My Best Race Ever
By
Leslie-Anne McKenzie
Once upon a time, there was a triathlete whose dreams and aspirations were to be able to say, “that was my best race ever!”
She trained hard and did everything (well almost) her coach told her to do. She ran, swam and biked hard each week. She even entered in stand-alone runs that even though she really disliked, she did because it was all towards the goal of being able to say one day, “That was my best race ever”
The 5th triathlon for the summer of 2012 was a half ironman, the 2nd one for the summer and within 4 weeks of the 1st one!
The triathlete thought this may be a bit too much to take on but since she had successfully completed IMC the summer previously she figured she’d be able to handle the training.
All the other races this triathlete had done were stepping-stones towards the Calgary 70.3, a qualifier for the World 70.3 championship in Las Vegas.
A sprint in Vulcan that shook out some race cobwebs as well as the thrill of “racing” her new bike!
A very cold Wasa, Olympic Distance taught the triathlete that cold water doesn’t really affect her. Running on what felt like “stumps” for feet was a new experience but encouraged her to press on in the race.
Great White North Half Ironman was the 1st time the triathlete had to bike in the rain.
Another sprint race one week out from GWN reminded the triathlete that it was a very good decision to do the sprint and not the Olympic, her legs would not have been able to “go the distance”. As a surprise at the Regina Beach Sprint, the triathlete was 3rd woman overall! Behind a 16yr old elite athlete and young whippersnapper 28yr old, both these ages do not even add up to 51! HA!
The triathlete really started to focus on the training for the Calgary 70.3, as after all, it was a qualifier for the World 70.3 championship! A dream for the triathlete, is to go to a race saying, “from Canada…”
Lots of training, including a wonderful, amazing weekend helping out at the IMC training camp which meant riding some of the course. The triathlete loved the experience and came away from the camp very ready to take on Calgary 70.3. The triathlete especially enjoyed the swimming sans the wetsuit!
The week leading up to the race the triathlete ensured she got lots of rest, hydrated and ate good food (minding the gluten intake). This was to try and eliminate the on going gut issues that have plagued the triathlete for some time.
During the week leading up to the race a transformation began. The triathlete had checked on some of the athletes who were in her age group. What the heck!? This had never been done before! She checked out a couple of the Americans and decided they may not pose a threat to the goal of getting to Vegas. A few more names to check picked one and the triathlete knew it, she would be given a good run for “her money” from this particular athlete. The athlete had placed 2nd in the same age group at Wasa. Although the triathlete was out of the water and off the bike ahead of her it was the run that determined everything. It’s always the run… (run, not rum…)
The transformation that began was the focus and purpose of the race. The athlete thought that if the soul purpose of the race was to “make Vegas” then what would she do if she didn’t make the cut? How would she be able to see the race as a learning experience or a challenge or simply a good old-fashioned half ironman?
Thinking long and hard about this choice, the goal then became, to do her best, have fun and enjoy the course. The goal became to have her “best race ever”.
The pre-race day meant heading down to infamous Ghost Lake, where the water was “colder than it has been” according to a local. After a relaxed entry, the water was cold but manageable. The triathlete felt strong in the water and knew that she would not have an issue with the swim on race day.
The bike (lovingly cared for by the most awesome staff at Bow Cycle) was cleaned, tuned and ready to go. A quick run through the gears before setting up in transition and handing off the bike to run bag all was good to go.
Before heading back to the city, the triathlete really began to believe that Calgary 70.3 was not a qualifier race for her but rather the race to really see what could happen if she allowed herself to have a race of all races. In other words put it all out onto the course to have her “best race ever”.
This is what she told herself and began to tell others so they would be able to see and hear her vision of the race.
The triathlete arrived home and treated herself to watching the Olympics, “putt zing” around the house, prepped race fuel and even had a small nap! What a treat that was!
A dinner invite to a friends house who had volunteered to be “Sherpa” for race day and off the triathlete went, token Pilsner beer in hand as it was after all “Game Day”. Her team decided to choke in the 4th quarter but that would not deter the triathlete, rather fuel her to show the Riders what it meant to finish something.
The triathlete told her coach (also at the dinner) that the Calgary 70.3 was going to be her “best race EVER”. If Vegas was meant to be it would be, but the race would be her best race EVER.
Race day dawned and the triathlete saw that it was going to be a perfect day. The triathlete was somewhat sad as her husband was not coming this time, a family member birthday that required his presence. The triathlete stayed focus and was able to get ready.
A protein shake, coffee (sans the cream) her Sherpa was on time and they headed to the race start.
The athlete was thrilled to be surrounded by so many like-minded people. Family and friends who come to support the other triathletes, seeing the pros mill about and stand in the loo line like all the others the triathlete was inspired, excited and thrilled to bits about having the best race EVER! This was especially true after “Oh Canada” was sung.
A quick hug/conversations with another triathlete who was nervous about where to start in the water had the triathlete became a wee bit nervous herself but by getting “gobbed” by Leo the dog was wonderful and the triathlete was ok once again. Dogs are great they just share the love!
The triathlete saw the pros start and see the eventual overall winner come out of the water and head to his bike, wow, talk about impressive!
Getting the wetsuit on the triathlete had a moment, a span of a few seconds where the nerves took over and focus was lost momentarily. She regained her focus with the unwavering support of her Sherpa and her Coach’s most awesome Boyfriend who willingly stepped into help in any way possible. Wet suit on, hugs and high fives it was time to head to the water.
The triathlete’s feet and hands were cold from the morning air and as a result the water, dare it be said, felt almost warm against those appendages! Perfect! No shock just complete inner calm as the triathlete did a warm up and found her place in the water. That’s right, in the water, as it was a deep-water start. A first for this triathlete and to be honest it was excellent! Starting on the left (favourite place) the horn went off and the race began!
A lovely swim, relaxed pace, slowly working up to race pace (being mindful of the water temperature of 16c) the athlete simply enjoyed the non counting of laps and focused on the markers in the water ahead. She even passed some of the men who had started 10 minutes prior the women! For a brief moment out there, the triathlete had an odd sensation, one that she had heard of yet never experienced; a brief chill ran through her body. “Aha!” she thought, “This is what it is like to feel cold” Thankfully it was brief.
Next thing she knew, the final buoy was ahead and making the final turn she could see the crowd on the shore, and then could hear Steve King’s voice and the crowd cheering and clapping for all the athletes as they exited.
Approaching the boat ramp, two-hand touch and up stands the triathlete accepting help as she was a wee bit off balance. Wetsuit unzipped by a volunteer (Wow, that is service!) then stripped off by two amazing volunteers (two of many amazing volunteers) and her bike gear was placed in front of her. Wetsuit in the bag, the athlete as she was putting on her socks asked the vollie what other athletes had been doing, shoes on or off to run to the bikes? “50-50” was the reply. “Shoes on it is” and on they went and up to the bike.
A few moments were required to put on the borrowed aero helmet, glasses on, and soon the bike was being guided further up the ramp to the mount line. The triathlete ensured she was past the mount line to the side before getting on her bike; she was off towards the great blue yonder!
The bike ride was a most amazing, breathtaking (for the most part not from pedalling) experience. The sun was shining, few clouds in the sky, clean roads and the most wonderful gift~ wind from the west. That’s right a tail wind a rare event and thoroughly enjoyed by all that day.
The triathlete rode hard and smiled even harder as she rode the course. Passing folks, getting passed, she soon noticed there were few women around. A couple went by that she remembered, younger gals who seemed to stall a bit on the climbs but managed to pull ahead on the flats. Something to be said for the triathletes love of climbing and the method of spin easy and keep the spin going when cresting. As the ride continued it was mostly with “the guys”.
The triathlete “whoo-hooed” each corner and was thanking the local RCMP for stopping traffic on the major thoroughfares Cochrane. Climbing out of Cochrane was actually fun! The training paid off big time!
Precisely at 80km, she slowed to a stop and took another precautionary method, her 2nd Emo. No WAY did she want issues on the run and this was part of the plan, take one more before getting off the bike. Thank goodness for the 80km marker!
