Team Maham - 1st Open Water Kayak Training

Snowden's Dam

First Open Water Kayak Trip

Today marked the second kayak training session for Team Maham. What a spectacular adventure! 

For those who aren't familiar with my new training plan, my sister Danielle Maham is attempting an 8 mile swim from Islamorada to Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Below is a map of the course. The race will allow swimmers to complete the course within 6 hours. 

For Team Maham, it means being prepared to kayak without stopping for up to 6 hours. For me, as a newbie, it means time to build paddling endurance. And what better way to cross train for Dopey than to Kayak like a fean.

Course Map

But let me back track a bit...

Last week was my first kayak trip. And to tell you the truth, I wasn't really prepared.  I knew I needed to wear a swim suit and flip flops. Bring a bottle of water, a hat, my sunglasses, and a towel. Other than that, I had NO IDEA what was in store for me. If you like to read about this adventure click here.

But I'm a quick learner and after the inaugural session I knew I had some work to do.

As soon as I got home I began my education. I researched till I found Old Yeller. She's a Crescent Splash II.  She sits three; came with two seats, and two paddles! She's perfect! 

As you can see, Grant jumped right in and began to row. 

A big thank you goes out to Manny for helping me with my new love! Grant thinks you're the bomb! And Lesley, says thank you for helping me buy yet another toy (wink).


Now back to today's event...

Today was my first open water trip. This time I was better prepared. I had Old Yeller. I had a cooler filled with healthy treats, several bottles of water, coconut water, and endurolytes. I had my brand new PFD. I had a brand new paddle leash so I won't loose it in case I fall out of the boat. I had my car keys and cell phone in my brand new air tight containers. I had cargo straps to tie the kayak down. And best of all I had Lesley's car, which has a roof rack, to transport the kayak. I was all set! Or so I thought...

Seeing how I was the first to arrive at the launching site, I thought I'd get myself started and bring down the kayak on my own. Might as well right... 

I quickly untied the straps, moved the kayak into position then BANG! Down it came! Smashing onto the side mirror, and breaking off the antenna. Ops! 

Sorry Lesley...I promise I will fix it as soon as the body shop opens on Monday! 

SORRY!!!!

I guess I have to start working on building some more upper body strength to move this beast on my own. 


But the day must go on...

Shortly after my embarrassing moment, Manny and Alba arrived barring gifts! EMPANADAS de Carne! YUMMY! Thanks guys! I'll eat this later. 

Beef Empanada...YUMMY!

Within minutes they had their boats offloaded with no incidence. Amazing how efficient things go when there is more than one, eh.

Kayaks in the water! Off we went...What a beautiful day for open water rowing; calm waters, low breeze, sunny skies, low tide. It was PERFECT! 

Manny pointed to this spec off to the distance and said that was our first goal. Let's get started! And so we did...

Our first target..Chicken Key (1.5 miles from start)

Manny makes it to Chicken Key first

We made it to Chicken Key too!

Once at Chicken Key we took a few minutes to stretch our legs, drink some water, and enjoy the view. 

Next stop, further north to a special little hide away called Hidden Lake. 

Ok Team Captain...point the way!

Where oh where can this little lake be..

So one of the things about this kayak is that it's supposed to be a stand up paddle board.  Let's just find out shall we! 

WOOHOO!!! Look at me! I'm paddling boarding!

Bucket List #2 - Done...sort of

Hidden Lake...

We arrived at our second goal. But secret entrance through mangrove canal was nowhere to be found. I guess we'll have to search for it another time.

This is 3.5 miles into our trip.

Hidden Lake is hiding from us..where are you?

Time to head back...boohoo!

Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right..keep on going!

Notice the sky? It's dark. Notice the water?  It's rough.  Notice my posture?  I'm tense. Why? Because there is this BIG ASS STORM right behind us! 

We can no longer see the shoreline. 

We hear BOOM! BANG! ROLL!  What's that you say...it's THUNDER! LIGHTNING!

Manny calmly says...storm's coming! Time to go!

I look at my Garmin and see we have 3 miles to go. Oh SHIT! I can't outrun a storm. 

New mantra...Keep Calm and Keep Paddling! Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right...

OH SHIT...I'm getting pulled to the right...Right, Right, Right, Right. 

OH SHIT...I'm getting pulled to the left...Left, Left, Left, Left.

Then, all of a sudden the skies open and I'm getting pounded by rain! 

But wait...That feels AWESOME! 

It's just like running in the rain!  I love this sport!

