Corps officer...and one as a contract flight nurse.  I have two children who thankfully are no longer small and both in school.  I have a husband who still needs my time.  A house that still needs work (though we did hire a gardener!).  And I still have friends who value me and my time with them.  My demands had actually increased...so how do you figure that out??

You hire your USAT certified mom to be your coach.  She also happens to live with you and knows the details of your schedule and it's unique challenges better then anyone.  You hatch a plan to increase the overall quality of the training and decrease the quantity.  No more crazy long training days...more really, really hard sets on the track, in the pool, and on the trainer.  Double days to maximize time and a whole lot of..."Hey, let's just run with this and see what happens!"

The numbers in training looked good.  I was also playing around with my diet and adopting a more paleo diet based upon the book by The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordain and Joe Friel.  It was changing everything...I was dropping inches (not a pound at all!), feeling better, getting faster, and my long term GI issues were resolving as well. 

We were happy...but it remained to be seen how this would hold up on the long course.  The truth was leading into the race that I had yet to complete a workout over 4 hours.  In over a year.  Seriously.  So I honestly wasn't sure if at some point past 4 hours the proverbial wheels wouldn't just fall off and leave me feeling completely flat...but it was time to find out.

We traveled up north on the Tuesday prior to the race and I checked into hotel de Dad (aka my dad and step mom's house with my kiddos).  Mike wasn't able to make it up this year as we had just returned from a vacation to see his family in Tennessee and he was out of vacation days. 

The days leading up the race were filled with family, rest, food, and small/short bits of last minute keeping it loose training.  I felt relaxed, calm, and happy.  I had made it to the start line without burnout or injury.  I still loved the sport and was actually getting excited to race.

Race morning arrived and I woke feeling rested and ready.  I had an 8:36 wave start but still wanted to get there early to get good parking.  I ate 2 slices of dry GF toast (according to the Paleo diet for athletes you do add carbs back in during the time surrounding longer races/training days), and 2 eggs washed down with the Clif Shot powder in water.  I grabbed a banana and Clif Shot gel for later and a cup of coffee for the road.  I had taken my pre race Immodium (if you are an endurance athlete you get this) as well as some Claritin as my allergies were kicking my butt!  I woke up my Sherpa-in-training (my little brother, Danny), and we headed out. 



In a stroke of complete luck we found a parking spot directly across the street from the swim start as someone pulled out of the space in front of us (hello good omen!).  I borrowed a bike pump from a fellow athlete as mine wasn't working and pumped my tires a bit under the recommended pressure since I knew the roads were less then smooth on this course.  We then made our way down to the beach and I quickly set up my transition area...nothing fancy there.  I showed Danny around and he bodymarked me and helped with my sunscreen as I ate the banana.  We watched as the Vineman athletes went off and slowly filtered in.  Then it was time for me to warm up and eat my Clif Shot...a quick run followed by a swim and I was ready.  I said goodbye to my brother and entered the corral with my wave (the last wave of Barb's race athletes).





The Swim (33:32, 1:36/100 yds, 7th in my division):

The water was comfortable, I positioned myself at the front towards the left side, and I took off with a vengeance when the horn went off.  I fought to stay with the leaders until we were a solid distance away from the main field.  I felt awesome.  The only hitch in the swim was the fact that no matter what, if you are a fast swimmer you inevitably end up swimming through other waves.  And here, in the river, those swimmers turn into walkers...suddenly and without warning.  So I spent plenty of energy dodging swimmers and walkers and sighting to see where the next human obstacle was.  But no matter, I finished in a time that was comparable to my training and was a 3 minute PR over last time.  I ran up the ramp, had my wetsuit stripped, and threw my bag of gear to my waiting Sherpa (did I mention yet how awesome he was?!).  I transitioned and didn't even attempt to mount my bike at the bottom of the hill...I just ran up and mounted at the top (lesson learned from last year!).

