My Sweet New Ride!!!

Wow - if every new decade of my life starts off like this one... I am in for some awesome birthdays!  It's been a week since I officially turned 30 and I can honestly say it was the best birthday of my life so far!

Part 1 of 3 for 30 started out in Mohonk Mountain a few weeks ago.  Part 2 of 3 happened last Saturday night.  Myself and one of my besties had our 6th annual Birthday Party together!

Hehe - I love this photo!

After a late night where I might have indulged in a few birthday drinks and/or shots.... Sunday was spent on the couch til I had to do a quick run.

Part 3 of 3 was Monday, March 21st!  I woke up and did a nice little birthday swim, finally feeling like myself after being sick for a week.   When I came back up to the apartment I found THIS!

HOLY SMOKES!!! Simon got me the BEST birthday present a future Ironman could ask for... a fancy, smancy, pink camo tri bike!!!!  I was so incredibly surprised and I thought I was dreaming!  Simon said that I can now finally shut up about this bike!  I may or may have not been talking about this particular bike for months on end.

After the amazing surprise present, Simon pulled off another surprise that night where he organized a big dinner with about 15 of my friends and my parents!  Am I lucky or what?!?  It honestly was THE most amazing birthday and I am officially spoiled.  There will be no more birthday presents for me til I turn 35 - hah!

So now, being this is a triathlon blog, let's get back to the bike!

What a pretty girl!

As you could see from the first photo, I needed a proper fitting.  I was able to schedule one for after work on Thursday.  I went over to Toga Bikes on West End and met with Will.  Will made me feel very comfortable and answered my hundreds of questions with patience.  My first question, "How do you shift this thing?!?"  Yeah, I felt like a newbie but I also learned a ton.

After Will took one look at my current bike shoes, he gasped and said I needed to get new ones.  Apparently tri/road shoes are supposed to be tight... yeah my current Lake Tri shoes were loose, dirty and about 3 years old!  After trying on a few styles I stuck with the Sidi Tri shoes (Viva Italia!) that just happened to come in pink and white.

After a 10 minute warm up on my Roo, he then tested my flexibility.  It turns out I'm flexible in my neck and shoulders but not my hamstrings, quads or IT bands.  That would help him determine the correct position on the bike.  Then he hooked me up to some sensors, where I felt like I was filming Tron, and had the computer read my angles as I pedaled.  Will was shocked.  This bike fit me pretty much perfectly!  Hooray - it was was meant to be!

After comparing my left side to my right side he did have to change my right cleat and insole to help prevent my right knee from coming in towards the frame.  But that was basically all the adjustments he made.

As you can see from the photo above I'm not in the most aero position I could be.  This is due to my flexibility issue.  Will said he wants me to start off here because if he raises my seat any higher, it might aggravate my leg muscles.  So once I get more flexible I'll go back to get refitted and get more aero.  I am 100% happy with that.  This is my first real tri bike so I want to get used to it before I get more aggressive... even though one of my nicknames is Aggressive Agresta.

Super thin bike that will need a smaller butt to go on it!

The other cool thing about this bike is the stock seat it comes with.  It's the Adamo ISM road saddle.

I've read a lot about this saddle and I am excited to try it!  I have to say, so far I like it.  I rode the bike 3 days in a row, including a 2 hour ride, and my lady parts didn't hurt until the end of the long ride.

ROO!

This past Saturday I enjoyed a long 2 hour ride down the Jersey Shore by my parents place.  Simon and I decided to do an hour out and an hour back ride.  Well, the hour out was met with a strong headwind. We only went about 16 miles in that hour.  But the way back?  We were flying!!  I've never held a 25 mph average for more than a mile, but I did on Saturday!  This wasn't even going downhill, just flat with some rollers.  The Roo is one fast bike and I loved the way she felt when I got out of the saddle and climbed up the rollers.  I cannot wait to get faster and stronger on my Roo!!

Pine Barrens ride on the Roo!

Mohonk Weekend

Hi Folks!

Here's a late recap on my  3/12-3/13 training weekend up in New Paltz.  We had a great time but unfortunately it didn't end the way I planned!  Simon and I drove up there Friday night and we stayed at the Minnewaska Lodge.  It was a really cute B&B that was nestled right below the Shawangunk Ridge.

Not a bad place to spend the weekend!  We slept in to a late 9am on Saturday then went downstairs to enjoy breakfast and the beautiful view.  I wasn't feeling so hot and was a bit congested but that wasn't going to stop me from conquering the Gunks on my bike!

