A Little Time to Just Be

Bought myself some bling to wear daily.

It has been just shy of 3 week since Victoria chewed me up and spit me out.  I have had ample time to reflect, although I think of something I could have done differently on a daily basis.  I've pondered it enough to know that I am going back next year to do a better job.  I want to own the course rather than it owning me.

The last 3 weeks have been incredibly busy but awesome.  After getting back we had a house to get ready to sell (mostly Derek's job) and I went to Denver for work.  But missing was routine training that has been a part of my fabric for the last two years.

When you are constantly striving to race longer distances there isn't time to slow down and truly enjoy what you are doing.  You build this base of endurance and you don't want to lose it, but it's not good to maintain that level of fitness (unless you're a professional athlete).  So since my race I have done exactly 1 spin class and today I ran 4 miles.  Thats it.

Knocking the dust off my shoes- literally.  Last run was a trail run.

I have some plans coming up for races but none of them are long or taxing so for the month of July I am going to enjoy my exercise.  I have a 5k in a few weeks and then plan to do some biking in MT.  Then in September I signed up for my normal Lake Stevens triathlon but instead of pushing myself to do the Olympic distance I happily registered for the sprint.  I like the sprint distance, it's fun and over in less than 90 minute so it doesn't eat up the entire day.  So happy races coming up.

But the end of September offers a big bike challenge- 200 plus miles in 3 days for the Tour DaVita.  So I have lots of biking time in front of me - but it's not a bike race so I don't need to focus on speed to make cut off times.  I just get to go have fun. (And sleep in a tent - not so fun- but it's all part of the experience right?)

I have been getting to have a lot of fun with my family and enjoying walks to the coffee shop followed by walks on the trail.  So slowing down while preparing to speed up is what I need right now, no matter how uncomfortable it feels.

Race Report

WARNING- this is long and you may find it boring.  There are no pictures- this is a brain dump from race day.  I'll wrap up the whole experience on another post.  

2016 Victoria 70.3

I woke up at 3:45am and started to move around.  I had a bowl of oatmeal with a banana, of which I ate about half.  About 4:25 Derek and I headed to the race venue.  He dropped me off about ¾ mile away because of traffic.  I walked down a dark road in the forest with many other racers.  I was calm and for the most part ready to go.  They announced that the swim would be shortened due to extensive weeds at the far end so instead of 1.2 miles we’d be going just about a mile. 

I got to my bike and set up transition.  I had everything I needed- including a pair of earplugs I thought I lost so I was actually better off than planned.  I made the decision to swim without my tri jersey on because the air was still pretty cold.  This meant I would have a dry top when I headed out on the bike.  I met up with Rebecca and we spent time getting ready and headed over to the water about 5:50.

The Pro’s started promptly at 6am.  Lining up for the swim was a bit of a cluster because you had to seed yourself based on your estimated time.  They didn’t have enough room for everyone to line up so it ended up being a big mish mash of swimming levels.  I still managed to hang out until the end and got in the water at exactly 6:20.  It was a great temperature but since I had not gotten in prior to race start it was still a bit of a system shock.  After about a 100 yards it was calmed down and enjoying my swim.  The weeds were not too bad and others weren’t kicking me so I was feeling pretty good.  My sighting was great and I only had to pull up twice to avoid a couple of rogue swimmers.  Towards the last 1/3 of the swim the weeds really showed up.  They were gigantic; slapping me in the face, getting caught across my head, arms, and back, but it didn’t freak me out because mentally I had prepared for it.  I exited the swim and felt great.

I was off to transition, a good 150 yards away so I had plenty of time to take off the top of my wetsuit and other necessary accessories.  Once in transition I got dried off, top on, and lubed up.  I didn’t put on any sunscreen and thankfully the weather was perfect and I didn’t get burned.  I tried to grab a bite of my PB&J sandwich I planned to eat but I almost gagged so I got my bike and headed out.  Liz and Darcie were there to cheer me on so that was awesome. 