The Bike:  (3:11:36, 18.0 mph/avg 1st half, 17.5 mph/avg 2nd half, 10th in my division):

The bike has always been my Achilles heel...I've never been the biggest fan.  After a stellar fit by Rachel and the team at Moment Cycle Sport I felt ready to tackle the bike this time around stronger and more comfortable.  Well I WAS stronger and more comfortable...but unfortunately my bike time was 2 minutes slower then last time.  At first I was pretty discouraged by this as my goal was to do 2:45.  But looking at the race times, only 4 women in the entire field went even near that time and only 17 went sub 3 hours.  It was a windy day out there...and I don't know what else...but I felt great nonetheless and know I gave it my all.  I chowed down on half a PocketFuel chocolate espresso, a handful of  custom paleo coconut lemon cream Healthy Bites, and a pack of Honey Stinger chews. I drank water and Clif Shot lemonade.  I took half a banana from one aide station but that was it.  I knew I had made the mistake previously of over eating and I wasn't going to do that this time around.  I played leap frog with a few racers but wisely minded my USAT P's and Q's as I knew marshalls were out on the course and didn't want a penalty hanging over me on this draft happy course.  I came into transition feel strong and actually excited to run.

Run: (1:52:01, approx. 8:30 min/mile avg, 3rd in my division):

I unfortunately had to visit the port-a-potty pre run as I didn't think running with a full bladder was going to benefit me in any way.  Luckily it was a quick stop and I was off.  I knew in training on flatter, coastal (read: cooler) roads I could average nearer to an 8:00 min/mile for the distance.  I wanted to break my half marathon PR of 1:49 but I had set that on a flatter course as a stand alone race (not after a swim and bike)...so I was just ready to roll with the miles and give it my best.  I was thirsty and hot out there in the hills with minimal breezes...so I tried to grab ice when I could and would grab a sip of water at every other aide station.  I also grabbed a few cups of flat Coke and took my first Honey Stinger gel at mile 1 and my second at mile 6.  It was funny because I felt like I was running slower but I would glance at my watch and see that I was indeed running under 8:30's unless I was heading up a hill.  I passed people often and got a lot of comments about how strong I looked...unfortunately responding was not currently in my grasp so I tried to smile when I could.  I didn't really hit any kind of wall until a bit after mile 10...I wanted to lay down and I wanted a tall glass of ice water.  That's all I wanted.  But I knew my family was at the finish and I knew I was doing well...so I sucked it up...said a few words to myself...and kept on trucking. 

Coming into that finish line was beautiful.  I could see my dad, brothers, kids and my brother's girlfriend.  They had the Barb's Race tape up across the line so I actually got to feel like a rockstar and hold it up for a brief moment.  I was quite shaky and wobbly after crossing but so, so happy to be finished and still be happy about the whole experience.  I got my medal and beelined for my family.  Over the next few minutes I found out I had taken 4th in my division.  I had set many goals for myself and one of them was to come in the top 5...mission accomplished...total time 5:43:43 and 4th out of what looks to be 60 women who completed the race in my division.  It was also a 16 minute PR on this course for me.  But more importantly I completed it happily...with plans in my head to race this distance and longer again. 



Hypothesis proven.  You can race this distance on less then the "normal" training volume and still reach goals and do well.  Did I win?  No.  Did I learn many lessons?  Absolutely.  I know I need more time on my bike...and more time in aero.  I need to brick a bit more.  But otherwise I'm beyond happy with the results.

I have so many people to thank now...but overall just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and been there for me.  A huge thanks to my family....without their love and support I would never be able to do this sport that I so love.  And the biggest thanks of all to my Coach Mom...thanks for believing in me when I don't believe in myself.  For your willingness to try something new...for your adaptability...for knowing me so darn well...for keeping me sane...for loving me through it all.  I look forward to our next adventure and experiment. 

As I head into ultra marathon training now and then a large triathlon break due to deployment I'm already excited about the years to come.  I have so many goals and a renewed love for this sport that constantly pushes me to find my limits and push right past them...

Thank you all...

XOXO

Jackie

Dream a little dream (or a big one)

When you have big dreams, what is required to reach them?

I know this is a very personal question in that each person's answer would be slightly different...depending on the person...depending on the dream.

I have many dreams...

Trust me...some of them are scary.

I feel the need to put them out there...to share...so that you, my friends and family, can hold me accountable.  Now these are currently only my athletically minded type dreams...there are many others, but that's fodder for another day and another post.  So here we go...

