Feeling Blessed

9/28/12

Wednesday was our last workout for speed work, which was kind of sad. =( Kodi came along with me which made it really fun, especially since we both won something in the drawing. During the speed run my foot was really bothering me, to the point I had to completely quit running. It was so frustrating and got me down so bad I went to the free injury sports clinic at Carle on Thursday. The trainer assessed my foot by push and pulling different toes, bones, and parts of my foot. It basically boils down to a bone bruise and stress on my tendons in my toes. I have spent the last two evenings making sure to be very deligent about rest, ice, and wrapping it up during the evening to take down the swelling. Randy from Body n Sole was nice enough to give me a couple inserts for my work shoes, which has helped TREMENDOUSLY!

Today at work I have noticed a complete difference with my foot. I didn't have to limp or walk on the outside of my foot at all. There was little to no pain, so I hope and pray that  what I am doing is working and it will only continue to heal, because I cannot afford to have a foot injury during training!

This morning I got a nice quick 9 mile bike ride in. I bought this awesome little pouch that velcrows right around the shaft of the bike. It easily holds my cell phone, some energy gummies, and this pretty pink bottle of mace I bought. I really think the mace was a great idea, because even though I am strong, I am not strong enough to take down a large person or several people. The pouch is where I can easily access the mace and my cell phone in an emergency. 

Finally, today, my two new swim caps that I bought came in! One is hot pink and yellow which is silicone the other is a nike red cap. I have never tried silicone so I am excited to test out the new caps! I also purchased a belt that holds my number and gels during races! It looks pretty legit, plus it is pink, so I am pumped!

More good news!!!! I had several donations in the last few days.. I want to make a big thanks to Lindsay & Josh Gordon, my Aunt Bernie, and Kevin and Art from Carle with Biomed!!! None of this would be possible for me without the gracious people who have supported me and I cannot thank each and everyone enough!!!!!! God has truly blessed me and is answering my prayers with help from everyone and recovery of my foot!

 Pink <3 God

So Clique...

9/25/2012

Tonight I went to the fun run with Second Wind, and although it is so clique, it was so much fun! Nikki and I ran together for both the 1 mile and 3 mile. The 3 mile run had a special event where the individuals who finish closest to their predicted time, without wearing watches, won free Second Wind Running gear! Nikki and I predicted our 3 mile for 24:15 and we finished at 24:18, three seconds longer than predicted, WE KICKED ASS! =) We both picked out long sleeve shirts, and we were very excited!

Nikki is such an inspiration to me for running! She kicks some major ass every race and pushes herself to the limit every practice! I really appreciate that she makes me feel part of a team at Second Wind and invites me to hang out with everyone after a run. Thanks so much Nikki, it may seem small, but really means a lot to me! Without Second Wind and Kodi I depend on mainly myself to be motivated to train and workout. So any extra encouragement and inspiration is greatly appreciated! I am so glad I found out about the club this summer and am able to be involved as much as possible!

Tomorrow is the last speed run of the summer at the track with second wind, which is kind of sad. Even though I haven't gone every week, I know it has helped me with my endurance and speed! Now we get to look forward to marathon training starting in January with Second Wind! Yay! =D

Also, I have hurt my right foot pretty bad. It hurts about every step I take, especially if I haven't been on my feet for over like 10 or 15 minutes (the longer I'm off my feet the worse it hurts). I dropped a salad bowl and it landed sideways right on the bones of my 2nd and 3rd toe. I was hoping it was just going to go away, but it seems to be getting worse. I can usually just push through the pain, but once I'm done running, working out, or off work it hurts so bad. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know! I may have to go see a doctor this week. =( Pray for my foot to get better!

Pink <3 Training 

ILLINI TRI

9/23/2012

Today was triathlon number 3!!! I am a "Tri-Tri-Athelete".. Haha! I just made that up! The triathlon went really well, it was at the U of I campus (hence the blue and orange).  Today will be the longest triathlon I have completed! 300 m swim 14.5 mile bike and 3.1 run!!!

#

Place

Name

Bib

Gender

Age

Swim

100s

T1

Bike

MPH

T2

Run

Pace

Finish

1:

270

Alicia Pettyjohn

342

F

23

08:15.1

2:45

02:42.4

52:06.7

16.6

01:28.2

24:32.0

7:55

01:29:04.4

Basically what all of these number mean is that I finished 270 out of 509 individuals. I was 7th in my age division out of 29 woman age 20 - 24, my swim time was 8 min 15 sec, bike was 52 minutes at 16.6 mph, the 5k I ran in 24 min 32 sec with an OVERALL FINISH of 1:29:04!!!!!!!!!!!

