tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75321689181532040092024-03-06T18:44:49.249-09:00Tri-ing to Keep WarmThe misadventures of a triathlete from the 49th state.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-54436162982336781452013-12-29T20:59:00.000-09:002014-01-02T11:35:00.741-09:00Rotorua Half Ironman Race Report - December 14, 2013<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pre Race</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After spending a week in Dunedin on the south island of New
Zealand, I flew to Auckland on the 12<sup>th</sup> and met Mark on his arrival
from Alaska. We spent the night in Auckland and hit the road for Rotorua after
a leisurely start our day and a fairly lengthy quest for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The drive to Rotorua was about 3 hours and went fairly
quickly since we were in a new country and driving on the opposite side of the
road. The scenery was lovely, with green rolling hills pocked with sheep and
cows. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We arrived in Rotorua in the early afternoon and were
quickly greeted with the famous aroma of the place. Rotorua is one of the
geothermal “hot spots” in NZ and therefore basically smells like farts. Farts
everywhere, all the time…though there are definite areas of more intense fart
smell than others. I guess that means there are fart refugia. I imagine that
Rotoruans get used to it and maybe enjoy the excuse to pass gas at will without
getting called out on it. But for those of us who don’t perpetually live with
sulfur in the air, it can be quite distracting at times. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We checked into the hotel and then grabbed a bite to eat
before heading back to the hotel for race check-in. It was obviously going to
be a laid back affair, as there was no one checking you were who you said you
were and the race packets were laid out on the floor in one of the hotel
conference rooms. After “checking in” I decided to go chat with the race
director since I had traded some emails with him before about coming from
Alaska. He was a big guy with an obvious charisma, but he did take perhaps a
bit too much pleasure in telling everyone how hard the race was and how you
will meet your demons, etc. Then he told him that I really fucked up by not
allowing time in our itinerary to stay for the after party. Good times ahead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mark and I then drove to the race start and I did a quite 30
minute workout (20 mins bike/10 min run) with some pick ups thrown in, while he
went for a run as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The location was
gorgeous, but after rendezvousing at the car we both were realizing how
difficult this course really could be. Too late now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Back to the hotel where I fussed with my gear, while we
continuously excused the other of breaking wind. It was quickly getting late,
so we went off to find dinner. I had a lovely salad and Mark a pizza and some
local brew. I was DYING to be done racing so I could let me usually strict diet
go for the rest of our trip. I did some last minute fussing, then set the alarm
for 3:30 because the bloody race start time was 6:25 and it was first come,
first served on bike racking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up transition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3:30 came fast, and while I slept ok, I did not sleep long
enough this night or the night before so was pretty heavy with fatigue. Thank
god for pre race nerves to get me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hid in the bathroom while I ate a sweet potato, one packet of almond
butter and a scoop of protein powder and prepped my nutrition, so that Mark
could keep sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the race venue now, there was a layer of fog rising off
the lake and the skies were beginning to show their bright blue. It was going
to be a warm one! I found a reasonably good spot in the racks and went about setting
up transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some light
stretching and then went out and jogged for about 10 minutes. With 30 minutes
until race start, I began sipping on a packet of chocolate UCAN as my final
shot of prerace nutrition. Then it was into the wetsuit and the dreaded
anticipation that builds as the race start slowly crawls nearer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b>The Swim</b> – the course was two 1K loops in stunning Blue Lake,
so slightly longer than a traditional 1.9K half swim. The water was cool, but
comfortable and very clear. It was really nice. I tried to find some feet to
grab on to and I was successful for brief periods at a time but was never
really able to stick with anyone in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt good, but perhaps too relaxed. I navigated well and the first lap
went quite fast. The second lap seemed to go slower but I had a relatively even
split. <o:p></o:p><br />
38:34</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the water!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T1 </b>– My bike was a fair bit away from the swim exit and I
had to run up a grassy hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wetsuit
came off quite easily until it got stuck on my right ankle. I couldn’t
straighten my foot without my calf cramping, so I struggled with that for a bit
before just ripping the damned thing off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The Bike</b> – In my research for this race, all I kept hearing
was how hilly and difficult the course was. I left transition not entirely sure
what was ahead of me, except for the hills that we had encountered on the way
the race start. They weren’t any worse than what I rode at home, so while I
wasn’t overly concerned, I did feel like I needed to ride fairly conservatively
since I really did not know what I would face across the entire 56 mi course.
The course was really quite stunning and afforded some spectacular views. I
tried to ride strong but also make sure I was enjoying myself and appreciating
the opportunity. There were hills. There were lots of hills. But they weren’t
overwhelming or endless and I felt pretty good with how I was handling them. I
had mixed three packets of UCAN into a single water bottle and the plan was to
take 1/3 of the bottle (~one packet) every 75 minutes starting about 15 minutes
into the ride. I stuck to the plan and felt just fine. I sipped water (with
NUUN) as needed. It was warm, but the course offered quite a lot of shade and
some big rain clouds rolled in the latter half of the ride, so I kept my
temperature in check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into
transition, I wondered if I should have ridden harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3:26:32 (includes T1&T2)</div>
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<b>T2</b> – Nothing to report here. Helmet to hat, change shoes,
and strap on fuel belt. Done. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to really suffer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b><br />The Run</b> – I made a quick potty spot so that I could get into
my run feeling light and fresh. I ran first half mile or so and felt pretty
good and thought that if I maintained this pace, I would end up with a descent
time for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I had
two big things working against me. First of all, it was getting quite warm now.
The rain clouds had all together disappeared, making for an increasingly hot
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, there was the
course. After that first half mile on the road, the course cut into the trails
that wrap around Blue and a neighboring lake. The up and downs were constant
and mostly in direct sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pace
quickly slowed to less than ideal and I knew I was in for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, fairly early in the run I knew this leg
was going to a mental battle and my goal switched from finishing as near to
6:00 to not making it my worst finish time ever. I stuck to my nutrition plan
and continued taking one packet of UCAN every 75 minutes. I never felt like I
was out of energy or poorly fueled. I just felt like I was running up rocky
hills in the heat. The course contained no distance markers so I had no idea
where I was. Since my pace was off and I wasn’t sure how accurate the swim or
bike leg had bin, I was pretty lost as to how far I’d come or how far I had
left to go. I asked volunteers whenever I saw them and literally got a
different answer EVERY single time. Now you might say, well that’s because they
were at different spots along the course. Well, of course. But that’s not that
I mean. I would ask one guy and he would tell me I was at 10K, while the next
guy would tell me the same or some number that would make no sense if the
previous guy had been right. The worst was when I was told I had only a few K
to go, when I actually had twice that. While I knew that the report had to be
crap because of where I was on the clock, that part of my brain that just
wanted to be done wanted to believe it so, so bad. After a bit, I rounded a
bend and saw the finish line…oh my god, maybe he wasn’t lying! And then I saw
it…the dreaded arrow separating the first lap from the final lap. Nuts! Another
5K lap for me. This final stretch (which
marked the end of your first lap or the end of the race) was the only flat part
of the course and it was through sand. Insult to injury! I did my best to smile
and wave to Mark and went out for my final lap. It seemed to last an eternity
and I distracted myself by counting my steps and also looking for Hobbits. I began taking coke at the limited aid
stations, not because I needed it but because it was cold and just sounded
good. I finally rounded the bend and saw the beach marking the way home. Whew!
Mark was waiting with an ice-cold “beersie”!
Though it was the NZ equivalent of Budweiser, it was fucking delicious.<br />
2:24:33<br />
Tinal: 6:29:40</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XAK6iVm1Dku7XJ0taE3GEq55cvdaccEEt3Cg_4WCKYajIp1Mc7V5UFoXSieDNh67tQdeaApJacHXYcAMBRWCBycxxLI9ww4_OgtbHUw9HctV67niYGKtFm_m-HYJXlImX_KVW00fQzg/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XAK6iVm1Dku7XJ0taE3GEq55cvdaccEEt3Cg_4WCKYajIp1Mc7V5UFoXSieDNh67tQdeaApJacHXYcAMBRWCBycxxLI9ww4_OgtbHUw9HctV67niYGKtFm_m-HYJXlImX_KVW00fQzg/s320/IMG_2562.jpg" width="240" /></a><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH2V8yHOMbjhIv4u2YNaovOmjH-GJVMZf1m3JkGWUqgxSn51ALquHD5377oVJY6UQ9Nz-8uYPfW5Gx25GYreyov8lcuUojyrF9ajgO-srVVgs1Ss_p6EE0iIg7l6WMag8r9kr-UVAeXM/s1600/IMG_2565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><b>Other thoughts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Going into this race, I actually felt very good physically.
My training had all gone quite well and I was laying out some pretty decent
training paces for me. However, having started my 2013 triathlon season in
February, I was really beginning to feel mentally burned out. I’m certain that
came into play on race day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I had a decent swim, I’m realizing that I am afraid of
going too hard on the swim and hold back far too much. My pool times predict
swim splits that are a few minutes faster than I have been able to hit so far.
While I realize that open water swimming is a different beast, I still think I
need to work on this aspect of my training. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a wrong turn on the bike, which I recognized quickly
but still involved some back tracking. I also dropped my chain twice. Also, NZ
roads are pretty crappy. They aren’t full of potholes but they are paved with
that very rough asphalt which rattles your entirely body and undoubtedly
increases rolling resistance and slows you down. While none of these cost me
hugely, they definitely contributed to a slower bike split than I could have
posted on this course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I initially thought I could have pushed it harder on the
bike leg, but facing that run leg would have been much worse than it was, so
I’m glad I held back a little. My mistake was that I was overly concerned with
the difficulty of the bike leg and did not focus enough on the run course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said, the run was the most difficult I
have encountered. The heat of the day (it reached near 80) was especially
difficult for me since it’s winter in Alaska! I also found myself with a side
stitch that I wrestled with for about a half hour. Oh…and there was the bloody
nose. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH2V8yHOMbjhIv4u2YNaovOmjH-GJVMZf1m3JkGWUqgxSn51ALquHD5377oVJY6UQ9Nz-8uYPfW5Gx25GYreyov8lcuUojyrF9ajgO-srVVgs1Ss_p6EE0iIg7l6WMag8r9kr-UVAeXM/s320/IMG_2565.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best crap beer ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would not change anything with my nutrition plan. It
seemed to do well for me and I plan to continue with the metabolically
efficient (fat adapted/low carb) approach to training and racing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The race as a whole was a very laid back affair, which has
it’s benefits and drawbacks. The lack of distance markers on the course was
quite frustrating and nutrition was very limited, only water and coke available
all day. And while that beersie was nothing short of amazing at the finish
line, there was nothing else! Not even water or bananas. That is a huge offense
in my book. That said the race was fun, safe, a bloody good challenge and
absolutely breathtaking. I always show disdain for athletes that bring a camera
along on race day, but there were several times I wish I had one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiFnB1J6oyH9NoEiJfAQ7g1U8R6NgDcTEUhadBBIoUOskOSzjDPR6GmrHnC1saTNbyKk7FQurEmXyelxr3489dHKTRxif_DfBdNaGtPebvm0DFw_RSVQ559YNn0piDuX-XZpiJqaugqI/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiFnB1J6oyH9NoEiJfAQ7g1U8R6NgDcTEUhadBBIoUOskOSzjDPR6GmrHnC1saTNbyKk7FQurEmXyelxr3489dHKTRxif_DfBdNaGtPebvm0DFw_RSVQ559YNn0piDuX-XZpiJqaugqI/s320/IMG_2545.jpg" width="240" /></a>Am I disappointed that I didn’t post a better time? Of
course! But I never intended this race to be a PR event. I knew the course was
going to be challenging and it was far harder than I had expected. While I have
tackled more difficult bike courses, they have often been followed by much less
punishing runs than what Rotorua laid out. I’ve never faced a tougher bike/run
combo. In fairness, I was warned. I also wanted this race to be more about the
experience of racing in New Zealand, an opportunity I felt so very fortunate to
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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As always, I am grateful for my epic support team. Mark, the
long-time sufferer as the race director called him, was once again always where
he needed to be, did what he needed to do and made me feel like a super star.
Coach Lisa Keller got me through another season of triathlon feeling good about
the sport, a couple of PRs and no DNFs! Coach Regina Hammond of TriSmarter.com
helped me dial in some finer aspects of my metabolic efficiency approach and
gave me confidence in my daily and race day nutrition. I always grateful to
TheTriShop.com for the privilege of racing on the store’s team and for the
advice and support of my fellow teammates. Finally I want to thank Mike Wall, a
local who offered a home for my tri gear during the rest of our time in NZ. Here’s
to 2014!<o:p></o:p></div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-34869455735026111972013-07-21T16:14:00.001-08:002013-07-21T16:23:05.189-08:00Subaru Vancouver International Half Iron Triathlon Race Report<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Subaru Vancouver International Half Iron Triathlon<o:p></o:p></div>
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July 14, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pre-race<o:p></o:p></div>
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Race start was 6:30, so I set the alarm for 4:15 so we could
eat at least two hours before. Ugh, who feels like eating at 4:15 in the
morning? (We here refers to myself and one of my best pals, Heather. Heather
has her own story to tell, so I’ll leave it to her but wanted to at least
clarify the “we.”. I had half a sweet
potato, one packet of almond butter, two hard-boiled eggs and half a packet of
UCAN. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We arrived at the race site at about 5:30 and we started
putting together our transition areas. Transition was very, very crowded and
you really had very little space for yourself.
Transition area on race morning is always a very intense place to be.
There is so much nervous energy that if you weren’t feeling any pre-race
jitters spending time in transition will certainly bring them on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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With 30 minutes until race time, I downed a packet of UCAN,
5 master amino pattern (MAP) caps and 3 PreRace caps. Then we went to stand in
line for the john. Got my business done
with about 10 minutes to spare until race start but still had to put my wetsuit
on. If you haven’t used TriSlide yet, that
stuff is nothing short of amazing. Helps
your wetsuit go on like nobody’s business and helps with chaffing too. Smooth
like butta baby!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We made our way to the race start at about 6:27. We only had
enough time to run in the water and do about 10 strokes. I would have liked
more time to warm up but that’s just how it was going. At least that little dip
took away the element of surprise as far as the water temp was concerned. The
water actually felt quite nice compared to the frigid waters of Kodiak. The water looked like it had a bit of chop to
it, but nothing too intimidating.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One more photograph and a quick good luck from the fam and
the horn sounded!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Swim<o:p></o:p></div>
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The swim was two loops where you actually get out and cross
a timing mat between loops. Holy crap! This was by far the most physical swim I
have ever been through. And I started in the back of the pack. I had intended
to start mid pack to the side, but my late arrival on the start line kept that
from happening. Once things got going, I don’t think it would have matter where
you were. I got punched three times in the eye and once in the jaw. One punch
made my goggle suck into my eye, which wasn’t particularly enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I felt pretty good but wasn't really able to find space for
myself or any toes to follow. The water clarity wasn’t great and people kept
punching me in the eye. I was aiming for
a 36 minute swim and was through the first lap in 18:37. Not as good as I
hoped, but not too far off the mark. Run
around the marker, cross the mat and back in the water for round two! Ding,
ding! The field had spread out somewhat, but it was still a battle royale. I tried to find some space and push with
bursts of speed. The second lap definitely felt better, but I wasn’t tracking
as well as I usually do. Only later did I realize that there was a wicked
current and that everyone was having a hell of a time staying on course. I’m not sure if the fact that I didn’t think
about the current is a good thing or a bad thing. Oy! When I hit the beach, I was glad to be out of
the slug fest. My swim was just over 38 minutes. Like I said I was hoping for
36. While I’m a little disappointed with the 38+, if I take into consideration
the current and the brutality, I have to be somewhat satisfied. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Time: 38:16<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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T1<o:p></o:p></div>
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The transition from the beach to transition was a few
hundred yards through the sand, which isn’t very friendly after slogging it out
in the ocean for 1.2 miles. I had a hard time finding my bike too because the
numbering system was totally jacked. I finally found my bike with the help of a
volunteer and then went about stripping my wetsuit. One foot was caught in my
suit! Damn it!! The nicest and most neighborly triathlete of all saw me
struggling and ripped the suit the rest of the way off. How amazing is that?! Seriously!