She “cat and moused” a few other riders and finally passed “jacket man” (had a light windbreaker on that was billowing behind him) with approximately 2km left.
On the final approach before transition the triathlete began talking to herself, getting mentally prepared for the 3rd stage of the race. The run. The triathlete said out loud, “It’s only a 21km run.” “Last stage of the day” “You’ll be done in 2hrs 15mins or so” “It’s only a 21k”. “This will be your best 21km ever”.
When racking her bike, there were not many around, “How odd” she thought how could that be?” “Never mind, need to focus on the run now” and she was off!
The first few km’s in a run are always the hardest for the triathlete, she tends to go too fast and that is not good as she is unable to keep that pace. For that reason alone, the triathlete wears a simple watch. The 1st kilometre flew by and even though it was fun for a fleeting moment, the triathlete knew she had to slow down, as that pace would not be able to be kept. Slowly she manoeuvred her pace to something that was manageable and continued on. The sun was shining, very little wind, a beautiful but challenging run course, really a perfect day. A perfect day for her “best race ever”.
The triathlete was able to see some of the pros come in and as she headed out, the faster age groupers. “Kudos to them” she thought, I hope they are having their best race ever.
As the run went on, the triathlete started to feel the heat. Not a fan of the sun when running she began to think about what she needed to do in order to stay focused and to keep running. The aid stations were more like an oasis, with water, PowerAde, gels and some with ice all manned by the most awesome human being~ a volunteer.
The triathlete was seeking one aid station in particular, the Team TriLife station; She knew there was a little “sumpin’sumpin” especially for her. The neckerchief that she borrowed from her Sherpa for IMC was waiting for her, soaking wet and cold to cool off her neck. “Ahhhhhh, purrrrfect” as it was applied! Triathletes serving triathletes during a triathlon, it’s amazing! They truly understand what each participant is going through.
A walk break allowed time with her coach to get some inspiration (she was told she was 1st in the swim!) and of course coaching!
The run course is mostly exposed which meant the sun was beating down. The triathlete caught up to and ran with Conrad from Colorado. He was basing his run via a heart monitor that at a certain rate he would slow to a walk and when his heart dropped to a certain rate he continued running. This was perhaps one of the biggest aha moments for the triathlete. She really understood (let’s hear for experiential learning) the purpose and usefulness of a HR monitor. This kind man pulled this triathlete through to and past the turn around. She eventually had to leave him and before she left, turned and faced him, shook his hand and said thank-you.
It was just past the turn around that the triathlete saw a woman go by her, she noticed the age on the calf, 51. That was the 1st time she had seen someone from her age group on the run. Not bad, not bad at all thought the triathlete! She began to think that Vegas was not going to be and was at peace. She continued to focus on her run and do what she needed to keep up a good pace, finish strong and have her best race ever.
The triathlete caught up to “jacket man” (remember she had passed him on the bike and he in turn passed her earlier in the run). They continued for at least 8km together, keeping each other going, respecting the need to walk and pressing each other for support. When they came through the Team TriLife Oasis, the triathlete soaked up all the run mojo, ice, cheering, kudos etc that she could get. She did not take anything but fluid and this seemed to be working, along with the Emo.
The triathlete left the oasis cooled, calmed and pumped up about the rest of the race. Wet shoes and socks did not matter; the blister that was there was ignored (not bad enough to stop) all was good to go. Refreshed and rejuvenated, the remainder of the race didn’t appear to be that bad.
As the triathlete and “jacket-man” (aka Bill) continued a funny “slap-slap-slap” run was heard. The triathlete wondered who that was, “Odd sounding run. Perhaps they are injured,” she thought. It was a member of Team TriLife who caught up to her and told her she was 1st in the bike. “SERIOUSLY? OH MY GAWD!” A huge smile broke out and the triathlete truly believed that this was her best race ever.
The triathlete kept pushing the pace, Bill did the same, respect was given when one needed to back off the pace or even walk if need be.
Weaslehead hill loomed ahead; the triathlete and Bill agreed to walk it. Giving herself permission to walk was huge. Yes it had been done at IMC but that was after all, IMC.
Before she knew it, they were at the top of the hill and another aid station.
At the top of the hill, it was only a few kilometres to the end. Once again the triathlete had to “avert her eyes and ears” (said with a southern belle accent) of the finish line and Steve King’s voice. Once past it seemed an eternity before they came to the turn around. Bill was asked for a story and the triathlete said she could run with him but wasn’t good at talking and running at the same time (she can chew gum walk at the same time if that is any consolation!). The only story she could muster was the fact she holds season tickets for the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Taylor Field in Regina. Bill liked that!
The last aid station, last bit of water and liquid fuel the triathlete and Bill were ready to press on. She even got some of the volunteers to sing Bill “Happy Birthday” as it was indeed his birthday! That elevated our moods and we continued. With 2 km’s left, Bill needed to stop and walk, the triathlete didn’t want to or more along the lines didn’t need to, so she went on.
The finish line could be heard, she could hear the cheering, the cowbells, the clapping. She heard Steve King’s voice urging the pace to be quickened. The triathlete did just that, she increased her pace, used her arms to pull herself forward and she was crossing the finish line! She was done!
In recovery the triathlete leaned on Lynn, another stellar volunteer who assisted her to get water, some post race food and finisher t-shirt. The triathlete thanked Lynn for her support and got her legs up against a fence, took in some water and got her heart rate down to a comfortable place. She enjoyed the camaraderie of other competitors, volunteers as she reflected on her race. To her delight realized not one stop was due to a gut issue! She will certainly use the double Emo again!
The suspense of her overall placing eventually took over and she strolled over to the listings that were posted. She found her name and to her utter joy and through watering eyes she saw something that she thought was never possible, 2/13. 2nd in her age group! In a half ironman! She cried tears of joy with another triathlete friend, as she couldn’t believe what she had read. She had to go back several times to ensure she hadn’t made a mistake.
“This calls for a post race beer!” the triathlete shouted. “Who can lend me $5.00?!” The beer was cold, the triathlete over the moon with joy and more so when she saw her Coach, Sherpa and Coach’s Boyfriend. More hugs, more tears of joy!
The race continued on and upon completion the awards were given out. It was really great to see the professional triathletes on stage. These folks work hard at what they do and they appeared to have genuine admiration and respect for each other’s accomplishments that day.
When the age group awards were given, the triathlete was somewhat nervous with excited anticipation to hear her name called.
When it was called she leapt up onto the stage and smiled from ear to ear!
Once the awards were over, the names of the people who qualified for the World 70.3 Championships in Vegas were stated. Somehow the triathlete knew she would not be going to Vegas and in someway was almost relieved. The training would now be over, no more long rides; weekends could be focused on other things. She knew that the 1st place finisher was going to take the Vegas spot and rightly so, she had earned it.
The triathlete waited until all the spots were taken and was okay with not getting one. It was odd to see her Coach and others seem more saddened by this. The triathlete simply stated that all she wanted from this race was to put it all out on the course, to leave nothing behind, to swim, bike and run as hard as she could. In the end, she did all of that and was rewarded a placing in her age group in a distance that she thought she never would.
She proudly stated to all that day and has been ever since:
“I HAD MY BEST RACE EVER!”
Conclusion:
Swim: 33:41, 1st in Age Group, 30th Female, 116 Overall
T1: 3:11
Bike: 2:53:19, 1st in Age Group, 34th Female, 212 Overall
T2: 1:58
Run: 2:18:01 5th in Age Group, 55th Female, 282 Overall
Final Time: 5:50:08
Age Group Place: 2/13 Overall place 256/545
PB’d Swim from GWN (35:35) and Bike (3:01:09). The run was slower than GWN (2:14:04) but this was a more challenging course. GWN also had two pit stops that did not occur during Calgary 70.3. GWN overall 5:50:47, wow!