It was so damn cold this morning I didn't get to do a swim warm up. I wish that they would have had everyone enter the pool based on their swim time rather than numerically. All of the fast swimmers were trampling me (the slow swimmer) and ultimately would have made everyone's swim time a lot better! I also don't like whenever they have us swim under neath the lines that is just annoying. I like Lytle Park Triathlon much better because you swim out, in, out and back and you're done, which means it is a constant swim without touching. 

The bike ride was pretty miserable. It was sooooo cold and  I didn't bring a long sleeved jacket or anything to cover my arms. The wind was ferocious and the hills were monstrous! I am just very thankful and blessed nothing happened to my bike during the 14.5 miles. There were a couple people who had chain issues, etc and I felt really bad for them. Yesterday, I bought a pair of tri shorts which was definitely one of the smartest investments I have ever made! The guy asked if I wore thicker padded shorts while I trained, I told him these were my first pair, I just roughed it before! Haha! But they were excellent for my tushy and it was awesome that I could swim, bike , and run without changing! I need to find something similar for a shirt, so please let me know if you have any suggestions!

The run was incredible! There were people almost every .10th of a mile cheering for you and encouraging you to finish strong. I had a strong goal to complete the 5k in 24 minutes and I accomplished that! It doesn't seem like it was a fast pace, 8 minute miles, but after completing the other two events, I am definitely happy with my time. It was funny because I didn't wear my ipod during the race so I could hear everyone and people were like, "I love your shoes" several times. It made me laugh. =) When I crossed the finish line I expected to be hurting and really exhausted... I wasn't!! I was completely fine and was like, well, okay, I guess that is it. I got my water, bagels, and head to find my AMAZING supporter! 

If it wasn't for Ryan being there  for every race, waking up early with me, cheering me on, taking my pictures, holding all of my belongings, running stuff back and forth to me, I don't know what I would do!!!!!!!!! I am so very fortunate and blessed to have a boyfriend who supports my events and loves every minute of it! Thank you so much Reverend Ryan David Rauch for being the  one who supports me through thick and thin no matter what! I <3 YOU!!!!!!!

One thing I really need help with is my transition times. I have such a hard time putting on my vibram five finger shoes whenever my feet are soaking wet. I think I need to try to find one of the vibram shoes that you just slip on so I don't have to separate all of my toes while I'm wet, cold, and disoriented!

Once again thank you everyone for all of your love and support! Thank you Alisha Bennett and Robin & David Rauch fo the donations this weekend! To everyone: I appreciate all the donations that helped me raise money for my Illinois Marathon in April 2013 and my Louisville Ironman in August 2013!

PINK <3 TRIATHLON

SUPRISES!!!

9/19/2012

 

What an amazing day I have had! I am truly blessed! I woke up with an amazing gift from the love of my life, Ryan. He left a very sweet note with the new Pink CD and Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 on BluRay! Then while at work I received a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of Autumn color flowers! It is so wonderful to feel appreciated and supported by the love of my life. 

PINK <3 RYAN

Tonight Kodi and I went to the pool to practice for the 300 M part of the mini tri on Sunday. Total we did about 800 M down and back. I was able to complete the 300 M in 6 min 30 sec which was amazing considering I wasn't pushing myself to the fullest. If it wasn't for Kodi I would still be wearing nose plugs and doggie paddling like I did on my first tri. I am so proud of how far I have come with my swimming and I look forward to seeing where I will be in a year after training for the IRONMAN. Thank you so much Kodi for being patient, kind, and a wonderful swim coach! 

We also got in a quick couple mile run before she had to meet at class. While running, Kodi told me about Steve Prefontaine and how much of a legend and inspiration he was for her. I am definitely going to investigate him on google. I can never have too much inspiration! =)

I need to make a shout out thank you to Christy Ferguson and Stash for your donations for my ironman. I cannot believe in just a week and a half I have fundraised almost 800 dollars! My registration for Ironman is 775 dollars, so whatever extra I receive will go towards paying for the Illinois Marathon in April, my triathalon wet suit, and hotel fees! =)

Last but not least, ITS OFFICIAL...... I AM IRONMAN REGISTERED!!!!!!!!!!!

Louisville, Kentucky Ironman August 25, 2013 HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!!

PINK <3 SWIMMING

Roller Coaster!

9/18/2012

Today at work was really frustrating... I was just not feeling a good vibe with the customers and my employees. My new shoes did come in today, yippe! Later in the afternoon, I found out Jessie (my sister) is pregnant! I am still in complete shock! I was originally scheduled to work a split today at Red Lobster, but because it was really slow, I got off extra early and decided to come back home. 