The second I got on my bike after I stepped across the timing mat I knew I was in trouble.  I had no legs. None. Zilch.  I had 56 hilly miles to ride and a half marathon and no legs.  F.  The first part of the ride was supposed to be the easy part and by mile 20 my legs were no longer part of my body.  My feet were completely numb and cold. Every hill was a battle.  I felt sick to my stomach and had a very hard time fueling on my ride.  This upset stomach followed me all day.  I saw a few people changing flat tires and prayed that would not be me.  Then at the second aid station there had been a crash.  After that the hills really kicked in.  At mile 30 my chain fell off, going down hill.  My legs were so tired I could barely unclip to fix it.  But that short rest was enough to keep me moving.  A few miles later I was inches from T-boning a cat.  I ran over its tail and if I had hit it I would have crashed for sure.  Then 50 yards up the road the deer were prancing all around so I was hoping to not to hit one of them.  Then another awful short, steep hill, then another and another. 

When I got to the big hill (9% grade for about a mile) I almost started crying.  I didn’t know if I could do it.  There was an aid station there so I stopped, used the bathroom, and got my ass back on my bike.  Liz and Darcie were at the base of the hill to cheer me on.  I got into granny gear (where I was most of the damn course) and just repeated “up and over, up and over” to my legs and feet.  It was slow but I made it and did not stop to walk, which others did.  At the top I got ready to cruise down and hit just under 40mph using my breaks on the way down.  I knew I needed every second.  A ride I had only planned to last 3:45 was looking more like 4:15.  Then another hill and another and another.  But I just kept going.  I wanted to quit so many times but just kept moving forward. 

When I finally pulled into transition for the first time in 4 hours and 20 minutes I finally felt like I may be able to pull this out.  I had 3 ½ hours to run a half marathon.  My best time is 2 ½ hours so I thought this would be totally doable.  I got my running gear on but the run exit out of transition was not clearly marked so I had to find an athlete to ask where to go.  By this time many people had already finished and collected their bikes so it was thinning out.

Once on the run I started my run 5 minutes walk 1 plan.  I was doing ok for the first 2 kms but I had 19 more to go and I was tired.  No legs remember?  At the first aid station another racer named Peter started jogging with me- he was going to walk the whole thing but liked my pace so we kept each other going.  I was trying with all my might to fuel.  I had a headache setting in and my stomach was still not settled.  I saw the family and got some cheers which was so nice. 

After the first lap we had 90 minutes left to do about 6 miles.  I thought doable but I would need to kick it into gear.  He stayed with me on and off the second lap around the lake.  But with about 4 miles left I knew I could not walk any more.  I was shuffling at about a 14 min mile pace and knew it was going to be close.  Peter dropped off and I didn’t see him again.  I started to get teary thinking I wouldn’t finish in time to get a medal (you only get 8.5 hours).  I got to the last hill on the run and Liz was there to cheer me on. I needed it.  I walked up the hill and ran down.  At the bottom were Liz, and Derek.  He had come to find me thinking something had happened.  He ran/walked with me the last km of the race.  Darcie joined us as well and both of them helped get me to the finish line by jogging and encouraging me to get it done.   We came around the last corner and I saw my parents and kids cheering me on.  It was what I needed for one last push. 

I crossed the finish line with 8 minutes to spare.  I was thankful and relieved.  I got my medal and my finishers hat and a big hug from Liz who was there waiting for me at the end.  My mom and dad were there with the kids – I was truly spent and covered in salt.   I was happy to be done and grateful for so many things. – list below 

1.  My  family for supporting me every step of the way and for being there when I needed it most.  Derek showed up at a critical moment to help me in.
2. My Facebook friends Darcie and Liz – it’s amazing how tow people you’ve only met once in person can have such a profound impact on race day. 
3. I had a great swim.
4. I didn’t get a flat tire.
5. I didn’t hit the cat or the deer.
6. I didn’t walk my bike at all.
7.  I didn’t give up even though I wanted to so many times.
8.  I kept moving on the run.
9.  I experienced the fear of not finishing in time.
10.  I didn’t get a single blister or lasting injury.
11. I finished.