We geared up and got ready to go!  The photo above is at the top of the lodge driveway.  It was a bit overcast but the sun would be out for most of the ride.  So the route I wanted to ride is 1 loop of the American Zofingen Duathlon course.  What's better than celebrating turning 30 (in part 1 of 3 by the way) than by biking two mountains with over 2000 feet of climbing?!?  Yeah, I never thought I'd want to do that either.

Off we went on our Mohonk Adventure!  The ride started off great with rolling hills mostly going down.  It felt great to be on my bike in a new place and even though I was congested I just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the company of course!

About 5 miles in the ride got hard... real hard!  It was the beginning of the first mountain climb.  We went from 224 feet elevation to 1,106 in just over 2 miles!!  Yikes - those were the slowest and steepest miles I think I have ever ridden!! For those of you who have ridden the Mooseman course in 2010 - this was steeper and harder!  After we slugged up the mountain we took a reconnaissance break then continued on.

I was leading the way since I had the map and after descending for a couple of minutes I looked behind me and I didn't see Simon.  There was a sharp turn up ahead of me so I stopped to wait for him.  I relaxed, took a swig from my water bottle and waited.  After a few more minutes went by than they should have, I got worried so I decided to ride back up the hill I just came down to catch up with with Si.  I got to the top and he wasn't there.  Then I heard my phone ring.  Uh oh.
"Where are you??"
"Where are you?"
"I biked back up to get you and you're not here!"
"I turned down Clove Road"
"You were't supposed to turn down Clove!"

Argh - so after a few minutes of figuring out where he was compared to where I was we decideded to meet at the next intersection.  I would go the right way and he would take a quick diversion to get there.  I get to our meeting place and I'm waiting.  And waiting. And waiting.  Finally I called him and he realized he went right instead of left so rode 2 miles out of his way.  So I had to wait for him to get to our appropriate meeting place.  **what's with men and directions?!? xoxo Si! Needless to say, that little snafu added about 45 minutes to our ride!

Miles 10 to about 17 were rolling hills and my legs felt good but my energy level was down.  Little did I know that the next big climb was right around the corner.  Literally.  This climb was longer, higher but not as steep as the first climb.  This time the elevation went from 295 ft to 1,407 in about 6.5 miles.

This was about 3 miles up the climb.  It was a beautiful scenic stop.  But I wouldn't be celebrating for too long....

'Cause we had this sucker to climb and this didn't stop for another 3-4 miles!

After this monster of a mountain, we were able to enjoy the downhill coast, including a 90 degree hairpin turn, and made it back to our lodge!

"Welcome home indeed!  I'm so tired..."

"Ok, I admit, it was an epic ride!"

So we survived the Shawangunks and come mid-May, I have the pleasure of running a 5 mile hilly trail run, riding that same bike course THREE times, then running 15 hilly trail miles!  Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with me! hah.

After a huge lunch at a German place across the street, we decided just to rest at the lodge since I wasn't feeling well.  I was achey, coughing and sneezing so I knew I was getting sick.  Later that evening we drove into New Paltz and had a delicious Italian dinner in a restaurant that was built inside an old rail station.  Very cool and Simon likes trains so he was happy!

The plan for Sunday was to wake up early, eat, then go running for an hour and a half.  I wanted to check out the run course so we were going to drive there.  But when I woke up, I was covered in sweat with chills and the only thing I was running was a fever.  Ugh - I bagged the run and texted my Coach letting her know that I had to skip my long run.  It was my very, very first missed workout since January 3rd and I was bummed!  I also have that thing called Catholic guilt, so it's like I kinda needed her approval to not run. Quite like when I call my Mom when I'm sick to make sure I should take off work.  **yes, I know, I'm hours away from being 30 and it's silly to get my Mom's OK to stay home!

So Sunday turned into a later breakfast, packing, then we decided to take a scenic drive.  We drove up the mountain we came down the day before and parked by Lake Minnewaska.  It was so beautiful up there and the pictures don't do it justice!

I felt like we were in the Ice Age 'cause it was just so random to climb up a mountain and find this big, beautiful frozen lake!  We decided to take a little "hike" around the lake since it was just about 1.9 miles around.  I wasn't feeling great and it was cold out but I really wanted to get some fresh, clean air.

We did not expect to hiking along a snowy trail!

Despite the cold and snowy conditions it was a nice little hike!  We continued on our drive and basically drove the bike course we did the day before but the opposite way.  What beautiful scenery and it really was a great ride despite how hard it was.

