Wednesday
Felt pretty crappy. Didn't actually do anything. Usually I do try and push it. Decided not to this time. Kind of an experiment.
Thursday
Pool drama. Outdoor pool closed due to mechanical problem. Was going to OWS but my boss at the last minute asked if I would babysit. How do you turn your boss down? Was feeling better but still kind of crappy and not too excited about the long weekend. Ended up riding over to his house and doing about 10 minutes of core. Very distracting having a 2.5 month year old to care for.
Friday
Got up bright and early on Friday to get a 7am start. Felt good. My little cold was definitely going away. Maybe it is good for me to really rest up when I get sick instead of always trying to do a little something. I think I need to experiment a little more with this. We got out and ran at Grand Coulee for 40 minutes. Jamie is teaching me how to swim so wanted pointers for running. We did some strides. It was hot. We were definitely sweating when we got done.
Sat.
Rode 92 miles of the course. Jamie did about 35 and turned around so I was by myself for a while. I felt a little isolated on the other side of the mountain and it was hot. There was a 10 mile out and back that I skipped. On Monday we drove that way so that Jamie could see the course and drove the out and back. Somebody was telling me it messes with your head, so I definitely wanted to see it. The ride was pretty tough. The climb going back towards Penticton was a grunt and on tired legs. So glad I rode it though. If the weather next year is that hot it will definitely mean taking care of myself better.
Some notes that I don't want to forget about.
-Lots of electorolytes. More than at home. I was just sweating and sweating. Was even having some stomach cramping which usually never happens. Went away after I kept drinking
-Wheels- I don't think a disc or even 808 deep dish wheels are good for that course. Those downhills are curvy and fast. Even without much wind and my normal training wheels I was getting blown around a lot. 404 on front an back and maybe an 808 on back. I might just go for light with all that climbing.
- don't wear black. All those people in black looked like they were melting.
- keep eating. There got to be a point of time at our aid station where people were not looking good and not interested in food. They all said it sounds terrible. Sounds like a terrible downward spiral to me. Eat to fuel not to taste.
Sun.
Up early to see the start. It wasn't as crazy as CDA. The people on the far edge from the buoys waded for a long time before making way. The water was way warmer than CDA and not as choppy. I like this race already. After the swimmers were out we swam. It was soo fun. Then we did a little run. Found this canal you can float down, from one lake to the next. I know what I am doing the day after the race next year. We ran around buying wine, checking out hotels and other accomodations for next year, trying to eat, get a pass for us to drive to the aid station on the run course, driving there, volunteered for 5 hours, went back to watch the finish, grabbed some food again. It was a very long and exhausting day. It seemed like the race start was 3 days before. Pretty cool though. I was having some devestation envy and Jamie was going through some sign up doubts. Pretty emotional day for both of us.
Monday
Got in line and signed up. Have no doubts that I am ready to do this. Jamie signed up even though as we were walking there she told me no. Lawrence and Carrie also signed up online right away. I already have three training partners one of which will be living in San Diego. Can't wait for spring training camp in San Diego.
Talked with Jamie (who is an amazing swimmer, will probably do it in 55 minutes) about swimming. Am really going to get after working on technique. She is a Total Immersion student, which I knew nothing about, and apparantly there is a woman in MT that coaches through total immersion. Am going to get videos and look through books and work on technique and then hopefully Helenita can come and do a clinic in Bozeman and give me some pointers. It is pretty cool to watch Jamie swim. She is so fluid and fast.
Tuesday
Got home after 1am last night and in to work ~8:30. Pretty tires but will try to get the ride and swim in. The last race of the season is coming up here and I need to start getting psyched for it. Don't feel like I have a very good feel for how to pace this race though. I can't go as hard as I did on the sprint, but I don't want to hold back too much either.
8/30/2011
8/22/2011
8-16-11 thru 8-23-11
Tuesday
Went home after work and did the run 7x3 minute intervals at a 10k pace. It started out easy enough, but by the last one I was glad it was the last one. Barely made it through. Then went to swimming. Got in 3000!
Wed.
Got a late start on the workout. Went to the pond to run on the trails over there. Saw a beautiful sunset. In the pond parking lot did lots of squats, pushups, lunges, plank etc. for about 25 minutes. The sun went down and Mr. Creepy was sitting in a car near me.
Thursday
Swam in the morning. Easy swimming. Mostly drills and warm up. Got in 1800.
Got in a good bike workout. Went to Story Hill, but it was closed. Ended up doing the workout going up Sourdough. 7X4 minute intervals at 40K pace.
Friday
Blew off the run. Soo tired from getting home late from wedding and huge work day. Went to Livingston with parents for dinner instead.
Sat.