Notice I'm still smiling!

Well, the adventure ends with lots of great memories, big smiles, and wonderful new realizations. I am so blessed!

Thank you Alba and Manny for being you! I am truly lucky to know you both! 

Thank you Danielle for being crazy enough to try this epic swim! 

Thank you Lesley for being so loving and not wigging out when I came home with a broken car.  Yes you were right...it was bound to happen.

Thank you Mother Nature for teaching me how to stay calm and row in the now! The weather will always change and all we can do is be with it.  

Want to see the map of today's adventure? Just click on the picture below and it will take you to my Garmin Connect. 

epic kayaking

Live, Love, Run, and...

Kayak

Hooked on paddling

Ever since I saw the movie "The Bucket List" I started my very own list of things to do before I die. This summer I have two items I must do before school starts in August. 

Today, I checked one off: KAYAKING!

I can't tell you how excited I am to have the honor of trying this sport with such fabulous people. A big shout out to Manny and Alba for taking time out of their crazy active lives, lending me their equipment, and teaching me the beauty of this sport. A second big shout out to my sister Danielle for asking me to help with her next big adventure. 

It's because of you we are here today!

Coral Reef Park 

Lesson #1 - Listen to the coach

Our adventure began with a quick safety lesson followed by instructions on how to paddle efficiently so that we could move through the water with the greatest of east. We also learned how to enter and exit the water, switch kayaks mid stream, and how to keep stable. Believe me, after 3 hours of kayaking, these tips are really handy. Thank you Manny and Alba for being such great teachers!

Magic on the canal

So off we went for a trip of a life time! What wonder! What beauty! What an authentic experience. I felt like it was Goofy all over again. Not just because a group of people got together to get something done. But because kayaking gave me a profound sense of belonging to the current. 

What I found in kayaking is exactly the same as what I find in running. I can play to such an extent that the buzz of the world around and inside of me goes quiet.   

Team Maham

Good Friends Never Say Goodbye...

They simply say "See Ya Soon!"

Thank you for all that you are

It's not often that a good friend comes along and becomes your sister. 

Meet Tammy...she's the one on the left. As fate would have it, Tammy and I meet at Virginia Key trails.  She had just arrived in Miami and was looking for people who had the same passion for trail running as she did. She found out there was this group of women who ran on Saturday mornings. Low and behold, she found me. 

Our first run together was magical. We ran. We talked. We laughed. We smiled. But most of all, we enjoyed each others company. Well, that run turned into another and another and before you knew it we became Sole Sister's. 

Tammy, I just wanted to say thank you for having touched my life in such a powerful and meaningful way. Your steadfast loyalty, trust, honesty, encouragement, and positiveness are qualities that makes you a true friend.

Although miles may separate us the bond between us will grow ever stronger. 

See you soon my friend!

A Long and Winding Road - a sista's perspective

My friend posted on her blog a story that bought tears to my eyes. Not because it was sad, but because of the fond memories of a long time ago. While we were chatting about her blog, she thought it would be interesting to hear the other perspective of her story. So here I am, blogging my view of "A Long and Winding Road."

On July 26th, 2009 I was training for my first Half  Ironman. A friend and I meet a local tri group to head out for my second LONG ride and my very first big group ride. I was a bit nervous and I knew what 60 miles looked like.  

Even though it was still dark, we prepared for the ride. We filled our tires with air, packed our bikes with food, and made sure our water bottles contained Cytomax. When the group leaders called out for our attention, we headed to the middle of the road to listen to the announcements. Of course, I couldn't hear a thing as there were so many people riding that day. It almost looked like a race. 7:10 am off we went to begin the first half of the ride; 33 miles to Robert's Is Here!

It was an uneventful ride to Robert's. The group was personable, the speed was amicable, and the weather was cooperating. On the way back, however, all hell broke loose. The group split; the speedy Gonzalez's and the rest of us. The weather got hot. And I was beginning to feel the miles.

My friend, a seasoned triathlete, rode with me for awhile, making sure I was able to keep up. But once we hit 87th and Old Cutler Road, she took off to put in her work. All was well! I was well hydrated, well nourished, well prepared. I was feeling wonderful. 

By now, my group was on 57th Ave headed toward 88th Street. Just a few short miles, and I'll have this puppy done! Life is GREAT!  

I was at the front of the pack, the group was pedaling fast. I was hearing all the call outs. I was in the groove! Then all of a sudden I hear BANG! BOOM! POW! It's a crash behind me! I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and waited to see what had happened. I saw a huge pill up just a few hundred feet behind me. I get back on the bike and head over to see if there is something I can do. 