I’m so humbled when stuff like that happens. Whoever you are, THANK YOU! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Time: 3:42<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Bike<o:p></o:p></div>
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The bike was four laps around the UBC campus. Each loops
started with a descent ascent from the beach to the campus. The hill wasn’t
terribly steep, but it was long (~1.5 miles). The good news is that it came at
the start of the lap, but the news you had to climb it four frickin’ times. My
goal on the bike was to get as close to the 3 hour mark as possible and over an
18 MPH pace. After the climb, the course was mostly false flats so you are
either killing it and thinking you are an uberbiker or struggling and thinking
WTF? My nutrition plan was three packets of UCAN on the bike in my bottle,
taking one packet (1/3 bottle) every 75 minutes or so with the last dose as
close to the end of the bike as possible. I also took another 5 MAP caps and 2
PreRace at the 2:00 mark. I also have Nuun in two water bottles for a total of
three bottles on my bike. There were no mile markers on the bike, which I found
pretty annoying but I guess with a four lap course it would be tough to mark.
The first lap was fine. I felt good and was enjoying myself. The second and
third laps got very crowded very quickly as the oly and sprint athletes joined
the mix. Whatever. Overall my pace was
staying over 18 MPH, so I was pleased. There were a few sections that were
narrow due to open roads and were designated as no passing zones. While it was
frustrating to get caught behind slower cyclists during these sections, I
obeyed the no passing rule. Do you know how super annoying it was when other
people didn’t think these rules applied to them and went ahead and passed
anyway? I was so irritated. There were several occasions when I would have
liked to pass and would have had a better bike split to show from it, but
didn’t. Of course there were not course marshals around when this was happening
so it all went unchecked. Oh well…race your own race I guess. I finally climbed the hill for the fourth and
final time. I didn't think that a four-lap course would bother me that much,
but I was pretty over the course by the final lap. Most of the field had spread
out considerably by then and the shorter distance athletes were done, so it was
pretty empty for the most part. The best part about that big hill at the start
of the loop? You get the finish going down that same hill, which gives you a
nice spin out of your legs and a burst of speed. Just before going down for the final time, I
downed the last third of my UCAN bottle and starting mentally preparing for the
run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Time: 3:04:12<br />
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T2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not much to report here. It went smooth and relatively easy.
My only issue here was that it was crowded and other athletes were not always
very considerate of those entering and exiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Time: 1:40<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Run<o:p></o:p></div>
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The run was two loops around Jerico park and passed the
finish/transition area. I felt pretty good going into the run and found my
rhythm pretty quickly. I took 5 more MAP caps and 2 more PreRace to get me
through the rest of the day. The biggest
issue I had on the run was race math.
Race math (i.e. trying to calculate pace and finish time when you are
fatigued and dehydrated) is a very difficult discipline. You know what makes it
more difficult? Race math in a different country. Kilometers are not miles and,
therefore, race math is infinitely more challenging. I gave up at about kilo 2.
The first half of the loop was mostly shaded but had a few hills, while the
second half of the loops was flat was completely in the sun. Pick your poison.
I made it through the first loop and saw my amazing support crew and told them
I’d see them soon! I took my last packet of UCAN and prepared myself to finish
strong. I struggling a bit on the hills in the second lap, my biggest problem
being that the bottoms of my feet hurt and the heat getting to me a bit. Going
into the final half of the last lap, I knew I was going to be just fine. After
the final turn on the run (marking about 2.5 kilos to go), I turned up my pace
a bit to try to make up a bit of time I lost on the hills. That last UCAN did
its job and I felt strong going into the final stretch. While I didn’t really
have a good idea of my split (see previous comment on race math), I knew that
my overall race time was good and that made me happy! Coming into the final 100
yards, a guy was just ahead of me. I really didn’t want him to ruin my finisher
photo, so I blew by him and finished all by myself! Booyah! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run: 1:53: 21<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total: 5:41:10 PR!! Previous best was 5:52:40<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxv4Qy3AlAgPVXPhJDRD1yX0CTt1j33g1OVAJj8pKFtW-IYxwnZJK4MeHS7lD8Hl6G8D9neIA6N7gHDRGJvAFAzmyB7wcasN2QYkFreBrviKDzTDJPzeAp1R1jTgqm3PaTg-Dgv0ry_E/s1600/P1010251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxv4Qy3AlAgPVXPhJDRD1yX0CTt1j33g1OVAJj8pKFtW-IYxwnZJK4MeHS7lD8Hl6G8D9neIA6N7gHDRGJvAFAzmyB7wcasN2QYkFreBrviKDzTDJPzeAp1R1jTgqm3PaTg-Dgv0ry_E/s400/P1010251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall thoughts:<br />
With a PR it’s hard not to be pleased; I had a good race and felt I executed
well. I do think I am capable of
swimming sub 36 minutes, but not with
the conditions on the day. This was my first race in my new TYR Hurricane Cat 5
wetsuit. That thing is a work of heart and I loved it! It fit great and the
placement of rubber thicknesses works well for me. A very nice wetsuit indeed. While
my bike split was only a PR by a little more than a minute, my previous best
was on a pancake flat course giving that one minute a bit more weight in this
race. I'm happiest with my run on the day. It’s the first time in a half race
that I didn’t implode and felt (relatively) strong throughout. I lost some time
in the middle miles, but was able to rally and push my pace for the last couple
of miles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was the first race I’d done completely using UCAN after
going the low carb/metabolically efficient route several months ago. I have to
say that my energy definitely felt more consistent throughout the day and I
never felt like I was bonking. I also did not have any GI issues, pre, during
OR post-race. I completed the race using
only 5 packets of UCAN, including the serving I took 30 minutes before the
race. That’s only about 600 calories for a sub 6-hour effort. Nice, right? I’m looking forward to continue
to tweak this approach and really dial it in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the race itself, I don’t think I’d do it again. It
was a beautiful setting and the race was obviously well run and supported. But
I didn’t like having to do four laps on the bike and didn’t appreciate the
congestion created by having three distances going on at the same time. There
were some confusing turn-arounds that apparently resulted in more than one
crash on the day. I’m all for having multiple distances being run at the same
time and I don’t have a solution to the congestion problem, but that’s why I’m
not a race director and can bitch about it as a racer. I’m not sure that they were prepared for the
number of competitors they had on the day either. When I went through registration,
they had already run out of women’s shirts “quite some time ago.” I also heard
from another finisher that they ran out of medals. Both are lame and
inexcusable in my book. And seriously…fewer than 10 port-o-potties in
transition? Just not going to work. Ever. But, I want to give kudos to the aid stations
on the run. I went though one and was pretty pissed when I was told they were
out of cups and were squirting water into people’s mouths from water bottles.
Really?! Come on! BUT…by the time I hit this same station on the way back, they
had restocked the cups, so have to give them credit for solving the problem
quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, I have many thanks to give. While triathlon is an
individual sport, completing a race cannot be done alone. First of all, thanks
to my coach, Lisa Keller of Multisport Training of Alaska, for creating another
wicked block of training and putting up with my questions, second guessing and
type-A requirement of details. Buckets of love go to my parents, Pete and
Patty, who supported me through yet another race. They’ve put up with a lot of
early mornings, bad and edgy moods, hours of boredom and lots of inhospitable
weather to watch me and ring their cowbell. Not once have they considered not
attending a race. A big thanks to my pals, Betsy and Heather, who just plain
get it. And of course, I am grateful to my husband, Mark who shows unbelievable
patience with my training in this selfish and time consuming sport. He hates
it, but loves me and that’s why he makes the sacrifice. I was honored to be racing
for TheTriShop.com. They have offered great gear and athlete support and I am
proud to be a team member. I also want to give a shout out to the goods and
gear I used on the day; TYR, Newton Running, Cervelo, Fuel Belt, TheTriShop
Loius Garneau kit, Nuun and UCAN! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next up…Taupo Half in New Zealand?!?!?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-56491005520984579642012-11-03T09:30:00.002-08:002012-11-04T15:02:16.682-09:00It was over before it began...<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
As I'm sure you are all aware, the 2012 NYC Marathon was canceled yesterday among growing controversy and concern. While I am clearly upset, I agree with the decision to 100%. As the marathon approached and the state of devastation remained, I admit to a growing internal battle as to if this race should be held. Like many others, I was reassured by the words of Mayor Bloomberg that the marathon was not diverting resources and would serves as a unifying event for the city. As my post yesterday indicated, I justified the race as an opportunity to show the resilience of the human spirit. I truly did believe that the race would bring a bit of joy and a much needed distraction. Clearly this was not the case and I believe the right decision has been made. Aside from my obvious disappointment at not getting to run, I am mostly angry about the inexplicably bad timing of the announcement. Clearly the race should have been canceled on Tuesday morning and not Friday when the vast majority of the field had arrived. I incurred a fairly significant expense to get here, but I'm sure it pales in comparison to what others have faced. Every runner has a story about why they are running and what this race meant to him or her. Each story is equally important and the cancellation will be felt for a long time to come. I actually consider myself one of the lucky ones because of my own beautiful family that lives here and I can enjoy spending time with them in the coming days. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I choose to move forward and not dwell on what might have been. What's done is done and everyone needs to refocus their energy to restoring New York and New Jersey. Tomorrow, what would have been marathon Sunday, I will join fellow marathoners on a run through Staten Island where we will run while distributing much needed relief items. I hope this will provide a source of much needed goodwill between the running community and the city of New York. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRunnersInSupportOfStatenIsland</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Many of my friends and family donated to Team Continuum as a part of my marathon journey. With their help I raised over $5,500 in support of this amazing and worthwhile cause. I, and Team CAN, are extremely grateful for this support. To honor these pledges and my commitment to running 26.2 for Team CAN (and for my own sanity), I have decided to run the Las Vegas Marathon on December 2nd. While this race clearly does not have the history, prestige or "magic" of NYC, it will have to suffice as a suitable replacement. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Thank you all again for your continued support and well wishes. My heart is full.</div>
Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-9542349425090497602012-11-02T10:07:00.001-08:002012-11-02T10:07:39.272-08:00NYC Marathon...prelude
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I’ve had a terrible knot in my stomach for the past five
days as my mind and heart grapple with the events that have unfolded. I will
tell you now that I have made my decision and I will be running the marathon on
Sunday. This decision has not come easily or lightly and I feel that I needed
to write this post both for my own therapy and to respond to the community at
large who are either for or against the race being held. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should they have canceled the marathon? Maybe. Actually,
yes, they probably should have. But they didn’t and the city is passionately
divided. I get it. I understand why people are furious at the
thought of holding such a massive and demanding event just days after Sandy’s
devastation. People are experiencing tremendous lose and unimaginable hardship.
