Fertile Hope

I finally set up my donation page. Please visit the website below and read all about my inspiration behind this Ironman.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/fl08/dperkel

Tough Week

I said I would write sooner but I have been so busy trying to figure my life out with crazy workouts, work and trying to fit sleep somewhere in between. I think I have it a bit more under control now. Last week was pretty intense for me. Last weekend I went camping with Natalie, Todd and Brian. We had an amazing weekend together. We worked out, drank wine and ate mac and cheese – nothing better than that!
Saturday was a bit discouraging for me. Nat and I did a ride on the Wildflower course followed by a run off the bike. I really struggled on the bike. I realized that biking is not my strongest sport and I will have to work extra hard on it during the season. I may not be good at it but it is still my favorite. I cannot describe the beauty of riding through the sweeping hillsides all alone on the road. A breathtaking landscape can only be truly appreciated when you are a part of it rather than enclosed in a car passing through it. The beauty is the only thing that makes up for the pain of trying to make it up some of those ridiculous hills. The next day was a bit more of an ego boost after feeling a little let down by my poor performance on Sat. We started the day with a lake swim (by started the day, I mean by the time we rolled out of the tent, ate breakfast, enjoyed our coffee and finally got our butts down to the lake at noon). The water felt amazing in the ninety degree heat. That heat did not feel too good when we started our run around 1pm though. The run was definitely a challenge with the heat, hills and hard workouts I had already done. I promised myself I would not walk and would not let Natalie get too far in front of me so I could yell at her if she was going the wrong way. I did the 10k hilly course in 61 minutes. I was very proud of myself considering the circumstances.
The rest of the week consisted of two a day workouts or two hour bike rides before getting into work. I had to wake up at 5am a few mornings just to get my workouts in. I guess this is the life I am going to have to get used to. It was def a much needed break on Friday night when I took Brian to the Langham for his birthday. We sat by the stream drinking wine and talking, went to a fantastic dinner and relaxed the whole next morning.
I had to do my big workout on Sunday. I did a 35 mile bike followed by an 8 mile run. I made sure there were lots of hills so I would feel better with Wildflower coming up in two weeks. Brian came on the ride with me and really pushed me for the whole 35 miles. I could not get out of bed this morning. So, now it is taper time. I am def looking forward to the next two weeks being mellow. I cannot wait for my race! It is going to be a huge challenge but it will def be an experience! I will keep you updated!

I Hate Being Sick!!!!

I have been sulking all week because I have been stuck in bed coughing and blowing my nose while all of my friends have been running amalphi loops at 6am and doing three hour rides in PV. It is so frustrating being sick. I finally got myself back out there yesterday. I joined Stef for a ride and even got Brian to tag along. I barely made it up the first hill before I was uncontrollably coughing and shooting snot rockets as I was trying to grab my water bottle (I know you all appreciate that charming image). It is safe to assume that I only made one amalphi loop and had to head back to Brians to crash on the floor until I was forced into the shower so I could make it to work on time. Somehow I am supposed to join Nat, Todd and Brian tomorrow for a 3 hour PV ride followed by a 30 min run. I am a bit nervous but I am even more nervous about not getting a tough hilly ride in before Wildflower. I cannot believe Wildflower is only three weeks away! These races are sneaking up on me. Next thing I know the Ironman is going to be here. Oh well, day by day...right? I am looking forward to my tough ride this weekend followed by a lovely night of wine and TOM HANKS (sorry bri) at Hope Uncorked. The event is for the charity I finally decided I am going to raise money for this season. I will write an update on Sunday filling you in on all of the details.