Swim workout- I was suprised I could almost swim across the pond in 3 minutes. That workout was hard.
Bike- easy bike for 1 hour. Felt good. Haven't been on TT bike in a while. I really like it.
Run- easy 30 minute run. Felt good. Achilles still sore, gets better after warmed up.
Sun.
Ended up doing a big mtn bike ride. Left the house early was were riding by 9. It was me, Erik, John, Lisa, and Ben H. Long climb (2hrs) up Portal Creek. Long descent down to Porcupine Creek. Really pretty crossed a waterfall in the canyon. Long Climb up Buck Ridge ~3hours with stop for storm to go over- got to top of Buck Ridge and the storm was getting worse. I was feeling a little crabby at this point though. My legs were not so happy about turning over going up those steep hills. We decided to turn back around and ride down what we had come up. Kind of a bummer I think the trail up there would have been really cool. Total ride time was probably 6:30 and we were out and about for 8. The ride was about 40 miles, and I'm not sure what the elevation gain was. Farthest and longest I've ever been on a mtn bike. Had burgers and beer in Big Sky and made it home at a reasonable hour. What a beautiful day...
Monday
Going to yoga!
Went home after work and did the run 7x3 minute intervals at a 10k pace. It started out easy enough, but by the last one I was glad it was the last one. Barely made it through. Then went to swimming. Got in 3000!
Wed.
Got a late start on the workout. Went to the pond to run on the trails over there. Saw a beautiful sunset. In the pond parking lot did lots of squats, pushups, lunges, plank etc. for about 25 minutes. The sun went down and Mr. Creepy was sitting in a car near me.
Thursday
Swam in the morning. Easy swimming. Mostly drills and warm up. Got in 1800.
Got in a good bike workout. Went to Story Hill, but it was closed. Ended up doing the workout going up Sourdough. 7X4 minute intervals at 40K pace.
Friday
Blew off the run. Soo tired from getting home late from wedding and huge work day. Went to Livingston with parents for dinner instead.
Sat.
Swim workout- I was suprised I could almost swim across the pond in 3 minutes. That workout was hard.
Bike- easy bike for 1 hour. Felt good. Haven't been on TT bike in a while. I really like it.
Run- easy 30 minute run. Felt good. Achilles still sore, gets better after warmed up.
Sun.
Ended up doing a big mtn bike ride. Left the house early was were riding by 9. It was me, Erik, John, Lisa, and Ben H. Long climb (2hrs) up Portal Creek. Long descent down to Porcupine Creek. Really pretty crossed a waterfall in the canyon. Long Climb up Buck Ridge ~3hours with stop for storm to go over- got to top of Buck Ridge and the storm was getting worse. I was feeling a little crabby at this point though. My legs were not so happy about turning over going up those steep hills. We decided to turn back around and ride down what we had come up. Kind of a bummer I think the trail up there would have been really cool. Total ride time was probably 6:30 and we were out and about for 8. The ride was about 40 miles, and I'm not sure what the elevation gain was. Farthest and longest I've ever been on a mtn bike. Had burgers and beer in Big Sky and made it home at a reasonable hour. What a beautiful day...
Monday
Going to yoga!
8/14/2011
8/10-8/16
Wed.
Good workout. Bike was a little longer. Rode for an hour and went to park for skills then rode home. Ran. Did the lifting. Realized most of my effective skills practice comes from racing. Have been really enjoying dedicating time to this. Practiced jumping off and on, riding in sand, riding and off camber trail, and running up a hill and mounting
Thursday
Did the run after work before swimming. Wasn't as easy as it should have been. It felt really good to open up and run a little faster. It didn't feel good at first though. My legs felt like stumps for the first 20 minutes.
Swim- An old coach was visiting. Her workouts are pretty fun. We did a good warm up then dove off the blocks a bunch. Then did a lot of kicking drills. The point was to burn out the legs. Yes they were burnt. Maybe not the prescribed yardage, but a good hard workout. The next day my stomach muscles hurt so bad I had to take ibuprofen. Means I am using my core.
Have been getting some great swimming tips from a good swimmer at Masters and from that old coach. Some stuff I can work on to improve my form.
Friday
Took the mt bike up S. Cottonwood. Wanted to try the new back tire that I got before racing on it. Nice ride. Tried to take it easy. The climbing there isn't too steep. Bike felt good.
Sat.
Race day- Got there a little late for my liking but got in a pretty good warm up. I was definitely huffing and puffing before the start. Didn't really have the best race. Started out in the back because I was chatting when the gun went off and was in the wrong gear and couldn't get into pedal. Got on the single track and a cub crossed the trail in front of me. Pretty cool. I was very excited and sat there for a minute not sure what to do. I wanted to warn the two girls behind me but didn't see mama and got a little freaked out. Turns out Frank Gonzalas almost hit the cub and came in between it and the mama. Crazy. Then Josh Crutcher almost his a moose with a calf.
