#AnnaBucketList18-July Aquabike for the Win, Zimmerman Trail, Epic Hike and Imagine Dragons!

This is a Christmas in July post! Like, literally. Christmas is next week, but here I am writing about July. This is a fun way to relive this summer at least!

But, first here is a song I am loving right now, especially when I can run!

Without Me

Last year I had always thought about doing an aquabike. I had a training partner that really enjoyed them and I started thinking. The run was always my most "needs work" of the three components that compile the triathlon. So, I always wondered what it would be like to take that part out and really hammer down on the bike and then be donzo! So, I decided to pull the trigger on this bucket list item and get it crossed it off.

I picked the Spring Meadow triathlon in Helena to be the race. It was the perfect venue. It allowed me a chance to get go back and see my friends in Helena and race at Spring Meadow State Park, which was my favorite place in Helena and right by my old house, plus I could see my horse! #winning

I signed up and headed to Helena. I was excited to see some Missoula friends and old teammates at the event as well. Last time I did this race, I did the Olympic and I had a horrible experience. I did it 2014 and I was training for my first Ironman 70.3 Calgary and used it as a training race. I did not enjoy the experience. I wasn't a fan on the course for the run (this has since been changed!). It was an odd two loops and on the first loop I stepped wrong and tweaked my ankle a bit and honestly I was just over it. Also, during this time I was iron deficient. But, I was over it. However, enough time had past and now I was approaching this race with a different fitness and different attitude and healthy. Plus, I had just done Ironman Victoria 70.3 the month before, so I was enjoying this sweet spot of training of coming off a big race before heading into another big training block for Chicago.

I knew going into this race that there was only a certain number of aquabikers and I had a good chance of placing. I wasn't sure how they did age groups, whether 5 years or 10 years, but I knew I just needed to get to pound the pedal and have a strong swim.

I got there race morning and headed to rack my bike and meet up with my Base teammate, Jennifer. I said hello to everyone there and really enjoyed the race vibe. I was doing the sprint aqua bike, so we were last to head into the water. I hadn't swam in Spring Meadow for a few years, but right away it was familiar as each stroke took me around the lake and then I got to the channel in the last part and I heard friends and my old swim coach, Paul cheering for me.

I got out and headed to my bike. There was another lady across from me and I just had this feeling she may be an aquabiker as well for some reason. But, it's always good to assume everyone is-ha! I headed out towards bird's eye road like I had done on so many rides while living in Helena. As we were slowly climbing the lady I saw in T1 passed me. I thought "ok, stay close and then hammer it on the turn around and make her work." And that is what I did. I headed back towards Spring Meadow looking for Bill Wells, like everyone should do naturally, and hearing him cheer for me. But, he missed me-I was too fast ;-) Then I circled around the last loop to head back and I really enjoyed this part and felt so good pushing it because I knew I didn't have to run! I did see an older man in front of me and I believe he had an IM tattoo, but I had to catch him if I could and I also wondered how he got in front of me. I think he was doing the Olympic, or he is one hell of a swimmer.

I rolled into T1 and then I got of the bike and I was done! The lady never caught me and she rolled in and she wasn't running either, so she was in the aquabike division. She looked bummed, but she had a great race. I stuck around and cheered and caught up with friends. I stayed and ate at the BBQ with other racers and waited for awards. I felt I did good, but wasn't sure. I did end up winning the aquabike division! It was a good day and I was really proud of myself. I really had a good day and seeing my friends and teammates in the town I love and supporting a race I enjoyed was amazing. I really enjoyed going all out and then just being done in the aquabike and it has a real strong appeal for those who want to practice going hard and yet want to be done off the bike.