I know there are infinitely more things I am thankful for and a long list of thing’s I’d do differently.  After the race was over I said there is no way I would ever do this again.  But there I sit, only two days post race and am already thinking about how I can shave 20 minutes off my time for next year.  I don’t’ know if I’ll do it again but I certainly won’t rule it out. 

Distractions Needed

It has been a month since I ran my half-marathon.  It has been a solid month since I felt like I was really making progress with my training for Victoria.  A lot and a little has happened.  I missed some long runs and bike rides but they were replaced with shorter runs and fun rides with a new training buddy (Thanks Jessica!).  

My last month consisted of:

• One bike rescue by my husband- it just wasn't my day and after 25 miles I was done.  Plus my rear brake was rubbing so I was going incredibly slow which is deflating to say the least.
• One bike rescue by my great friend Barb - Jessica and I ended up much further south on a horribly wet and rainy day and after 25 miles we called in the rescue ride.
  
• I went in for a bike fit so I could switch to some new pedals and gorgeous new shoes, but during that process part of my bike broke causing me great stress.  I had a long ride planned and thought for sure I was out of luck. 
• Thankfully the bike shop had the part I needed and I was able to finish my bike fit the next day and have been riding happily all week.  

Through all of this I have been able to log:

• 4.83 miles of swimming
• 127.87 miles biking
• 15.42 miles of running
• 5 hours of spin class

This isn't enough for me to be highly confident in my performance on June 12th and frankly it's about half of what I should have done.  I know logically I can do this and make all the cut off times.  But every day closer to race day I am finding myself increasingly distracted and anxious.  This is unusual for me so I think I finally picked something that is truly a challenge for me.  When the bib numbers were made available it really hit home that this is going to happen.  

Completing this race is important- my husband and kids gave up a lot of time with me so I could prepare.  I don't want to let them down; I want their sacrifice and support to be worth while.  I am psyching myself out and I need to stop. I am normally very calm going into a race, almost aloof.  But right now I am strung so high I swear one pluck and this string is going to snap.  Some may say this is part of taper but I don't know.  It is uncomfortable to say the least.  

Today I will hit the pool and later this week do some light running and riding as I taper to nothing in the few days prior to the race.  Lots of deep breathing and mental focus are needed so I'll try to look for some pleasant distractions - like organizing some of my gear.  Who knew shoe racks were so perfectly built for holding all my necessities?!?

 

Marathon Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2016 will be forever remembered.  One - my daughter got up extra early to harass me while I prepped for my run.  Two- when I got home from run I was greeted with a beautify Stargazer Lilly (smells amazing) and a homemade card from my kids.  Three- I had a major PR at my 2nd 1/2 marathon.

The night before I wasn't feeling well- I had come down with a cold a few days before and I didn't sleep well.  As I drove to the race site I wondered what I was doing.  What possessed me to pay money to do this again?  After I got to the race I met up with my new friend Jessica- we met on a Facebook user group for triathletes.  She happens to live in the same area and we have a mutual friend so it was a fun way to meet.

We both talked about our goals for the race- mine being a 12:30 average for the race.  Last time I ran this course I finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes.  So that pace would still be an improvement.  We got to the start line- it was chilly but humid- but I kept my gear to a minimum.  I was glad because soon after I started running it was warm.

I worked my plan of run 5 minutes walk 1 minute.  I was keeping a pretty good clip during my run and was causing right along - until right before mile 1 when I needed to pee.  Like now.  Thankfully there was a bathroom stop shortly after mile 1 but I had to wait in line behind 3 other people and this cost me 2-3 minutes.  But after I was done I took off and kept up my pace.