It was quite chaotic at first. All these men were talking at the same time, surrounding this one girl, asking if she was ok. Everyone was scrambling. One group was with the bike, looking it over. Another with the girl, checking her out. Yet a third, directing traffic. All seemed well till the president of the club saw the rider had a flat. 

Everyone immediately pulled out their tools, spare tires, and began to help. I remember the rider being so embarrassed about the whole thing. She kept saying..."I saw the first set but didn't see the second." Within minutes, the guys had the flat fixed and the rider back on her bike.

As we pedaled away, I saw my friend. She told me she came back to look for me because she thought something had happened to me. I explained I was alright but this girl behind me had crashed into the poles. So I stopped to see if there was something I could do.

All was well and we kept riding. Soon, the president of the club passed us both. I asked her if the girl was ok and she replied. Yep, she's fine. Just going to take it easy back to the car. Well, something inside me told me she wasn't okay. I kept looking back for her. When I noticed she had dropped out of sight I told my friend to head back without me. I was going to check up on the girl. She asked me why and I replied...cause something tells me she's not ok. 

So we headed back till we found her peddling all by herself. We immediately asked her if she was fine and she insisted she was. I didn't agree. I asked her when was the last time she had a GU? She replied: "What's that?" I immediately handed her one and told her to eat. I then handed her a few more to put in her pocket. 

As we continued to head home I realized she didn't know where she was so I told her to follow us back. I promised we wouldn't drop her and get her back to the car safe and sound.

66 mile later, I completed my first big group ride, had a better understanding of my internal strength, and best of all made a new friend. Today I am proud to call her my sister! 

Thank you Danielle and Grandma Lynne for opening your hearts to me and my family! 

1 millimeter to Center - A run with a purpose

Today my inner voice told me to go somewhere new. This is where I found myself;  Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park. The thing is...it's not "really" a new route. 

A run down memory lane.

You see, in 2009 I completed my very first Half Ironman right here. Why did I end up at Penny Park? I wasn't sure but I knew that fate had dealt me this card and here is where I was supposed to run.

The sign says NO SWIMMING....hmmm

The first place I came across was the crystal clear lake. This is the first leg of the Miami Man Half Ironman.  As I stopped to snap this image, the memories flooded my mind.I could hear the sound of the gun going off sending my age group to the two loop swim. I heard my inner voice say; left, right, left, right, breath, left, right, left right, breath...glide, kick, sight. In my memory's mind, I could see hundreds of arms flopping all around me; someone kicking me in the face because I didn't pay attention; others grabbing one of my ankles just to pull me down into the depths of the lake; my head then popping out of the water to grasp air. I literally felt my blood pressure soar as I remembered my fear and excitement of a time gone by.

Run in the lake...priceless

Off I went to continue my run. Before I knew it I found myself just half way around the lake. This time the memory was filled with joy and excitement.  Three years ago I did my very first Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Race. It was a birthday celebration with a sister from another mother. What fun! Who would have known that Mud+Obstacles+Run = FUN! I was hooked. I have done this race every year since. And each time I can say I have had a blast. The 10K course takes us right into this lake. I saw myself stopping, dipping full body and floating along side the drop till the life guard yells MOVE IT! I left this scene with a smile on my face and song on my feet. 

Open field of days gone by.

I continued along the lakes edge till I stopped to snap this picture. This is the "transition" spot for Miami Man. Again the memories flooded; 3 am wake up call, 4:30 am transition opens I can hear the generators running flooding the field with lights. I can see the athletes pumping air into their tires, checking to make sure they do not have a flat. I can smell the excitement in the air as we set up our bikes and run gear.

5 am run to the bathroom. 5:15 run to bathroom. 5:30 run to bathroom...nervous stomach I just stay near the bathrooms for awhile. 6:30 am still dark and nerves are running wild. 7:15 swim call. I can feel the fear of the impending swim. OH LORD! Hear my prayer. Let me survive the swim. 

Off I went to continue my run down memory lane.

Running to the finish line.

I quickly turned around and traveled back up the lake till I reached the paved entrance to the Miami Man running path. It twists and turns along the pine tree till you get into the mango grove. This is where the Campground begins and the run begins to wind down. So, off I went and ran into the campground till I found the exit that takes the racers from the Zoo grounds back into the park. I remembered how hot the run was and how I used to think this part of the race was my favorite. Amazing how I never noticed all the details of the mango grove and the beautiful swimming pool just past the gates entrance. 