My heart aches for those people. Unless
you are one of those, no one can possible understand what it is they are
facing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, despite the obvious controversy and less obvious
benefit, Mayor Bloomberg made the decision that the race was to go on. For my
own sake and the sake of the city, I have to believe that this decision was
made in the best interest of everyone. He’s not the kind of guy that pussy
foots around or pulls punches, so if he really didn’t think the race was a good
idea, I know he would not have given the go ahead. That said, I’m certain his
decision was nearly 100% financial, but in no way malicious or disrespectful. I
do believe he thinks the race will provide much needed influx of dollars and,
hopefully, bring some cheer, camaraderie and a bit of lightness back to the
streets. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Like I said, I get why this is so upsetting for some. I
truly, truly do. But please don’t blame
the runners. We are not trying to make it harder on the people of New York. We
simply pursuing our passion and have worked too damn hard to get here. But many,
if not all, runners recognize the gift we are receiving and are extend are
gratitude. At it’s most superficial level, running a marathon is an entirely
selfish endeavor. But I would argue that
is not the case. Many runners are running for local charities and have raised
hundreds of thousands of dollars for causes that are much bigger than us. Many
are running in honor of someone they’ve lost or are losing. Many are running to
show their children what can be accomplished with enough hard work and belief
if yourself. Many are running simply to fulfill a promise to themselves. And
while the reasons for toeing the line on Sunday are many, I can guarantee you
that every single runner has the city of New York and the shores of New Jersey
in their hearts and on their minds. We are grateful and humbled for the
opportunity to run the race this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you that continue to seethe, I apologize on
behalf of all marathoners. But I also have a suggestion for you. Why not turn
that negative energy into something good? Stop wasting time bitching about why
the race should not go on. Stop lambasting the runners and criticizing NYRR and
Mayor Bloomberg. AND START HELPING OUT! Step away from Facebook and Twitter and
figure out how to volunteer or your money. Don’t watch, support or even
acknowledge the marathon. Instead spend those hours donating your time, your
money or both. Turn your malevolence into benevolence. It’s better for
everyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I will run. I will run because I have worked my ass off
to get here and because it really is more than just a race to me. I will run
for Team Continuum and my friends and family who donated over $5,000 to this
cause on my behalf. I will race for my sister and her family who have suffered
through and after this storm. I will
race for New York and New Jersey. And when I’m done, I will roll up my sleeves
and do what I can to help. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-60177384858842842522012-08-09T21:36:00.001-08:002012-08-09T21:36:12.498-08:00Interview on KMXTI was happy and proud to have been interviewed on KMXT about my blogging efforts for their Run The Rock race series.<br />
<a href="http://www.kmxt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4029&Itemid=2">Interview on KMXT</a><br />
Writing this blog has been fun for me and gets me a bit of experience as I make my way towards becoming a certified coach.<br />
<br />Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-53590734550867832022012-08-05T16:15:00.002-08:002012-08-05T16:15:19.530-08:00Team Continuum<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVSzwrh35qpuBImjT0lsNuqmJyYq02xr52yM-zCaQ1-iAo1iZO_nPcO4o1suc8ReH9Lnu8UoKnJCuWDvkGUimWOldFQOlxuvGg_TDBsQmXArgygvoIgXbRTL5ktZACB1pZDKZ3CgTD24/s1600/teamcan_logo.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVSzwrh35qpuBImjT0lsNuqmJyYq02xr52yM-zCaQ1-iAo1iZO_nPcO4o1suc8ReH9Lnu8UoKnJCuWDvkGUimWOldFQOlxuvGg_TDBsQmXArgygvoIgXbRTL5ktZACB1pZDKZ3CgTD24/s320/teamcan_logo.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As many of you know, I am running the New York City marathon
in November. This race was my first marathon in 2006, so I am eager to return
and see how much I can improve. This year, however, I am running on behalf of
Team Continuum, a non-profit organization that provides immediate, vital,
assistance to cancer patients and their families. I am asking for your support so that Team
Continuum can continue to expand its outreach. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike other cancer-related charities that raise money
solely for cancer research, Team Continuum has differentiated itself by
advocating for cancer patients' immediate needs. Put simply, we are about care, not the
cure. While we understand the importance
of research in curing this awful disease in the future, we recognize the need
to help those living with the disease day in and day out, particularly those
who are less fortunate and who do not have other means for support. I’m sure
each of us has been impacted by cancer in some way or another and can
understand the importance of this type of charity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to continuing support of several patient care
and education programs at some of the finest medical facilities in the country,
Team Continuum has supported many struggling patients and their families
directly in the past year, allocating almost $20,000 per month to our
individual patient care program. While
the economic downturn has challenged many over the past couple years, those
burdened with a cancer diagnosis are especially vulnerable. Team Continuum has helped many of these
individuals by directly paying their bills for items not reimbursed by any form
of insurance so that families can forestall eviction, have food on their
tables, keep their lights on, and fight cancer with a feeling of hope. At holiday time, Team Continuum provides
several hospitals in NY, NJ and CT with gift cards that enable them to brighten
the lives of pediatric cancer patients with the very gifts they desire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
always find it a bit awkward to approach my friends for donations, but I truly
believe in what Team Continuum offers. You
can donate to me directly online: <a href="http://www.teamcontinuum.net/support_the_cause/fundrasing_page/93136">www.teamcontinuum.net.</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I am grateful for your support</span>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-65232137994443596902012-07-20T18:25:00.000-08:002012-07-20T18:25:11.189-08:00Recovery is nearly over...Two easy week of training following Rev3 are nearly complete and then I get to refocus for the NYC marathon. It's funny how these weeks always seem so blissful on paper, but then I find myself antsy to get back to it. I can literally see the fitness slipping off my body and going down the drain. Why is it harder to take it easy than to train? Why is it so hard to accept recovery as a part of training? And why is it sooo much easier to tell someone else to do it than to do it yourself? That's why I could never be my own coach.<br />
<br />Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-57410389466519848112012-07-11T17:23:00.002-08:002012-07-11T17:23:58.177-08:00Rev3 Half Portland Race Report<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Preamble: <o:p></o:p></div>
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As per usual, I picked this race based on timing and
location rather than the course itself. Portland in July…and a Rev3 event.
Perfect. Perhaps I need to rethink this strategy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My training had gone quite well with no major injuries or
interruptions. I will admit to feeling pretty worn down in the final weeks, but
I attributed that to the long months of training behind me and my attempts to
adjust to a lower carb, higher fat (i.e. more “metabolically efficient” ) diet.
Still, my last two bricks felt reasonably good and the taper went off with
limited neuroses. I’d also been watching the weather in Portland for weeks and
was pleased to see the area seemed to be suffering from the same “summer” that
Seattle was facing with temps rarely reaching above 70. And then it began to
happen. The clouds icons were replaced by bright full suns and the 60’s and
70’s were only showing up in the overnight lows. By the time I left Kodiak on
Thursday, the forecast was calling for low 80’s on race day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah and there was that little matter of
the warnings that Rev3 was posting on the site about the extremely difficult
and technical bike course for 2012. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless,
I felt arrived in Portland feeling optimistic and ready to race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Saturday: After a glorious 10+ hours of sleep, I went out
for a wee brick workout to wake up my legs and make sure my bike survived the
trip. It was about 10:30 in the morning and was already in the mid-70’s. By
this time, the Portland weather gods were laughing their asses off and were
predicting 91 for Sunday’s race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my
bike was humming with my new Flo wheels and the brief run I did felt good, so I
really tried to push the weather out of my mind. But I was sweating. A lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pete and I were then off to the race venue, Blue Lake Park,
for packet pick-up and bike racking. I will say it now and will say it again. I
love Rev3! They know how to put on a race. As expected, the venue was already
hopping and you could feel the electricity and nervous energy in the air, even
though I was one of the first to rack. I got my packet, timing chip and goodie
bag and was assigned #108. The goodie bag was chalk full of the some sweet
swag, as expected. Bree + Rev3 forever. In the bag was the usual pamphlets and
paraphernalia, but also samples of tri-swim shampoo and conditioner, a Powerbar
and Powerbar chompy things, a Portland Rev3 Headsweats visor and a pair of Blue
Seventy swim goggles. Yeah, they don’t skimp!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When picking up my goodie bag, I finally had the chance to meet the Rev3
goodess of retail and holistic health guru, <a href="http://guru.mc3digital.com/" target="_blank">Christine Lynch</a>. I’ve worked with
Christine on and off for several years and despite the fact that we hve been in
the same city and the same time on a number of occasions, including last fall’s
Beach2Battleship, we had never met face-to-face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to get a nice squeeze from her
and to chat a bit. She strongly encouraged us to drive the bike course saying
it was pretty intense. Pete and I exchanged glances and said maybe we would try
to fit it in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2Tm69D_Y5qk5Qq-78chIGXzZDjlp6C3iWy3YtZzs_X-OASxJmdepPA_Sd_FORLXf6Mxdn82zQCNb5FA0Ys9rNbYtE2_FCLARAUwXH-3mqgoAccbZ5slc37EFhZmcvM3-8iJQrfZsCEg/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2Tm69D_Y5qk5Qq-78chIGXzZDjlp6C3iWy3YtZzs_X-OASxJmdepPA_Sd_FORLXf6Mxdn82zQCNb5FA0Ys9rNbYtE2_FCLARAUwXH-3mqgoAccbZ5slc37EFhZmcvM3-8iJQrfZsCEg/s320/IMG_1448.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvWJ2wyyz7dPV6w7rxmkZcd4ASQzPqSmdT1qoX5GgNl_l1h3jg82UjAqmNX86y_OI6INdGtulgSYM-PMD-D-3WvIPF_PFFrsJGdAfy1wB2eOKLnYkUT1t9N4By47eoL-CFvx0KOTBmVI/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvWJ2wyyz7dPV6w7rxmkZcd4ASQzPqSmdT1qoX5GgNl_l1h3jg82UjAqmNX86y_OI6INdGtulgSYM-PMD-D-3WvIPF_PFFrsJGdAfy1wB2eOKLnYkUT1t9N4By47eoL-CFvx0KOTBmVI/s320/IMG_1447.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then I was off to rack my stead. My spot in transition was
prime. I was in the first rack near the bike in/bike out shoot. As Rev3 always
does, my spot on the rack was personalized with my name and number. LOVE Rev3! I
let the air out of my tires because, even though I did not want to admit it, it
was hot and I knew I risked blown tubes if I didn’t. Pssssssssst. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I caught sight of my friend, <a href="http://www.simplystu.com/" target="_blank">Stu</a>, who was also working for
Rev3 and I hadn’t seen since Quassy in 2010. After some friendly chit-chat, he
asked if I’d driven the bike course yet. Jeez…what is it with this bike
course?! No, I said. And, like Christine, he said I really needed to. I had
studied the profile and felt I was being cautiously optimistic about the
course, but perhaps I was being overly naïve. Ok, ok. We will forego our
planned outing to the Saturday market with my cousins and drive the course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t think it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i>
bad. Sure the hills were steep and long and the descents were highly technical,
but it didn’t seem so different than the rides I did in Kodiak, especially from
the comfort of an air-conditioned truck. Besides, it was absolutely stunning. So,
after 56 miles, I was able to replace my blissful ignorance of the course with
a comfortable denial. Same, same, right? I do have to admit to swallowing hard
when I saw heat waves radiating off of the asphalt as we drove along the
shadeless run course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent the rest of the day and early evening at my cousins
house, where she and her roommates hosting a lovely BBQ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were back to the hotel by about 8:30 and I spent the next
hour making final preparations, which included asking the hotel to freeze my
bike bottles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sleep did not come easy, but it did come eventually. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race day: The alarm was set for 5:45, but I woke up about
4:30 and did not get much sleep after that. I got out of bed and got dressed in
my kit (new SOAS singlet, SLS compression tri shorts and calf sleeves). I had a
breakfast of a sweet potato, banana, and coconut milk with Deep30 protein
powder and a scoop of almond butter. I also mixed s a bottle with water, half a
scoop of EFS grape, one scoop of EFS Pre-Race to take about 30 or 45 minutes
before the start. I also planned to take 5 MAP caps. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlbYkeN0FbzBnhPbHTBQ6T6z-gfCt5QDC-sW8eQVu_LVXIY2OS_rxXlVvVzLMwzEsHyHO8J-24gr8ViudooNUTtP5tbs82ZVmt3P9rjBAiA_BnErFWscRJpGv5QI-9FXcOqp8SHPmSxg/s1600/P1000872.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlbYkeN0FbzBnhPbHTBQ6T6z-gfCt5QDC-sW8eQVu_LVXIY2OS_rxXlVvVzLMwzEsHyHO8J-24gr8ViudooNUTtP5tbs82ZVmt3P9rjBAiA_BnErFWscRJpGv5QI-9FXcOqp8SHPmSxg/s200/P1000872.jpeg" width="150" /></a>Arriving at Blue Lake, my nerves were kicking into high
gear. It was going to be hot. I was going to have to face reality and pull my
head out of the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My original goal
was to try to beat my time at Quassy, which was the last half I did. I figured
that was a reasonable goal because both the bike and run course at Quassy had
been pretty hilly. I thought if I could beat my swim time by a minute or two
and match or beat my bike split, I could easily run a relatively fast half
marathon given that the course was flat. But I was finally facing the reality
of the hills of this course and the heat of the day. I decided to just race. I
would take each leg as they came and see how things unfolded. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In transition, I pumped up my tires, made sure my bike was
in a low gear, and laid out my bike and run gear. Why did all of the women
around me look so ripped?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to
chat with some of them, but everyone was in pretty intense pre-race mode and
not in the mood for pleasantries. The five minute warning for getting out of
transition was called, so I gave everything one last look, grabbed my wetsuit,
goggles and cap and left it behind. Pete helped me goop up with sunscreen and I
spent a few minutes running through some dynamic stretches before beginning the
45 minutes process of putting of my wetsuit. Water temps were reportedly in the
low 70s. I had a brief thought to just wear my kit with a long-sleeve
compression top, but that’s a hard call to make when everyone surrounding you
is wearing neoprene. I stuck with my Helix. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And soon the pro men were off, followed by the pro women.
Without me realizing it, my wave, which was all age-group women, had already
made their way to the start. Crap! Ah! Quick hug and kiss to Pete and I joined
my fellow racers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilal3ThQVyyl1MV0bSt3sLN5p4Bo91j8eeaRG-cltUqmEkyrJv8muS8T5vV7USV5epgs8un9shEgdPM3WF8Rkr36ZCfrwarJEzqtU1oj4gaBpeC8v67irxW5EMxsoFp8ZG7OfmOXEo0vI/s1600/P1000873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilal3ThQVyyl1MV0bSt3sLN5p4Bo91j8eeaRG-cltUqmEkyrJv8muS8T5vV7USV5epgs8un9shEgdPM3WF8Rkr36ZCfrwarJEzqtU1oj4gaBpeC8v67irxW5EMxsoFp8ZG7OfmOXEo0vI/s200/P1000873.jpeg" width="150" /></a>Swim: There was a brief overview of the swim course, which
no one could hear over the annoying announcer and then we were off. The water
felt good. There was the usual jostling, punching, kicking, etc. as we all
tried to find our space in the water. This lasted a lot longer than usual and
I’m still not sure why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was
directly in my eyes on the outbound leg, so I had to trust that all of the
splashing I could make out was heading in the right direction. I had my Garmin
set to buzz every 15 minutes, which was intended for nutrition on the bike and
run but served as a nice marker in the water when I couldn’t see my watch. I
felt really good in the water. I wasn’t just coasting like I sometimes find
myself doing in the longer swim events. I tried to find some toes to hang on,
but didn’t find anything that stuck. When I felt the first 15 minute buzzer, I
was surprised at how long it had already felt, which, to me, meant I was making
good time. Despite keeping a good pace and passing a number of swimmers, the
swim just didn’t seem to want to end. The second buzzer came and went and I still
couldn’t see the beach. WHAT? And then I finally made the last turn and powered
into the beach. Out of the water, I looked my watch and was heart broken to see
43+. My worst split for 1.2 miles ever. You’ve got to be kidding me. That was
not a 43 minute pace! I started to peel my wet suit off and in the process
managed to break the band on my watch. Awesome. So I made my way to transition,
ripping at the top of my wetsuit, carrying my watching in my hand and swearing
like a sailor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent far too long in
transition, trying to get my wetsuit off my feet and making meager attempts and
mending my watchband, all the while repeating, “That swim had to be long.
Please tell me it was long.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete was at
the fence watching and cheering. I’m embarrassed now that I didn’t make an
effort to at least smile for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lVTSwYsCxHBlGMWmWvESaqmVl8fjpj_c697RgbVz8CCJ2vmwuB67Wg6ghUrDjwsLdlvG_B1LxH5BUeb-KZG1TmQuwhwsyrdh6VrZKxgZlB6Yfi4b3wwZsS-uEYoEg_TdYgYC4SwQ8tI/s1600/P1000878.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lVTSwYsCxHBlGMWmWvESaqmVl8fjpj_c697RgbVz8CCJ2vmwuB67Wg6ghUrDjwsLdlvG_B1LxH5BUeb-KZG1TmQuwhwsyrdh6VrZKxgZlB6Yfi4b3wwZsS-uEYoEg_TdYgYC4SwQ8tI/s200/P1000878.jpeg" width="150" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnQ7c_YRSmIz6agqujzzQExSAWzQTwjKeUn1caEVnUpaVflwhnfcmIoGOo6JG_ecRxdTzEl2UJg1IRWRaJccXEm8WgoaNVi7XRNDj73iPWO_Hf3JhAw6-OVWJjaSlIM-kmnXLuNOqW-Y/s1600/P1000880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnQ7c_YRSmIz6agqujzzQExSAWzQTwjKeUn1caEVnUpaVflwhnfcmIoGOo6JG_ecRxdTzEl2UJg1IRWRaJccXEm8WgoaNVi7XRNDj73iPWO_Hf3JhAw6-OVWJjaSlIM-kmnXLuNOqW-Y/s200/P1000880.jpeg" width="150" /></a>Bike: Whew. On my bike now. All is well. I love my bike.