- To place top ten in my age group at Barb's Race this July (half ironman race)
- If I'm dreaming a bit bigger I'll say top 5
- If I'm going all out and dreaming I'll say I want to stand on that podium...
- To run a PR half marathon on the end of that race (my half marathon current PR is 1:49)
- To run a sub 6 min/mile by the end of the year (PR is currently 6:19)
- To get a score of Outstanding on my October PRT for the Navy (currently at Excellent)
- To be able to do 10 unassisted pull ups in a row (not actually sure how many I can do now)
- To finish a 50K ultramarathon in October


I think that about covers most of it.

So what will it take for ME to get there?

Hard work, perseverance, patience, dedication, determination...and whole lot of time spent suffering.  Thankfully I don't mind the suffering if it's for a good cause.  In fact, it's what I've been doing lately...

That's about it for today...time to head out to track and chip away at those goals...

What are your goals?  How do you plan to reach them?  Do they scare you?....

Jackie

XOXO

Any Given Sunday

It's a phrase my buddy Bex and I started saying often a few years back...

Every race can be great...

Or horrible...

Really, really fast...

Or you can't seem to find your speed at all....

On any given Sunday (since most races are on Sundays).

You never know who will show up to race against you, or what kind of day they will have...geez...you may have stellar training leading up to a race and you might have a painful day out there. 

You can do everything right...and the day unravels in front of you.

Or sometimes....

Just sometimes....

You reach really deep into your gut and pull out a great performance.

And on that given Sunday you did your best...and so did everyone else.

That's how today went.

Today was my 5th time starting the Mission Bay triathlon.  It was my very first race in 2007.  I skipped last year due to some serious overtraining and lack of motivation issues.  But this year, on less training...more fun...and some serious ultrarunning base...I came back to where it all began.  I even had my whole family there for support...and their support really means the world...it was the recipe for a great race... 

I knew immediately that the 25-29 age group women had brought their A game.  The pace on the swim was FAST...girls were pulling away from me (and I've really stepped up my swimming)...but luckily I started to reel them in as I went.  I ended up with a 1 minute PR on the swim and since I didn't wear a wetsuit I had a great T1!

I flew out on the bike and just tried to hold on to a few girls I saw in front of me.  One girl in particular was going just slightly slower...I didn't want her to think I was hanging on her wheel so I passed her and told her I was sure we would leap frog for a bit (she didn't pass me on the bike...but on the run...so we DID leapfrog-ish).  I was passed at mile 2 or 3 by the blazing fast Team CEC's Ashleigh Bordwell (who won our age group by a landslide).  I wasn't passed again until the very end but ended up catching her later.

I came into T2 knowing I had some work to do.  I had a solid bike but it wasn't a PR (at least I don't think it was since official results aren't posted yet).  I changed as fast as I possible could and headed out.

The run was hard...really hard...

And I was only putting down 7:20's (not my fastest but certainly not cruising either).  But they hurt!  Luckily I had my amazing mom there as I headed out yelling to me that I was in 6th place and to pick them off one by one (love her and her belief in my abilities).  I passed the first girl within the first mile...so now I was in 5th.  Then I was passed by the girl I had passed on the bike...she was also in a Catalyst Endurance kit (as were many of the top finishers...seeing as I used to train with them I should probably look into that again...they got some serious results!).  I couldn't hold her...so I just stayed at my pace and looked to the next girl since I was in 6th again.

I passed another girl as we went up the hill after mile 2...and I held that position till the end.  But I never had a moment where I could let up...they were always back there...fast, determined, amazing women.  I had to WORK out there.....

When I race (run specifically) I tell myself over and over that unless I'm fainting or dying I'm not allowed to slow down.  I used to put puke in there but after Oriflamme I had to take that bit out...

So that's was I was doing out there...not giving an inch...thankfully since the next girl was less then 30 seconds back from me!

After I crossed the finish line I dry heaved a bit (enough that they grabbed a garbage can for me...luckily I didn't need it!)...and then walked myself straight to the med tent to fix up a gnarly blister that had bled all over my shoes.  Shockingly I didn't REALLY feel it till I was done.

Mom was there and told me I probably got 4th or 5th (she was almost right on!).

And I was tired...

I found another friend Kaili, who had finished only a few minutes after me...I asked her immediately if she thought the field was super tough today...she agreed...the fast girls were out and we were forced to step up to the challenge.  My A game was good enough for 5th place today...and I couldn't be prouder.

Some people may only feel successful if they win...or place...but not today.

Today I raced my best (and got a 30 second PR in the process)...nothing to be ashamed of there.