The triathlete in this story would like to thank all those that helped, inspired, and cajoled her along the course. Her Husband, Coach, all TTL’ers at the best aid station (aka oasis), and the other amazing volunteers who set up, spent time during and cleaned up after the race was over. Without your support this triathlete would be forever thirsty, hot and lost.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Steve W's Calgary 70.3 Race Report, July 29, 2012
I don't usually do race reports...mainly because the litany of my errors is something I like to keep between Angie and me....sort of like going to confession....
ANYWAY
I wanted to write a race report because I finally learned something and listened to my coach(s) (Angie and Janice the Adrenaline Rush running coach)
Angie has been trying for quite awile to stop me blowing myself up on the bike so I can acutally have a good run. Janice the AR coach was aware of this gave me some code words sort of a mantra to keep saying on the ride.
First Third of the bike---PATIENCE
Second third- STEADY
Last third- STRONG but not to the point of "emptying out" that last bit really resonated with me cause I usually do...feel like I really don't want to bike anymore.
I would have to say I think I did overbike a bit still. My RPE felt right but did not match my HR which was faster than I wanted. It may be because I am not riding my tri-bike enough.
It was also suggested to me that I should think especially about the first few km of the run as a time to RECOVER from the bike. Generally, I my legs don't feel well off the bike and I just push through it and run slow. However, this time...I .LISTENED!....and backed off after the first frenetic km and waited until my legs felt better...then I found I could really start to push it....INTERESTING...If you read anything in this race report read this bit. It was amazing.
Angie also saved my bacon at the aid station...at 14km I was booking it and I got the mother of all cramps just below my ribs left of the midline....I couldn;t breathe came on all of a sudden, totally panicked how the hell am I going to run 7km like this!!!!!. I yelled for angie at the aid station (picture Marlon Brando in a Streetcar named Desire but more of a dying gasp....)
ANYWAY she made me stop completely (which I would not have thought of.....man thing you know, we just push on through the pain....to the point we can't run anymore...) and she made me wait until it stoped then I started running again...I had to keep testing it and backing off but after another 1km it didn't bother me again even though I was sure I was running faster than when it hit....
So in the end I had a way better run than the pain fest of last year (7 min faster) and 11 min off my PB.
So that's it. For those of you who have always listened to Angie/Sarah/Sharon/Rachelle (Janice) and haven;t got carried away with the adrenaline of the race I suspect this was highly redundant BUT for those of you who haven't (Yes I am talking to you the guys here)
LISTEN TO YOUR COACH(s)!!!!! That's what you pay her/them for isn't it???
Sincerely,
Stephen
ANYWAY
I wanted to write a race report because I finally learned something and listened to my coach(s) (Angie and Janice the Adrenaline Rush running coach)
Angie has been trying for quite awile to stop me blowing myself up on the bike so I can acutally have a good run. Janice the AR coach was aware of this gave me some code words sort of a mantra to keep saying on the ride.
First Third of the bike---PATIENCE
Second third- STEADY
Last third- STRONG but not to the point of "emptying out" that last bit really resonated with me cause I usually do...feel like I really don't want to bike anymore.
I would have to say I think I did overbike a bit still. My RPE felt right but did not match my HR which was faster than I wanted. It may be because I am not riding my tri-bike enough.
It was also suggested to me that I should think especially about the first few km of the run as a time to RECOVER from the bike. Generally, I my legs don't feel well off the bike and I just push through it and run slow. However, this time...I .LISTENED!....and backed off after the first frenetic km and waited until my legs felt better...then I found I could really start to push it....INTERESTING...If you read anything in this race report read this bit. It was amazing.
Angie also saved my bacon at the aid station...at 14km I was booking it and I got the mother of all cramps just below my ribs left of the midline....I couldn;t breathe came on all of a sudden, totally panicked how the hell am I going to run 7km like this!!!!!. I yelled for angie at the aid station (picture Marlon Brando in a Streetcar named Desire but more of a dying gasp....)
ANYWAY she made me stop completely (which I would not have thought of.....man thing you know, we just push on through the pain....to the point we can't run anymore...) and she made me wait until it stoped then I started running again...I had to keep testing it and backing off but after another 1km it didn't bother me again even though I was sure I was running faster than when it hit....
So in the end I had a way better run than the pain fest of last year (7 min faster) and 11 min off my PB.
So that's it. For those of you who have always listened to Angie/Sarah/Sharon/Rachelle (Janice) and haven;t got carried away with the adrenaline of the race I suspect this was highly redundant BUT for those of you who haven't (Yes I am talking to you the guys here)
LISTEN TO YOUR COACH(s)!!!!! That's what you pay her/them for isn't it???
Sincerely,
Stephen
Jacque's GWN Race Report-July 1, 2012
This race went well. The swim was ok, not slow but not fast either. With the mass start the first lap was slow, almost coming to a stand still while rounding the buoys. The second lap was better. I wasn’t able to find feet for drafting, I managed to draft of the hip of a few people but too many people swimming crooked and not worth following. Kelly came out of the water right behind me, the two of us should try drafting off each other during a race.
My T1 was decent, I wore a tri top on the swim then pulled on a bike jersey because it was raining and cold. I liked the idea of this as then I could carry a second bike tube in case of emergency. I put on socks and pulled on sleeves just to my wrist as well as gloves, once I was off on the bike I pulled the sleeves up to save time. As the start was uphill I didn’t worry about attempting a flying start.
The bike was good, I was very happy with my time, 3:52! Under 3 hours which was a goal for the race. I did find myself biking a bit too hard about 25-30 k or so into the ride as a big group of people were drafting and then blocked me in, they would catch me on the downhill then slow down on the uphills. So I ended up working pretty hard for a while to try and lose them. It worked finally though. They were riding so dangerously not in any lines and taking up the whole road so I didn’t want to hang out anywhere near that group, they also would have slowed me down in the long run. One of the guys in this group touched wheels with another guy causing him to veer off into the opposite lane where he wiped out and smacked his head on the road. In this effort I passed Tara, so I knew I was over-biking a little. I don’t think it was too bad as I tried to slow it down a bit once I got rid of them. Tara ended up passing me again so I knew I had backed off a little. I did some leap frogging with Kelly and another TTL rider called Carla. I may have taken it a little too easy as I headed back to town, I knew there was about 6-8 km from the final turn but I wanted to give my legs a little spin.
My T2 felt slow as I changed shoes and moved my orthotics to my runners. I kept the bike jersey and sleeves on as it was raining. Grabbed the gels for the run and off I went. My heel was sore right from the start, although this was not surprising as it has been sore for the last week I think. I wore my zoots for the run.
My aim was to run about 6min kms for the first half and then see if I could pick it up a little. I was running a little slower than this but not too bad, the first 5 k felt good except for my foot.
At the 5 km mark I stopped to stretch my foot. It rained for about half of the run which was ok as it kept it cool. The second 5km wasn’t bad fairly close in time to the first 5k, the 3rd 5k was tough, it stopped raining and the sun came out so it was a bit warmer. I didn’t know the run course at all which would have been a good idea I was confused at the beginning, as there are 2 out and back sections. I told myself not to worry, I wanted to run a solid last 5-6km and although I wasn’t going to make it in close to 2hrs or under as I’d hoped I was still doing ok and had a shot at finishing the whole race in under 6 so that became my new goal. I stopped again at 15 km to stretch my foot, I had developed a new foot pain by this time, the hot spot I’d had at the BMO half only worse – it was in fact a huge blister! Likely from wearing wet socks and wet orthotics on the run – BAD!
The last 5-6 k went well, hard in spots but knowing you only have ~30mins to go makes it seem easier and you can make yourself run harder so that’s what I did. It was also really great fun to have so many TTL people on the course high fiving each other and wishing each other well, even ones I didn’t know. I’ve never done a race with a team before and it certainly helped in spots to have the support and distraction of all the TTLers out on the course. It was fabulous to see Paul in a few places, as I did the final out and back section I tossed Paul my bike jersey, I had taken the sleeves off a while earlier – so much cooler. Seeing Angie, tara and the TTL tent as I ran up the street to finish was great. Angie was cheering that I was doing great and I’d make it in under 6 – something I was trying hard to do and it made me smile! Angie’s enthusiasm is amazing and infectious. I saw the clock counting up towards 5:56 as I came around the corner so I boogied to try and make it in under 5:56 – I just missed it but my legs cooperated in my effort. Whew -happy to stop and I really needed to take off my shoes! I drank a Hammer recoverite citrus and cheered on other TTLers at the tent as they ran up the street.