We turned around shortly after mile 5 to head back and it started to rain.  A lot.  And I was wearing a white shirt. Oh well - it was a women's run.  I plodded along at my faster than planned pace and around mile 10 started pacing with a girl who liked my hat.  We ran together and passed each other back and forth the remainder of the race.

I felt great but around mile 11 I started to get a little stiff and stopped walking some of my walk breaks.  (It was less painful that way).  But I managed to keep my pace down and I really wanted to finish strong.  I kept pushing and crossed the finish line at just under 2 hours and 33 minutes.  Adjusting for my actual start time my final time was 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 16 seconds.  Damn that bathroom stop!  I could have been under 2 hours I think!!!

Anyway- that is a solid 16 minute improvement over my October race time - I'll take that.  My pace goal 12:30 but I averaged 11:37- pretty damn good if I do say so myself.  

I was much more prepared and had a better foundation for this race.  I have more work to do before June 12th but now I am confident I can finish under 3 hours after a long bike ride.  I can't believe how close this really is.

Back on track?

It was a busy couple of weeks with a work trip to Las Vegas, then company, and my daughter's birthday.  I did manage to get a 55 mile bike ride in, but running was non-existent and swimming...  

This past Monday I was determined to get back on track with my training schedule.  Monday I made it to spin class. Tuesday and Thursday I made it to the pool (more on that in a minute).  Wednesday I knocked out a bike run brick in the gym over the lunch hour.  

Today I was supposed to spin and I was ready. Except I wasn't because I forgot to pack a key piece of female sports equipment, of which without, would result in sheer disaster for someone like me.  (I am sure you get my drift here and if you don't keep drifting.)

So aside from being really upset that I am missing spin class I was back on track, except now I've taken a slight detour that I need to correct, but whatever.  

Now the pool.  My home pool is open again so I am back in my comfort zone; it felt amazing.  I hammered out 2200 yards on Tuesday and 1500 on Thursday.  On Tuesday another swimmer, who was the spitting image of me 2 years ago - sputtering and almost drowning- paid me several nice compliments.  

She said I was "really good"; in the grand scheme of swimmers I'm probably about as good as generic chocolate, but at my pool I am almost fast lane material.  Aside from my self-deprecation her compliment helped me recall my journey and how much work I have done.  

Countless laps in the pool, hundreds of miles on my bike and in spin class, and hours pounding the pavement in my shoes have made me forget that this sport is actually hard work.  I'm not sure when I thought running a 5k was no big deal (for me), or when riding my bike 40 miles was routine, or when swimming constantly for 45 minutes was routine for everyone.  My pool conversation reminded me that it's not everyone's 'normal' and although I am not impressed with myself, others are; and for me it's almost uncomfortable.  

I could avoid the uncomfortable if I wouldn't talk about what I do (like writing a blog etc.) but it's part of who I am now.  It would be like having a secret life.  I don't want it to be secret- I want others to join me! 

I like to push myself.  I like to be different and do things others can't (well actually they CAN, they either don't want to or don't think they can).  I hope others look at my journey and say- 'if she can do it, anyone can do it,' not with degradation, but with inspiration. 

~So no matter what you are doing, find your track and get on it~

RAGE Triathlon Race Report

I have not been one to write race reports per se but I do think it's time I start so can reflect on the progress I've made as well as the obstacles I have overcome.  On April 15th I lay awake in the bed in my room at Lake Las Vegas Hilton.  I was pretty concerned about the race the next day because there was crazy, constant wind in the forecast.  The kind of wind forecast where they warn the motorcycles and truck drivers so they are aware how bad it really is.

All I could think of is, how in the heck will I swim in that and how on earth will I ride an unfamiliar bike in that kind of weather.  I sought consensus in one of my Facebook groups and when I woke up the next morning my head was just not in it.  But I packed up my gear and headed to Lake Mead, Boulder Beach where the race was to take place.