Anyway, the course is a lot of pretty steep climbing and I guess I just haven't been cranking my bike that hard. There was maybe one gear that didn't make noise. I though I might break the chain. The front derailer has always rubbed so I tried to keep it in that noise but it made it annoying to shift into different gears. The cassette is maybe loose or just toast. Very distracting. Then I just didn't really have it on the climbs. My legs would load up way before my breathing became the hindrance. We should talk about this. I feel like this is how I keep feeling on hard hard efforts. Just want to know what you think. The leg workout on Thursday probably didn't help. I definitely felt better on the 2nd lap though and could have gone and done another one. The downhill was pretty steep and my breaks just don't work well. Definitely would love a new bike, or at least some disc breaks.
Ended up winning. Had no idea until awards. There was only one other girl in my category though. Got a helmet and some other great stuff from the raffle. Running shorts, headphones, 3 new shirts, some kids riding gloves. That race is great just because of the raffle.
Didn't feel too devastated after the race but went to bed early.
Sun.
Met Jamie (the good Masters swimmer) at the pond. She looks like a fish. I look like a flailing non swimming creature. We swam pretty consistently for over 30 minutes. Then headed over to the M for some trail running. Wanted to see another bear and there have been sightings in the area. The trail is pretty steep getting out but we did good and ran most of it. Ran harder on the way back but it was downhill so not sure how effective that was. Ran for a little over 80 minutes.
Came home and did some yoga with a lot of focus on leg. arm, and core strength. Erik went on epic mt bike adventure with John and Lisa. Am having a little devastation envy. Can I have an epic next weekend? Even a long trail run would be awesome. Miss it. Feeling soft.
8/01/2011
7-27-11 thru 8/2/11
Thanks for not letting me off the hook with my lack of organization. This week was better. Did all the workouts. I am not going to write up every day but here are a few side notes and comments.
1- got new handlebars and stem for the cross bike. Much better and the handlebars are noticably lighter. Now I need a new front tire. Ate it last week navigating some slippery dry grass.
2- All the speed/pacing workouts were awesome. I felt like I had a handle on how fast to go. The track workout seemed to work. My run was faster than expected. Did the bike interval workout on the course last week which was very helpful.
3-Achilles not getting better. Going to massage guy tonight and am really going to focus on healing from today on!!
4-Have a friend in Bozeman who is doing IM Canada next year too. Can she get in touch with you about coaching? There may be a couple more interested if they get in IM Canada too.
5- Erik did well at Butte 100. Finished 30 minutes faster and felt way better than last year.
Race report:
Friday and Saturday were pretty crazy. I was definitely tired on Sunday. Hoping my legs weren't though. Got in a good warm up. Broke a sweat which helps a lot. Got some fast wheels from Alan so was hoping the bike would be fast. I really wanted to dig deep on this race. I feel like all season (in the long races) I held back and still had some at the end. Wanted to give it everything. So I swam hard. Thought I was going to puke a couple of times. I think it payed off. I feel like my swim time was good and I was out of the water ahead of a lot of people, not the middle of the pack like usual. The legs hurt on the bike right off the bat. Didn't feel like I had a very good bike. Never settled in. The legs were loaded the whole time too. Maybe I went out too fast, maybe that is where I should have been, but it hurt! I did beat Holly Walkers time by almost 1 minute. Give me a longer race and I could catch her. The run hurt as well, especially at the beginning. This isn't a suprise though. Just kept trying to get my legs to turn over and focus on form to keep them going over efficiently. Speed was 7:35. Came in 2nd behind Holly Walker (who was first overall) and in front of this other woman I never thought I could beat. So I was happy with the race. The swim and run went well this time with the bike not being so great. Gave it my all though can't be unhappy with that!
This was a qualifying race for the Best of the US. Do you know anything about it?
I also won the grand prize of the raffle. 750$ towards a triathlon adventure. Thinking of doing something really fun with it, or it will be used for IM Canada and I will buy some wheels. The fun adventure sounds better. What are some good international races?
1- got new handlebars and stem for the cross bike. Much better and the handlebars are noticably lighter. Now I need a new front tire. Ate it last week navigating some slippery dry grass.
2- All the speed/pacing workouts were awesome. I felt like I had a handle on how fast to go. The track workout seemed to work. My run was faster than expected. Did the bike interval workout on the course last week which was very helpful.
3-Achilles not getting better. Going to massage guy tonight and am really going to focus on healing from today on!!
4-Have a friend in Bozeman who is doing IM Canada next year too. Can she get in touch with you about coaching? There may be a couple more interested if they get in IM Canada too.