Jacque-Lynne Johnson
Great White North Half Ironman, July 1, 2012
Total Time - 5:56:03 (392 overall/ 46/104 in AG)
swim – 40:18 2:01 (297 overall/33 in AG)
Bike – 3:00:23 29.9 (322 overall/ 32 in AG)
Run – 2:15:22 6:25 (471 overall/ 69 in AG)
My T1 was decent, I wore a tri top on the swim then pulled on a bike jersey because it was raining and cold. I liked the idea of this as then I could carry a second bike tube in case of emergency. I put on socks and pulled on sleeves just to my wrist as well as gloves, once I was off on the bike I pulled the sleeves up to save time. As the start was uphill I didn’t worry about attempting a flying start.
The bike was good, I was very happy with my time, 3:52! Under 3 hours which was a goal for the race. I did find myself biking a bit too hard about 25-30 k or so into the ride as a big group of people were drafting and then blocked me in, they would catch me on the downhill then slow down on the uphills. So I ended up working pretty hard for a while to try and lose them. It worked finally though. They were riding so dangerously not in any lines and taking up the whole road so I didn’t want to hang out anywhere near that group, they also would have slowed me down in the long run. One of the guys in this group touched wheels with another guy causing him to veer off into the opposite lane where he wiped out and smacked his head on the road. In this effort I passed Tara, so I knew I was over-biking a little. I don’t think it was too bad as I tried to slow it down a bit once I got rid of them. Tara ended up passing me again so I knew I had backed off a little. I did some leap frogging with Kelly and another TTL rider called Carla. I may have taken it a little too easy as I headed back to town, I knew there was about 6-8 km from the final turn but I wanted to give my legs a little spin.
My T2 felt slow as I changed shoes and moved my orthotics to my runners. I kept the bike jersey and sleeves on as it was raining. Grabbed the gels for the run and off I went. My heel was sore right from the start, although this was not surprising as it has been sore for the last week I think. I wore my zoots for the run.
My aim was to run about 6min kms for the first half and then see if I could pick it up a little. I was running a little slower than this but not too bad, the first 5 k felt good except for my foot.
At the 5 km mark I stopped to stretch my foot. It rained for about half of the run which was ok as it kept it cool. The second 5km wasn’t bad fairly close in time to the first 5k, the 3rd 5k was tough, it stopped raining and the sun came out so it was a bit warmer. I didn’t know the run course at all which would have been a good idea I was confused at the beginning, as there are 2 out and back sections. I told myself not to worry, I wanted to run a solid last 5-6km and although I wasn’t going to make it in close to 2hrs or under as I’d hoped I was still doing ok and had a shot at finishing the whole race in under 6 so that became my new goal. I stopped again at 15 km to stretch my foot, I had developed a new foot pain by this time, the hot spot I’d had at the BMO half only worse – it was in fact a huge blister! Likely from wearing wet socks and wet orthotics on the run – BAD!
The last 5-6 k went well, hard in spots but knowing you only have ~30mins to go makes it seem easier and you can make yourself run harder so that’s what I did. It was also really great fun to have so many TTL people on the course high fiving each other and wishing each other well, even ones I didn’t know. I’ve never done a race with a team before and it certainly helped in spots to have the support and distraction of all the TTLers out on the course. It was fabulous to see Paul in a few places, as I did the final out and back section I tossed Paul my bike jersey, I had taken the sleeves off a while earlier – so much cooler. Seeing Angie, tara and the TTL tent as I ran up the street to finish was great. Angie was cheering that I was doing great and I’d make it in under 6 – something I was trying hard to do and it made me smile! Angie’s enthusiasm is amazing and infectious. I saw the clock counting up towards 5:56 as I came around the corner so I boogied to try and make it in under 5:56 – I just missed it but my legs cooperated in my effort. Whew -happy to stop and I really needed to take off my shoes! I drank a Hammer recoverite citrus and cheered on other TTLers at the tent as they ran up the street.
Jacque-Lynne Johnson
Great White North Half Ironman, July 1, 2012
Total Time - 5:56:03 (392 overall/ 46/104 in AG)
swim – 40:18 2:01 (297 overall/33 in AG)
Bike – 3:00:23 29.9 (322 overall/ 32 in AG)
Run – 2:15:22 6:25 (471 overall/ 69 in AG)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sarah VanTine's GWN race report-July 1, 2012
Great White North Triathlon: first half Ironman distance July 1, 2012
I still can’t believe that I did a half Ironman distance… I always thought that OD would be my farthest distance because I just thought you had to be crazy to do a half Ironman and even crazier to do a full. I remember sitting in a meeting one day at my office in Banff and a lady from our marketing department had just finished IMC at that point I thought it was an amazing accomplishment and that I would never do triathlons… I guess I was very wrong
July 1, 2012 came very quickly I know that I had done all my training and Hawaii helped so much in this process and all the training I had been doing all year… It is funny how sometimes you start to doubt yourself just before a race, and then you just have to give yourself a slap in the face! As the training has been done and now it is time to go out and have fun with everything that you have trained for.
I had soooooo much support on race day, before race day, during race day. I think I was going a little crazy 2 weeks prior to the race it was like I could not remember things and my focus on everything was soooo short. The day prior to the race I went out with the team and that helped me mentally in a big way everyone was so patient and Leslie Anne (LA) was so supportive telling me where all the aid stations were and making me laugh
It was now race morning and I was very nervous but I managed to eat and I felt very organized and ready. I have a great second coach, my husband Jaison. I really don’t think I could have done this without him he was so incredibly patient and knew what I needed even if I did not…. It was like he was the other side of my brain that morning and weeks prior…. Also having my dad there meant the world he was supportive in other ways and just knowing that he was there helped. My friend Amber knew how to make me laugh and has been an amazing supporter and she will be very honest with me which I greatly appreciate. I just knew that morning that I had so many friends and family thinking of me that I knew I could do this.
It was time to go to the beach it was quite nerve racking one by one everyone going down to the beach and starting all together. I am a strong swimmer so I knew I could do it just needed to breathe. I found LA as I knew where she was starting it was so nice to see her, and of course I was so nervous the tears started… but LA calmed me down and made me breath thank you for that LA your support will never be forgotten! Then my friend Amber turned up and we were able to start together, now I know she could have gone in the middle where she likes to start but she did not she wanted to start with me and that meant the world, what are friends for!
Off the gun went. I stayed on the far left and stayed calm and to my surprise it did not take me long to get into a good pace. I only had one man try to swim over me and the funny thing was he had all the room in the world! So I just started kicking harder and I think that scared him off Second lap, waved at Jaison and my dad I knew I had this in the bag! Second loop was good back into my pace and then I was done the swim.
Then came the bike…. I had no idea that it was raining but unfortunately it was… thank goodness I left a long sleeve shirt in T1. Left T1 and off I went. Once I was out on the road I was being passed left and right so often and then one person passed me on the right, grrrrr. I struggled on this bike ride mentally, at times I felt like I was going know where and I know this is not a hard course. It was pouring rain and I was entering into a negative space. But I was not going to give up. The one thing that got me through the rain was thinking of my friend that is just a little older than me that is battling cancer for the 3 time, she was with me for this whole ride and yes at times I caught myself talking to myself or imagining that she was with me and would not let me give up, I kept telling myself what I was doing was nothing compared to what she was going through and that is what helped me push. I finally got to the turn around, and had to stop to use the outhouse or else I would not make it back, to my surprise there was a line up!
