Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

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August 10, 2015

Visiting Whistler

While my race may have ended in disappointment, Whistler did not disappoint. Western Canada is so beautiful, we loved visiting BC! I may be a bit biased since I grew up in Portland, Oregon but I think the rain forest of that area is one of the most beautiful places in the world. BC was especially beautiful because it melded the temperate rain forest with the ocean and the mountains that I have grown to love living in Colorado for the last six years.  If you are thinking of racing an Ironman next year I highly suggest IM Canada, especially if you aren’t afraid of a few hills, altitude and unpredictable weather.

Whisper really is stunning! Also looking forward to getting home and plotting new adventures

Whistler really is stunning! Also looking forward to getting home and plotting new adventures

On the way to Whistler we flew into Seattle and drove up to Canada. In Seattle we stopped for lunch, since we live in a landlocked state it had to be Seafood! We headed to the waterfront and enjoyed lunch at The Crab Pot.

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It was great, we didn’t have time to hang around long but have been to Seattle many times. If you go make sure you visit Pike Place Fish Market, it’s a must see in Seattle. Also the space needle and a walk along the waterfront aren’t to be missed.

Hello Seattle! #IMCanada

Hello Seattle! #IMCanada

It was great, we didn’t have time to hang around long but have been to Seattle many times. If you go make sure you go to Pikes Place Fish Market, it’s a must go in Seattle. Also the space needle and a walk along the waterfront aren’t to be missed.

Then we were on our way across the boarder to Canada and up the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. I wish we had much more time to explore Vancouver, guess it will have to be on another trip.

Whistler Village is really cute and easy to navigate. Lot’s of beautiful views and restaurants everywhere.

Fun times around Whister today. 2 more sleeps before show time #IMCanada

Fun times around Whistler today.

We stayed at the Market Place lodge booked through Airb&b  It was a great choice for Ironman since it was right on Olympic Plaza where the Athlete Village was. There was also a grocery store, drug store and coffee shop steps from our condo. It was a bit noisy during the day with all the Ironman events as well as a playground directly below us but it quieted down early each night.

There were many places to eat around town, a couple of my favorites were:

Caramba! – Mediterranean food made with lots of local organic food.

La Cantina – REALLY good street tacos and salads

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La Bocca – Yummy simple Italian Food

Crepe Montagne – We didn’t eat here until the last day but it is an amazing little breakfast spot.

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Marketplace IGA – Ok this is just a grocery store, but it’s amazing and they have great sandwiches at the deli if you want to grab something to take with you on a hike.

Whistler is full of some amazing sights, and the best way to see them is on foot. We took a short hike to Wedgemount Falls, it’s a little challenging hiking up the side of a mountain but the views were worth it.

Image-1Or you can drive to Alexander Falls and see it from the parking lot. It’s worth the drive

Beautiful last day in Whistler but happy to be headed home to my pups #backtoreality

Beautiful last day in Whistler but happy to be headed home to my pups #backtoreality

By far my favorite thing that we did was to ride up to Whistler Mountain and ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola It was amazing to hike around and enjoy the views. Seriously the photos can’t do it justice.

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Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Canada, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman Canada, Travel

August 5, 2015

Ironman Canada // 2015

I really wish this was a happy race report, but it is not.

Yay athlete check in!! Loving Whistler #IMCanada

Yay athlete check in!! Loving Whistler #IMCanada

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram then you already know that Ironman Canada ended in a DNF. Honestly I am really disappointed about it, I worked for months to prepare, had been looking forward to it for a LONG time and had planned my year around this race. But it’s also not the worst thing to ever happen to a person, there are so many worse things that could happen in this life. So it’s time to put my big girl pants on, find the lessons that can be learned and move on.  Here is the story of my time at Ironman Canada:

The week leading up to the race I watched the weather get worse and worse for race day. At first the forecast was 75 and sunny (perfect!) but the days leading up were chilly and rainy so I worried that the weather would change. That is exactly what happened, race day ended up having the worst weather of the entire week.

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We flew into Seattle on Thursday and drove up to Whistler, the drive was stunning and we enjoyed the drive and the sights.

Boarder crossing! Oh Canada  #IMCanada

Boarder crossing! Oh Canada #IMCanada

Friday and Saturday were full of the normal pre-race prep. Athlete check in, practice swim in the lake and easy spin on the legs. It rained off and on over the couple of days and was chilly. This caused some pretty high nerves on my part. It really made me realize that I have been a fair weather rider. Sure I can swim and run in the cold/rain but I have never ridden in those conditions. Lesson learned there! I will try harder to get out in non-ideal conditions and figure out what gear I might need. Not surprisingly a waterproof jacket would have gone a long way.