5- Erik did well at Butte 100. Finished 30 minutes faster and felt way better than last year.
Race report:
Friday and Saturday were pretty crazy. I was definitely tired on Sunday. Hoping my legs weren't though. Got in a good warm up. Broke a sweat which helps a lot. Got some fast wheels from Alan so was hoping the bike would be fast. I really wanted to dig deep on this race. I feel like all season (in the long races) I held back and still had some at the end. Wanted to give it everything. So I swam hard. Thought I was going to puke a couple of times. I think it payed off. I feel like my swim time was good and I was out of the water ahead of a lot of people, not the middle of the pack like usual. The legs hurt on the bike right off the bat. Didn't feel like I had a very good bike. Never settled in. The legs were loaded the whole time too. Maybe I went out too fast, maybe that is where I should have been, but it hurt! I did beat Holly Walkers time by almost 1 minute. Give me a longer race and I could catch her. The run hurt as well, especially at the beginning. This isn't a suprise though. Just kept trying to get my legs to turn over and focus on form to keep them going over efficiently. Speed was 7:35. Came in 2nd behind Holly Walker (who was first overall) and in front of this other woman I never thought I could beat. So I was happy with the race. The swim and run went well this time with the bike not being so great. Gave it my all though can't be unhappy with that!
This was a qualifying race for the Best of the US. Do you know anything about it?
I also won the grand prize of the raffle. 750$ towards a triathlon adventure. Thinking of doing something really fun with it, or it will be used for IM Canada and I will buy some wheels. The fun adventure sounds better. What are some good international races?
7/25/2011
7-19-11 thru 7-26-11
I'd like to preface this with I feel like a little bit of a slacker. Have not been feeling bad or making effort if a workout gets missed. I think with all the IM training it was also a lot about organization which took some energy and I have been letting it go a little.
Also, this weekend is the Tritons triathlons. I am racing sunday but also helping most of the day Sat. and Friday evening. Then if Erik does the Butte 1oo I will head over there to pick him up Sat. evening. Hence my above statement.
Wed.
Thursday run. 4x20sec stides and 3x2:30 at 5k effort. Felt good. Achilles still stiff. Need to get on doing more about it though!
Thursday
TTT!!! Had a really good time. Thought I was going to puke for the first time in a long time. Got in the groove on the way out and really hammered it on the way back. Gave the last 1/4 everything I had! Good effort. Decided to bag the swim when we got back to the pond. Hungry!!!
Friday
Oops! Late night on Thursday meant no early morning. Left for Missoula at 5. Didn't get in until 830. Lots of road construction. Can I find any more excuses for why I didn't get that run in?
Sat.
Rode a lap on the course with Erik. Rode very slowly. Descended on foot even slower. Scary!
Went to Splash Montana with Brook, Griffin and Rachel. They played and hung out. I swam. That was such a cool place. I could have stayed there all day. Missed Lisa's race because of it. Love the outdoor long pool. No indicators on the bottom though for how far you have gone. Love the slided and lazy river even more!!
Went back and watched John race. What a cool event!
Sun.
Rode all over the place. Some really fun descents!! Lots of climbing. We were all a little bonky from the beginning (not enough food the day before). Rode about 4 hours and called it a day. Got some ice cream. What a fun day!! Thanks for the water.
Monday
Going over to the track to do the run then to gym to focus on the weights. Then the mall to buy some costumes for volunteers this weekend. It's hot hear today but cloudy which helps.
Also, this weekend is the Tritons triathlons. I am racing sunday but also helping most of the day Sat. and Friday evening. Then if Erik does the Butte 1oo I will head over there to pick him up Sat. evening. Hence my above statement.
Wed.
Thursday run. 4x20sec stides and 3x2:30 at 5k effort. Felt good. Achilles still stiff. Need to get on doing more about it though!
Thursday
TTT!!! Had a really good time. Thought I was going to puke for the first time in a long time. Got in the groove on the way out and really hammered it on the way back. Gave the last 1/4 everything I had! Good effort. Decided to bag the swim when we got back to the pond. Hungry!!!
Friday
Oops! Late night on Thursday meant no early morning. Left for Missoula at 5. Didn't get in until 830. Lots of road construction. Can I find any more excuses for why I didn't get that run in?
Sat.
Rode a lap on the course with Erik. Rode very slowly. Descended on foot even slower. Scary!
Went to Splash Montana with Brook, Griffin and Rachel. They played and hung out. I swam. That was such a cool place. I could have stayed there all day. Missed Lisa's race because of it. Love the outdoor long pool. No indicators on the bottom though for how far you have gone. Love the slided and lazy river even more!!
Went back and watched John race. What a cool event!
Sun.