Off I went I was now on my way home and the rain was tapering. Once I could see the town I knew then I could finish this race. As I came near T2 I saw the TTL tent my dad and Jaison were cheering but I could not make eye contact as the tears were not going to come yet Off my bike I got running shoes one and off I went! I felt happy and ready to finish this. I was thankful to know that I had to do this one part of the run twice, thank you TTL! I decided that I would walk through the aid stations and that worked well for me. I have to say that I loved the oranges! I was smiling throughout the run and it was so great to see other TTL team mates along the route. On my way back I said to one of the volunteers I can’t believe that I am going to finish a half Ironman! The end was near and I was smiling and so excited, the last aid station I grabbed some coke that was the best thing ever at that point. I met up with this one lady at the end that I will never forget she lived in near Stony Plain we chatted the whole way in. I could see the TTL tent and I knew I had done it! I could hear lots of wonderful people yelling my name, my dad whistling and having a proud father moment, now I just had to hold it together, Angie yelled out that Jaison was at the corner when I saw Jaison it was a like this overwhelming feeling of happiness and such a surreal moment, a moment that I thought I would never have, but I did Now I am a half Ironman chick!
My goal for this race was to finish and finish healthy with a smile on my face, and I accomplished that. Thank you Angie for being such a fantastic coach through this process I could not have done it without you, I look forward to many more races Now it is on to my next race Calgary 70.3……
Thanks for reading everyone!
Sarah Van Tine
I still can’t believe that I did a half Ironman distance… I always thought that OD would be my farthest distance because I just thought you had to be crazy to do a half Ironman and even crazier to do a full. I remember sitting in a meeting one day at my office in Banff and a lady from our marketing department had just finished IMC at that point I thought it was an amazing accomplishment and that I would never do triathlons… I guess I was very wrong
July 1, 2012 came very quickly I know that I had done all my training and Hawaii helped so much in this process and all the training I had been doing all year… It is funny how sometimes you start to doubt yourself just before a race, and then you just have to give yourself a slap in the face! As the training has been done and now it is time to go out and have fun with everything that you have trained for.
I had soooooo much support on race day, before race day, during race day. I think I was going a little crazy 2 weeks prior to the race it was like I could not remember things and my focus on everything was soooo short. The day prior to the race I went out with the team and that helped me mentally in a big way everyone was so patient and Leslie Anne (LA) was so supportive telling me where all the aid stations were and making me laugh
It was now race morning and I was very nervous but I managed to eat and I felt very organized and ready. I have a great second coach, my husband Jaison. I really don’t think I could have done this without him he was so incredibly patient and knew what I needed even if I did not…. It was like he was the other side of my brain that morning and weeks prior…. Also having my dad there meant the world he was supportive in other ways and just knowing that he was there helped. My friend Amber knew how to make me laugh and has been an amazing supporter and she will be very honest with me which I greatly appreciate. I just knew that morning that I had so many friends and family thinking of me that I knew I could do this.
It was time to go to the beach it was quite nerve racking one by one everyone going down to the beach and starting all together. I am a strong swimmer so I knew I could do it just needed to breathe. I found LA as I knew where she was starting it was so nice to see her, and of course I was so nervous the tears started… but LA calmed me down and made me breath thank you for that LA your support will never be forgotten! Then my friend Amber turned up and we were able to start together, now I know she could have gone in the middle where she likes to start but she did not she wanted to start with me and that meant the world, what are friends for!
Off the gun went. I stayed on the far left and stayed calm and to my surprise it did not take me long to get into a good pace. I only had one man try to swim over me and the funny thing was he had all the room in the world! So I just started kicking harder and I think that scared him off Second lap, waved at Jaison and my dad I knew I had this in the bag! Second loop was good back into my pace and then I was done the swim.
Then came the bike…. I had no idea that it was raining but unfortunately it was… thank goodness I left a long sleeve shirt in T1. Left T1 and off I went. Once I was out on the road I was being passed left and right so often and then one person passed me on the right, grrrrr. I struggled on this bike ride mentally, at times I felt like I was going know where and I know this is not a hard course. It was pouring rain and I was entering into a negative space. But I was not going to give up. The one thing that got me through the rain was thinking of my friend that is just a little older than me that is battling cancer for the 3 time, she was with me for this whole ride and yes at times I caught myself talking to myself or imagining that she was with me and would not let me give up, I kept telling myself what I was doing was nothing compared to what she was going through and that is what helped me push. I finally got to the turn around, and had to stop to use the outhouse or else I would not make it back, to my surprise there was a line up!
Off I went I was now on my way home and the rain was tapering. Once I could see the town I knew then I could finish this race. As I came near T2 I saw the TTL tent my dad and Jaison were cheering but I could not make eye contact as the tears were not going to come yet Off my bike I got running shoes one and off I went! I felt happy and ready to finish this. I was thankful to know that I had to do this one part of the run twice, thank you TTL! I decided that I would walk through the aid stations and that worked well for me. I have to say that I loved the oranges! I was smiling throughout the run and it was so great to see other TTL team mates along the route. On my way back I said to one of the volunteers I can’t believe that I am going to finish a half Ironman! The end was near and I was smiling and so excited, the last aid station I grabbed some coke that was the best thing ever at that point. I met up with this one lady at the end that I will never forget she lived in near Stony Plain we chatted the whole way in. I could see the TTL tent and I knew I had done it! I could hear lots of wonderful people yelling my name, my dad whistling and having a proud father moment, now I just had to hold it together, Angie yelled out that Jaison was at the corner when I saw Jaison it was a like this overwhelming feeling of happiness and such a surreal moment, a moment that I thought I would never have, but I did Now I am a half Ironman chick!
My goal for this race was to finish and finish healthy with a smile on my face, and I accomplished that. Thank you Angie for being such a fantastic coach through this process I could not have done it without you, I look forward to many more races Now it is on to my next race Calgary 70.3……
Thanks for reading everyone!
Sarah Van Tine
Monday, July 9, 2012
Leslie-Anne's GWN Race Report July 1, 2012
GWN 2012 Race Report
For the fourth year in a row, I signed up for this race. I approached this race as prep for Calgary 70.3. I needed to figure out a few things and GWN would be the place to do so.
I headed out of town with fellow TTL’ers, Tara, Nola and Jenny. Roger followed up later with Tara’s bike and mine. It is always a fun ride with “girl talk” race stories and a good sense of camaraderie was established.
Check in to the hotel and headed off to the pre race banquet.
As it was “game day”, I was dressed in my Rider gear; I did have my TTL jacket with me of course. I will say, I was not alone in my green and white; I followed the game via text messages and was very pleased with the end result. A Rider win is always a good thing!
This year the vibe was a bit different to get race packages, no ATA number, no package, no personal i.d., no package. Orange bracelet to wear all weekend, tattoo numbers, wow, GWN has kicked it up a notch. I enjoyed the venues and the apparel that was for sale was varied. I did pick up a nice jacket, not in the orange and black colours as were the jerseys, too much like Halloween!
Good meal, good laughs and cold beer only $4.00 a can. I only had one beer, wanted more but only had one. We did not stay for the meeting, and headed back to the hotel to get some much needed rest.
Saturday morning we met for a pre race ride of the run course. That was a great way to see the course from a different point of view and I believe was beneficial for those that have not done the course before. I enjoyed the nice weather; the sun was warming my pasty white skin, all was good. A quick brick and that was it, we were done. I decided I wasn’t going to do a pre race swim, as we could not get in the water until 2:00pm. I did not want to run the risk of my wet suit still being wet the next day.
Tara and I headed to transition to set up our bikes and soon I was back at the hotel to settle in for the rest of the day. A rare occasion occurred this particular race; Roger and I were “kidless”! We could just hang out, watch some TV that included some CFL football (not the Riders but still CFL).
Prepped my fuel for the race, Infinit, 3 bottles, froze two and had one ready for my front aero-bottle. My run fuel was ready to add water, packed my bags and finally settled down.
My usual GWN pre race dinner of cooked chicken and quinoa salad from Safeway was enjoyed. I also enjoyed my pre race 40 Creek Rye on ice, soooo tasty!
I was just getting into a classic Ingrid Bergman (black and white no less) movie and Roger said, “Ok, that’s it, time for bed” What? “It’s almost 10pm you are up early and you need sleep”. Like a good little girl I went to bed. **Sigh** Roger is a helluva manager I am lucky! I did have a good night’s sleep as a result!