After a brief moment of debate on whether to leave my watch behind, I decided I
really needed it to at least mark intervals for nutrition. So, I stuff the
watch face down my top. Worked quite well actually and the buzzes every 15
minutes were a nice bonus. I settled in to a nice pace and cadence, as the
first section of the bike was fairly flat with only a few turns. My heart rate
wasn’t leveling out like I wanted, but I knew I had a lot of miles ahead so I
just kept churning. Coach Lisa had advised me to build into my effort, so I
held back in the early miles knowing that some massive hills were ahead and
would MAKE me increase my effort no matter what. My nutrition strategy was to
take a gel or ½ a larabar every 45 minutes, sip on fluids to thirst and snag a
powerbar chompy thing whenever I needed a distraction. It worked quite well,
especially since my bottles were defrosting nicely. The whole ride I was so
happy to have driven the course the day before. It really made a huge
difference. Being somewhat familiar with what was to come really gave me peace
of mind. As I said before, the course was strikingly beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, man, it was brutal. When the hills
started, they started with vengeance. The first hill was over a mile long with
a series of switchbacks and had grades of up to 18%. Huh…funny how they don’t
seem as steep from a car. The next 25 miles continued as killer hills, followed
by screaming fast descents. I opened up as much as I dared on the descents,
especially the ones that I knew ended in a straight stretch rather than a
corner. While these miles were really tough, they were virtually all in the
shade, which was a saving grace for sure. Rev3 had volunteers stationed at
literally every single cross street. Not just the intersections, but every time
a side street met the main course, there was a volunteer. I cannot imagine the
number of people this required but I was so impressed and so grateful. Coming
out of the mountains, the race finished with about 10 miles of flats. While I
had been looking forward to spinning my legs out a bit, I had considered the
flat section also meant no more shade. And, yes it was getting toasty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>T2 was uneventful and went smoothly. I could
already tell my legs weren’t with me. They were tired from the 2500+ feet of
climbing and the heat was already taking its toll. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijNJ8vGBALg1u5CTKiM-2GnRJj_18QUq298NkFSDPC840YZFCddIYHh1Z8P6iWLUdoNrextcfVMay8cu5T935ZeHChuIAHphi8SF4i0-8EiahcHDGEanvk4KvxxEas6UPJotQ-V2UKoY/s1600/P1000881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijNJ8vGBALg1u5CTKiM-2GnRJj_18QUq298NkFSDPC840YZFCddIYHh1Z8P6iWLUdoNrextcfVMay8cu5T935ZeHChuIAHphi8SF4i0-8EiahcHDGEanvk4KvxxEas6UPJotQ-V2UKoY/s200/P1000881.jpeg" width="150" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I honestly don’t have much to say about the run. I did not
feel strong from the first step and I knew this was going to be a mission in
survival and walking as little as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The run course was flat, thankfully but also along an open highway so
that meant major radiation from the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will say that the volunteers and the aid stations were phenomenal.
They were full of cheery faces and were all very sympathetic. They were
equipped with loads of ice and also super soakers. I can’t say how hot it was,
though I heard that it was 88 at the park, which would mean it was easily in
the 90’s where we were running. I hate making excuses, but this girl just isn’t
use to running in that kind of heat. The just worked my way aid station to aid
station and ran along the white line on the road in between to distract myself.
Someone asked if I was training for Badwater. I said no, but it was a good
distraction. He followed suit and agreed. I used the trick of holding ice in my
palms, as recommended by Rikki Keen. It definitely helped, but always seemed to
melt before the next station. So, I slowly but surely made my way along the
course. I had no idea what my pace was because I still had my watch stuffed in
my top and would only glance it every once in a while to watch my overall time
grow higher and higher. In the end, I wound up with my longest half marathon
split to date (open or in a tri), but a victory of my own over the conditions.
I was so happy to see the finish line and the towel soaked in ice water waiting
for me across the line. Another Rev3 plus!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2cJoBCTVikPJgiqkYfF8NKjqA4yByF_wvBlmjXE1KzcH7G9ZdTbH2GzI4iE4pc_YPTzWXBQT7Jq98HcRjscECx7Le-YdgPzb0xAZvAW8be8iY8gD4MJ7vJ_2Z4Nn9loOdKb2XYQLZo4/s1600/P1000883.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2cJoBCTVikPJgiqkYfF8NKjqA4yByF_wvBlmjXE1KzcH7G9ZdTbH2GzI4iE4pc_YPTzWXBQT7Jq98HcRjscECx7Le-YdgPzb0xAZvAW8be8iY8gD4MJ7vJ_2Z4Nn9loOdKb2XYQLZo4/s200/P1000883.jpeg" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKA_TBWj1POv9GRq5KxRH-u4QodAwAwjSs1-4xuUnOlelAK-O5f-dkU7iwBgorNgPAEbfkLzwLoInf7jj5cEWWl6kO92pcvnlt-3ullIa2mrBKWE4PIR1bxDM-phALKA-FQXrJ2jqzxA/s1600/P1000882.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKA_TBWj1POv9GRq5KxRH-u4QodAwAwjSs1-4xuUnOlelAK-O5f-dkU7iwBgorNgPAEbfkLzwLoInf7jj5cEWWl6kO92pcvnlt-3ullIa2mrBKWE4PIR1bxDM-phALKA-FQXrJ2jqzxA/s200/P1000882.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Post race:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I usually find myself asking what I did wrong or could have
done better when a race goes less than ideal. While I’m disappointed in my time
for the day, and maybe even a bit embarrassed, I really don’t know that I could
have changed much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the
option to acclimatize to the heat, so I will always be faced with that battle.
I’m proud of my bike split…I beat my Quassy time by over a minute and this was
definitely a harder course. There was a lot of chatter on the forums about the
swim being long, so I also think I swam faster than my split would indicate. It
turns out I finished higher in my age group than Quassy as well, which tells me
everyone had a tough day. I definitely want to face this course again. I love
Portland and Rev3 is a fantastic organization <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkPGX3v8hYFz970jXr9hGSaYyivvXB0LLG7l3etBSDjuqIVS5LQY-dJ63Y1nZL5Ts8CH7DbwB0zc11i7pQ067l1DN-kUgEgxz0ie9jckKfVYbWSKGeEoPKYn7ilYO09Din8uw8CXBkOc/s1600/P1000884.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkPGX3v8hYFz970jXr9hGSaYyivvXB0LLG7l3etBSDjuqIVS5LQY-dJ63Y1nZL5Ts8CH7DbwB0zc11i7pQ067l1DN-kUgEgxz0ie9jckKfVYbWSKGeEoPKYn7ilYO09Din8uw8CXBkOc/s320/P1000884.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always thank you to Coach <a href="http://www.multisporttrainingak.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Keller </a>for preparing me so well for race day and to <a href="http://fuelandfluids.com/rikkikeen.htm" target="_blank">Rikki Keen</a> and Christine for nutrition advice. A big fat thank you to Pete for doing so much for me all
weekend. He is the best race support and I’m so grateful he was there for me.
Thanks also to my cousins, the Hinkleys, for enduring yet another Portland
event and rooting me on through the finish. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Totals:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim:43:03<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T1:4:17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bike:3:29:54<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T2:1:57<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run: 2:40:45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total: 6:59:55<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-38627954853764660412011-11-21T20:27:00.000-09:002011-11-21T20:27:24.369-09:00Now what?I can't believe it's been over three weeks since B2B already. After months of build-up and preparation, it's now a thing of the past. The world keeps turning and nothing is really any different. But I find myself wanted it to be different. Walking past unassuming people, I want to ask them if they can tell that I finished an ironman. I mean, surely, it must be a foremost on their minds, right? No, I'm afraid not. But it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that no one else knows the difference because it's still mine. I did it. I trained. I raced. I finished. No one will ever be able to take that away from me. Ever. So while I've felt that all-too-common post-race depression and I've done next to nothing since, I hold on to that thought and it always makes me smile.<br />
<br />
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Now what?Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-19157430615390817912011-11-06T09:33:00.000-09:002011-11-06T09:33:13.942-09:00Beach2Battlship Race Report....Race Day!!Below is a very detailed account of my first iron distance triathlon. The race was <a href="http://www.beach2battleship.com/" target="_blank">Beach2Battleship </a>in Wilmington, North Carolina and took place on October 29, 2011.<br />
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<b>Pre-Race</b><br />
After tossing and turning for a good while, I finally managed to snag a few hours of sleep before my alarm went off at 4:15. I had no trouble getting out of bed because it was freakin' race day!! I did, however, have trouble eating breakfast. Who wants to eat something at 4 in the morning for crying out loud? I managed to choke down a sweet potato with almond butter and an egg. Sounds disgusting, but it's actually quite a tasty combination. I mixed a bottle of <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-drink.html" target="_blank">EFS grape flavor</a> to sip on the rest of the morning. Oh, I also popped 4 <a href="http://xendurance.com/" target="_blank">Extreme Endurance</a> capsules and a salt cap.<br />
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I paced around (quietly) for about an hour and then woke up Mark for a ride to T1. He drove me the 3/4 of a mile to T1 and dropped me off with my pre-race and swim to bike gear bags. With a kiss for good luck, I was on my own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw_mZdbQAQ_iqDfmee9RSiL8zLgsvXykYyh0oppkAYu1prhAD3wHP_xz0VyiHlbnsqzOGGUl-gVVG3yqPtm-CGac6t5U6A4W0YOd7LaaiUqT9m8LcfeJ_CC4OvK_qR-BdbUq9pq7pVUg/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw_mZdbQAQ_iqDfmee9RSiL8zLgsvXykYyh0oppkAYu1prhAD3wHP_xz0VyiHlbnsqzOGGUl-gVVG3yqPtm-CGac6t5U6A4W0YOd7LaaiUqT9m8LcfeJ_CC4OvK_qR-BdbUq9pq7pVUg/s320/photo-13.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes lined up at T1 in the early pre-race hours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I checked in my swim to bike gear bag and then went to my bike to make sure all was well. Thankfully, my sexy beast had survived the night just fine, although he claimed to be a bit lonely. I filled my aero bottle and one bottle on my down tube with water and a single <a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> tab each. I also put a gel flask filled with 4 <a href="https://guenergy.com/chocolate-outrage-35.html" target="_blank">GU Chocolate Outrage</a> gels slightly diluted on my top tube. I patted his seat, which I had covered with a plastic bag in case it rained over night, and told him I'd see him in a bit and caught the trolly to the swim start.<br />
<div>The swim start was quite a ways down the beach from T1, so they were transporting athletes and not allowing any other cars down there. It was still an hour or so until the race start, so I sat on the curb in the semi-darkness by myself. Everyone else was doing pretty much the same thing. You could taste the tension in the air. I went to the bathroom 3 times just for something to do. It was about 50 degrees and cloudy; I was chilly, wearing just my swimsuit under a pair of warm-up pants and a sweatshirt. I continued to sip on my EFS and count the minutes. Finally, at about t-minus 30 minutes, I figured it was time for one last pee and to finally don my wetsuit. I also took the EFS <a href="http://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/prerace.html" target="_blank">Pre-Race</a> I had mixed. I began to change and noticed that the guy right next to me was Glenn, from the Beginner Triathlete forum swim group two days before. Even though we barely knew each other, I think we both found some relief and comfort in a familiar face. Glenn helped me zip up my wet suit while we discussed the finer points of bike attire selection for the day. We handed our (now post-race) bags to volunteers and made our way to the beach. I was shivering, both from cold and nerves. And then I heard a familiar whistle and turned to see Mark and Pete! They had ridden the condo bikes to the swim start to see me off. It was so great to see them. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu6ouDs69V8QKeNGBYxJEC4q0hzFImpxtKCto0KNzzTTpJNi6tA8tgiPG4E7q4pEe2pkfCZ3xl9FbX9oEQKJ94hfAq8ml3glUIM41vd8nnoyY91K5sTUtza9zM54TbNPiuCV4QFAWNMI/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu6ouDs69V8QKeNGBYxJEC4q0hzFImpxtKCto0KNzzTTpJNi6tA8tgiPG4E7q4pEe2pkfCZ3xl9FbX9oEQKJ94hfAq8ml3glUIM41vd8nnoyY91K5sTUtza9zM54TbNPiuCV4QFAWNMI/s200/photo-14.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swim Start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vltFMt8kixaDDo9JZW2aWMMHSZf_9rXNtNFrsuYVfo24_RUghqOewTQldvCcM_dzqgcfbZnMjXtuS7EtmXtAnm5k3EacZFU3QdMatnE9dwXOe6hDjj81LSLTtPm9DzgWyCv5rgro6u4/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vltFMt8kixaDDo9JZW2aWMMHSZf_9rXNtNFrsuYVfo24_RUghqOewTQldvCcM_dzqgcfbZnMjXtuS7EtmXtAnm5k3EacZFU3QdMatnE9dwXOe6hDjj81LSLTtPm9DzgWyCv5rgro6u4/s200/photo-15.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The start of the race was slightly delayed until the Coast Guard was satisfied there was enough sunlight to see 750 navy swim caps in the water. They finally called for all swimmers to enter the coral. Kisses and hugs to Pete and Mark and I was in the mix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KH9XojbTF_psg9ohEYffIw_YmyWXujM-wF8A8-tfiFw2rblcczZSTdvNup4UBsNC87ULAI0o8CVYX_Zwt-9DG_kzIG1EO7BFzqs0ebnYCBCwzUU0ThDydfIM_xFeLpbHMSdaAOkUu-w/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KH9XojbTF_psg9ohEYffIw_YmyWXujM-wF8A8-tfiFw2rblcczZSTdvNup4UBsNC87ULAI0o8CVYX_Zwt-9DG_kzIG1EO7BFzqs0ebnYCBCwzUU0ThDydfIM_xFeLpbHMSdaAOkUu-w/s320/photo-16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here goes nothing....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Swim Leg</b><br />
And then the gun went off and I was in the water, doing my first ironman!! The water felt great. It was about 70 degrees, so wasn't at all uncomfortable. I had a surprisingly easy time finding space in the water and I managed to avoid any major combat. I found my rhythm quickly, which was the good news. The bad news was I suddenly really had to go to the bathroom. What in the hell was I suppose to do though? I was in the ocean in a wetsuit for crying out loud! Oh yeah, did I mention that the current was SCREAMING? It was an extremely high incoming tide, so everyone enjoyed a bit of a push along the way.Before I knew it, I saw the flags and dock marking the finish. Volunteers helped me up the wooden ladder and I made my way over to a bench where a lovely lady helped me strip my wetsuit.<br />
<b>Swim time: 00:56:58 </b>(remember...there was a current)<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/126731836" target="_blank">Link to Garmin GPS file</a> of swim leg<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUo9s4ZuKSvLI5CHKZFyTq8QEBcVoccpEY03By4Md-qModhPOClJBKSaaL7-mfZ6RZT6VTyk-UVO5-aSJ4oZ87-ny3dpQxQLojr4IdvXMRTdn4nA_p1YdfNgcOo9S2fBE-Cg0DRyUrjc/s1600/376719_2307220514886_1080498897_2587718_1267434506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUo9s4ZuKSvLI5CHKZFyTq8QEBcVoccpEY03By4Md-qModhPOClJBKSaaL7-mfZ6RZT6VTyk-UVO5-aSJ4oZ87-ny3dpQxQLojr4IdvXMRTdn4nA_p1YdfNgcOo9S2fBE-Cg0DRyUrjc/s200/376719_2307220514886_1080498897_2587718_1267434506_n.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew with support tee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>T1</b><br />