Rode all over the place. Some really fun descents!! Lots of climbing. We were all a little bonky from the beginning (not enough food the day before). Rode about 4 hours and called it a day. Got some ice cream. What a fun day!! Thanks for the water.
Monday
Going over to the track to do the run then to gym to focus on the weights. Then the mall to buy some costumes for volunteers this weekend. It's hot hear today but cloudy which helps.
7/18/2011
7-13-2011 thru 7-19-11
Tuesday
Swim- tried to get in 3000. Worked pretty diligently at staying at swimming for the 1.5 hours. Got in almost 3000. Swim was good though. Shelli was there with her stop watches keeping us on track.
Wed.
Ran at lunch. Just ran for 30 minutes.
Tried to dust off the cross bike, but it was going to take a little more than that. No pedals, not rims with a rear cassette, tires somewhere. Needed Erik's help and he ditched me for a long mt bike ride. Rode the mt bike around on town trails instead. Had an epiphany. I think my stem is too short. My hands naturally like to reach a little farther. Hopefully can get that changed soon.
Thursday
Had a meeting at 7. The weather was really threatening to rain so I set up on the trainer. The intervals are good on the trainer, except I did want to practice on the sprint course. Did the prescribed workout.
Friday
Had a huge work day. Didn't get the run done in the am. After work got my cross bike all squared away. New pedals everything. The bike is now ready to roll. Ran and lifted after that. The lifting was just a few things -pushups, tricep dips, some yoga, squats, and lunges. No weight. No jumping etc. Then did some core. Legs felt very very heavy on the run. Feel more beat that when IM training was in full swing. Think the Tour de Bozeman was a little too much.
Sat.
Got up early to swim with the Women Who Tri group that have been training for the sprint race. Art, Carrie, Lawrence and I met them and swam. We swam a little longer to get in the required 40 minutes. So nice to swim in that nasty pond with other people. I think we all had a really good time.
Went and got coffee with them and then did the ride. Carrie bailed on us. Says we go too fast. Rode for 2 hours with Art and Lawrence. We want to do the Team TT this Thursday together if that can be on the training schedule. It is a 20k.
So sore all day. My arms hurt and I feel like an old lady trying to get up from a chair. Those little weights hurt.
Weed wacked our lot. Don't think that helped my arms.
Sun.
Ooops. The 3.5 hour ride became a 5 hour ride. Did the Bangrail Divide. I think around 30 miles. Lots and lots of good climbing and lots of cool tree sections with banked turns. Great ride, beautiful day, good company.
Monday
Going to yoga.
Swim- tried to get in 3000. Worked pretty diligently at staying at swimming for the 1.5 hours. Got in almost 3000. Swim was good though. Shelli was there with her stop watches keeping us on track.
Wed.
Ran at lunch. Just ran for 30 minutes.
Tried to dust off the cross bike, but it was going to take a little more than that. No pedals, not rims with a rear cassette, tires somewhere. Needed Erik's help and he ditched me for a long mt bike ride. Rode the mt bike around on town trails instead. Had an epiphany. I think my stem is too short. My hands naturally like to reach a little farther. Hopefully can get that changed soon.
Thursday
Had a meeting at 7. The weather was really threatening to rain so I set up on the trainer. The intervals are good on the trainer, except I did want to practice on the sprint course. Did the prescribed workout.
Friday
Had a huge work day. Didn't get the run done in the am. After work got my cross bike all squared away. New pedals everything. The bike is now ready to roll. Ran and lifted after that. The lifting was just a few things -pushups, tricep dips, some yoga, squats, and lunges. No weight. No jumping etc. Then did some core. Legs felt very very heavy on the run. Feel more beat that when IM training was in full swing. Think the Tour de Bozeman was a little too much.
Sat.
Got up early to swim with the Women Who Tri group that have been training for the sprint race. Art, Carrie, Lawrence and I met them and swam. We swam a little longer to get in the required 40 minutes. So nice to swim in that nasty pond with other people. I think we all had a really good time.
Went and got coffee with them and then did the ride. Carrie bailed on us. Says we go too fast. Rode for 2 hours with Art and Lawrence. We want to do the Team TT this Thursday together if that can be on the training schedule. It is a 20k.
So sore all day. My arms hurt and I feel like an old lady trying to get up from a chair. Those little weights hurt.
Weed wacked our lot. Don't think that helped my arms.
Sun.
Ooops. The 3.5 hour ride became a 5 hour ride. Did the Bangrail Divide. I think around 30 miles. Lots and lots of good climbing and lots of cool tree sections with banked turns. Great ride, beautiful day, good company.
Monday
Going to yoga.
7/02/2011
2011 IM CDA race report- a work in progress
This might be very long. I really want to get down everything about the week and about the race that I was thinking about and felt etc. I think it is something I will want to be able to look back to.