Race Day:
Up and at ‘em around 4:45am with breakfast of 2 pkgs of instant oatmeal. Met the gang downstairs, grabbed a coffee and we were off to the swim start. I didn’t expect Roger to come along but I am always thankful when he does. We gave Trevor and John a lift and getting there in good time allowed for Roger to get a decent parking spot for his escape afterwards.
Mother Nature was good to me and I decided not to take the Imodium, a mad scramble for Angie though and I did find her some and as a result she loves me! HA! J
As much as I was laughing and joking with everyone I still had a moment with Roger where I was nervous and self-doubt was trying to creep in. He got me to dismiss those thoughts and sent me to my bike with a hug and a kiss. At least I remembered to put the zinc on after I kissed him this year!
Swim:
Headed to my spot on the beach and saw Sarah Van Tine, who was doing her 1st half. She was nervous and I totally understand where she was coming from. I just looked at her with as much peace and calm that I could muster for her and I hope that she was able to take from me what I was giving her.
I was sad that I missed singing “Oh Canada”, but I was able to watch the clock and when it went off I was ready.
The goo and “odor” of Hubbles Lake has not changed! The water was warm and I found my space very quickly and headed towards the bouy. The one bit of feedback that I would like to give the race director is the colour of the men’s swim caps needs to be changed. Orange caps/orange buoys, kind of confusing at 1st for this old gal!
The Power Bar arch was a HUGE improvement and it was so easy to site the shore for the get-out-and-run-back-in spot. I heard the cheering and was very pleased to hear Roger call my name before I headed back in to the goo and water.
I pressed on for the 2nd loop and still enjoy just being able to swim and not count laps!
As I exited the water I was able to get my suit unzipped much easier than I did at Wasa perhaps it was because I could feel my hands on my suit as they weren’t frozen? Got my suit stripped and found my bike on the 1st try! (I have been known to miss it).
Swim: 35:35 Good enough for 1st in my AG! PB as well!
Transition wasn’t too bad. I had decided to wear my bike jersey, as the weather didn’t look too promising. Speaking of which, the weather forecast stated rain around 2 or 3pm. It ended up backwards.
I was comfortable with my transition execution and I was on the bike ready for the next stage of the race.
Bike:
As I spun up the hill, I was taking in some Infinit right away. For the 1st time it actually tasted decent! Probably due to the fact I was thirsty and needed to rinse out the Hubbles Lake taste. It was great to see Roger as I turned left he said I was right on time! J
I always find the 1st 10-15k of the bike interesting. This time the added attraction of rain made it more challenging. I know I have a decent swim time and what “gets” me is all the athletes, in particular the guys who are hell bent for election right from the get go. So few yelled “on your left”, I may not be the fastest cyclist but their need for speed had me riding a bit more cautious as I did not wish to be hit or called for blocking as they all jockeyed for positions riding past me.
I was glad when I could settle into my pace and aerobars. Once I got going I sipped on my infinit as one of my goals was to ensure I consumed all 3 bottles on the course. I did miss my arm warmers and my toes got cold as well so my toe covers would’ve been a plus. I stayed in my aeros as much as possible as it was WAY warmer there!
“The rain in Spain is mainly on the plain” or in this case, Stony Plain. It didn’t really let up the entire ride and this was a 1st for me, riding in the rain. I didn’t like it but I was ok as my core was warm. I was glad I had my jersey on. There were times where my visibility was challenged with the spray from the vehicles and the bikes that went by. I had a good ride and even managed to make it to 37km before I had to stop and pee. Finally two vehicles on the same side of the road that I could pull over and use as semi cover! As it turned out they were from Saskatoon and Rider Priders, we are everywhere!
As I was getting on my bike, I heard a “Go Leslie-Anne” from the other side; someone in a blue pick up truck was cheering me on. No idea who it was but thanks for the support!
Due to the rain I was a bit hesitant on the hill descents. I stayed as far right as I could to give other cyclists as much space as possible. I was concerned enough for the ones descending in their aerobars (one crossed the yellow line and where were the race marshals?) that I decided that I needed to feel safer and slowed up a bit should they crash I might be able to avoid them. The climbing was good and I was happy with how I executed those climbs. I made sure to yell “on your left” as I went by!
A slight head wind on the return I noticed my legs were getting cold and somewhat stiff. I kept pedalling and as I was on the final stretch into Stony I finished my Infinit. I successfully transferred my fuel without stopping to do so AND consumed it all! J
I was glad to get off the bike, not because I was tired of riding (well a little) but I the fact my legs were cold! As I dismounted I am sure I looked like the little old man from the show Laugh-In as I felt stiff and unable to move out of a crouch position.
Bike: 3:01:09 slightly slower than last year (by 1:09) but due to the weather I am ok with this time. 11th in my AG.
I was a bit un-coordinated in transition due to brain freeze and other parts near frozen, I did ok. The athlete who caught me on the last 1 km of the ride managed to get out of transition just before me! Soooo close!
Run:
The moment I’ve been waiting for, the run. Given my challenges the last few half marathon races I was very focused on execution for this race. I added water to my run fuel in transition, as I didn’t want that fuel to be sitting for hours in the sun. In hindsight what sun but at least it was “fresh” as I began the 21km ahead of me.
A quick pit stop and I was off. The goal was not to start too fast, keep it even, keep focused on moving one foot in front of the other and above all keep pace. It did take almost 2k before I could feel my feet!
A slight deterrent as I came out of the downtown and that was to see Angie on the pathway. I ran over to her to check in. I thought it was odd that she was over there, 1st thing I thought was she was having gut issues. As I got closer I could see she was upset and I learned that she was pulling herself off the course.
I wanted to help but I couldn’t. I checked in with her to ensure she was ok and it wasn’t until she yelled at me to get going I knew she would be. Very challenging to see someone so focused on racing not being able to complete, I had to put it aside and focus on what I needed to do, and that was to finish. Off I went to complete my race.
I was running merrily along but soon felt warm and realized I should’ve taken my jersey off. I was hoping that Roger would be some where along the course and he was. As I approached him I could hear his cousin say, “She’s trying to take her shirt off, if she can!” I went by him and yelled, “Oh look, I dropped my jersey” in case any race marshals were nearby and could not accuse me of getting assistance from a bystander. That helped but soon afterward the familiar cramping began for which I was prepared and made it to the once again, “perfectly placed porta potties”. In I go, in goes the Imodium and I continued on I suspect I lost close to 5 mins but I thought I was going to be ok for the rest of the run.
The weather was holding but my guts were not, the fuel I brought was not going to sit in me so I did not take any in. Water at the aid stations and that was it until towards the end when I took in some oranges. Did that hurt me in the end time wise? Maybe. Next time I will dilute the fuel as it works in training. There was NO way I was going to take in Gatorade, that stuff really makes me gag.
The turn around was there before I knew it and as I headed home those familiar cramps appeared and I hit the loo in perfect timing. Damn! That wasn’t supposed to happen! That being said, I did say this race was to test a few things out and I now know for Calgary 70.3 the Imodium goes in before the race starts and one more before I get off the bike.
I did “drop” my fuel belt and Roger picked it up. Glad he had not moved off the course!
The last 6km were tough as the sun came out and the humidity was challenging for me.
That is when I believe the lack of fuel intake hit me as well. All that did for me though was to focus even harder. I know this wasn’t my “A” race but I was determined to finish strong. Stopped to check in with another TTL’er on the course that wasn’t having a good day. Mike would finish, just wasn’t a good day for him. He wished me well and I accepted those wishes and forged ahead.
As I came up the main street I could see Trevor ahead of me and I did my best to catch him. That last climb I was close but when his girls came out to run with him across the line I knew it wasn’t my time. He did not need anyone going past him like a crazed fool when it was so important to his girls to be there with him. I smiled and enjoyed their moment as a family.
One more thing about that last climb I could hear Angie’s voice from the bottom of the hill. I am not kidding, it was loud and clear! I loved the cheering from all the TTL’ers, other people who were there; it’s always such a rush to come to a finish line!