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Race morning it was very overcast and lightly sprinkling. I did my normal bike and gear check, it was chilly and dark. I was doing my best to get pumped up but I was a little worried about the day and the deep water mass start. As the race start grew closer I got into my wetsuit and kissed Cory goodbye.

Alta lake is a beautiful place to swim 2.4 miles #IMCanada

Alta lake is a beautiful place to swim 2.4 miles #IMCanada (not from race morning, it was too rainy for Cory to take photos)

I made my way through the swim arch then into the water, I have never done a deep water start in a race before and this one had thousands of people joining me. Many athletes were hanging out in the shallow water off to the side, I don’t understand this since we were all in wetsuits and treading water doesn’t take much effort.  I lined myself up slightly to the outside of the buoys since I have heard that Canada’s swim can be a bit brutal and congested.  After bobbing around in the cold water for a few minutes the gun went off and we all started moving. It wasn’t too bad at first, but then all the athletes that were hanging out on shore made their way out with the rest of us. There were people everywhere, no water and nowhere to move. I just tried to (literally) roll with the punches and keep moving forward in the herd. It was definitely slower than I would have liked but it’s a long day so no use worrying about it. After the first turn things opened up and I found some great feet to swim with, he sighted well and was pretty consistent. I followed my feet until halfway through my second lap when I decided that I needed to be going faster so I jumped off to do my own thing. After that I couldn’t find anyone else to follow, looking at my paces I really fell off at that point and I definitely could feel I was working a lot harder. So another lesson learned, don’t leave good feet if you find them!

As I rounded the last turn and made my way towards the swim exit, I was excited to be almost done but nervous about the bike leg. It had started to really pour down rain as we were swimming and I felt really cold in the lake. As I got out of the lake I found some nice wetsuit strippers and headed into the tent.

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My T1 time was supper long as my hands were freezing and I had decided to make a full change into warm dry clothes. After the full change and stuffing my gear in the bag I ran out into a full downpour. I grabbed my bike and headed out to the mount line. Almost immediately I was drenched, rivers of water where in the streets and I was freezing.

I am not even sure how far I made it (not far) before pulling off to the side. I was shaking uncontrollably, I couldn’t imagine navigating 10% downhill grades with  hairpin turns. This was a pretty low moment for me, I have been looking forward to IM Canada for so long and the conditions were so bad. It was especially hard seeing the courageous athletes blow by me as they continued on in the harsh conditions.

I found Cory, who was also freezing from standing out in the cold and wet all morning and headed back to our condo. A warm shower and crashing on the couch felt pretty dang good but my spirit was a little crushed. After warming up for a bit and grabbing brunch, we decided the best thing to do was to cheer on the other competitors. It was bitter sweet to stand on the course and cheer on the athletes who had endured so much and were headed to their ironman finish in some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. Even though it was a little painful for me it was also inspiring and helped me to refocus on the future, to work harder and keep trying. The worst thing I could let happen is to give up because of one failure.

So now onto the next adventure, I WILL finish an Ironman this year. I have done it before and I can do it again! Up Next  Ironman Lake Tahoe.

Fall down seven times, Stand up eight. Here I come Ironman Lake Tahoe #IMLakeTahoe #nevergiveup

Fall down seven times, Stand up eight. Here I come Ironman Lake Tahoe #IMLakeTahoe #nevergiveup

Posted by bethcurtis 9 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada Tagged: Ironman

July 22, 2015

Ironman Canada Week!

It really hasn’t sunk in yet that it’s ironman week! T-minus 4 days until Ironman Canada. It’s been a long journey to get to the start line but I am ready to see what the day brings and deal with it the best I can. The last miles have been banked in Colorado before heading to Whistler.

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

So packing and weather stalking has started and thunder storms are predicted so my plan (similar to Lake Tahoe in 2013) is to bring everything and hope I have everything I need. Baggage fees might be interesting.

It’s my first time flying with my bike, any tips?

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today  now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

See you all on the flip side in Canada, wheels up tomorrow morning!

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Travel

July 14, 2015

TAPER! And the Rocky Road to Ironman Canada

I am grateful that taper is here, the Road to Canada has been a bit of a rocky one.

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

It’s not that things have been terrible, I really enjoyed my training when I could get it done. In the past I have had many more external issues with getting training done. My past job had a funky schedule a lot of time requiring that I work early and/or (usually and) late and many weekends. My current job is much more steady and flexible and I am very happy about that.