Week leading up to race.
We left on Thursday to drive out to CDA. It was uneventful. Tried to keep hydrated and keep eating. Went on a short ride out shoreline drive with Erik and rode up Government Way for a little while. Went out for dinner with the fam that night and ate a 2nd dinner when I got home. The chicken parmesan wasn't very big.
Friday was athlete check in and meanered around the expo a little. Watched the pro panel discussion. The wind was blowing and it was cold. Bought a neoprene cap for swimming. Art and I got in the water together for about 20 minutes. The water was very cold and really choppy from the wind. I was thinking OMG, but was trying not to let it get to me. I had to do the swim so why waste energy worrying about it. I think my parents were worried because my Dad decided to by me some neoprene booties except that Blue Seventy was all out. I called a store in Spokane and they drove over and picked them up for me. In hindsight I think it was very smart of me to wear everything I could for that swim. Was shivering out of the water, but went home put on my running clothes and went for a little run. Legs felt good which was encouraging and got warmed up. We went and drove some of the bike course so I could show my parents where we would be riding. My Mom was making me anxious by telling me "wow this is really long you are going to ride all of this and twice". When we got back they went to eat Mexican which I didn't think was good for me and Art and I went to the end of the dinner and the athlete meeting. This race was strange. If Art, Carrie, and Lawrence hadn't been there I would have had no idea what was going on with gear bags and special needs bags. They spend all this time talking about race violations and drafting but don't say and after the swim you run and grab your bag and then go to the changing tent and then go to your bike. It was kind of confusing. Anyway, the banquet was good and I was feeling strangely calm except the swim part.
Saturday was busy getting my wheels on and riding the bike around. There was something strange with the hub and I had to take it back and have them double check it a couple of times. Everything was fine, but it took some time. I then got all my stuff packed up and dropped it off. A little anxious when everybody else had these huge bags full of stuff and mine were pretty small. What the heck did they have in there? Went and ate some lunch and got coffee with Erik and went back to the house. Ate some more, got my stuff ready for the morning, Lawrence and Carrie were there and Anna and Jared stopped by so we were up later than I had planned. It probably didn't matter anyway. After I turned the ligth off the anxiety set it. It was interesting to think that there were probably 2800 other people in CDA that night doing the same thing.
Race morning
Got up and ate my usual breakfast. Got a bottle of accelerade to sip on. Got the rest of my stuff on and headed over the the race. Got in the bike area and got my bike ready. Got body marked and dropped off special needs bags and I was set. Stood by the tent with the timing mat and watched the pros start. Only 40 people to swim with. I want to do that. I was getting nervous and Erik. Oh sweet Erik goes "Wow I am jealous, you are going to have one epic day" I thought he is so right. This is going to one epic day and I am going to enjoy it fully. After that I was just excited to be out there and doing this really cool thing!! I went down on the beach and put in my earplugs and had some quiet time to myself for a little while. I set myself right up on the right side of the bouy about 6 people back. Lawrence and Carrie said there would be a few rows of people that would just take off and then another group and were more slow to get in. I tried to be with that group. I got in and tried to dunk first to get the cold water on my face and in my suit. Then I went for it. Right off the bat everything was fine. Then all of a sudden there were people everywhere. I swear there was no water between the bodies. As I was trying to stay afloat I could not catch my breath. Now that I look back I think it was the cold water had taken my breath away. I rolled on to my back a couple of times, but just kept getting mouthfuls of water. I seriously though I was going to drown. I even looked around for a boat or something, but there were just too many people. I know that if I could just swim I would be able to breath. And then the water opened up a little and I was able to swim. Then I started gagging and eventually puked in the water. I felt bad for the person behind me. Thought that was a bad breakfast choice, but it was probably from the motion or the little panic attack or something. Then thought, well Elliot told me I would have some bad moments in the swim that sure isn't what I was expecting. But Art also told me to expect the unexpected so it made for a very vivid memory. Then rounding the first bouy was the 2nd most terrifying moment of my life. The people were as packed as before and I got sucked in and swung around. Because of all the people I panicked a little and my calves seized up. Crap I thought. Finally got to swimming again and got a cramping to go away, but my calves were pretty sore for the rest of the day. The rest of the swim was great. I felt good stayed away from people for the most part and tried to enjoy it! Came out of the water definitely not feeling like I do when I swim that distance in the pool and right on my planned time. Yeah!
Got into transition and changed. Wanted to wear compression socks but they took forever to put on. My hands were freezing and my legs all cramped up. Got some help finally and was off.