Once there, the wind didn't seem as bad as I had thought but as the sun continued to rise it got worse and worse.  While going back and forth to my rental car I managed to step on some glass and it punctured my foot through my flip-flop.  I thought for sure it was a sign.

After I got the bike set up it started to get busy so I got my wet suit on and went down to the water.  It was pretty damn cold (61) and the rock were awful on my feet.  Truly painful.  I got out of the water and waited for the swim to start.  As they began sending off waves of swimmers, the waves in the lake were getting bigger and bigger with white caps.

By the time the Athena sprint group set off the waves were easily 2-3 feet and coming in frequently.  I was in pure panic mode with no ability to find a rhythm.  I spent the next 25 minutes swimming 700 meters, but swimming is generous.  I was side stroking, floating on my back, dog paddling, and flat out trying to survive.  About half way through I wanted to quit but the kayaks couldn't get out to the swimmers so the large boats were out pulling people out of the water, creating gigantic waves for us to deal with.

As I rounded the final buoy I was relieved but incredibly tired for fighting the water so long.  I typically don't use my legs much when I swim but it was unavoidable in this situation.  Finally I was close enough to shore to stand up only to cut my foot on a boulder as I slogged out of the water.

It felt incredible to be back on land.  I think if the swim had started any later they would have canceled it for safety and as it was, I think it was unsafe.  But I survived. I got up to my borrowed bike, got my shoes on and hit the road.  As I climbed out of transition with others we were all happy to be alive and grateful to hit the road with 30 mph headwinds.

There were a lot of hills to climb - 1200 feet of climbing in about 12 miles, and that's a lot.  I felt like I was standing still on the way out but on the way back the wind pushed me in.  Only once did I fear for my life when a crosswind almost got me as I sped down a hill at around 34mph.

I managed to complete the bike in just over an hour and I was thrilled.  I switched shoes and was off.  I had to run/walk a bit because there was a steep hill coming out of transition but once I got on the flat part of the run I was able to take off.  I passed people, a few of who I assumed were in my race category (and they were) and had a great run given how tired my legs were.

After crossing the finish line I was so grateful to have a finishers medal.  It is the hardest earn medal I have to date.  Then I went to the results table to print out my results and low and behold, I GOT 3rd PLACE!!! I couldn't believe it.

This was a big race, with lots of racers, and I got 3rd place!  I was super excited to stand on the podium with some amazing ladies, and even more excited at all the new Athena racers I met last weekend.

Las Vegas has a fantastic triathlon community and I am so fortunate to have had an opportunity to race in another state, and get a bronze medal.  I am humbled, proud, and so very happy about it.  I hope I never see a swim like that again because it will be hard to start knowing how difficult it was, but I did finish so....

51 days and finding faults

It's no secret; the last month has been incredibly busy at home, work, and in the training plan.  I have managed to get in two 50+ mile bike rides and a few long runs (9 miles plus) interspersed with some swimming.

My schedule has been somewhat difficult to work with for some of the longer training and a short spell of not feeling well. A few weeks ago I ran 9.5 miles on Wednesday, took Thursday off, did Spin class on Friday, and then ran another 10.5 on Saturday.  By Sunday I was exhausted and on Monday I had some labs ordered to see if I was low on iron.

I had a dip in my iron serum so iron supplements are now in the schedule although I am going to try to eat more natural sources to see if that will help.

As I get closer to the big day I find there are tiny fractures in my confidence appearing.  I think this is normal but after a bad swim (see the other blog post) and a tiring ride today I am finding doubt in places it wasn't.

I still believe I can complete the distance and just need to give myself a bit of a break; but after taking some time off from training to rest and travel for work, I know that ever work out from here on out is critical.

I have found a new fun activity - Ice baths!  They seem to be the trick to faster recovery and although cold as hell (strange, I thought hell was hot), they feel soooo awesome.   I also got this sweet new riding jersey that made my ride today that much better.