BUT the last couple of months of training for IM Canada has been marred by injury and setbacks.  Most of these were stupid little things, like pulling my glute muscle.

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining  #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

Others were bigger, like crashing on my bike at mile 80 of a 100 mile ride. Bloody with a slightly broken bike I called for a ride home. I am still recovering from the crash two weeks later and just doing what I can.

My favorite "rest stop" so bike friendly! I  long summer rides #IMTraining

My favorite “rest stop” so bike friendly! I long summer rides #IMTraining – 20 miles before eating pavement

I feel slightly under cooked for Canada but I also feel determined. I know it will be challenging but so much of an Ironman is being mentally tough and dealing with the pain the day hands you. Surprisingly I feel fairly calm, as they say the hay is in the barn. There is nothing to do now but rest up, eat well and show up ready to do my best.

So I go into this race ready to grit my teeth, especially on that last 20 mile climb. I am excited to get to whistler and happy to get to race another Ironman.

Ever gone into a race slightly under-prepared? What helped you get though?

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada

May 5, 2015

Ironman Canada Training – 13 weeks to go

Last week went by quickly but I felt pretty good and was happy with how I was hitting my intervals. Now with just 12 weeks until Ironman Canada it’s time to FOCUS! Here is how last week turned out:

Monday: Easy Yoga with the pug

Some mornings you need to do yoga with a pug #pugsofinstagram #WinstonThePug #IMTraining

Some mornings you need to do yoga with a pug

Tuesday: 3000 m swim // 30 min easy spin

Wednesday: hour and 20 minute trainer ride // evening massage sooo painful!

Big trainer workout this morning...lets do this! #teamsoas2015 #IMTraining #IMCanada

Thursday: Progression run // easy spin warm up and TRX workout

Tempo run time #letsdothis #IMTraining #teamsoas #FurtherFasterForever #IMCanada

Friday: 3100 m swim

Saturday: 4.5 hour bike ride with a 40 minute t-run

Very muggy run off a 56 mile bike. Happy to beat the storm! ☁️⚡️ #IMTraining #teamsoas

Very muggy run off a 56 mile bike. Happy to beat the storm! ☁️⚡️ #IMTraining #teamsoas

Sunday: Beautiful long run in Boulder before the rain started (so much rain for CO!) // evening 90 minute spin

Long run Sunday again trying to beat the rain. Thanks for the views Boulder #IMTraining #FurtherFasterForever #teamsoas2015

~16 hours of training, only 12 weeks until Ironman Canada!

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman, training

April 27, 2015

Ironman Canada Training – 14 weeks to go

This last week was a little funky since it started in Boston but it ended feeling like my first “real” weekend of ironman training. Mostly because I finally got outside for my long ride. I am so looking forward to summer!

Monday: Boston Marathon day but I still got in 6 miles

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Meb!

Tuesday: Last day in Boston, does walking around being a tourist count?

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Wednesday: Back to relativity, work and 90 minuets of intervals on the trainer

 

Thursday: Swimming and a quick run with the pug

Friday: Strength training

Saturday: 4 hour bike ride with a 20 minute t-run – I was stoked since I got my workouts in before a storm rolled in

It was a cold rainy day but I got my 13 miles in. Didn't see another person the entire time good thing I had @enduranceplanet and @zentriathlon podcasts to keep me company  #IMTraining #IMCanada

Sunday: Said Storm did roll in, it was cold and rainy so motivation was low to get out and run. I got out told myself not to judge the first mile (should have told myself not to judge the first THREE miles) about 4 miles in I started to actually feel great and got my 13 miles in.

Recovery time! #IMTraining

Recovery time! 

~12 hours of training, not too bad with travel only 12 weeks until Ironman Canada!

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Canada, Ironman Training Tagged: Ironman Canada, Ironman Training

February 9, 2015

Ironman Canada Training – Weeks 1 & 2

Ironman Canada training has officially started with just six months until race day. Here we go!

Week One:

Monday: Easy run on Boulder’s Mesa Trail

photo 1

Tuesday: Trainer Ride Intervals + TRX Strength Session // Evening Run with the pug

Wednesday: Running Speed Work

photo 2

Thursday: Rest Day to get a bunch of errands done

Friday: Easy Run

Saturday: 12 mile long run along the Coal Creek Trail

Sunday: 6 mile run // hour easy spin

Week Two:

Monday: Yoga // Quick run with the pups

Tuesday: Hill Repeats Run // Easy Spin + TRX session

Wednesday: AM Swim // Quick Run and Strength Training

photo 3

Thursday: Power Pyramid on the Trainer // Stryd Launch Party *more on this later*

It's Mary Beth Ellis!!!