The first probably 15 miles on the bike were pretty cold and my legs were really cramped. All I could do was spin them and kept hoping they would warm up. I set my timer and tried to not get caught up in all the bikes whizzing past. The think one of the best tips from you Elliot was to feel like I was holding back for the first two hours. I definitely did, but then I had energy for the second lap. I ate on schedule and drank as much as I could with electrolytes. Really stuck to the plan. Was a little amused seeing people cranking up the hills standing up and in their big chain ring. On the second lap I was definitely getting tired of being aero. A little uncomfortable and tired. Was actually really glad that the hills showed up. I like hills. Can get in a different position etc. Came into town and kind of sat up a little on that little out and back to enjoy the end of the bike. My trusty stead did well. I was definitely happy and not deleriously tired. Ready for the run.
Got into the transiton and out quick. Art was ahead of me on the whole bike. I passed him in the transition. Got some sunscreen because I missed that before the bike and was off.
Legs actually felt ok and I was running. This was the big unknown for me. Would I be able to do this run? On the bike I held back and on the run I held back. I didn't want to lose it. Kept the feet moving. As I ran by the house by the lake looked for the rocks shaped like Idaho like Carrie said. Didn't see anything but it made me smile. Took was and gels at the aid stations but didn't stop just kept running. There was one aid station I gave myself before the race permission to walk through. I went through it 4 times so walked through it 4 times. Had to use the outhouse, but that wasn't unexpected. At that aid station I got lots of water and food and kept going. The inspiration station and this other girl out there playing music and cheering us on was motivating. Ran up the hill both times. Put my head down the 2nd time and ran on the little path on the side and kept thinking this isn't very steep not like running the M. It actually hurt worse to stop and walk and start up again than to keep running. At mile 20 I thought holy shit. I just ran 20 miles. It wasn't like a marathon at all where that is a wall. It was actually very motivating. Still kept holding back though. Thought what is going to happen in the next few miles.
Turned the corner to the finish line and that race is pretty cool. That finish line and that finish chute down Sherman really lets you take it all in. Got pretty emotional at the top but couldn't breath so pulled it back together. Ran pretty slow to enjoy the moment. Then crossed the line.
Wow, did it in 11:40. Had no idea if that was doable. But with your coaching and advice Elliot I had it to just keep running. My other best marathon time was 4:04 and this was 4:11. I am pretty happy. What an amazing day. Actually what an amazing journey and really race day was just icing on the cake. It seems so unimaginable to do the race when looking at it untrained and from the outside, but it was completely doable.
Week leading up to race.
We left on Thursday to drive out to CDA. It was uneventful. Tried to keep hydrated and keep eating. Went on a short ride out shoreline drive with Erik and rode up Government Way for a little while. Went out for dinner with the fam that night and ate a 2nd dinner when I got home. The chicken parmesan wasn't very big.
Friday was athlete check in and meanered around the expo a little. Watched the pro panel discussion. The wind was blowing and it was cold. Bought a neoprene cap for swimming. Art and I got in the water together for about 20 minutes. The water was very cold and really choppy from the wind. I was thinking OMG, but was trying not to let it get to me. I had to do the swim so why waste energy worrying about it. I think my parents were worried because my Dad decided to by me some neoprene booties except that Blue Seventy was all out. I called a store in Spokane and they drove over and picked them up for me. In hindsight I think it was very smart of me to wear everything I could for that swim. Was shivering out of the water, but went home put on my running clothes and went for a little run. Legs felt good which was encouraging and got warmed up. We went and drove some of the bike course so I could show my parents where we would be riding. My Mom was making me anxious by telling me "wow this is really long you are going to ride all of this and twice". When we got back they went to eat Mexican which I didn't think was good for me and Art and I went to the end of the dinner and the athlete meeting. This race was strange. If Art, Carrie, and Lawrence hadn't been there I would have had no idea what was going on with gear bags and special needs bags. They spend all this time talking about race violations and drafting but don't say and after the swim you run and grab your bag and then go to the changing tent and then go to your bike. It was kind of confusing. Anyway, the banquet was good and I was feeling strangely calm except the swim part.
Saturday was busy getting my wheels on and riding the bike around. There was something strange with the hub and I had to take it back and have them double check it a couple of times. Everything was fine, but it took some time. I then got all my stuff packed up and dropped it off. A little anxious when everybody else had these huge bags full of stuff and mine were pretty small. What the heck did they have in there? Went and ate some lunch and got coffee with Erik and went back to the house. Ate some more, got my stuff ready for the morning, Lawrence and Carrie were there and Anna and Jared stopped by so we were up later than I had planned. It probably didn't matter anyway. After I turned the ligth off the anxiety set it. It was interesting to think that there were probably 2800 other people in CDA that night doing the same thing.