So overall the weekend was great and I'm excited to get back up there!  Oh - the other thing I forgot to write was that I had a Wassner Twin sighting before the first mountain climb!  Simon thinks I "stalk" pro triathletes but I like reading about them and how they train etc... Becca Wassner happens to live up there so it was cool to see her out on her bike!

Unfortunately for me my cold lasted a lot longer than I planned.  I didn't workout again until Thursday where I did a short swim.  So that's 4 missed workouts.  On the grand scheme of things, it's not so bad, and I lucked out cause this happened to be a rest week so I didn't miss any key workouts.

I'm really looking forward to training this week!!  Oh yeah... I turn 30 TOMORROW!! Eek! So weird! Get ready or not W30-34 age group, there's a new kid in town!!

Happy Training!

Derailed

So I'm in the midst of posting all the pretty photos we took up at Mohonk Mountain but I've been getting derailed by two factors.  Work & Training, or shall I say not training due to being sick! I've missed a total of  FOUR workouts! 

Ugh - I was on a 100% training rate until Sunday.  And yes, Sunday I was still up in the beautiful mountains ready to run.  That running plan got derailed after I woke up in a cold sweat and with a fever.  My Monday workday & swim got derailed by the fever again and I stayed home to sleep it off.  So that was two days of no workouts.  Tuesday my workout was derailed AGAIN 'cause I felt like poo in the morning and when the alarm went off at 545 to bike I just couldn't do it. 

Coach told me to stop worrying and that in the grand scheme of things missing 3 workouts isn't going to mean anything!  **she's a smart lady

Today my alarm went off at 545 and my head felt like a sledgehammer came down on it.  So my biking workout was ditched yet again.  I'm typing this right now from my work desk, 'cause in addition to being sick, I've had two extremely busy workdays. I've been at work since 830 this morning and I probably won't leave til after 9 tonight. Yuck!

I don't mean to complain and in all honesty this is peanuts compared to what people are going through on the other side of the world.  I am grateful to have a bed to sleep in, a bike to ride, a pool to swim in and a job that pays me well.  I really, really am.  The above paragraphs are just a little venting session to keep me sane while I have a few minutes to spare.  Plus, I was really looking forward to posting about our Mohonk trip - it was so beautiful and I rode the hardest bike course I have ever ridden.  Epic and gnarly are the two words that come to mind when I think about it.  And that right there folks, is being very lucky to be able to enjoy something like that!

Happy Training all you sick-free people!

Jackpot of Gear and 30th Celebration Part 1 is about to BEGIN!

I was pleasantly surprised to find a HUGE box filled with Odwalla goodies yesterday!  They sent us literally about 25 boxes of bars plus our 2011 racing gear.  Here are some self portraits!  I obviously couldn't wait the extra half hour to have Simon take my picture so I did it myself! heh

Loads of goodies!

Tri top and shorts plus a cool visor

Running singlet and shorts

I kinda love the 70's style shorts

A really loud jacket - loves it!

All laid out on my bed.  And yes, those are my nasty feet!

Now that I'm all geared up, what's next?  Training of course!  As part one of my 30th Celebration, I asked Simon to take me out of the city and upstate where we can get some good training in.  And by we, I mean me, with Simon trying to keep up! He's such a good sport and is a great biker so I'm sure it won't be hard.  I chose Mohonk Mountain as our destination cause of THIS. Check out that bike course elevation!!!  It's a gnarly long course duathlon I'll be racing/training/surviving in May and I'm kinda scared of it!

I have a 2 hour ride on the schedule for tomorrow then another hour and half run for Sunday.  Not quite sure I'll be able to navigate the course run as it's on trails and it'll be my first time up there.  I kinda have an active imagination so when I swim I see sharks, and if I trail run by myself I'll probably think I'll see bears or mountain lions or something.  So I might just stick to the roads for the run!

Can't wait to leave and I'll report back next week!!  Happy Training!

Me? A Sponsored Athlete?

Nope, it's not an early April Fool's joke.  I am officially a sponsored athlete now!!  Team Odwalla has picked ME to represent them and their tasty brand for the 2011 racing season.  I am pumped!!!  Odwalla not only has healthy, green, and cleverly named products, but they have a passion for the environment and endurance athletes.  Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be picked (and so was one of my closest friends and training buddies!) and I can't wait to spread the word about them.  Check out their website here and I'll be getting a large shipment of samples this week that I'll be sharing with you guys!!

While I am bashing my body training for Placid, I know the Odwalla products will back me up!  Right now my favorite bar is the strawberry pomegranate.  It's perfect for an afternoon snack at work and it's loaded with antioxidants!