So, this summer, Zimmerman Trail in Billings was closed to start construction. They closed it off for a few weeks before they started and people took advantage of it, including me! I have always wanted to ride up it and the thought of doing that with no cars was fantastic! I first walked up it, laid in the middle of the road. Then a couple of times I took my bike for a spin up and down it a couple of times.  One time at the end of a couple runs, I met a guy on a bike at the bottom of the gate. He was just stopped on his bike. I told him he could go up it and he looked hesitant. I said just go around the gate and that it was a nice ride, I had just done it a few times. Then I was like, k bye. I loved crossing this off my list because I remember a time in high school I had a boyfriend that would ride up it and I thought it was the coolest, hardest thing I could imagine. Definitely a cool ride.

This summer with all my shenanigans, I only got to hike once. So I decided it needed to be one I haven't done before. My friend Laura, who is always up to adventures, came with. We hit Sioux Charley. It was a great day and beautiful hike with a rolling rivers, horses, birds and a beautiful lake at our stopping point. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery. We hiked about 3.5 miles in and sat down by a lake and replenished our fuel supply. Then we just sat there and enjoyed the view. Then we headed back and at the end there was just a random horse in the field of the parking lot. He had a cowbell on and a ranger was there trying to find his owner. It wasn't us, but I would have taken him if I could have! The hike was about 7 miles and it was nice to get out. My legs were trashed because I was starting to train for Chicago, but it was definitely worth it. I recommend this hike for a day trip.

                                           

Last, but definitely not least, I crossed seeing my favorite band off my bucket list! In the fall of 2017 I purchased tickets to see Imagine Dragons this summer. My best friend Ashley and I went and met up with my friend Summer! Ashley and I got into Bozeman and headed to get something to eat and we ran into our old high school friend Drew Shug! So, we had a couple of drinks with him and his wife and caught up and that was super fun! Then Summer showed up and we all walked over the outdoor stadium together. This concert took it to another level. The vibe was so high and it transcended time and space. Not even kidding. It was magical and amazing. I haven't been to a concert in a long time and this performance, signing to his songs, his message, running through the crowds, seeing the sunset behind the stage and finally the fireworks to end it was so cool. It was the best decision to buy those tickets and I would definitely go see them again! Summer concerts with friends on a Montana summer night can't be beat. If you have a chance to see them, definitely go do it!

That wraps up another great #annabucketlist18 month. Remember to keep exploring

and as always, you do you.

#AnnaBucketList18-May/June-Ironman Victoria 70.3 and Kitsilano Pool

On this cold and raining morning, just a few short weeks to Thanksgiving, let's reflect back on this spring/beginning of summer bucket list item, shall we?

Before I get into this epic bucket list road trip and race, let's start with this awesome song. That should be on your playlist. Thanks Kayla for sending it my way!

You Might Not Like Me


This bucket list item entered my mind in 2016 when looking for races to use as training races to test my training. And that I could drive to. Because everyone knows I like to road trip...and Red Bull. I couldn't swing the timeline with work, so I found a closer 70.3 at that time (where I placed 3rd in my AG #shamlessplug #humble).

I took 2017 off to do whatever I wanted with my time and my bike with no real structure of training but to enjoy the year. But, the end of that summer, I wanted a goal and I was ready to push again for something. So, I entered in this race and was excited to have a big goal again for 2018 that involved swim, bike and run. And a chance to have another epic road trip. I only told two people I registered at the time, my coach Kayla and my swim coach, Paul. I am weird about letting people know what races I am going to do..well because then everyone you know signs up...and what fun is that ;-)

I found out awhile later that my old Betty teammate was going to do it too and she is super fun and chill so we decided to do this together. I booked the AirBnB and rental car. Of course, she flew.  I drove 16 hours. Memories people, memories. #somuchredbull

I planned to make the drive in 8 hour increments. I decided to leave the end of May since it would take 2 days travel. The first day I left for Spokane and stopped in Missoula to get some lunch with my friend Amy. My bestie and coach live there and it was a good midway point. Then the next morning I would head into good ole' Canada. And I remembered my passport and didn't bring any mace, so this should be a breeze. I drove through the Wenatchee Forest, through Leavenworth and explore this area which was beautiful. I had been there briefly when I was kid and this German town was quite a delight. And the forest was beautiful. Always take the more interesting route if you have time.