On the way to T1, which was about 400 yards away, there was a series of shower heads to rinse off the salt water. I skipped the hot water tent off to the side because I wasn't at all cold. On my way across the street to T1, I caught sight of my family for the first time. They were all there....Mark, Pete, Patty, Mark2, Jessie and Drew. THey were screaming and jumping around, but the best surprise was that they had had t-shirts made that said Go Bree #85. It nearly made me burst into tears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA3it36xHkHxhxqfnpPYeKfwnem0fpXJADbXxMobtplLz1cjXD6ZGov_7t83kuWT7ldBxMsRoshOEw0tMBrb6csEPszXiP3y9DNC17yn6haVreQUERjj0dm25TllMbMdQDR5VC5lscOI/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA3it36xHkHxhxqfnpPYeKfwnem0fpXJADbXxMobtplLz1cjXD6ZGov_7t83kuWT7ldBxMsRoshOEw0tMBrb6csEPszXiP3y9DNC17yn6haVreQUERjj0dm25TllMbMdQDR5VC5lscOI/s200/photo-17.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to T1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I crossed under the arch, as volunteers called my number and found my gear bag. I knew my transition time would be long because I was making a complete time, so I ignored my watch and just got to work at drying off and redressing. The tent was full of women who were a buzz. It was a great energy. Trouble was, my need to use the bathroom was reaching a quite urgent state. I got as dressed as was respectable and then rushed out to the only john in the transition area. Occupied with someone waiting. I looked at the guy waiting and told him I was nearing the danger zone. He must have realized how serious I was because he let me go in front of him. Whew. OK, that was done. Much better now. Back to the tent to finish getting dressed. It was quite cloudy and while not raining it was really damp. I opted to wear my Orca tri short and tri top, a regular bike jersey, arm warmers and compression socks. I left my rain jacket behind based on the promise of clearing and sun forecasted. In my jersey pockets, I put a second gel flask, 4 stinger waffles, a tube of nuun, a tube of salt tabs and a bagel with almond butter cut into fourths. I threw all my wet gear into my bag and handed it off to a volunteer and then made my way to my bike. Crap! Half was there and I realized I had no sunglasses. Back to my bag, which was thankfully still available. Finally at my bike and saw my family again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhgHm4KdHt8dABh8ayZMSAG4onRxwkdAEMXrKhitQ02WRPJgJBLq4n-TOssEnlwyyD24Bwh38Z104n7zfTK9qhVf6y_znPzNdEygG9IR_era6Ow90KL6yw8gsOck7v836PxeVdF-OGhU/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhgHm4KdHt8dABh8ayZMSAG4onRxwkdAEMXrKhitQ02WRPJgJBLq4n-TOssEnlwyyD24Bwh38Z104n7zfTK9qhVf6y_znPzNdEygG9IR_era6Ow90KL6yw8gsOck7v836PxeVdF-OGhU/s200/photo-22.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">111.9 miles to go<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCJezSFxv7LxCEw26YrwLk1q13Ha1JC_PG5PnBNry0QFxwqUL3Q8rGRKELiBA5Lp_NvPi_BLCu80wPV38sc0euYDsKgpOeX94dCiMpT_oFos6BuGfbt987YI2-g9oI_b9O9nPEo7Pc8E/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCJezSFxv7LxCEw26YrwLk1q13Ha1JC_PG5PnBNry0QFxwqUL3Q8rGRKELiBA5Lp_NvPi_BLCu80wPV38sc0euYDsKgpOeX94dCiMpT_oFos6BuGfbt987YI2-g9oI_b9O9nPEo7Pc8E/s200/photo-18.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waving to the family at T1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Waves and smiles and then I was off.<br />
<b>T1: 00:13:16 </b><br />
(I know, ridiculously long, but I knew it would be.)<br />
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<b>Bike Leg</b><br />
Now on the bike, I realized that I had mistakenly pushed the lap button on my watch twice, so I was counting most of T1 in my bike time. It wan't a big deal, but it meant that I wasn't sure what my actual bike leg was as I was going along. My nutrition plan was to wait 15 to 30 minutes before I started taking in any calories and then my watch would alert me every 15 minutes to take ~1/3 of a gel and once an hour take real food (i.e. one honey stinger waffle). I sipped on my Nuun water as needed. The first miles of the course were through busy streets, but were well marked and manned with lots of cops and volunteers. Soon we actually made our way onto Interstate 140. It seemed kind of weird, but they had given us a whole lane to ourselves. It was actually kind of nice because the road surface was great and we really didn't have to worry about traffic. So, while the course was fine and I was feeling strong, the weather was not being very forgiving. There was a pretty significant head wind and the fog and chill remained. I tried to remain positive by telling myself that it would clear off and I would get a chance to warm-up and dry out. The wind was another story, but I reassured myself with the fact that every other racer was facing the same conditions.<br />
My plan for the bike was to keep my heart rate below 135. I stuck to that plan quite well, with a few exceptions. When the wind came up, I forced myself to accept the significant slow down in MPH to keep my heart rate low. The weather was definitely not ideal, but I think being from Alaska and training in similar weather gave me a significant advantage over many of the other people out there. There were a lot of people who were really suffering. One gal past me and was visibly shivering. In order to remain positive, I would say to myself "it sure would be nice if the sun would come out" instead of cursing the cold, soggy conditions. While I remained relatively comfortable overall, my hands and feet did eventually become numb.<br />
There were aid stations every 15 miles or so. At each, I would ditch the water bottle in my down tube and grab a new one. I would use the new water to refill my aero bottle, to which I added a new Nuun tablet as needed. I had stacked different flavors of Nuun in my tube, so I was always in for a big surprise! Grape or banana or tri berry...it was anybody's guess! For those of you that don't know, at the bike aid stations you do not dismount, rather you slow down enough to grab a bottle from a volunteer who kind of jogs along side of you. At one of the middle aid stations, I missed two bottles because of non-functioning fingers. The poor girls handing out the bottles were panicked! They screamed to the last volunteer "WATER! WATER! She needs WATER!" Fortunately I was successful in my last attempt. I think that the girls were actually much more relieved than I was! I stopped all calories within about 20 minutes of the end of the bike to settle my stomach in anticipation of the run.<br />
I was clearly doing well with my fluid intake because I stopped three (or was it four) times to pee along the way. I didn't bother with the johns at the aid stations but I also opted not to pull the old peeing on the bike trick. Although it might have warmed things up for a bit. At my first pee stop, I did notice that I had failed to remove the plastic bag from my bike seat and had been riding with it on for 35 or 40 miles. Oh yeah, I'm a pro.<br />
When I hit the special needs aid station, I blew on by. All that I had in my bag was extra nutrition and I wasn't lacking. It looked like a lot of people were stopping though. I'm guessing it had a lot to do with the weather.<br />
I can't be sure when it was or at what mile, but suddenly I realized it wasn't so cold anymore and that the sun was actually trying to come out. It was the beginning of a good trend and I slowly began to warm up and dry out. But the wind remained. Someone later told me there gusts of up to 30.<br />
Around mile 75, the course changed direction enough that the headwind became a tailwind. It was a lovely way to ride back to Wilmington and T2 at the Battleship. Sun and winds at my back. I was flying and passing a lot of folks. I think I averaged over 22 MPH for the last 40 miles of the ride. It was having a blast and, at least to me, the 75 miles of headwind were worth it.<br />
As the miles added up, my back was getting sore and my mind was starting to drift towards thoughts of the marathon that was waiting for me. I hadn't seen my family along the route. I knew from the beginning that it was a long shot that they would be able to make their way somewhere along the course. It was kind of good not knowing. There was always a little part of me wondering if they would be around the next corner, but I was never disappointed when they weren't there. <br />
I wish I could describe what it's like to ride 112 miles and the thoughts that go through your head. It's a lot of nonsense really and I'm afraid most of you would be disappointed to learn that it's really just a lot of jumble thoughts about what I saw along the way, how my body was feeling, how much time I had left until the next gel or food. But every once in a while I would smile and remind myself where I was and what I was doing. What your body goes through it hard to describe as well. One minutes you are focused on a particular pain or niggle and then suddenly you realize that what you were focused on doesn't hurt anymore and you can't remember when it stopped.<br />
I finally saw the bridge marking the route to the Battleship and my running shoes.<br />
<b>Bike time:</b> 6:32:41<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/126731838" target="_blank">Link to Garmin GPS file</a><br />
<b>T2</b><br />
I don't have any pics of me coming into T2 because my family hadn't arrived yet! Again, I wasn't upset because the reason was I had finished the bike leg faster than they thought I would. Pulling into T2, I hopped off at the dismount line. A volunteer grabbed my bike and told me he would take care of it. Another volunteer handed me my gear bag and I ran into the changing tent. I sat down and took stock. I felt pretty good. My legs were definitely fatigued and my lower back was sore, but overall I was pleased with how the bike had gone and how I felt about the 26.2 ahead of me. I put a fresh pair of compression socks and took off my bike jersey. I left my arm warmers on because the wind was still whipping even though the sun was out. I replaced my helmet with a visor and grabbed my two gel flasks. The flasks had been filled with 4 GUs each along with 4 salt caps and diluted with water. I shoved everything back in the bag and left it behind in the changing tent as I went out to finish this thing!<br />
<b>T2 time: 00:05:50</b> (again a little long, but not too bad)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vHPU_5MhJSb5SSC6Sz8n2Neo5wWyuacgXDQlxWiGjZbcam9VMQrImy4FeUhfYJwk3FGcAlFw3a2sY2LUnZIwLBIr3sLY9ZGsKsVnDt8s5QfiY4ShZrNmbF6CnClWl6bjHbOMddhN5SE/s1600/P1000575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vHPU_5MhJSb5SSC6Sz8n2Neo5wWyuacgXDQlxWiGjZbcam9VMQrImy4FeUhfYJwk3FGcAlFw3a2sY2LUnZIwLBIr3sLY9ZGsKsVnDt8s5QfiY4ShZrNmbF6CnClWl6bjHbOMddhN5SE/s320/P1000575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Po and Drew playing at the condo during the bike leg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Run Leg</b><br />
Running across the timing mat to end my transition and start my run, I turned onto the road the led away from the Battleship and towards the first bridge. That is when I saw my family. They were hooting and hollering and were so surprised that I had not only beat them to transition, but was already heading out on the run. I smiled and laughed, as they cheered me on. On that first bridge, the wind was so strong that my visor literally blew off of my head. When I stop to put it back on and adjust my shoelaces, my old friend Glenn ran by and we cheered each other on. It was great to see him again and to know he was doing well.<br />
As I tried my find my running rhythm, my legs definitely felt heavy but I wasn't miserable. I vowed that I would just keep running and see how things unfolded. The course was two loops of an out and back, so everything I faced, I faced four times. That was good in some cases, like the party atmosphere of the downtown streets in Wilmington and bad in others, like the two bridges I would have to cross 4 times each.<br />
I tried not to think about how many miles were ahead, but just took each mile one at a time. There were aid stations every mile. They were manned by the most incredible volunteers ever!! I was taking a slug of gel every minutes and water at each aid station. I wasn't enjoying the gel/salt mix much but I didn't know how to alter it, or rather I didn't have the energy to think of a good alternative.<br />
The course went through downtown Wilmington, through a more industrial section and then through a lovely little park where the 6.55 mile turn around was located. I was reasonably happy with my time so far and just hoped I could hold it together. Nearing the turn around in the park I saw Glenn again. It was encouraging to see him again.<br />
I was moving and felt like I was doing doing reasonably well, but I would always be a bit disappointed when I checked my watch and saw how slow I was actually moving. Then I remind myself that I wasn't going for a marathon PR, I was just trying to finish an ironman in under 14 hours. <br />
At mile 10, I was surprised to see Pete! I was so, so great to see him. I stopped and hugged him and then kept chugging along.<br />
I crossed each bridge for the second time to make my way back to the battleship and my special needs bag. I knew that some of the people running along side me were probably making that run for the last time, rather than than the first. That is a bit hard to swallow, but seeing the people running the other direction...starting their first trip over the trip put it in perspective.<br />
I ran past my family going into transition and special needs. They were still full of energy and star cheering power!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SR1sOTqMDNYA3NcnvfquwNXyeWZffk0AIxZVtzb5DCCpe3xYHn_ZOYMEbOfl3hpOZQTzfsaZ4SweKi3mNdYeE7G9rspN9jKzPqgML1E0CfGuy9jZTafsNB9jwu_LKg1ZKMmm9KuyCZw/s1600/P1000581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SR1sOTqMDNYA3NcnvfquwNXyeWZffk0AIxZVtzb5DCCpe3xYHn_ZOYMEbOfl3hpOZQTzfsaZ4SweKi3mNdYeE7G9rspN9jKzPqgML1E0CfGuy9jZTafsNB9jwu_LKg1ZKMmm9KuyCZw/s320/P1000581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into transition and the half way point of the marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In transition, I got rid of my empty gel flask and put on my long sleeve top. I knew the sun would be going down during the second loop and it would be cold again. The most important thing I grabbed was my little baggie of candy corn. Candy corn is one of my favorite treats, so I wanted a few for a moral boost during the second half of the marathon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT5UBE6XML7iEyYEhEjAR0I5CDSzM-AVcixUspoHGF3mupwQCN5bI6Ej2ZbQyy0jFECnMkN-UO67HXKPn7ZY_YusldsBn35c8lGQ5dDSNdifm6WC3tcXSW9ILJqDFkcO3s-a21URhjVE/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT5UBE6XML7iEyYEhEjAR0I5CDSzM-AVcixUspoHGF3mupwQCN5bI6Ej2ZbQyy0jFECnMkN-UO67HXKPn7ZY_YusldsBn35c8lGQ5dDSNdifm6WC3tcXSW9ILJqDFkcO3s-a21URhjVE/s320/photo-25.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the turn-around, showing off my candy corn goodies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoXhb9SiuYTuiWxo2Xq40x9Jq65QboVueTgYrH6_3JmXtzrIJtp9rE20g_Q7_A-hEVRzlnzNAi1NhMX0F5dMlk3QeRDusSgB4vdTzCM054haa-SW0Y-lDwNI5XQnR66Z3UYezaf6f_Ok/s200/P1000583.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some encouragement from Mark</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICopapMgD-hh91VeM28Beu_-xb9RGpEtlAsXvLioAvBej5Fyzw6EAq3Nu_FVSktbFnijA6tGGNDjOriy7xIopanzam2EgYvzfwlvrr1Ytxn3evYaQixxwON09c6id1FqJaKGSy65aL8/s1600/P1000584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICopapMgD-hh91VeM28Beu_-xb9RGpEtlAsXvLioAvBej5Fyzw6EAq3Nu_FVSktbFnijA6tGGNDjOriy7xIopanzam2EgYvzfwlvrr1Ytxn3evYaQixxwON09c6id1FqJaKGSy65aL8/s200/P1000584.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kisses and smiles from Baby Drew!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was good for my soul to see my loved ones again and I started the second 13.1 with a renewed enthusiasm. Unfortunately, my legs were not as strong as my mind, so while I was making forward progress, it was slower than ideal. My goal was to keep running no matter how slow. Oh and here come those bridges again. What kept me going was that I knew Pete was waiting for me at mile 16 because he had said he would see me at the same point on my way back. Before reaching that point, I stopped at what was becoming my favorite aid station. There were a couple of sweet little girls with fairy wings working there and they always made me smile.<br />