Another day...another race in the books...another PR...and I'm happy.

Any given Sunday...you never know what can happen...as long as you try your best it's bound to be great...

XOXO

Jackie

Reflections...

It's been a busy month...

Wait...no...it's been a busy YEAR.

A year full of awesomeness the likes of which I never could have imagined on Jan. 1, 2012.

But here I am...September 29, 2012...and so much has happened.

I rarely take time to look back, but now I wanted to reflect a bit.  I've covered most of it in my blog so I won't bore you...but quick synopsis...

Figuring out issues with amazing little boy, finally following up on years of health issues and starting to tackle them, attempted an ultramarathon, deployed husband came home, baby girl started kindergarten, little boy started 3rd grade, hubby got a well deserved selection to chief petty officer, hubby went through 6 weeks of h*ll to be a Chief, started a food blog to track my successes and failures in my gluten free/ mostly vegan cooking life, and I was selected to the U.S. Navy Reserve Nurse Corps and commissioned as an Ensign.

I may have missed a few milestones...but those ones stood out for me.

And if you missed that last one...yes, it's true...I've gone and done it.  I'm in the Navy now! 

 

It's something I've always dreamed of doing...and I was further inspired by this song and video (yes I know it's for the National Guard but it's very applicable...



And when you are married to a man who loves the Navy almost as much as he loves his country it's easy to be inspired to do great things...

It will be a while before I start...but the very long process has finally been completed (minus some more paperwork...duh)...and I'll be off to bootcamp fork and knife school before I know it!

Tomorrow is the last tri of the season...Mission Bay.  It was my very first triathlon 5 years ago and as I toe the line float in the freezing cold water sans wetsuit to save some precious seconds...I'll remember how far I've come....

From the 24 year old girl who had no clue what she was doing...barely making it through her first tri...making so many mistakes...consuming mass quantities of calories in a short sprint race...barely jogging through the run...dying on the bike...feeling awful about herself...

To now...confident young woman who knows this sport and knows her body better then she ever has...knows her nutrition like the back of her hand...loves the run...flys through the bike faster then she ever imagined she'd be able to (still not as fast as the awesome women she races...but fast enough to be proud)...racing for a place in the top five...or even top 10...or really just faster then the last time...cause that's really all that matters...steady progress forward.

Relentess forward motion.

Learning from past mistakes.

Forgiving errors.

 

Planning for bumps in the road (proverbial ones or literal ones!).

 

Enjoying every, single, blessed moment....

 

Being grateful that she has the ability every day to go out and do it...to swim...to bike...to run...

 

And now...the ability to serve...

Serve her patients...and serve her country.

It's as American as gluten free/vegan apple pie (cheezy, I know)...or possibly as American as a hamburger on the grill...wait I don't eat hamburgers...what's a girl to do? 

Make one that fits the bill!  Most of the store bought ones are loaded with wheat and therefore off the table for me...and some others I've tasted taste like...well...grass...fresh cut grass...hmmmm...

So I made one instead...infused with a bit of Thai flavor (maybe I'll be heading to Thailand with the USNS Mercy or Comfort...who knows).  This burger kicks some serious boo-tay...not that I'm biased. 

Thai Veggie Burgers

by Jaclyn Trosper

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients (8 patties)

• 1 C quinoa (I used red but any kind will do)
• 2 C water
• 2 cubes vegan "chicken" bouillon
• 2 C cooked lentils
• 3 gloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tsp red curry paste
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 C soy tempeh, crumbled
• 1 tsp miso paste
• 1/4 tsp tumeric
• 1/4 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp curry
• 1 tbsp tamari (or other gluten free soy sauce alternative such as Bragg's)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (needed to help bind the patties...trust me, they fall apart without it!)

Instructions

Cook quinoa, water, and bouillon in a rice cooker or according to package directions on stovetop (though a rice cooker is like $10 and soooo worth it!). Meanwhile combine all other ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, mashing as you go. Once quinoa is cooked mix into bowl with all ingredients. Mix and form into patties. Place in pre greased pan and cook 2-3 minutes per side until slightly browned. Remove from pan and serve regular style or over a bed of veggies if you are so inclined...both taste great!

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Enjoy your day...enjoy your weekend...

Enjoy life...cause it's short...and precious.

Until next post...

XOXO

 

Jackie

Whew! What a Whirlwind!