It’s Mary Beth Ellis!!!

 

Friday: Yoga

Saturday: 12 mile long run along the Coal Creek Trail

photo 5

Sunday: 8 mile run // 24 mile ride it crazy warm winter weather

Reflections: The first couple weeks have been all about getting back into triathlon training and creating new habits to fit my new career. I feel good about the progress I have made and expect things will get easier as I really find a groove. Things that could use improvement are running and swimming. While I got my runs in I need to be logging MORE MILES for that 50 miler I have in May. The worst one is swimming, once in two weeks will just not cut it. This is partially not yet having a pool I like ironed out but also it was just not making it a priority. I deffinitly can feel that I am back in training but it’s a good kind of sore.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada

August 27, 2013

Ironman Canada 2014

It’s official I am signed up for Ironman Canada 2014!

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I was a little surprised and bummed that they moved the race up a month, late August fit my ideal 2014 race schedule better but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from signing up.

Ironman Canada Logo.jpeg

After seeing all the photos and glowing reviews from this years’ race I knew I wanted in for my first international Ironman.

Canada Registration.png

I am excited for July 27th 2014

Posted by bethcurtis 11 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada

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Today I hold my daughter close as I watch @kamalah Today I hold my daughter close as I watch @kamalaharris arrive at her inauguration. For Emmy I hope it is just the norm seeing women in leadership but for me it feels very emotional. I sit here with happy tears and hope for the future ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
We can do so much better. Let’s unite around wha We can do so much better. Let’s unite around what matters ❤️
Another year visiting the ice castles in Dillion. Another year visiting the ice castles in Dillion. We had so much fun and it was a nice break from being stuck at home #1000hoursoutside #icecastles #icecastlesdillon
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One last family adventure for 2020. Garden of the One last family adventure for 2020. Garden of the Gods did not disappoint. Happy New Year everyone!!! ✨
My 2020 top nine.... not my favorite year by far b My 2020 top nine.... not my favorite year by far but still many shining moments to celebrate
- socially distant Santa 🎅 
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Merry 2020 🎅 😷 ❤️ Merry 2020 🎅 😷 ❤️
Socially distant Santa 🎅 ➡️2019➡️2018 Socially distant Santa 🎅 

➡️2019➡️2018➡️2017➡️2016
No matter how many times I tell you I love you it No matter how many times I tell you I love you it will always ALWAYS be more than that ❤️ #mylove #myson #cannonmichael
We are back doing school from home and under quara We are back doing school from home and under quarantine because Cannon had close contact with someone at school who tested positive for Covid. Cannon is taking it all in stride with a smile on his face. I am so proud of this little ray of sunshine ☀️ Emmy is happy to have Cannon home but we are all missing our family and friends. Happy to report we got a negative Covid test 😆 #safeathome
Crying tears of joy, hope and relief today. I am h Crying tears of joy, hope and relief today. I am happy about Joe, I believe he is a good man with character and class, but Madam Vice President is what really makes my heart sing. ❤️ #bidenharris2020
I voted because her future depends on it 💗 keep I voted because her future depends on it 💗 keeping hope alive 🤞🤞🤞
Happy Halloween 🎃 2020 - Cinderella and a pump Happy Halloween 🎃 
2020 - Cinderella and a pumpkin 
2019 - Peter Pan and Tinker Bell
2018 - Wizard of Oz
2017 - Where the Wild Things Are 
2016 - Pumpkin ❤️
#vote like your life depends on it! Felt so good t #vote like your life depends on it! Felt so good to turn in my ballot today.
Finally a morning run not staring at my basement t Finally a morning run not staring at my basement treadmill. It’s not good to have so many fires burning across the west but it does make for some incredible sunrises 🌅 #nofilterneeded #run
Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all can find as Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all can find as much joy today as Emmy does 💗
There are many pictures I love of Cannon, but this There are many pictures I love of Cannon, but this captures his personality best ❤️ I love his silly and sweet soul. Happy #nationalsonsday to my boy. Love you to the moon and back.
Today is National Daughters Day and I just can’t Today is National Daughters Day and I just can’t believe I get to be this little lady’s mom. She is smart, sassy and sweet. I couldn’t love her more. Happy daughters day to@the girl who owns my heart #happynationaldaughtersday #nationaldaughtersday
We will never forget this trip, so grateful to get We will never forget this trip, so grateful to get to spend quality time with my favorite people ❤️ #Yellowstone #familyadventures
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