When I got to Mattoon, I picked up a donation from my Aunt Carol and Uncle Dwight for my Ironman fundraiser, which I am very grateful for! THANK YOU! Then I ordered my favorite pizza, Villa, which also donated for my registration, again, THANK YOU ARENAS!

After devouring a few slices of pizza, Colton and I went to see our sister from my father's side play Volleyball in Effingham. Their game was against St. Elmo and they kicked some serious ass! I was so proud to be sitting there watching the gazelle like movements of my sister slamming the volleyball down the opponents throats! =) In a since, I was able to relive my volleyball days and live vicariously through her. My sister Haylee is only 16, but she is one dedicated, hard working, and self sufficient young lady. I am proud to have her as my sister and I admire her determination to succeed and the will she has to be the best at what she does! She is an inspiration to me as I train for all of my races and especially the Ironman!

Needless to say, I was unable to get a workout in today because I was go go go from the moment I woke up until now, at 11:35 when I am an hour past my bedtime! Hitting up the pool here in a few hours and the speed work with Second Wind tomorrow evening!

Thanks for the support!

PINK <3 VOLLEYBALL

Bugs bugs bugs!

9/16/2012

Tonight I completed a strong 15 mile bike ride. I seriously need to invest in some clear glasses because so many bugs got in my eyes and mouth! I probably ate the whole days worth of protein in an hour. Hahaha! 

 While I was biking, I was estimating my times for Sunday's mini triathlon. I think I can swim in 8 minutes, bike in 55 and run in 24. That is my goal, and I think it can be easily accomplished! I need to see if I can find a cheap waterproof watch so I can wear it through the entire triathlon. 

I also want to thank Val McCann and Todd Westjohn for their donations this weekend! Hopefully this week I can gather the last two hundred dollars I need. :-) 

Pink <3 Biking

Royal Flush 10k

9/15/2012 Mattoon, IL 10k Royal Flush

Today I completed the 10k to support St. Jude in Mattoon. It was wonderful to have all of my family there to take pictures and support me as I started and crossed the finish line! I set the bar high today with a personal record of 47.11 which is 2 minutes and 34 seconds faster than my previous PR in Arcola of 49.35!!!! It just goes to show that when you have determination and the drive to push yourself to be the 
                                          best, you can succeed! =)

                                                                 Pink <3 Running

Fundraising!!!

9/15/2012

Today is day six of fundraising for my Ironman! I have raised a little over 500 dollars in just a few short days and I am so close to my goal of 700! Thanks again to everyone who has donated!

On Friday, I found some shocking news that the Wisconsin Ironman was completely full! After about 45 minutes of panicing, emailing, and googling I have decided I am going to do the Louisville, Kentucky Ironman which is August 25, 2013 as long as it doesn't close before I raise enough money! 

I feel like it may be a blessing in disguise... Even though I really wanted to complete the Ironman with Valeria Rhode, I do have a lot of family in Kentucky/Tennesse area, which means more support on the day of the event! Hopefully, Valeria and I can complete a half Ironman together this summer. 

I'm either going to die or become an Ironman! =)

HUGE THANKS

 9/15/2012

To begin, I want to start off by thanking everyone who has supported me either mentally, emotionally, and/or financially along my journey over the years of becoming a runner, triathlete, and soon to be an IRONMAN! Starting with God, who has given me the strength, encouragement, and determination who accomplish so many goals and for keeping my body strong, healthy, and mobile. I also want to thank my parents John & Julie Fugate for raising me and always telling me I can reach my dreams, my Mema, Rachel Proffitt, for all of the prayers she says and always telling me no matter how I do I am the prettiest girl to cross, my boyfriend, Ryan Rauch, who wakes up early on his days off to watch me cross the finish line: no one can cheer on a girl like him! Don't want to forget Ryan's parents David & Robin Rauch! I also want to thank all of my friends and family: my brother and sister Jessica Pettyjohn, Colton Pettyjohn, Alisha Bennett, Lynn Bennett, Christy Furgeson, Stash, Valeria Rhode, Lane Blickem, Timmy Jacobs, Emily Wamsley, Craig Muehling, Matt Cardoni, Jackie Moore, Cathy, Kayleb Burritt, all of the Second wind running, our coach, Stephen Ostwinkle,   my Aunt Susuan, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Carol, Uncle Dwight, my cousins Rachel Mathis, Tracy Jenkins, David Hale, & Sherri Mathis. I know there are some people I am forgetting, please do not be offended, I appreciate everyone so much!! 

LOVE & THANK YOU!!!!!!!!