This was probably the busiest weekend I've had in a LOOOONNNG while!

And I know, I know...I missed a TILT (Things I Love Thursday)...I tried, really I did...but there was just way too much to do!

Just to recap the weekend a bit...Friday was Mike's pinning (pinning anchors on him as he made CHIEF!!!).  Saturday morning was my race (Nautica Malibu International).  Saturday night was the Khaki Ball (back in San Diego).  And Sunday morning I did swim buddy for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF...also back in Malibu).  It was a lot of coordinating and driving...and not much sleep.  But it was all worth it and it was a great weekend overall!

Alright, that was the Cliff Notes version...here are the more in depth deets (plus a race report) if you are interested...and there is also a little recipe (plus my racing nutrition strategies) in here too!

Friday morning started out hot!!  It was definitely a precursor to the warm weekend we had in So Cal.  We all headed over to the USS Carl Vinson at 9 am.  Our support crew (besides myself, my kiddos, and my mom) included all of our best friends and we were sooooo blessed to have them all with us on this special day (with senses of humor in the heat fully intact)!!

The ceremony was long but so amazing...the kiddos and I got to pin Mike's anchors on his collar.  Both Mike and I had to choke back tears...there aren't enough words to describe what that moment meant to both of us.  We have been married for over 9 years now and every important career decision we have made has been in preparation for this moment...to get him to this point.  Every separation...every lonely night...every missed moment of our children's lives...every deployment...they have all been for his love of our country and to bring him here.  The last 2 months since his selection have been hard...very hard...on both of us.  He has been tested in ways I'm sure he never imagined. 

But it's done. 

And he is a CHIEF!!!

It was a fabulous moment...and a beautiful day...

After we headed home, changed, and packed the car we headed up to Malibu!!  I had signed up for the Nautica Malibu international distance race back in March (long before we knew he was selected for Chief)...so we had to do a lot of coordinating once we got the news.  It was a long, hot drive in traffic but we had a beautiful two bedroom suite right next to a Trader Joes...totally worth it!

For dinner I had roasted potatoes, veggies, black beans, and a balella salad (a TJ special with lots of protein packed beans!).  Then it was off to sleep to be rested for an early race morning.

Woke up at 3 am on race day...oy...always feels soooo early!

I ate my special race ready muffins (recipe is at the bottom and made busy life friendly as they are based off a mix that I doctored to be nutritious and vegan) and drank some coconut water for breakfast.

 I have a hard time putting too much in my stomach on race morning.  I have to rely more on my overall nutrition and fueling on the bike to make up some deficits.  I'm still tweaking this...and I'm sure it will always be a work in progress.

We headed over to Zuma beach in the dark and I checked in and set up my transition area.  I was feeling tired and really not wanting to race (which I'm learning is a good sign for me).  I also had awesome stomach issues (always) despite taking a bunch of immodium.  I visited this little beauty 8 times total before the race!!  Thankfully it all worked itself out in the end (literally)...

But as I stood on the beach waiting for the race to start I tried to simply enjoy the day and the beautiful course.

Swim (25:49):
My wave went off at 7:35 and the water was thankfully not too cold.  I settled into my pace after clearing some waves and rounding the first buoy.  It really felt like we were swimming close to the break and I remember having a thought of feeling bad for those that only trained in the pool as this would probably be rather challenging (that thought would bite me in the behind on Sunday).  I really did end up zoning out (or having tunnel vision rather) on this swim.  I felt good, I was putting in a good effort, and I was happy...all negative thoughts were gone and I was actually enjoying the swim.  Suddenly people started cutting me off and swimming in front of me.  I picked up my head to see what was going on and was shocked to see the last buoy and people rounding it to head into the beach!  Holy crap!  I was done! 

T1:
The worst part of Malibu is the crazy long transition area...no matter where you rack you are running a long distance one way or another to your stuff.  I ran, changed, and was gone...no issues in T1.

Bike (1:22):
I felt great as I headed out on the bike and got a boost as I passed my family early on.  As I headed out onto the road I hit a speed bump trying to be a rockstar and pass someone...huge mistake.  My only water bottle went flying off into the brush.  Ummmm...hmmmm.  Can't see it, can't stop...now what?  I kept riding.  I quickly remembered an excerpt from Scott Jurek's book Eat and Run where he talks about what he does when things go wrong...