Kayla and I being goofy!

Leavenworth-cute German Town

The start of the Wenatchee Forest

Upon entering Canada, I headed to the ferry to Victoria. I loved the ferry. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. I took the Swartz Bay route through BC Ferries as I heard this had better ships and was more comfortable. And it was-plus it had cafes and bathrooms. I loved being on the ferry and sitting on the dock and soaking in the landscape around me as I listened to the water splash. Upon unloading I drove to our AirBnb, which was super cute and unloaded. Our hosts were also very nice. Then I headed to the store and picked up some groceries and settled in until I picked up Yvonne from the airport.

The next morning we got up...I got up and woke her up...and we got coffee and went to the expo. We checked in and looked around, bought some things and reviewed the lake and some of the run course. Tomorrow we would do a shake out swim and short bike to shake out the legs before we rack our bikes, so we just took it easy and caught up with some teammates. Then to kill time, we decided to to see another item of my list, Buchart Gardens. It was a little pricey but worth it I think. It was so beautiful and little bridges, ponds and routes through each theme. I heard it's beautiful at night too. We walked around for a bit, then grabbed some lunch. I always like exploring a bit at a race location and plus it gets your mind off the task at hand. We then headed back to listen to the Pro's talk about the course and mental fortitude on this course. As Rachel McBride said, this is not a course you PR on. It has 49 technical turns and a lot of bike handling with that big hill at the end. I went to listen to all of them, but really to see Linsay Corbin #fangirl. Plus, she resided Montana for a bit, so she is a badass for sure. After the Pro talk, we met up with other Betty teammates and headed to eat. Our friend Alison, who races for Betty and live only a hour away, knew right where to go. So, her, Yvonne, Jenna and I went to eat dinner and catch up and talk about the race. Allison had done it before, so she was giving us #protips on what to expect. She was great to have around. Then we all headed back to our cars and called it a night.

Pro & Montana Favorite Linsay Corbin

The next morning, we got up and of course made another run to Hortons (which if you live in or visit Canada, you have to) and then loaded up our bikes and wetsuits for our shake out bike and swim. We were meeting Jenna there as well. We parked and headed to the beach. We zipped each other up in our wetsuit and headed in. We swam about 500 yards up, then crossed and then back. Stretched everything out and called it good. We went to the car to dry off and suit up for our short little shake out ride now and we zipped around and shifted our gears and made sure everything felt good and was mechanically sound before heading back and checking in our bikes. Then food! I stalked where Linsay Corbin ate and we went there and ordered food. Then I went back to expo and picked up a shirt, because of course, I lost mine when running around the day before and they wouldn't let me get another until after 3 pm. Then Yvonne and I went back to the grocery store and got some food and set up our race stuff for the long day the next day. We ate dinner, talked about the race tomorrow. Then we chilled in our perspective rooms to get our minds right- as Yvonne says! Plus, I was really hooked on Suits at this time on Netflix!

Race Day: I got up and made coffee and started my morning routine of opening my calves and stretching. Grabbed some light breakfast and made sure my gear as by the door and I check it twice. We headed out and drive to the start. We leave early because we know A type triathletes will be thinking the same thing...and they were. Jenna told us where she parked the other day and just said she was staying at a bed and breakfast down the street so she could get through the madness and park on a side street. We did that and parked and hung out in our car, drank water, coffee and ate some last bit of nutrition. We get out and Jenna is parked by us. We head to the start. As anyone who knows with an Ironman race, the energy in the air is palpable. Bright lights. Nervous athletes. Lines for the bathroom. Yvonne and I head to our perspective bikes and to set up our nutrition and make sure the air in the tires is good. I always love this time because everyone next to you is doing the same and feeling the same and you make quick friends and everyone wishes everyone else good luck. I find Yvonne again and wish her good luck. I head back to my bike and finish prepping there and then glide my body up and do the "put on your wetsuit" dance. I grab my cap and googles and head to the water. Let's do this.