As promised, I saw Pete at mile 16. Again, it was great to see a friendly face. But what was really a fantastic surprise was that Jess and Drew had made their way over there as well. Drew was full of smiles for me and I kissed her little cheeks. I couldn't believe she had made it so much of the day. For the second time, I nearly started crying with emotion. I knew Jess would have to take Drew home, but Pete said he would see me at the finish and I said I know and kept running.<br />
Somewhere between this point and mile 21, I really started to feel pretty crappy. My stomach was not happy. My plan to walk the aid stations was turning into loitering the aid stations. Up to this point, I had thought I would be able to sneak in under 13 hours, but my pace was slowing considerably and I saw this slipping away from me. I wanted to quit taking the gel, but nothing at the aid stations was any more appetizing. At the 21 mile aid station, I was nearing the bathroom danger zone again. The good news is there was a john available and I emerged from it a new woman. I felt so much better. I bailed on my gels and starting in on the chicken broth and coke. Never have two items tasted so good. I definitely had a new lease on life.<br />
I started running, knowing that the end was not far. I also decided to quit looking at my watch in terms of a time goal and only out of curisosity. I knew 13 hours was not attainable now, so I just let it go and focus on finishing in a vertical position.<br />
I started talking with folks as I came upon them at the aid stations or on the road. I met a lot of nice people, who were all to happy to chat and have a distraction.<br />
At the aid station just before I was to cross the bridges for the last time, I asked the woman to make sure I looked alright for my finish photo. I think she got a kick out of that and she even fixed my hair a bit.<br />
I didn't care how fast I was going because I could hear the band and see the lights at the finish line. I made a final pit stop at the last aid station and then slowly ran over the final bridge. It was the darkest and longest bridge EVER! Every step hurt my tender feet and my whole body was begging me to just stop moving and yet my heart was soaring. At the same time, I was feeling so much empathy for those who were crossing the bridge in the opposite direction, still having to face a half marathon.<br />
Over the bridge and onto flat ground, there were people every where. A lot of athletes were lined up to the take bus back to downtown and their cars. It was obvious from how "quick" I was moving and the smile on the my face that I was nearing the end. They whooped with congratulations. Turning the corner into transition, a volunteer called my number and said "there's a finisher's smile." I saw Mark, who was yelling and running and taking photos. Then he disappeared and I realized it was because I still had to wrap around a bit to reach the finish line. He was running ahead to be at the end. One more corner and I saw the finishing arch. It was all I could do to keep a smile on my face and not break down.<br />
And then I was done. I was an ironwoman.<br />
<b>Run time: 5:24:19 (yeah, I blew up)</b><br />
<b><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/126731839#" target="_blank">Link to Garmin GPS file</a></b><br />
<b>Total time: 13:13:02</b><br />
I crossed the line and immediately starting crying. I got my finisher's medal and some poor kid wanted to take my timing chip. I told to go for it, but I could be of no help. He managed to get it off. Through the chute, I was handed a space blanket, which I wrapped around my shoulders and then rushed into the arms of my husband. I was balling at this point and hugged and kissed Pete and my mom. We were all crying. I think the first words I said to them were "I don't think I'll do that again for a while."<br />
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The whole event was very surreal. The moments both lasted forever and flew by. Overall, I'd say it was the fastest 13 hours of my life. Reflecting on it now, I cannot help but get choked up all over again when I think about what I did and everyone who helped me along the way. I can remember when I first got into this sport of triathlon and saying over and over again that I would never do an ironman. The thought of it was too immense and here I am, with a legitimate claim to calling myself an ironman triathlete.<br />
Even though ironman is not a team sport, no one can cross the finish line without help. Despite the pain and discomfort and the occasional dark moment, I never ever doubted that I would finish on the day. I owe that to all of those who were with me in spirit along the way. I absolutely would not have made it the 140.6 miles, let alone through the months of training, without the most incredible support system. The thousands of volunteers that committed 100% to helping the athletes on the day were incredible. I've never experience a better group of people. I don't know where the B2B folks found these people, they were pure gold. The organizers of this race really put on a first class event. I felt like a VIP all day. <a href="http://fuelandfluids.com/rikkikeen.htm" target="_blank">Rikki Keen</a> dialed in my nutrition and never got annoyed with my questions. My coach, <a href="http://www.multisporttrainingak.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Keller</a>, outlined a plan tailor made for me. Her plan and advice build me up and kept me strong and confident through the whole day. Thank you so much, Lisa; you are a rock star. To my friends, who, even though they would roll their eyes and tell me I was nuts when we talked about the race and my training, I knew were behind me entirely. So many of you offered me words of encouragement before and on the day. Believe me when I say that I carried every word with me. Betsy and Heather were particularly brilliant in their support. I love you both. And of course, my beautiful, amazing, spectacular family. Where would I be without you all? Each of you traveled to be with me and see me race, a completely selfless act. You stuck it out all day in the wind, rain and cold, but only had smiles for me. Your faces (and t-shirts!) on the race course gave me more inspiration and motivation that you will ever know. Mark, my husband, deserves the most thanks of all because he had to put up with me through the 15 hours training weeks, the anal retentiveness about getting my workouts in, the 9 hours bricks, the ice baths, the pick-up requests when I miscalculated my time or distance, the piles of water bottles in the dish washer, the extra loads of laundry and on and on. Most important, though, I thank Mark for never questioning why I do this sport and never doubting that I would finish. He was remarkable through all of race weekend. Thank you, my love...but I have some bad news, I will be doing this all again.<br />
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So, that's my race report. I'll follow this up in a day or two with an epilogue now that I've had a week or so to ruminate on the day. Thanks for reading!!Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-75184660915598895002011-11-03T20:21:00.036-08:002011-11-03T20:38:16.246-08:00Beach2Battlship Race Report....Pre Race<div class="MsoNormal"><u>Pre-Race</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Wednesday</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I arrived in Wilmington on the night of the 26<sup>th </sup>with Mark, Pete and Patty and found our condo in Wrightsville Beach. The condo was perfect and we were so relieved. We settled in and then grabbed a quick bite to eat at a charming little Mexican joint down the road. Early to bed even though we were jet lagged.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Thursday</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I woke up at 6:30 to meet some folks from the Beginner Triathlon forum to swim the second half of the course. Three of us from the forum showed up as well as three other guys who were there to do the same thing. We were exceptionally fortunate because two of the guys were local and had been swimming the course all summer. They gave us a lovely “guided tour”, pointing out the best spots to catch the current and noting the tricky spots. We walked the route from the swim exit to where T1 would be, which was about 400 yards away. Big props to the local guys for being so friendly and helpful…they even gave me a ride back to my car at the swim start. The rest of the family was still snoozing when I returned so I put my bike together. Still snoozing. So a solo trip to the store for a few provisions, including coffee for my lazy bones family back at the ranch. Pete, Mark and I took my bike to Two Wheeler Dealer where they installed the race wheels I rented, a pair of 808 Zipps. They were so sweet and made my beautiful bike look that much sexier….and faster! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkdVeBW2iR51Xu5Cd8AUOHG9kYNuwKvWlDdAX6NN5OdfXmWHUCSddItBcBkt4sWF5A7SZu5LXwomSx_7Ce9RVMJUMMmwHtQFIgREk8WFLUYAWmcGZItYPUdV0fehdU1jHPlUYedQnHKk/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREPHJor3WWuv3PyM5TiqjVI3RlGZ2GMq1ZSmk2JgyPcDeIBYglheN7SK6sosK_X4IsrofvQ6V_0qGt2hKZMJiDgJY2KlTQwjORe-QnGvPWnU18bE_Ncez0mxuSawakDu6x50qvTQdOlY/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span></span></a></div>Next it was off to the convention center for packet pick-up. I was set-up with a race bracelet (gray for the full…that’s right!), given all my goodies (t-shirt, towel, socks), timing chip, race number and 5 gear bags. Being there definitely got the butterflies going, but it gave me a fun nervous energy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkdVeBW2iR51Xu5Cd8AUOHG9kYNuwKvWlDdAX6NN5OdfXmWHUCSddItBcBkt4sWF5A7SZu5LXwomSx_7Ce9RVMJUMMmwHtQFIgREk8WFLUYAWmcGZItYPUdV0fehdU1jHPlUYedQnHKk/s200/photo-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at packet pick-up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#85!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j0HC5DAcXKu-VqoosWbCKXz33a-djIXem5_noQidhJSZr-ht2oeubm8a21stdHwJDiLVjG3Ja9SoMb5VdfhtQGJ9PmqypEdAKZRm4-koI7pI0HcZlQnFd0ZekmqokshkxbgEbYBaT40/s1600/P1000555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j0HC5DAcXKu-VqoosWbCKXz33a-djIXem5_noQidhJSZr-ht2oeubm8a21stdHwJDiLVjG3Ja9SoMb5VdfhtQGJ9PmqypEdAKZRm4-koI7pI0HcZlQnFd0ZekmqokshkxbgEbYBaT40/s200/P1000555.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Drew arrives!!</td></tr>
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Jess, Mark and baby Drew arrived at the condo that evening and we had a nice dinner all together before bed time again.<br />
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<i>Friday</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I took advantage of a slow morning and slept late. I did a short brick workout of a 20 minute ride and a 10 minute run. It was fun to see other racers out on the road and share knowing smiles. The weather had changed drastically from the previous day’s 80 degrees. It was cloudy and windy and had dropped to the low 60’s. The change was just fine for my Alaskan blood. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Next it was back to the convention center for the pre-race meeting. Take home message: Holy crap! </div><div class="MsoNormal">Back at the condo, I spent the next couple of hours organizing my gear bags. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The gear bags and their contents:</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelasDwdXf3appt_un4KmU1nQDUz9fM23MfB3prxd-p7LBZNwidYkSOpAvw8rYXc7kEUnimVPDALMH3XaXdcbpJTIMGO-N7GmB_8aaz2-yIjn77zHpvzrffMWfhfXoqM4qUlBqNddiHJw/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelasDwdXf3appt_un4KmU1nQDUz9fM23MfB3prxd-p7LBZNwidYkSOpAvw8rYXc7kEUnimVPDALMH3XaXdcbpJTIMGO-N7GmB_8aaz2-yIjn77zHpvzrffMWfhfXoqM4qUlBqNddiHJw/s200/photo-11.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gear Bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Pre/Post Gear Bag - I packed my wetsuit, neoprene booties, goggles (x2), body glide, cap</div><div class="MsoNormal">T1 - Swim to Bike - Tri shorts, tri top, bike jersey, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, compression socks, bike shoes, rain jacket, towel, two gel flasks (with 4 gels each), 4 honey stinger waffles, 1 bagel with almond butter and honey, salt caps, Nuun. </div><div class="MsoNormal">T2 - Bike to Run - Race belt and number, extra socks (x2), shorts, long sleeve top, visor, two gel flasks (with 4 gels each).</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bike Special Needs - Extra nutrition</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run Special Needs - Long sleeve top, extra socks, little baggie of candy corn</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had to check in the special needs bags and T2, as well as rack my bike before 8:00 on Friday.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMm2va-ypnjlae_2Uweiqb09aeAmuHGE7IvtKLDGoUV7bvrbKa9dfooKkJQVzb7fujGDeeF66m57qHXb1Z_LuFyuUMLKPpHsfRp6mtDOiqdzHxijNA9kqlWwT2SdgThZjC8Jak-IJoF0/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMm2va-ypnjlae_2Uweiqb09aeAmuHGE7IvtKLDGoUV7bvrbKa9dfooKkJQVzb7fujGDeeF66m57qHXb1Z_LuFyuUMLKPpHsfRp6mtDOiqdzHxijNA9kqlWwT2SdgThZjC8Jak-IJoF0/s200/photo-10.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Needs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wSmsrwnuPkuFE3aDYvutzrCiAmkeEhR9WPZ_H00WFrSVbbbmuEUvzHLw-jM4jqkKn-a8A26Zmm1o4S-pZ5sDupt5iOZUO9AWuhsMIHy1ko7hn1MFb3Pqvhn4pFRI0l7TtMTrhIR5E70/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wSmsrwnuPkuFE3aDYvutzrCiAmkeEhR9WPZ_H00WFrSVbbbmuEUvzHLw-jM4jqkKn-a8A26Zmm1o4S-pZ5sDupt5iOZUO9AWuhsMIHy1ko7hn1MFb3Pqvhn4pFRI0l7TtMTrhIR5E70/s200/photo-12.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rackin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After my bike was racked and my bags were packed, there wasn't much else to do but wait...</div>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-18665209825182524782011-07-10T21:34:00.000-08:002011-07-10T21:34:04.461-08:00Where does it go?Time, that is. It's nearly mid-July and I have no idea how it happened.<br />
I know that the official start of summer isn't until late June, which means that July should mean early summer. But, for whatever reason, the 4th of July signals the middle of summer to me. So how can we be half way through summer already?<br />
<br />
The whales have been quiet so far and we've only managed two day trips out in search of them. One of these trips marked only the second time we've been completely skunked. That is to say we saw zero whales on the day. Lame. Very lame indeed. But, there is hope on horizon as reports are there are a lot of animals further north than we have been able to check so far. Also, we are heading to the Shumagins on Wednesday which never fails to please. (Knocking furiously on wood).<br />
<br />
As for training, it's going along quite well actually. I am enjoying the last hours of a rest week and will rev up again tomorrow. So far, my long run as been 16 and long ride 66. It's nice to see the mileage building, and yet I must admit that the impending build makes me a bit nervous.<br />
<br />
On this road to ironman, I am in a constant state of sheer panic and sheer delight. I have overlapping thoughts of "what am I doing?" and "damn, this is going to be grand." <br />
<br />
I've recently discovered the <a href="http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/">Ben Greenfield Fitness </a>podcast and website. What a great resource. Ben G. is full of knowledge and is so generous for sharing most of it for free. The podcast is a now a regular among my other favorite...<a href="http://www.imtalk.me/">IMTalk</a>.<br />
<br />