"[The] first step is to allow myself to feel hurt, and bad, and sad, and all those emotions that unexpected loss...inspire...My next step was to take stock.  Was I going to die?...Step three: What can I do to remedy or improve the situation?...Then the final step: mentally separate all my alarmed and distressed thoughts and emotions - Why did this happen? How will I continue? - and plop them someplace where I wouldn't dwell on them.  One way to do that was to focus on the tasks at hand and on the benefits of the situation..."

So that's what I did.  I allowed myself to be angry and freak out for a few moments (seconds really).  I took stock.  I knew I could do the whole bike without water.  I didn't have water in transition, but it was out on the run.  I'd be behind on my fluids...but I'd survive and be fine.  I also then vaguely remembered an aid station around the halfway point in the bike.  I had some nutrition with me and I figured I'd be fine until then.  So I put the thoughts away and kept riding.

I unfortunately had one more mishap when I went to open my flask of homemade gel (chia seeds mixed with tart cherry juice) it exploded everywhere!!  If you don't know the benefits of chia seeds check out this post from Purely Twins.

Again, had to stop, think...breathe...and move on.  Oh well, worse things had happened.  Up side?  I was feeling great and enjoying the views as I sailed into T2.

T2:
Again another smooth transition...better then last times...still feeling great though starting to get hot!

Run (50:58):
I had hoped to PR this run (as I had already PR'd the swim and bike)...but I wasn't able to.  I was hot and just didn't have the extra gears needed to accelerate.  I've also been focusing alot on my swimming as well as biking and have neglected my run training a bit (probably since I went so run heavy at the beginning of the year).  Unfortunately you can't hide a lack of proper training and I was slower then I wanted to be. I took water at the aid stations to throw over my head and drank sips of gatorade.  I also took one packet of Clif Shot (90% organic!) at the turnaround as I was feeling a bit lacking in the calorie department.  I only missed my PR by 2 minutes though and felt fine...just hot.  I love this run course and I flew into the finish line to the cheers of my family with a 6 minute PR overall.

I love this race and will for sure be back for more...but at that point I was already a happy girl and ready to get a shower and some rest!

After cleaning up we headed back to San Diego to prep for the Khaki Ball!  It was a great time and I'm so happy we got to be a part of it!

We ate, drank, sang, and danced our way through the night...we were so tired but it was the party to end the pain of induction.  It was wonderful to feel so accepted by the Chief's mess.  I seriously am already looking forward to next's years ball!!

Then I jumped back into the car and made my way back up to Malibu with the best chauffeur ever!  Keep in mind this is an over 3 hour drive each way...so it was a lot of driving this weekend!!  We made it back to the hotel around 1 a.m. and had to be up by 3:30 a.m...talk about tired!!

The next morning (Sunday) I was up and over to Zuma beach again by 5 a.m.  I was supposed to be helping my friend Jamie from CAF...

As his leg handler...

But plans changed and CAF knew I had experience as a swim buddy for athletes with spinal cord injuries.  There was an athlete racing that had never swam in the open water before (much less the Pacific Ocean at Zuma Beach!!).  His name was Edwin and he needed my help. 

Luckily we had the help of 2 other handlers to get Edwin into the water...then it was up to me to get him through the half mile swim.  A lifeguard graciously helped me get him past the break as it was a struggle.  Not only do I need to keep myself upright I have to keep Edwin's head out of the water so he can breathe.  Every wave that hits I have to hold onto him and not let him get swept away...it's a daunting task.  But we made it. 

The swim was long...Edwin ended up on his back as I sidestroked in front of him alternating between pulling him, steering him, and blocking other swimmers from hitting him.  It took almost an hour but I have never seen someone so darn determined to finish.  He just gutted it out and I was in awe.  Another CAF athlete, Travis Ricks, came to help block with me after the final buoy.  As we came in and I gave him over to the handlers I was relieved and proud.  I helped him into his bike in transition and was so happy to have been successful at helping him through his first open water swim in his first triathlon!!

That night we chilled at the pool and soaked in the hot tub...and went to bed SUPER early!  This morning we headed home in time to get the kiddos back to school.  Now I'm prepping to take a longer nap as I work the next 3 nights.  It truly was a whirlwind weekend, but it was a total blast!!  I wouldn't change a thing...and I'm so proud all around of everyone and everything!  Hope your weekend was awesome!  Here are those muffins I promised...may they power you through your life too!