Roger was at the finish line with my ice cold Pilsner, ahhhhhh, soooo tasty!!!
Run: 2:14:04 (7 minutes faster than last year.) 24th in my AG
Overall time: 5:50:47 Good enough for 10th! I MADE THE TOP TEN!!!! OMG!!!
I am SUPER pleased with the overall result. It was a goal to make the top 10 and I did (stated in my race plan) Secret goal was to place 1st in the swim (not stated in my race plan)
Lessons learned for Calgary 70.3 (and any other half ironman for that matter): Take Imodium before the swim start and before I get off the bike. I will gladly pay the price afterwards in order to see that run time better. I KNOW I can do better and if it weren’t for those two stops…
Run fuel will be diluted, in other words less in the bottle before I start. I will have the powder in the bottle before I begin and add water as I start the run. I cannot stand stuff that sits in bottles for too long (part of the challenge I have with taking Infinit).
I had a good race and I am pleased with how things went. I don’t mind the cold, didn’t really like riding in the rain but I did it and survived.
As I started the run, I was ok with the thought of 21kms. Funny how that is as it seems not so long ago that I was terrified to run that distance and now I can approach it with a more relaxed mind. Slowly but surely I will conquer the run and all the demons that I face each time I am out on the course.
I consumed a massive burger, sweet potato fries, veggies and beer before heading home. Drove through the worst hailstorm! My gawd that was loud! No damage, which is a good thing.
I’m looking forward to the challenge of Calgary 70.3; it will be just that, a challenge.
Thanks to all of the support from my coach, Roger as well as family and friends of TTL’ers, we are formidable team and I am very proud to be a part of it!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Toni's GWN Race Report July 1, 2012
GWN 2012!
I think this is the first time I have done a race report, so it feels a bit strange to be writing this! I am not a racer—I like to train with my friends—so every actual race for me is a big deal! This was my second full GWN, but I have been the runner or swimmer a few times in the past 6 years as well. I know the course, the whole thing feels like coming home for me! Been there, done that, got the shirt! (sounds a bit complacent, huh?......)
I worked at my nutrition this year, and Angie really helped me dial it in on Saturday. A wonderful tip from Leslie Anne, and I think I had one of the best-fueled races ever. I had a plan, man!
Sunday morning I woke up crab, crab, crabby! Two nights of crappy sleep and impending rain on race morning!! Grrrr....... I spent all my swim practice time at my transition instead—trying to decide what to wear after the swim! One of the benefits of frequent racing is that you would actually have experience with what clothing works for you!!! Oh well, I decided to swim in my sport bra, pull on my tri top after and add my rain shell to bike in so I would not be cold. Turns out that tri tops don’t go on so well when you are soaking wet!!! Memo to self: just swim in the darn top, you ninny! Swim was accomplished in two parts—first 300m I forgot that I can actually put my face in the water! Yep!! Can be done!! Was all freaked out, panic central!! Tried all of Angie’s best tricks—focus on form, count strokes, find a hole and stay off to the side—my own head was in my way!! And then, like magic! It went away and I had a wonderful swim from then on!! What the heck?? I felt strong, focussed on form, stayed out of the fray and got it done!! (maybe that evil swim devil drowned at the 300m mark??)
One of the longest transitions on record! And I usually rock my transitions! Oh yeah! I guess I should have practiced before the race—hmmm.....complacency??? Then I fell over my bike trying to mount---still not feeling the love!! The rain shell kept me at a very comfortable temperature, but I got a few comments from other cyclists that I looked like I had a parachute!! It was annoying, but at least I had a comfortable temperature! The first 30km of the bike seemed so crowded! I didn’t get much nutrition in because I was trying to dodge the crowds and keep out of the drafting. Still so crabby! Wet and grumpy! Ooooh! A horrible place to race in!! Then I started to see the girls—Tara—who was having the race of her life!! She was a distant memory in no time flat!!! Carla, Kelly—we went back and forth and I got so much energy from seeing them out there!! Carmen went by like I was standing still!! No hope of catching him!! Saw Angie at 45km—she was already on the way back and looked like a pro! I was really excited for her! Mood lifting—hmmmmm....was this going to be an okay race despite myself??? Starting getting some spasms in my back around 55km, took a Robaxacet as planned and powered on! Not loving the rain—the princess not getting her way! Decided at 70km that that was the perfect distance for a half IM bike, but apparently the race director didn’t get my memo!! What the heck—it’s all flat from here! Get ‘er done!! Such an internal struggle—the bike is my favourite thing and I was really trying hard to have fun, and not able to get out of my own head!! Town!! Hallelujah!! And my wonderful Dave, and Mom and lots of cheering as I passed the Tri Life tent! Into T2 I go! Could not wait to get off the bike and start the next race with a better head space!
A long transition again—was so soaked and dirty and gritty—took my time to dry my toesies! No gritty bits allowed into those nice clean shoes!! Off goes the parachute—wow! It’s actually a nice temperature out here—and the rain seems so much less! TTL hat on to cover the really bad hair and away I go! And right out of transition I come across a TTLer I didn’t know, but we wished each other well, and I thought how nice it was that we had our kits on today! Off at a 5:00/km pace—lets be smart out here! Let’s pace the race and do the best we can! Wow! It felt so great to be running! And I thanked all the volunteers! And I could feel the cloud lifting! And the light rain was nice—kept me at a perfect temperature! A quick pottie break, and I was rockin and rollin!! I saw Tanya Solomon being led by the Lead Female cyclist and was so excited!! Tanya is a good friend of Angie’s, and a super gal! I was thrilled for her—she won Wasa this year too!! It’s a good day!! And then I saw Angie walking back! What???? I ran over and she said she was in too much pain to run! She was tearful, and told me to go on, and I got that lump in my throat and was ready to cry. I knew she was really ready for this race—no fair!! No Fair!! Okay—suck it up—get your race over and then find out what happened to Angie—no crying allowed! Happy face—come back to me!! The beauty of GWN is the out-and-backs! I started to see more of our team and it didn’t take long to find my happy! Hand slapping, cheering everyone and anyone I could! That’s the best thing I can do to get myself out of my own head! Hold pace, keep those kms even, get a gel in, some coke, some water—race smart!! Yep! We can do this!! One more porta pottie and good to go! It certainly got harder, but that’s when I started my mantra: “Angie says I’m a natural runner!” Thank you Angie!! My wonderful sister-in-law joined me for the last few km to run me in—she was terrific—so supportive! I have the best team and the best family! Got that run done in the best time I’ve ever had in a half IM!
So, in retrospect, I guess I learned that practice before a race is a good thing—whether it is setting up transition, mounting your bike, or just a lake swim to get used to the wetsuit after a winter in the closet! And that the weather is something I can’t control, but my emotions are—I can choose to be a big crab monster, or I can choose to make the best of it and have some fun with the rest of the racers! Once I got a grip on my head (and pulled it out of my butt!) I had a great day!! And I am so grateful to all of my teammates for their cheers and high-fives and to Coach Angie for giving me the tools—I just needed to remember how to use them!!
Ironman Arizona—look out now—I’m comin’ to getcha!!
Toni
I think this is the first time I have done a race report, so it feels a bit strange to be writing this! I am not a racer—I like to train with my friends—so every actual race for me is a big deal! This was my second full GWN, but I have been the runner or swimmer a few times in the past 6 years as well. I know the course, the whole thing feels like coming home for me! Been there, done that, got the shirt! (sounds a bit complacent, huh?......)
I worked at my nutrition this year, and Angie really helped me dial it in on Saturday. A wonderful tip from Leslie Anne, and I think I had one of the best-fueled races ever. I had a plan, man!
