2.4 MILE SWIM

112 MILE BIKE

26.2 MILE RUN

Help Me Reach My Fundraising Goal for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Help Me Cross The Finish Line of

**IRONMAN NEW ZEALAND**

March 3, 2012, Lake Taupo, NZ

Update 2/6/2012: 25 Days to Go!

This weekend marked our last build week before our taper for race day! It's crazy to think that we embarked on this crazy journey over 8 months ago, and that it will soon be coming to an end. And it's even crazier to think that on Saturday, we had an 100 mile bike ride as part of our training, and that will be less than half of our race on race day!

Unlike last weekend, we were blessed with perfect weather for our ride to San Juan Capistrano and back. Last year, we did that ride training for Vineman, but instead of turning around and biking back from San Juan Capistrano, we took the train home! I have to say this was much more fun, and I felt great at the end of the ride!

We're as trained and ready as we can be, and are starting our packing and making final race preparations!

Update 1/29/2012: Entering the "No Bonk" Zone

We have exactly 33 days left until Ironman New Zealand. This means 2 more hard 'build' weeks before we start tapering, and no room for error. No room for getting sick, injured, or 'bonking' (running out of fuel and crashing on a training ride).

It's our final few weeks to dial in on nutrition, learn how to deal with any punches thrown our way, and to pack for New Zealand!

Yesterday was, well, perfect for learning to deal with the aforementioned. The plan was to ride the Great Western Loop TWICE (click here to get an idea of our ride-- note this is not my team!) - that is 2 45-mi loops, for a total of 90 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain. To put things in perspective, that would take me about 7.5 hours on a good day. Yesterday was NOT a good day. Someone must have upset the wind Gods, as we here smacked with strong headwinds which started when we were only 10 miles into the ride. This means in addition to a few climbs with a 12% grade, we had headwinds so strong I thought I'd start rolling backwards, areas where we were pedaling DOWNHILL and still only going 7mph, and dangerous crosswinds that almost knocked our bikes over during some of the mountain passes.

Add 80+ degree temperatures to the mix and we had one heck of a day- learning our body's limits, fuel requirements, and that we are all going to pray for no wind on race day!

Needless to say, it was a brutal day. I finished 76 miles of the route but wouldn't have finished the ride before sundown, so was driven over part of the course and then headed out on my transition run. Today, spending some time recovering... easy- only 3 hours of training for the afternoon!

Update 1/22/2012

I'll start by clearing up a common misconception that a lot of my East Coast friends and family seem to share. Yes, it rains in San Diego, and yes, it gets cold here! This weekend, we got both, but training had to go on! So, while most people were at home asleep, and nice and dry, I was out cycling. Since it's not safe to ride on the roads in the rain, we made 4.5 mile loops around Fiesta Island for hour upon hour. It was flat, but it sure didn't feel like it with the headwind! I only wish our photos truly showed off just how soaked to the bone, muddy, and cold we really were!

Today (Sunday) was take 2 on the bike ride. With the rains cleared up, we headed out on a 70 mile bike loop, followed by one of my first 'real' runs (meaning on the road and not in a pool) since my foot injury. Everything felt fine, but I'm exhausted and off to bed early! Big week of training, pilates, and prep for our 90 mile ride next weekend!

Update 1/12/2012

Well, we're down to the final push. We're just 50 days away from Ironman New Zealand! This means a lot of freaking out, wondering if I'll really be ready, and a LOT of training. While you are enjoying a 3 day holiday weekend, we're heading out on an 86 mile 'leisurely' Saturday bike ride, followed by a recovery spin, 2 mi ocean swim (it's about 56 degrees right now) and 2 hour run on Sunday.

A typical week looks like this:

Saturday- long bike (80-100 mi) + transition run

Sunday- spin, swim, long run (2-4 hrs)

Monday- swim

Tuesday- spin +strength training

Wed- pilates, spin, swim

Thurs- aqua jog + strength training

Fri- spin, swim, yoga

Last weekend, we were joined by the "voice" of Ironman- Mike Reilly- for our ride, who will be announcing our names as we cross the finish line! Can't wait to see what surprise they have for us next!

It would be great if there was more sleep in the schedule! But I love it, I love my team, and I'm passionate about the cause.... which makes it all worthwhile!

6/9/2011

I'm excited to announce that I have been selected for Team in Training San Diego's IronTEAM- a group of 30 individuals who will train together for the next 6 months, fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars for blood cancer research and patient services, and cross the finish line of Ironman New Zealand in Lake Taupo, NZ next March.

You had to apply to be on the team. I was lucky enough to make it. And yes, I still can't decide if I am THRILLED or just insane. But, I do know that accomplishing this feat is about more than another finisher's medal for my wall (though it will be awesome)!

Yes, my fundraising goal is EXTREMELY ambitious. But, with every season, and every race, I become more connected to the cause and know we can't stop until there is a cure.

I couldn't do what I do without your support and generous donations, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

WHY I TRI

Almost two years ago, my Mom was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. I'm not a doctor or scientist, and felt helpless. I didn't want to stand by and watch my Mom's CLL progress. I attended an information session for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, and immediately knew that is how I could help. I couldn't even run a mile without stopping, but knew that I had the determination and heart to train and raise funds for blood cancer research for better treatments, and ultimately a CURE for cancer.

I signed up for my first triathlon to raise money, never having been on a road bike and out of breath after just moments running! A year and a half later, I'm proud to announce that with your support, we have raised over $20,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. And, in July, I completed my first Half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) with my Mom once again waiting at the finish line- this time, with a glass of wine waiting for me. Only fitting for Sonoma!

When I started this journey, it was just about my Mom. I never expected to meet so many other individuals who have been affected by cancer, but now, I know that while an Ironman may sound crazy, it is what I can do to help bring us closer to a CURE.

I've met SURVIVORS who have become some of my best friends. LLS funds helped develop the treatments that saved their LIVES.

I've met families that can't pay their medical bills or rent. Some of the funds we raise help them make ends meet.

Then there's my Mom's doctor (Dr. John Byrd, Director, Division of Hematology and Chair of Leukemia Research at Ohio State University)- who personally has a $5 million research grant from LLS.

And I've met- and trained with- individuals who have lost close friends and family members- but are still devoted to finding a cure so no one else has to endure what they have.

So, it goes without saying that every swim, bike, run & race I complete is in honor of all of those fighting blood cancers, including:

My lovely Mother, Fran Eppig (who's also becoming an expert triathlon spectator)

My teammates, Lawrence & Jacob

Our honored teammate (and one of the original Ironmen), Dave Orlowski

My friend Tyler's cousin, Graham

And in loving memory of those who bravely fought blood cancers, and who we miss dearly:

My aunt, Margie Dealy

My best friend's grandmother, Florence Agostinelli

My dad's coworker, Bob Mons

Jada, age 4

Please help me as I continue this journey, to honor all of those affected by cancer, and to get us to a CURE.

Thank you all so much for your help, love, donations, and support!

Love,

Your Future IRON(WO)MAN

Steph