Time was ticking and I looked at my watch; 3.1 miles done - 3.1 miles left to go. What to do? Do I go back the same way I came? 

As I approached the campground gates it dawned on me that I have NEVER ran the entire park. It's always been the same path, the same scenery, the same old same old. What if I shifted my step by one millimeter? Where would I go? What would I see?

So instead of making a sharp right hand turn back through the mango grove I kept moving forward. Before I knew it I was running a NEW path.

1 millimeter is all it takes

Allow me stop my story and explain the 1 millimeter philosophy. Motivational speaker and Life Coach, Tony Robbins talks about what we really seek in life is completely available to us when we make just one tiny adjustment in our life. 

In his speeches, he references an experience while taking a golf lesson where his instructor introduced him to the idea of making small adjustments: One Millimeter Off From the Results of Your Dream (video worth watching)

“What a great belief system that when all hell is breaking loose and nothing is working that you are only one millimeter off. Because, most people think it is impossible and so they give up.”

1 millimeter shift takes me to an unexpected aha moment

So I began my incantation along my 1 millimeter path.

"I am not my past nor my future...my past holds nothing for me and my future holds nothing I am certain off. I am present."

I ran till I saw a fork in the road. Again, I am left to make a decision? Which one to take? Where does it go? What will I find?

All roads lead to...

It didn't matter really, as I soon came to understand.  No matter which path I take, where I might travel, what I may learn, there is only one truth. All roads lead to the same destination...my center. 

Living mindfully is just a millimeter away.

Historical Run with a message

It's always a great pleasure to witness the beauty of nature. When I'm out and about doing my long runs I always have the pleasure of experiencing great things. 

Here are just a few of today's 13.2 mile run. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

 Historical Virginia Key Beach Park

There are basically two beaches on Virginia Beach.  As you are coming south on the causeway you will find the main entrance to Virginia key and a second entrance maybe 2 blocks down the road. The main takes you to the beach most people know about and the mountain bike trails. 

Second Entrance

These pictures are of the second entrance. In 1945, it was the only beach "colored" were allowed to go.  In 1982 the City of Miami closed the park. In 2008 the historic black beach reopened as an landmark and with all it's amenities refurbished. The mini train once again runs, the carousel works, and the beach itself is ok. There are hot water showers with stalls and decent bathroom facilities. The beach itself is not the greatest as it is a bit rocky and grassy, and the water doesn't flow too well. It's still cleaner than hobbie (dog beach).

It is without a doubt one of my favorite routes rich in history and endless beauty. 

Peaceful sunrise

A quiet beach experience

First Entrance

This is the entrance with the big Virginia key sign. The beach itself is a little nicer than the historic black beach. It's isolated, natural, and surrounded by water. Summer is here and being able to cool off with the cross winds and tall pine tress is a plus. And if you're an explorer like myself, you'll come across really neat spots to hang out.

Beach view

Picnic tables near the beach

Mountain Bike Trail View

Crandon Park Beach

 Great beach, plenty of space and nice to walk, run, or bike. But my favorite part of this beach is the wild life. In 1948 the Crandon Park zoo was created when three monkeys, one goat, and two black bears were purchased for $270 from a small road show stranded near Miami. In 1955 - 56 the Children's Zoo begins and the Zoological Society of Florida is born. In 1965 Hurricane Betsy puts three feet of water over most of the zoo and caused most of the animals to die. Talks of a new zoo begins.

Mr Raccoon follows me to Crandon Park Zoo.

Peacocks everywhere...What beauty!

Animal Totem Message of the Day

Freedom loving, can live anywhere, rapid change, mobility, comfort in the darkness

A lonely little Hermit Crab crossing my path.

A Trail with a Tale...

Raccoon Trail Entrance
- so named by me -

Who would have thought that so much beauty exists in this great big city. Yes...another hidden trail right here in Miami!  Where: west of Old Cutler Road and Matheson Park.

What hidden adventures awaits this Zen Runner?

It's really easy to get to and long enough to provide a little peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of city living. Albeit...you should be prepared to ward off The Raccoon.

"STOP! Where do you think you're going!" says the  raccon

Yes, that's right. This little fella stopped me dead in my track. Out of nowhere, I saw this monster ready to leap into the air and make me his meal. 