XOXO

Jackie

Race Ready Muffins

by Jaclyn Trosper

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Ingredients (30 mini muffins)

• 1 box gluten free muffin mix (I used Gluten Free Pantry mix)
• 2 scoops protein powder (I used Life's Basic unflavored)
• 1/2 C chia seeds
• 1/2 C sliced almonds
• 2 bananas mashed
• 1 C almond milk
• 3 Tbsp applesauce

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. Spoon into mini muffin tins and bake according to box directions. Can eat hot or cold (or just rewarm on race day!)

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Ctrl-Alt-Del

Kale, spinach, carrot, apple, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and ginger

You know when your computer freezes up...won't work...and you have to reboot it?

CTRL-ALT-DEL

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do with my body.  Summer is over...I had some dietary fun over the last few months and it's time to clean house a bit.  I was also uber inspiried by this to embark on this challenge.  To start that I'm going on a 3 days juice cleanse (though I messed up already and made 1 smoothie!!).  No more...straight juice...for 3 days.  Wish me luck.  I'll complain blog about it when I'm done for sure!

For today though it was another life milestone in our family...like I said...summer is over...

The kids went back to school!!

Shanne (my big 3rd grader) and Addy (my whittle kindergartner)

Not only that, but my baby...my Addy...started kindergarten!!

Not gonna lie, I shed a few tears.  But I'm also super excited to be able to have entire free days to train, shop, cook, blog...whatever I want!!  Holy cow that's exciting!!

Today's free time was utilized properly with a 3500 meter swim as I prep for Nautica Malibu Triathlon on September 15th.

It was a great swim on a beautiful sunny day...but now it's nap time as I prep for 2 more nights of work (and hopefully no more mishaps!).

But first I'll leave you with a new recipe created yesterday as I had 2 little children clamoring for different meals for breakfast...Addy wanted a PB&J sandwich and Shanne wanted pancakes...what's a mama to do?  Make PB&J pancakes of course!

Quick, easy, tasty.  I semi-cheated and used Bisquick GF mix (kiddos are GF too).

And I finally got to use my new PB2 that I found at the commissary of all places!

But the end result was still fabulous and eventually I will make it from scratch...but for now this works!  Enjoy and have a fabulous beginning of your week!

PB&J Pancakes

by Jaclyn Trosper

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

 

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Ingredients (Serves 2 hungry kiddos (8 smal)

• 1 cup GF Bisquick mix
• 1 tbsp flax meal
• 2 tbsp warm water
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp agave
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp PB2
• Fruit preserves/jelly (I used organic strawberry)
• Warm water to thin

Instructions

Mix bisquick, oil, agave, almond milk and PB2 in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl mix flax and warm water. Add flax mixture to large bowl. Mix until well blended. Spoon onto hot griddle coated with cooking spray or coconut oil in dollops. Flip when bubbly on edges.

Meanwhile mix preserves with warm water until desired consistency is reached. Serve over hot cakes.

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Welcome to Crazy Town

I say that my life and home are crazy town in jest...but to know me is to know the truth of this statement...so because of this I only just recently realized it's been nearly a year since I last posted a single blog! So so sad on my part but a long break was needed...from this apparently, from racing, from training...from so many aspects of my life. This post is basically going to be one big catch up!

Going into this year I had so many lofty goals...and shortly after Palm Springs enduro weekend (first century ride on Saturday, half marathon on Sunday) I realized I needed a break. I never really took an off season or gave myself any time to just stop and breathe for a minute...I just kept hitting it hard and it all eventually caught up to me. So I stopped, cold turkey. I'm pretty sure I even had withdrawals. I raced only one other time this year and that was as the relay runner for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge...and I didn't even "race"...I just enjoyed the day with my best friends.

Now as the year comes to a close I'm starting to really feel the burn to train and race again. Now don't get me wrong, I haven't sat on my duff all year, I've been working out. And the payoff has actually been better then expected. I'm lighter, leaner, and stronger then I've been in a long time. I have paid attention to my diet, strength training, flexibility, and the balance of it all way more then I ever have before. But I've also learned to really listen to my body...so much so that I buried my Garmin in a drawer and barely used it all year. I dug it out last week (actually I had to borrow Mike's) and took it on a run around Balboa park....lo and behold I had a 7:59 min/mile average for just over 5 miles. Not to shabby for not paying attention all year! This will mean nothing as I head into the new year with a completely new goal in mind...to complete an ultramarathon. Haven't officially decided on a particular race, but it will be a 50K (30 miles) and it will be early in the year...looking forward to that challenge!