Swim: I seed myself somewhere between the 30-40 min for the swim start. Swimming is my favorite. However, this swim with the different currents and a bit of a breeze, I swallowed more water than in any other race. I mean I was burping in the water from all the intake. (Later it would take my gut a week after ingesting this lake water to get back to normal-thank you apple cider vinegar for killing whatever I picked up). I just wanted to get to the shore. I mean you always feel like that in a swim, but I was really feeling like that. I just wanted to get on my bike. I got out, slower than I wanted, and headed to the transition.

Swallowed so much of this lake & sure I got something after, but it's pretty!

Bike: Got on my bike and got ready to climb. I do like to climb and this course lets you do that. I enjoyed the course and actually met a nice girl on the course and we worked off each other. I would see some Betty teammates pass me. However, this course got heavily congested. Since you are climbing and turning a lot, it's easy to get clumped together. I did see some bicyclists slide out. I told a couple guys to get off my wheel or pass me. I even did the courtesy look backs, like "dude, make a decision." One guy was right behind me and I turned back and said "Do you need to pass me?" And he said " No, I am good." Really?! Yeah because I am doing all the work for you. So, I turned back to him and said, "Then I need you to back off." He did. I think he could really tell I was saying "Then get the Frick off my wheel...now!" The course rolled through Victoria and people came out to cheer. I wish they would have closed the traffic, because we were weaving in-between cars at times. I was just waiting for this big heel that was at the end and notorious B.I.G. Ha! I had been practicing for this hill at home by climbing Fritz hill over and over. I told myself it was too see the horses, but view up there is spectacular. I turned right and there it was. I started climbing. I was so glad to have Fuego, the best road bike in all the land, for this hill. I was climbing and getting extra gear and going "beep, beep" as I passed tri bikes. As I always say, it's the engine, not the bike that gets you where you want to be. I got to the top and as we know, what goes up, must come down. Weeeeeeeeeeeee. I still was looking for Yvonne and didn't see her, so I was thinking I missed her. Just a little bit more pedaling and I will be at I will be at T2. This is about the time you are about ready to be off your bike. I had really worked on my bike nutrition this year. I am always working on intaking more on the bike and run. It's a constant work in progress for me.

Garmin bike stats! 

Run: The run had two laps through this beautiful area around the lake which we swam in. However, you pass the finish when you head into the second lap. This is mentally brutal. Because you really want to head right, when you need to head left. I saw many Base and Wattie teammates out there and everyone cheered each other and the volunteers where great. The run is part paved and part trail. And can be single track at times and is actually quiet beautiful. I met a 65 year old man out there (of course) and we chatted back and forth. I would pass him then a bit later he would pass me. I was doing great the first 8 miles then I just want to be done. Like I mentioned earlier, I need to work on more calories on my run. I believe this is why my run suffers. I still haven't seen Yvonne. Finally about mile 12 I hear Yvonne and see her when we do this out and back and I can see people coming up the hill. She yelled" I am coming for ya!" And she did. She slapped my ass and I said "It's about time you catch me." I headed to the finish and the old man I befriended (was there waiting and I gave him a high-five) and headed in! I met the Betty's there that were done already. It was great to see them. I can never eat after, but I did grab a piece of pizza. Yvonne and I hugged the other girls and took off towards our bikes...but hit the bathroom first and laughed how we had to go for so long and was really hoping nothing happened on the race course! And try taking off a speed suit after a long race and pulling it back up..that should be a medal in itself. We then laughed how we will never do this course again. We just didn't love it. It was a great experience and one to cross off, but probably not one I will visit again...or at least in the near future.

Garmin run stats!

We collected our bikes and headed to our AirBnb. Unloaded and left our wetsuits outside to dry out and then headed in to shower and then go eat. We both ordered so much food and big beers at dinner and laughed because we couldn't finish it. We then went downtown Victoria to see the Parliament building. I saw this in my friend Jen Meccage's blog when she visited there. Yvonne and I parked and then explored the outside of the Parliament building which is beautiful and has a British, yet modern feel. We then happened upon a crit that was taking place right in the front of the parliament! What a treat!