Race morning
Got up and ate my usual breakfast. Got a bottle of accelerade to sip on. Got the rest of my stuff on and headed over the the race. Got in the bike area and got my bike ready. Got body marked and dropped off special needs bags and I was set. Stood by the tent with the timing mat and watched the pros start. Only 40 people to swim with. I want to do that. I was getting nervous and Erik. Oh sweet Erik goes "Wow I am jealous, you are going to have one epic day" I thought he is so right. This is going to one epic day and I am going to enjoy it fully. After that I was just excited to be out there and doing this really cool thing!! I went down on the beach and put in my earplugs and had some quiet time to myself for a little while. I set myself right up on the right side of the bouy about 6 people back. Lawrence and Carrie said there would be a few rows of people that would just take off and then another group and were more slow to get in. I tried to be with that group. I got in and tried to dunk first to get the cold water on my face and in my suit. Then I went for it. Right off the bat everything was fine. Then all of a sudden there were people everywhere. I swear there was no water between the bodies. As I was trying to stay afloat I could not catch my breath. Now that I look back I think it was the cold water had taken my breath away. I rolled on to my back a couple of times, but just kept getting mouthfuls of water. I seriously though I was going to drown. I even looked around for a boat or something, but there were just too many people. I know that if I could just swim I would be able to breath. And then the water opened up a little and I was able to swim. Then I started gagging and eventually puked in the water. I felt bad for the person behind me. Thought that was a bad breakfast choice, but it was probably from the motion or the little panic attack or something. Then thought, well Elliot told me I would have some bad moments in the swim that sure isn't what I was expecting. But Art also told me to expect the unexpected so it made for a very vivid memory. Then rounding the first bouy was the 2nd most terrifying moment of my life. The people were as packed as before and I got sucked in and swung around. Because of all the people I panicked a little and my calves seized up. Crap I thought. Finally got to swimming again and got a cramping to go away, but my calves were pretty sore for the rest of the day. The rest of the swim was great. I felt good stayed away from people for the most part and tried to enjoy it! Came out of the water definitely not feeling like I do when I swim that distance in the pool and right on my planned time. Yeah!
Got into transition and changed. Wanted to wear compression socks but they took forever to put on. My hands were freezing and my legs all cramped up. Got some help finally and was off.
The first probably 15 miles on the bike were pretty cold and my legs were really cramped. All I could do was spin them and kept hoping they would warm up. I set my timer and tried to not get caught up in all the bikes whizzing past. The think one of the best tips from you Elliot was to feel like I was holding back for the first two hours. I definitely did, but then I had energy for the second lap. I ate on schedule and drank as much as I could with electrolytes. Really stuck to the plan. Was a little amused seeing people cranking up the hills standing up and in their big chain ring. On the second lap I was definitely getting tired of being aero. A little uncomfortable and tired. Was actually really glad that the hills showed up. I like hills. Can get in a different position etc. Came into town and kind of sat up a little on that little out and back to enjoy the end of the bike. My trusty stead did well. I was definitely happy and not deleriously tired. Ready for the run.
Got into the transiton and out quick. Art was ahead of me on the whole bike. I passed him in the transition. Got some sunscreen because I missed that before the bike and was off.
Legs actually felt ok and I was running. This was the big unknown for me. Would I be able to do this run? On the bike I held back and on the run I held back. I didn't want to lose it. Kept the feet moving. As I ran by the house by the lake looked for the rocks shaped like Idaho like Carrie said. Didn't see anything but it made me smile. Took was and gels at the aid stations but didn't stop just kept running. There was one aid station I gave myself before the race permission to walk through. I went through it 4 times so walked through it 4 times. Had to use the outhouse, but that wasn't unexpected. At that aid station I got lots of water and food and kept going. The inspiration station and this other girl out there playing music and cheering us on was motivating. Ran up the hill both times. Put my head down the 2nd time and ran on the little path on the side and kept thinking this isn't very steep not like running the M. It actually hurt worse to stop and walk and start up again than to keep running. At mile 20 I thought holy shit. I just ran 20 miles. It wasn't like a marathon at all where that is a wall. It was actually very motivating. Still kept holding back though. Thought what is going to happen in the next few miles.
Turned the corner to the finish line and that race is pretty cool. That finish line and that finish chute down Sherman really lets you take it all in. Got pretty emotional at the top but couldn't breath so pulled it back together. Ran pretty slow to enjoy the moment. Then crossed the line.
Wow, did it in 11:40. Had no idea if that was doable. But with your coaching and advice Elliot I had it to just keep running. My other best marathon time was 4:04 and this was 4:11. I am pretty happy. What an amazing day. Actually what an amazing journey and really race day was just icing on the cake. It seems so unimaginable to do the race when looking at it untrained and from the outside, but it was completely doable.
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