So what do I get besides free bars, juices and smoothies??  I get to be part of a Team again!  There are five cities represented and the New York gang already has a ton of emails flying around.   I also get to rock Team Odwalla gear and I'll be having my own little Rock Star moment on their website with my own baseball card like bio.  Once that's up and running I'll let you guys know!

As you can see, I've updated the look of my blog.  I wanted it to feel lighter and a bit more welcoming than the dark red (even though I love red).  Check out the left hand side it has links to three keys that are going to make my IM journey a success.

#1 - MY COACH!  Coach Jenn rocks!  She's efficient, responsive and knows her stuff!  Not only is she an elite triathlete herself (she's even raced against IM legend Karen Smyers!!) but she's USAT level 1 certified and USA Cycling Level 3 certified.  In 2010, she coached me to a 10 minute Olympic distance PR and a Chicago Marathon PR!  I only wish I found her sooner!!  Jenn really knows everything you'd want a Coach to know so if you're looking for a coach, look no further! Check out her website!

#2 - My Dad and Motivator Ed Agresta!  The first time you call his hotline, it will change your life, or at least your day!  After 40 years teaching of teaching and coaching football my Dad is happily retired but he still motivates teachers, students, athlete, corporations... and ME! We now call the night before a race "Motivation and Meatballs" 'cause my Dad provides the motivation and my Mom provides the yummy homemade meatballs! Check out his hotline 609-660-8156 - I promise you won't regret the toll-free call!

#3 My fuel ODWALLA!  Yeah!!

I know these great things are only going to help me in my Ironman journey and I'm so excited about it!  Maybe they will help you too!!

Week 9 Totals = 7:46
Swim: 6500 yds in 2:05
Bike: 3:17 with 34 glorious outdoor miles
Run: 16 miles in 2:32

Playing Catch Up

There's so much to catch up on!  I might have to do the dreaded bullet points... sorry people!

- Week 8 was a success and I felt awesome for each and every workout!

- I biked outside for the first time - yayyyyyy!  and I had company!  My friend Paul braved the chilly conditions for a 33 mile ride.  I was nervous about tackling the hills outdoors for the first time, but I can honestly say all those indoor drills have paid off!  I felt strong and I felt like I could have stayed on my bike much longer if it wasn't for my frozen toes (even after 2 pairs of sock and shoe covers) and I knew I had a 2 hour run scheduled for the next day

- So that brings us to the 2 hour long run.  Let me just preface this run with how my Saturday night went.  There was an official Monopoly "off" between myself and Paul.  I'm currently winning the series 2-0 and he wanted a rematch.  So we had a game night at his apartment. To make a long story short, we both lost Monopoly then the whole group of us played Rock Band, singing & yelling til 2:30 in the morning!  There might have been some wine involved....

- ok, back to the 2 hour run.  Based on my night before, I thought I was gonna be sucking it up in the park.  Boy I was wrong!  First, I slept in and waited til about 2pm to go running and I'm glad I did.  My first mile I clocked an 8:40... um, what?? Where did that come from?  I knew better and slowed down as I had 2 hours worth of running to do in zone 2.  My heart rate was a bit higher than zone 2 but I honestly felt great til the last 2 miles.  Central Park was beautiful and it felt great to run without gloves, heavy duty pants and ear warmers!  I wound up running 13.27 miles in 2 hours - wowzas - that's great for me! Especially for an "easy" training run.  It's actually faster than quite a few of my half marathon racing times!!  Now I'm really excited for my first race, the Hook Mountain Half Marathon in April!  That race will also include the 30 mile bike ride there and back but who's counting that! :)

- I have an exciting announcement to make in the next week!!  I can't wait to share it with you and I know it's going to make my 2011 racing year even better.  I just need a little more time to set things up and I'll be revamping my blog too.

- I took pictures of my outdoor bike ride but I'm not on my computer so I can't share them. Boo

- Olive got groomed and she is now called "fluffy dog."  She officially looks like a Bichon.

- below are my Week 8 and February Monthly Totals

- HAPPY TRAINING!

Week 8 Totals
SWIM = 5300 yds in 1:40
BIKE = 3:20 (1 hour on trainer and finally outdoors for 33 miles)
RUN = 20 miles in 3 hours
Strength = 20 minutes
TOTAL = 8:21:35 ('cause those 35 seconds count!)

Feb Totals
SWIM = 22,900 yards in 7 hours
BIKE = 9 hours 7 minutes (all indoors except 33 miles)
RUN = 62.9 miles in 9 hours 21 minutes
STRENGTH = 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Hours = 27 hours 18 minutes