Then we went back and chilled and watched Netflix. I called friends and my coach Kayla. This was a big win for me. Although it was slower, I was still happy with the time since this is a technically difficult course. I embraced the challenge and the opportunity to travel here. It was great racing with Yvonne as well. She is chill and funny and takes to racing like I do...that we want to do our best, but we aren't winning it. We pack a bit before heading to bed. We both leave the next day-she heads home and I head to Vancouver to see fellow Betty teammate Jessica Jay and her cute pug, Cosmo. In the morning I take Yvonne to the airport and I head to the ferry to cross over to Vancouver.

More road trip fuel-When in Canada...

Once in Vancouver I head over to fulfill what has been a bucket list item for a few years. I was so excited to do this! Upon the ferry docking I put in my navigation to take me to the famous Kitsilano Pool.  So, for the record, I always try to do epic swims wherever I am at. For instance, when I was back in LA for the Marathon in 2015, I swam in the Olympic Coliseum. Also, just recently in Chicago I had on my list to swim in the iconic pool at the Intercontinental Hotel, but my schedule didn't work with it, so I modified and went to swim in Lake Michigan, which was an epic swim for sure. I digress. When I was telling my friend Amy that I was going to Vancouver, she said you have to go to that pool! So, what's amazing about this pool? So, Kitsilano beach is very cool in itself for creating a park, walkway and of course, there is a beach. But, the Kitsilano pool is epic because you literally swim right next to the English Bay. And the pool is so long, warm, salt water and it has the meters marked on the bottom for you. And triathlete pros such as Steph Corker and Rachel McBride swim there regularly and pros that come visit or race there, go there. I missed these ladies by like, a day! Plus, in true Canadian fashion everyone was so nice in the pool and in the park.

Such clear and beautiful water

After my bucket list swim, I showered and headed to meet my friend Jessica Jay, who lives there, works at the lululemon headquarters and was a fellow badass Team Betty teammate with me for a couple years and we had the most fun in Kona together in 2017. We met at a great little pizza shop near by, Rocky Mountain Flatbread. This place grows there own veggies and has this great little patio with twinkling lights. We had a glass of wine and caught up after she was done with work. Then I followed her back to her place and met the infamous Cosmo! I feel like Cosmo and I go way back since I have loved him for a few years without even meeting him-ha! He is the most amazing pug in all the land. We scooped up Cosmo and a walked downtown towards the pier and grabbed ice cream. We chatted and Cosmo and I took selfies as the sunset-ha! What a perfect evening. It was so fun catching up with Jessica and chilling with Cosmo, he even slept on the couch a bit with me! And we enjoyed morning coffee together. I am sure he misses me.

Fresh From the farm veggies!

The next morning I packed up and Jessica got ready for work and we walked out together and said goodbye. It was a great, but short visit. Hoping to get back there soon for more time! Then I hit the road back to Spokane!

This stretch to Spokane was hard for me. I was tired, but Red Bull and being excited to see my bestie Kayla made it worthwhile! I finally got there and we caught up about the race and my trip so far and then we ate and literally went to bed! The next morning I started the final leg of the trip. It consisted of a lot of Red Bulls and dance parties, but I got home and unloaded a lot quickly, filled up and then headed to get the rental car back. My friend Jen Reiter met me at the airport when I dropped off the car and then we headed for food! It was a nice ending to a long day. Then of course it took me at least a month to really unpack, such is life.

This trip was such a great experience. I crossed two big bucket list items off, I spent time with amazing friends, had an epic road trip that including ferries and consumed copious of Red Bull. And my love for Canada has only deepened. And of course, after some distance, IM Victoria 70.3 may be on my radar again in the future.

Remember to always #exploremore to get out there and see what the world has to offer and always, always, #youdoyou.

** Sad to report the gnome didn't survive this trip. He shifted in the back in seat and fell out to the ground when I opened the door. Sad day. **** RIP.