More soon...Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-70213943409878232432011-04-06T11:46:00.000-08:002011-04-06T11:46:44.070-08:00Weekend in PortlandRight now I'm on my way back to Kodiak for the first annual Kodiak Area Marine Science Symposium. It's going to be really weird to be back in Kodiak, especially without my dog to greet me. I haven't been in the house since we lost her and I know it will really hit me when she's not to be found in her familiar places. I still miss her like mad.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26ThhAotvGjpxKIosmuXAC7fqyS1Mwx0zo48JWRyuX3afF_QsnHsRNaoFbaPYXWxLekzZZorw9eGmg7HIoKMzE8fBGZ7dHo6I7JtiwqhmgOMiK9vsdDDTrR7KRkFG3MNd79KcChwUQL8/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26ThhAotvGjpxKIosmuXAC7fqyS1Mwx0zo48JWRyuX3afF_QsnHsRNaoFbaPYXWxLekzZZorw9eGmg7HIoKMzE8fBGZ7dHo6I7JtiwqhmgOMiK9vsdDDTrR7KRkFG3MNd79KcChwUQL8/s200/photo-7.JPG" width="150" /></a>On a lighter note, we spent the weekend in Portland and had a fabulous time. The main reason for our trip was to visit a lab breeder about picking up a new pup. Well, as I'm sure most of you can understand, to go visit tiny dogs and not commit to bringing one home is a herculean task. We failed and put a deposit on a female who was born on March 19th. We'll bring her home on May 7th.<br />
Though we haven't picked her yet, we do know she will be one of these two.<br />
I mean, how cute can you get? Seriously? It's a little ridiculous.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ZUT10ZuyrwMBX5fNg3s9u07gTP3c_6ermwwYygcaZ-4vAPQlzxpFTEWB2lqFiDp8dtJPbskg9cxVzzj533RL3NvQ_mvYog91yIA4o4lDtAk6Sl28R4K0GsJy21qHjq7BdVlRzJJZl4/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ZUT10ZuyrwMBX5fNg3s9u07gTP3c_6ermwwYygcaZ-4vAPQlzxpFTEWB2lqFiDp8dtJPbskg9cxVzzj533RL3NvQ_mvYog91yIA4o4lDtAk6Sl28R4K0GsJy21qHjq7BdVlRzJJZl4/s200/IMG_0401.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNHplO861p92FSmmV3lePa895LZWXM0V4-lPlCAkCd8anzCoXSlKsM9gVfZBs5u7UxJI-EhNExBxTDJHsPocfpKTYNosOWXiuMrQybBVX-Hzr4KB4w_FIR5xiL-0PJjUR0eqheAfSHMU/s1600/IMG_0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNHplO861p92FSmmV3lePa895LZWXM0V4-lPlCAkCd8anzCoXSlKsM9gVfZBs5u7UxJI-EhNExBxTDJHsPocfpKTYNosOWXiuMrQybBVX-Hzr4KB4w_FIR5xiL-0PJjUR0eqheAfSHMU/s200/IMG_0402.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
I was also able to go on a fantastic bike ride from the city to Sauvie Island. It was a gorgeous little farming community just outside of Portland. Lots of sheep and water fowl. Oh, it was quite lovely, it was.<br />
Oh, I also went by the local tri shop, Athletes Lounge, and got a great deal on a new pair of Sidi bike shoes.<br />
The husband enjoyed plenty of well crafted IPAs along the way!<br />
<br />
Totals for 3/28 - 4/3<br />
Swimming: 7000 yards<br />
Bike: 71.30 miles<br />
Run: 21.30 miles<br />
Strength: 1:20Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-52738823542188667142011-03-28T20:36:00.000-08:002011-03-28T20:36:56.535-08:00I have magical powersThis weekend I discovered that I have the power to control the weather. The rain begins when I leave the house on my bike or for a run and it stops as soon as I return. Sometimes, my return can even bring the sun out. So much for all those silly models and predictions. You want to know when it's going to rain...just ask me what time I'll be at about my half way point of any given workout.<br />
<br />
I'm finally back to a regular training schedule!<br />
Totals for 3/21 - 3/27<br />
Bike: 69.48 mi<br />
Run: 21.06 mi<br />
Swim: 4500 yd<br />
Strength: 1:20Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-48773876990925633662011-03-26T21:13:00.000-08:002011-03-26T21:13:30.135-08:00And we're back....Sorry. It's been another long stretch and my blog follower was getting anxious. Yes, I meant to write follower, as in singular, because I find it hard to imagine that anyone other than my husband actually checks this. <br />
Anyway...<br />
Since my last post the following events have taken place:<br />
<br />
1. I severely sprained my ankle, which severely sprained my training and severely sprained my mental state. I'm finally back to running again after six weeks off. I was able to bike, but could only swim with a pull buoy. I was introduced to the mind numbingly boring brain drain known as aqua jogging. <br />
<br />
2. I went to Mexico. Didn't run there either. I ate a lot of tacos and guacamole. <br />
<br />
3. I got a cold that knocked me on my ass for three long days and continued to linger for no fewer than three weeks. <br />
<br />
4. Items 1 through 3 made me listen to the message the universe was yelling in my ear and withdrew from Oceanside 70.3. This is the firs time I've had to drop out of a race and it was heart breaking. Still, I'm sure each of us is faced with decisions like that at some point or another and we can only hope that we can make the decision that is right for our bodies, rather than our minds. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIoEvaYaCQUkqezNYYXLLeKzTjimQsxs4VQNraUAMTGmnh_eWJ4FB3F_9W8DD6LJWmREPpwizk6Mt6S37HZ84LCMUbq9QfKz9NE4mNdA9Zl398NyYDEvCxxYqiK2J-IXqIlvNY-oJAYU/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIoEvaYaCQUkqezNYYXLLeKzTjimQsxs4VQNraUAMTGmnh_eWJ4FB3F_9W8DD6LJWmREPpwizk6Mt6S37HZ84LCMUbq9QfKz9NE4mNdA9Zl398NyYDEvCxxYqiK2J-IXqIlvNY-oJAYU/s200/photo3.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
5. I became an aunt!! My niece, Drew Lockhart Connell, was born on March 5th. She was born with a heart condition known as transposition of the great arteries and underwent major surgery at 7 days old. After another 7 days, she was finally allowed to go home with her mom and dad. <br />
My sister gave birth completely naturally, which continues to blow my mind. She weights less than a paper clip. Imagine a watermelon coming out of a tube of toothpaste. So between Drew and her mom, I have two new huge sources of inspiration for keeping going in the last tough miles of any race.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-76949950155587112942011-01-27T09:19:00.000-09:002011-01-27T09:19:58.783-09:00The glory of the recovery weekAt first the thought of a rest or recovery week would send me into a panic. I would feel antsy and restless as I cut my training and effort roughly in half for an entire week. But I've grow to appreciate the rest week both for the necessary break it brings my body but also for the extra time it affords me. What?! An extra three hours on Sunday? The world is my oyster! Last night, a Wednesday, I even went to a movie. A movie! In the middle of the week. By the way, it was True Grit and it was fantastic. I may even see another one. What's stopping me?<br />
<br />
Totals for 1/17 - 1/23<br />
Swim: 5100 yards (missed one workout)<br />
Bike: 72.6 miles<br />
Run: 25.1 miles<br />
Conditioning: 1 hour bootcamp<br />
2 roller session with "the stick" and one trigger point session.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-29844042923991932282011-01-25T14:34:00.002-09:002011-01-25T14:34:56.630-09:00KinGonna be an aunt in a few short weeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPKJN3Qgls_P3QxHOZ9QPNIIkbIEs3ISKuCkz1Neijdv7qr-ip3Mb6GJDDybqDvDZuO-mSmWToWr5t1txj1-Xbc3jytRhLVDTmv_Q6TwnZTbzhZPJmvSCKoUW7dNIAU6S9pInlzrImbU/s1600/Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPKJN3Qgls_P3QxHOZ9QPNIIkbIEs3ISKuCkz1Neijdv7qr-ip3Mb6GJDDybqDvDZuO-mSmWToWr5t1txj1-Xbc3jytRhLVDTmv_Q6TwnZTbzhZPJmvSCKoUW7dNIAU6S9pInlzrImbU/s1600/Photo+1.jpg" /></a></div>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-16482376720327362602011-01-17T10:49:00.000-09:002011-01-17T10:49:21.540-09:00Bi-polar RunnerOn Monday night I did an hour long run which included a 2-mile time trial. I generally do these time trials once a month during the earlier phases of my training so my <a href="http://www.multisporttrainingak.com/">coach</a> can judge my progress and set my paces. The TT went surprisingly well. I felt strong and pushed myself just the right amount. I completed the 2 miles in 15:18, for a 7:39 pace. This is a decent improvement over my previous best of 15:51 (7:55). I was ecstatic and for the rest of the run I fed on that feeling and told myself "days like today are why I do this."<br />
Fast forward to this weekend's long run of 1:40. I felt like two cement blocks had been strapped to my legs and my lungs felt like I had spent the weekend smoking. Unlike Monday, the thought running through my head was "why do I do this to myself." It was incredibly disappointing.<br />
Why does that happen? How do I find consistency? And by consistency, I mean consistency in feeling good not feel like crap in motion. I suppose I could attribute the lousy weekend run to the accumulation of the week's workouts. I can understand not feeling 100% after a long week of work and training, but should it make THAT much of a difference? Maybe it should. Or maybe it does for me, but shouldn't. I know everyone has good days and bad and I should not expect to be the exception to these rule. However, I would think that a bit more consistency isn't too much to ask for. What am I missing?<br />
On another note, I have begun to use the <a href="http://www.tptherapy.com/">Trigger Point</a> hip and lower back kit to deal with my piriformis pain. I've only done it two or three times and while I haven't noticed a huge difference in my day-to-day discomfort, I do feel significantly better after I do a session. I'm not sure how often I should be doing it, but I'm going to keep at it at two or three times a week and hope for continued improvement.<br />
<br />
Training totals for 1/10-1/16<br />
Swim - 6300 yards<br />
Bike - 58.5 miles<br />
Run - 23.4 miles<br />
Plus one hour of boot camp and two trigger point sessions.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-18365024623935864342011-01-05T20:50:00.000-09:002011-01-05T20:50:41.284-09:00RANT...part 2!!It's been hard to adjust to swimming in a pool with other people. In Kodiak, it was not at all uncommon to experience swimming laps in an empty pool for entire duration of my workout. Now that I'm living in Seattle, I knew that I would lose this luxury. For the most part, I've grown to accept the circle swim and having to share a lane with up to 5 other people. I cannot fault people for wanting to swim during the limited hours lap swim is offered. So, that's not my rant. My rant is directed at the people who cannot seem to understand the concept of lane sharing and lane designations. Lanes are marked with different speeds for a reason people! When the lane marker says fast or very fast and you don't even know how to put on a swim cap, then DON'T USE THE FAST LANE!!! Should be obvious, right? Common courtesy, right? Minimal brain power required, right? You'd think so. Along those lines, even if you are fast enough to be in a certain lane, should you decide to do a kick set or a few laps of back stoke, then perhaps you would be kind enough to move to a slower or more open lane for the duration of these particular exercises. Can you tell I had a bad night at the pool? <div>Oh, but the silver lining is I swam my fastest 500 to date. Must have tapped into some of that frustration. </div><div><br />
</div>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-17913223853165255742011-01-04T08:24:00.000-09:002011-01-04T08:24:31.415-09:00RANT!I was biking to work this morning. It was cold. 29 or something. I was almost to work when I hit a patch of ice and took a fancy little spill. It wasn't bad at all and no blood was shed. My issue is that I crashed on a fairly busy road and there were at least three vehicles that witnessed it. Not one person stopped...or even slowed down for that matter. WTF?? Fortunately for them (and me) I was not hurt, but they didn't know that. Am I overreacting? How many of you would drive on past a cyclists laying on the side of the road? Seattle has a reputation for having overly nice drivers...apparently that courtesy does not extend to anything with less than four wheels.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-63687125861478649222010-12-20T10:13:00.000-09:002010-12-20T10:13:05.782-09:00How do you know?Yesterday I ran the <a href="http://www.promotionevents.com/12Ks/12K_Info.htm">12Ks of Christmas</a> in Kirkland. The 12Ks of Christmas is a play on the 12 Days of Christmas, which each K representing one of the days...three french hens, etc. You'd think that would be pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many people were confused by this concept.<br />
Anyway, I digress. It was a fun race and the weather was beautiful...clear and brisk. I felt good and the race went well. I'm not sure what, if anything, was off and yet I still believe that I am capable of running faster than I did. Was it because I was just training through it? Was it all those bloody hills? Just what IS the trick? How do you know how fast you can truly go? What are your true limits? I wish that I could have one perfect day when, at the end, I would know that was it. That was as fast as I can go and that is the gold standard. But there is no way to know is there? You will always wonder...even if you meet your goal, set a new PR or feel like a super star all day.<br />
I have also decide that someone needs to create a magical formula in which you can plug in your hours of sleep, the week's workouts, nutrition, weather, mood, course, your bathroom habits, etc. and out would come a predicted race time. Surely some super computer could work on that.Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-57652659687796350512010-12-10T09:56:00.000-09:002010-12-10T09:56:19.103-09:00Friday = Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFunbUe3uj0I1TVycvWwSko1Gdh89SHhC_UNrcwvsAl06PiCwsL-paHVgJfU3eh74l6yjw4NK0oWpXQ3qDJheKqU0BBDhiNaVTeIbZAwDsvb5TrIxCt6J93ip8lbNjBjDSnOuT7lXwJc/s1600/Photo+on+2010-12-10+at+10.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFunbUe3uj0I1TVycvWwSko1Gdh89SHhC_UNrcwvsAl06PiCwsL-paHVgJfU3eh74l6yjw4NK0oWpXQ3qDJheKqU0BBDhiNaVTeIbZAwDsvb5TrIxCt6J93ip8lbNjBjDSnOuT7lXwJc/s320/Photo+on+2010-12-10+at+10.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-87931242146452241622010-12-04T11:45:00.000-09:002010-12-04T11:45:51.405-09:00What have I done?I don't think the magnitude of what I did this week has really sunk in, nor will it sink it for a while. On December 1st I registered for the Beach2Battleship full iron distance race. It was inevitable, I think we all knew it. But it is official and now I'm going public.<br />
This morning I went on a longish run with two lovely ladies, Heather and Christy, who were kind enough to invite me along on their traditional 9 miler through Golden Gardens and Discovery Parks. I was stoked. New running friends, new route and it was sunny to boot! Well, my run was rubbish and I was embarrassed in front of what I hope to be new running partners. Of course there is nothing like a crap run to plant that lovely seed of doubt in your mind when you have just committed to doing a full bloody iron distance triathlon.<br />
Am I in for it?Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-59887155926597722692010-06-30T21:53:00.001-08:002010-06-30T21:53:05.868-08:00Where are the whales?Seriously? Where are they?Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7532168918153204009.post-6535281268382838082010-06-15T22:13:00.000-08:002010-06-15T22:13:17.643-08:00Back?I'd like to think that I will get back into posting to the blog, so I'm going to start by posting my latest race report.<br />