Now I know what you're thinking...Raccon cannot jump?! Wrong kemosabi...I've seen enough Man vs Wild, Dual Survival, and Turtleman shows to know better.  For one thing Raccoons are nocturnal mammal. If you see one during the day you better watch out. Most likely it's hungry and looking for food. AND, since 40% of a Raccoons diet are invertebrates I really didn't want to find out if I was on the menu today.

Now the question becomes...what to do? 

I couldn't go forward and I didn't want to go back. So I thought about that new docu-drama on the Discovery channel. You know the one..."Nake and Afraid." What would those folks do in a situation like this? Of course I'm not naked, I don't have a camera crew to document this encounter, and there is no quick evacuation for me in case I'm bitten by this rabbi induced creature. 

I thought about throwing a rock or a stick but then thought he just might come charging at me. Nope...that's out.

I thought about throwing my water bottle but then thought he just might like a nice cool drink on a hot morning like this. But, if I threw my water at him how would I hydrate going back to the car. Nope...not a good idea.

Then I thought about telling him a story I had once heard a long time ago. 

It goes like this:

Dear Mr Raccoon, let me tell you a story. There once was a dangerous monster who ravaged the land. The monster was so frightening that the very mention of his name made people scream in terror. With eyes black as night, wings that covered the sky, teeth the size of icebergs, people who met him never survived. Even many a valiant night knight died in an attempt to defeat the monster. But then a wise wizard arrived and made the monster disappear with a spell. This spell transformed the monster into...the human hand. And that hand IS THIS RIGHT HERE...ARRRGGG!!!!"

Raccoon runs up a tree, clearing the path once again for all to pass. 

"Ok...I give...you can pass!"

Expect the Unexpected Trail

I can never resist the call of a trail.

Today's run was a pleasant surprise for my Dopey cohort and I. Since we both had lots to do this morning we decided a quick 4 - 5 mile jog would be about all we could do. Little did we know our route would take us to this beauty! 

A beautiful trail right in the heart of Kendall. Needless to say we were in heaven!  The main trail takes it's traveler's to the parks outskirts. But, as you run along the grassy terrain, look really closely, because you don't want to miss the secret entrance to Oz.

When all was said and done, we were able to complete 1.5 miles of canopy covered dirt. We would have loved to explore more but time was of the essence and we had to get back to reality. 

We finished our run with great big grins, feeling re-energized and ready for the day ahead. 

Where is my OZ; click here:  Kendall Indian Hammocks Park

Burpees Hate You Too!

http://www.fiitbyvikki.com/burpee-challenge/

What a blessing! I was thinking today. Wouldn't it be nice if I could do a small workout just before the end of the day. Sort of like a stress reliever. Then BANG! Look what came into my Facebook Spartan Chicked News Feed - A BURPEE CHALLENGE! 

Now those who know me know I HATE BURPEES!!

Why...because they work your ENTIRE body: shoulders, legs, abs, arms, back, chest...Need I say more?!

Basically this is a Burpee: 

• Cardio Purgatory
• A particularly nasty squat/pushup/jump movement that NO ONE is excited about
• Trainers lover smirking at you when you attempt to do them
• A CrossFit homicide

I learned all about Burpees two years ago at the Miami Super Spartan Race. In essence, it's a Spartan penalty. 

Here is an example of how it works:

• Don't want to climb the 8 foot wall. Drop and give them 30. 
• Failed the monkey bars - 30 burpees please.
• Fell of the traverse wall - oh too bad so sad...30 burpees. 

Failed obstacles provide spectators with a good laugh. Each and ever Spartan racer gives the same reaction: their face drops down, their shoulders slump, and they all scream this: "BUCK FURPEES!" We drop and give them 30. 

Yep, you got it! Burpees: the most feared and abhorred pain maker ever to appear in the exercise world. It will either make or break you.

So, back to the challenge. Why is it a blessing? Because God has a funny sense of humor. Knowing how much I hate them, BOOM! He sends me this Burpee Challenge to show me I CAN DO IT!

Am I going to? Of course! 

Day 1 DONE! AROO

Who's going to join me?

If you want to see how to do a proper Spartan Burpee, just check out this YouTube Video. (Burpee Video)

Dopey Challenge Survival Skill #1 - Commit to WOD

Dopey Challenge WOD #1

If small changes can make a BIG difference then committing to my cross training schedule will produce great results! 

Week #3 and I haven't been able to do my cross training days . NOT today! This morning I made sure I carved out time to complete my full body compound cardio workout. 

From now on I my mantra will be; EVERY DAY COUNTS!

I will do my best to keep away any thoughts that will steer me away from completing my exercise goal.