But there have been many other recent changes in my life that are going to affect me greatly going into 2012. First and foremost my husband has once again deployed. He left just last week aboard the USS Carl Vinson and won't be home until spring or summer. It's our 3rd deployment since we've been married but our first in almost 4 years. It's been an adjustment getting used to his absence again...moreso for how to deal with two children who are now older and understand the magnitude of the amount of time daddy will be gone...but we've been trucking along and getting by. Christmas will be a bit more lonely...but time passes and he will be home safely again before we know it.

Photo courtesy of USS Carl Vinson photographers

Work is also going to be keeping me busy as we roll into the new year. I can't even believe I've been on night shift for almost 2 years now. I can honestly still say I adore my job and I'm so lucky to be where I am. I am constantly learning and growing...and I'm surrounded by the most amazing team of nurses and doctors I could ever imagine. In January I will start taking classes for my CCRN (Critical Care RN certification test) and hope to take the exam by the end of Feb. This is a pretty big deal in the ICU community as it a daunting test that will really force me to buckle down and learn the core concepts of the human body as they apply to the patient populations I work with. I'm excited, nervous, and really ready for this challenge.

On the health front there have been some recent developments that have made me ponder my own decisions regarding my health and the steps I can take to ensure I stick around for a long time. Though I always considered myself basically healthy since I ate well and exercised a ton, a recent blood test revealed I had elevated total cholesterol, my LDL was high and my HDL was low. I wasn't entirely shocked as both my mom and dad have bad cholesterol. So I gave up milk (since it was bothering my stomach anyway) and tried to reduce my intake of red meats. Shortly after that I went to see my primary care doctor for a routine checkup. At the end of the appointment she told me she wanted me to see an oncologist (I'm currently in the process of moving all my personal healthcare from Naval medicine to my own insurance with the health group I work for as I feel I get much better continuity of care with them). I felt like this was coming out of left field but she explained with my crazy personal history and my awful family history of cancer that she didn't feel she could follow me adequately enough. So I was sent for labs and a number for an oncologist. Of course I stalled for a while...but I eventually got around to making an appointment with him. Once at the office I was told that my blood counts were abnormal (seriously?) so now more tests are pending...love the waiting game. It was also noted the my cholesterol numbers were still not normal (guess I didn't really lay off the red meat like I said I would). I also got a referral to GI to follow up on the years of stomach problems I've had an hopefully get some answers (I went gluten free over 2 years ago and that has helped immensely but hasn't gotten rid of all my problems). After these numerous blows and moments of clarity I realized I needed to make a drastic change.
This realization happened to correlate perfectly with my viewing of a movie/documentary called Forks Over Knives (www.forksoverknives.com). The entire premise of the film is the ridiculous links between the main diseases of the Western world (cancer, heart disease, etc) and an animal based diet. Numerous studies have shown that if people eat a plant based diet they can essentially halt and even reverse the spread or development of these diseases. After watching the film and doing a bit more research on my own I was convinced (of note my dad went vegan a few years ago due to health reasons and has completely reversed all his problems...hello proof!). Even Mike realized that a change was needed (this from the most self professed carnivore I know!). So I have now embarked on a new journey...veganism. And tomorrow (Dec 12th) is day one. I've been playing around with recipes for the past few weeks and sampling new brands and foods. I'm feeling amazing and not deprived in the least. I'm tracking my nutrition as testing has shown that I have a great metabolism and with lofty ultramarathon goals I can't afford to skimp on nutrition or calories. It's been touch and go but I'm finally dialing in the ability to hit my caloric goals (roughly 2200 cals on a good training day). I will be blogging alot about my adventures in vegan cooking and eating to be sure....should be a culinary blast!

Vegan Sushi for our kickoff dinner!

I think that about wraps up my updates and it's officially time for me to get some shut eye...lots to do tomorrow (isn't that always the case?). Looking forward to getting back into the swing of training and learning how to adapt to a new life of alternative eating. :)