I did the Rev3 Quassy Half a week ago Sunday. It's a long one...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I picked the Rev3 Quassy Half based on location and timing only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am limited in the amount of traveling I can do, especially in the summer, so I wanted to do a race that would allow me to visit my sister at the same time. She lives in New York City, so a June race in Connecticut seemed like the perfect fit. It wasn’t until after I signed my name and paid my money did I start reading about the “challenging” race that was Quassy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the weeks leading up to the race I would read things like “hardest half in the U.S.” and “one of the toughest courses around.” Then I really started studying the course maps and elevations. 4, 5, and 6% grades were not uncommon for either the bike or the run. Crap. I asked around for some advice on how to adjust my expectations for a finish time based on the difficulty of the course. I was told to add 30 minutes to a flat course as a “starting point.” Oh yeah…and this was in reference to the bike leg only. I figured with a past best time of 5:52, anything around 6:30 was a good day and I was thinking it wouldn’t be too out of the question to see the seven hour mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all of this certainly added to my pre-race anxiety, I think I did most of my stressing out before hand, so when race day arrived I just couldn’t think about it anymore. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mark and I drove from NYC on Saturday morning. We arrived at the race site around noon, just in time for me to take advantage of swim practice. Rev3 held an Olympic distance race on Saturday, so there was quite a bit of activity going on. While I was swimming, Mark took my bike to the mechanics on site to change my tubes and give my bike one last check-up. After a brief swim out and back to the first buoy, I took my bike out for a quick 20 minutes on the course followed by an even quick 10 minute run. Take home message from this last workout before the race…Connecticut is hot and hilly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crap. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then it was time to pick up my race packet. Nice schwag! A headsweats visor, a short-sleeve tech tee and GU chomps, all in a TYR bag. I also saw that my race number had my name on it. I had to stand in line to activate my timing chip, but also to get my picture taken for the “big screen” that was to display updates to waiting supporters throughout the race. There were the first of many things Rev3 did to impress me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was required to rack my bike the night before, so I took my bike over to the transition and discovered that I had scored arguably the best spot on the racks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the second bike in on the first row from the bike exit. I also discovered another Rev3 surprise. There was a high quality printed sign with my name marking my spot on the rack. Nice. Very nice. So, I racked my bike, kissed it goodbye and then headed to lunch. After lunch, we checked into the hotel and I used the next two hours to fuss over my nutrition and gear. To get my mind off things, Mark and I decided to explore the area a bit. I’m not going to get into details, but let’s just say that our evening involved the most terrifying K-Mart in all of the U.S., a salad bar whose main items included raisins, cubed ham and jell-o, a parking lot arrest and a vomiting woman. After that little adventure, we managed to find a decent dinner and headed back to the hotel around 9:00. I set my alarm for 5:00 and was surprised at how easily I fell asleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeatqNHwXGSD84t2uo5UshHfMFZ4kMFiqiQYPWgjaOviymxwa_5TvmbJqgW9VM9F-lTGACYADLOyiEuCPvEYm_F2disxGhIgLP6kdRfA52POfaEimfAXBlMo-QBTlPYZqfpH8fG7iiIY/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeatqNHwXGSD84t2uo5UshHfMFZ4kMFiqiQYPWgjaOviymxwa_5TvmbJqgW9VM9F-lTGACYADLOyiEuCPvEYm_F2disxGhIgLP6kdRfA52POfaEimfAXBlMo-QBTlPYZqfpH8fG7iiIY/s200/IMG_0259.jpg" width="150" /></a>I woke up at 4:45 and as soon as I realized what that meant, the butterflies started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast was a half a bagel with peanut butter, a banana and protein power in a small bit of yogurt. I also alternated sipping on water and electrolyte drink. We left for the race site around 5:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was calling for temps in the upper 70’s to low 80’s with thunderstorms, heavy at times and accompanied by strong winds. Hmmm, that seems less than ideal. But, at 5:30 it was mostly sunny and looked like a decent day was ahead. After parking, I made my way to transition and started to set things up. Being in such a prime spot, I was also able to watch the pros. Other than being extremely sexy and built, the main thing I noticed was how small most of them were! In transition there was a lot of nervous chatter about the difficulty of the course and people swapped rumors about how hard they had heard about this section or that. Looking at the quality of bikes and hearing people talk, I realized that this was not a normal, diverse race crowd. There were no newbies: there were no fat tires. This was a group of obsessed and serious tri-nerds. Nice! Wait…crap! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTsyrTKGFlLyavzRX8g8nAa6pskLBmJ1_bdxwWgirjfYXPHFLSxOKzcxEjLgcy6N4J5Bbpaz1ZLAdfGtSZJ1hqMb4jtcp2QpLyfjzvrHGBAZCt_U4dHLJhM5FQzuccbgvBTq6TGdnJEU/s1600/IMG_5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTsyrTKGFlLyavzRX8g8nAa6pskLBmJ1_bdxwWgirjfYXPHFLSxOKzcxEjLgcy6N4J5Bbpaz1ZLAdfGtSZJ1hqMb4jtcp2QpLyfjzvrHGBAZCt_U4dHLJhM5FQzuccbgvBTq6TGdnJEU/s320/IMG_5736.jpg" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished up in transition and got body marked. There wasn’t much left to do except go down and watch the swim start for the pros. The pro males went off at 6:50 and my wave was scheduled for 7:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the pros start and then went for a 10 minute run to warm up. I made my way back to the swim start where Mark was waiting with my wetsuit. With the wetsuit on, I ate a gel, took a sip of water and bid farewell to Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sine the race had started, those of us waiting couldn’t do any actually swimming, so I just waded into the water to get wet and cool off! </div><div class="MsoNormal">My wave was called, so I made my way to the beach. I tried to position myself away from the fast swimmers, but closest to the buoys in order to take the shortest route possible. Before I knew it, my wave was off and I found myself in that familiar madness of the mass swim start. Legs and arms everywhere. Any open space I found was short lived until the wave spread out and everyone found her rhythm around the first buoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water felt great, but was very murky. I tried several times to find some feet to follow but could never see anything more than a few bubbles. The water was warm enough that the wetsuit was not a necessity, but I was glad to have the extra buoyancy. The swim course was basically a giant triangle and passed surprisingly quickly. I really had no idea how I was doing time wise, though I felt like I was taken it pretty easy. At the beach, I stood up and pressed the lap key on my watch. My split was 39:37, though my official split was 40:17, a difference due the position of the timing mat that seems small, but significant if you were hoping to get in under 40. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprz63STAsJCHIvYoBhDam54auTwKUlEECuy_VNtDVODq-ji9gcc5OzV-eY33rDB7XCAR4olreQSA24b3AOpzc57iSpzm_XXmLHjEyKDIao88JA5rv9XG986aFXyQqq0qyjAVHAR6TQTU/s1600/IMG_5752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprz63STAsJCHIvYoBhDam54auTwKUlEECuy_VNtDVODq-ji9gcc5OzV-eY33rDB7XCAR4olreQSA24b3AOpzc57iSpzm_XXmLHjEyKDIao88JA5rv9XG986aFXyQqq0qyjAVHAR6TQTU/s200/IMG_5752.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARsh-m0UTIqrMtc78j2eHnjLf1-BXyY7nZ8wyLXvBkBdOmwB0vfWSx8Ee7TuL6rFgloyBebdlxkJzpXjmeNZOwD5-3b-DqaV9zGgvRiqWyos_iXeqVY0cTFTPZTIw18ruvEB6NAnUmMk/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARsh-m0UTIqrMtc78j2eHnjLf1-BXyY7nZ8wyLXvBkBdOmwB0vfWSx8Ee7TuL6rFgloyBebdlxkJzpXjmeNZOwD5-3b-DqaV9zGgvRiqWyos_iXeqVY0cTFTPZTIw18ruvEB6NAnUmMk/s200/IMG_5747.JPG" width="200" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I made my way up the ramp (yes, uphill to transition just to set the town of the day, I think) and heard Mark yelling my name. I also heard my name over the PA system. It wasn’t until later that I found out that was Mark’s doing and that the guy on the PA was only playing music and pumping up the crowd, not announcing names. I had a quick transition and was soon out on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly realized I had two issues. First of all, I had a stomach cramp. Second of all, the Velcro holding my aerobar bottle in place had come loose and my bottle was jumping all over the place. I decided the cramp was a result of swallowing half of Lake Quassapaug and sucking air and it would go away as I found my pace on the bike. The bottle was another story, however. I tried to fix the Velcro while continuing riding, which is never a good idea. My next strategy was to hold it in place with my thumbs, but that quickly proved a bad strategy when I tried to navigate, shift and hold the bloody bottle while going down hill. About 5 miles in I decided I just needed to stop and fix it. So I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew, now I could really focus and get going. That lasted until the first decent bumps in the road when the whole thing came unraveled again. Not having learned a single lesson from the first time, I rode for several miles fussing with it, holding it with my thumbs, cursing it, etc. I decided I just needed to stop again and fix, that I was probably losing more time by going so slowly and not concentrating than by just stopping and addressing the problem. So I stopped again, but just has I was slowing I hit a nice big pothole and my water bottle from the back cage rocketed it onto the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK. Fixed the aerobottle problem. Debate for one second whether I should go back and get my other bottle. I decided that I likely would really need the fluids (it was full of EFS), so picked up my bike and jogged back and picked it up. Whew…finally all systems go! Of course by this time I was about 10 miles in. I have no idea how much time the fussing and stopping cost me. I would say 5 minutes on the low end. With that mess behind me, I just began to ride and enjoy myself. The course was breathtaking. It went through gorgeous neighborhoods, big green fields and farms and quaint little towns. Very, very nice scenery. Which was good because it created somewhat of a distraction from the constant up and down of the course. There were NO flat sections to be found. You were either going up or going down for the entire 56 miles. The downhills were glorious and sometimes quite long, but they never seemed to equal the grinding uphills. Each time I went flying down a hill, there was a voice in my head saying “you do realize that you will soon have to make this up.” But whatever. I actually had fun and didn’t stress too much about the snail’s pace required to get to the top of some of the hills. I could have pushed it harder, but I knew a difficult run course was waiting for me and I didn’t want to blow up so I rode at an effort that was hard but not punishing. About 3/4 of the way through the race, the wind picked up and I battled a head wind for most of the rest of the course. With about 4 miles to go, I began to see runners out on the course. None of them looked very happy and I started to get nervous. Of course, you couldn’t just coast into transition; you had to earn those last few miles on the bike by riding uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bike split 3:31:15.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRdYexAm12RehLlAx5RDtNLViAEBtEqxLCgD8k7i1OQFRqEHM4wUNcPpQBXLNXkSIumH7-zfpCLeVl62dTKzZqwf2PWnKg_VB7zil88Xu7xz2azgA7zJJYNkHlm1xsqrnYLAwGkK9Lk/s1600/IMG_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRdYexAm12RehLlAx5RDtNLViAEBtEqxLCgD8k7i1OQFRqEHM4wUNcPpQBXLNXkSIumH7-zfpCLeVl62dTKzZqwf2PWnKg_VB7zil88Xu7xz2azgA7zJJYNkHlm1xsqrnYLAwGkK9Lk/s200/IMG_0270.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After a quick transition and a wave to Mark, I was off on the run. The first two miles or so were a slight downhill, which was a great way to let the legs switch gears. I noticed for the first time how warm the day had become and that I had a rumbling in my stomach that was going to need to be addressed. Though I was feeling quite good, I was nervous about what the next couple of hours would bring. I stopped at the aid station between miles 2 and 3 to take the first of my run gels and to use the john. Another Rev3 bonus…potty options at each aid station! That diversion only cost me 2 or 3 minutes and I felt great afterwards. So I just kept running. I stuck to my nutrition plan…water at every aid station with a gel and 2 salt caps every 3 miles. Because I was feeling so good, I never thought to stop and walk even on some pretty brutal climbs. I kept thinking I would pay for it later and waited for the inevitable meltdown to come. But it never did. Mile after mile and hill after hill I just kept running and feeling great. I ran quick on the downhills and the few flat sections and chugged my way up every bloody hill I saw. I couldn’t believe it when I was past mile 9 and going through a brief section that past by the race venue and was still smiling and putting down a decent pace. I started to hit a bit of a wall around mile 12, but by the time I knew I was home free so just talked myself out of it. I was really, really enjoying myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming around a corner, I knew I had less than a mile to go and could make 6:30. Then I saw that cruelest, steepest hill of the day. Dear God was that thing menacing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not having walked the entire course, I refused to do it so close to the end and I ran up that sucker. At the top, I said to a race volunteer how mean that hills was and he said “yes, but you’re there.” And I was. I saw the cones marking the last quarter mile or so. It was flat and I was nearly done, so I ran hard to catch that 6:30. Which I did…barely. 6:30:19. That counts doesn’t it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After I crossed the line, I was handed a nice finishers shirt and medal and I realized what an amazing day I had. I was far from setting a PR, but I felt so good about my day, about the course about how I handled the challenges that I can say this was the most rewarding racing experience I have had. As silly as it sounds, I actually got a little choked up when I was reliving my day to Mark at the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After fussing around the finish line for a bit, we opted to skip the post-race festivities in light of the tornado warning that had been issued for the area. I think we chose wisely. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While I can’t help but wish my times reflected how great my day was, I try to remind myself that the course was hard and the day was hot and humid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back I think I could probably have pushed it a little more on the bike, but without knowing what the run had in store, I’m glad I did what I did. I do wish I had those wasted minutes fussing with my bottles back, but what can I do? I do, however, know I could have had a faster swim time. I was far too relaxed and could have shaved a couple of minutes off there for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lesson learned. I have to give massive kudos to Rev3. They thought of everything and really put on a first class race. I would not hesitate to do another one of their events or recommend one to another athlete. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Official Splits</div><div class="MsoNormal">Swim – 40:17</div><div class="MsoNormal">T1 – 2:32</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bike – 3:31:15</div><div class="MsoNormal">T2 – 1:45</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run – 2:14:30</div><div class="MsoNormal">Total – 6:30:19</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">21/42 Age group</div><div class="MsoNormal">94/171 Female</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Man, I’m good at finding the middle of the pack! </div><!--EndFragment-->Breehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03157310184125433560noreply@blogger.com0