Sunday morning I woke up crab, crab, crabby! Two nights of crappy sleep and impending rain on race morning!! Grrrr....... I spent all my swim practice time at my transition instead—trying to decide what to wear after the swim! One of the benefits of frequent racing is that you would actually have experience with what clothing works for you!!! Oh well, I decided to swim in my sport bra, pull on my tri top after and add my rain shell to bike in so I would not be cold. Turns out that tri tops don’t go on so well when you are soaking wet!!! Memo to self: just swim in the darn top, you ninny! Swim was accomplished in two parts—first 300m I forgot that I can actually put my face in the water! Yep!! Can be done!! Was all freaked out, panic central!! Tried all of Angie’s best tricks—focus on form, count strokes, find a hole and stay off to the side—my own head was in my way!! And then, like magic! It went away and I had a wonderful swim from then on!! What the heck?? I felt strong, focussed on form, stayed out of the fray and got it done!! (maybe that evil swim devil drowned at the 300m mark??)
One of the longest transitions on record! And I usually rock my transitions! Oh yeah! I guess I should have practiced before the race—hmmm.....complacency??? Then I fell over my bike trying to mount---still not feeling the love!! The rain shell kept me at a very comfortable temperature, but I got a few comments from other cyclists that I looked like I had a parachute!! It was annoying, but at least I had a comfortable temperature! The first 30km of the bike seemed so crowded! I didn’t get much nutrition in because I was trying to dodge the crowds and keep out of the drafting. Still so crabby! Wet and grumpy! Ooooh! A horrible place to race in!! Then I started to see the girls—Tara—who was having the race of her life!! She was a distant memory in no time flat!!! Carla, Kelly—we went back and forth and I got so much energy from seeing them out there!! Carmen went by like I was standing still!! No hope of catching him!! Saw Angie at 45km—she was already on the way back and looked like a pro! I was really excited for her! Mood lifting—hmmmmm....was this going to be an okay race despite myself??? Starting getting some spasms in my back around 55km, took a Robaxacet as planned and powered on! Not loving the rain—the princess not getting her way! Decided at 70km that that was the perfect distance for a half IM bike, but apparently the race director didn’t get my memo!! What the heck—it’s all flat from here! Get ‘er done!! Such an internal struggle—the bike is my favourite thing and I was really trying hard to have fun, and not able to get out of my own head!! Town!! Hallelujah!! And my wonderful Dave, and Mom and lots of cheering as I passed the Tri Life tent! Into T2 I go! Could not wait to get off the bike and start the next race with a better head space!
A long transition again—was so soaked and dirty and gritty—took my time to dry my toesies! No gritty bits allowed into those nice clean shoes!! Off goes the parachute—wow! It’s actually a nice temperature out here—and the rain seems so much less! TTL hat on to cover the really bad hair and away I go! And right out of transition I come across a TTLer I didn’t know, but we wished each other well, and I thought how nice it was that we had our kits on today! Off at a 5:00/km pace—lets be smart out here! Let’s pace the race and do the best we can! Wow! It felt so great to be running! And I thanked all the volunteers! And I could feel the cloud lifting! And the light rain was nice—kept me at a perfect temperature! A quick pottie break, and I was rockin and rollin!! I saw Tanya Solomon being led by the Lead Female cyclist and was so excited!! Tanya is a good friend of Angie’s, and a super gal! I was thrilled for her—she won Wasa this year too!! It’s a good day!! And then I saw Angie walking back! What???? I ran over and she said she was in too much pain to run! She was tearful, and told me to go on, and I got that lump in my throat and was ready to cry. I knew she was really ready for this race—no fair!! No Fair!! Okay—suck it up—get your race over and then find out what happened to Angie—no crying allowed! Happy face—come back to me!! The beauty of GWN is the out-and-backs! I started to see more of our team and it didn’t take long to find my happy! Hand slapping, cheering everyone and anyone I could! That’s the best thing I can do to get myself out of my own head! Hold pace, keep those kms even, get a gel in, some coke, some water—race smart!! Yep! We can do this!! One more porta pottie and good to go! It certainly got harder, but that’s when I started my mantra: “Angie says I’m a natural runner!” Thank you Angie!! My wonderful sister-in-law joined me for the last few km to run me in—she was terrific—so supportive! I have the best team and the best family! Got that run done in the best time I’ve ever had in a half IM!
So, in retrospect, I guess I learned that practice before a race is a good thing—whether it is setting up transition, mounting your bike, or just a lake swim to get used to the wetsuit after a winter in the closet! And that the weather is something I can’t control, but my emotions are—I can choose to be a big crab monster, or I can choose to make the best of it and have some fun with the rest of the racers! Once I got a grip on my head (and pulled it out of my butt!) I had a great day!! And I am so grateful to all of my teammates for their cheers and high-fives and to Coach Angie for giving me the tools—I just needed to remember how to use them!!
Ironman Arizona—look out now—I’m comin’ to getcha!!
Toni
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Andrea's GWN race report July 1, 2012
I just wanted to write up my race report for you (and others if they are interested) while it's still fresh in my brain. I'm really still on a high and so happy to have accomplished so much in just 6 short months of training. It's making me feel like anything is possible if I put in the time and effort (and have great people like you in my life to help me out;)
Goals for this race: Focus on technique and relaxing on the swim. Get nutrition in on the bike at set intervals and relax into my aerobars. Try to run the whole run minus the aid stations... this would be dependent on how my legs were feeling. I've been having a lot of calf problems the last few months, but am trying new compression sleeves for this race.
I was excited to be at home for this race... own food, own bed, less distractions. I got lots of rest before and was happy not be driving anywhere the day before the race. I still felt more scattered then I would have liked, but it all came together in the end. I think I was better prepared for the away races because I made lists so I wouldn't forget anything, and I assumed that because I was at my own house, that I wouldn't need lists. Guess I should have known better.
Got up at 430 which was a shock to the system but I had everything set out so I didn't have to think... just do. My nerves were kicking in and this made that peanut butter toast virtually impossible to swallow, but my handy backup plan worked well. I bought some of those Ensure beverages... the ones popular with the 90 year + crowd ;). I chugged one of those and felt much better. I'd used this before the chinook and felt good there too. Think this will become my go to pre race beverage. I dragged all my bags out to my car and was on my way.
Got to Stony around 615 and made my way to the bus with all my bags. After sitting on the shuttle bus for 5 minutes, I watched someone get on the bus with their helmet... Oh crap! Where the heck is my helmet?!? I had it sitting loose next to my bags so I wouldn't forget it, and what do I do? So I grab all my bags and get off the shuttle... dump everything on the ground, and sprint off to my car to get my helmet. Back on a new bus a few minutes later with a sigh of relief, Next time it goes in the bag with the rest of my stuff! I'm listening to everyone talking with nervous anticipation and they are all trading stories of previous experiences with this race. My stomach is turning from being nervous and sitting on a humid bus full of people. But we get there soon enough and I"m in the line for the bathroom asap! (thanks for the tip Sarah!). Feel much better and functional again so I prep all my stuff, drop off my run bag and find Steve to borrow the group bike pump. To my utter dismay, I snap off my valve on my back tire after filling it up! It's not leaking so I run to find steve and the others to ask advice. They assure me that they think it will hold, so I leave it with the knowledge that I may have to change my tire during the race (but I was already prepared to have to do that anyway). I wetsuit up, and feel better after talking to a few girls around me that are also newbies to the sport. I feel much better but not so much better that I can eat the whole banana I'm trying to shovel in my mouth. I get half in and that will have to do. I drop off my dry clothes bag and after some talking with Sarah and my mom, I head down to the water. I'm disappointed that they closed the swim warm up at 730, but Sarah assures me that everyone else is pretty much in the same boat.
I've decided that I started too far back in the group at the Chinook olympic, so I've picked a spot on the far left side about half way back. Again, lots of stories around me and the nervous energy is making that banana stir in my tummy... please don't barf! That would be soooo embarrassing. Before I have time to contemplate that, the horn is blowing and off we go. I fumble with my goggles a bit, and cringe at the "sludge" water at my feet, but dive in with everyone else. I find a little pocket and swim for a good 50 m before a foot comes out of nowhere and knocks my goggles off my face. As i pop up and attempt to readjust, I'm blocking everyone else and suddenly feel like I'm in a washing machine. Elbows and feet everywhere. Someone from a kayak asks me if I"m ok and I get going again. Part of me wants to quit right then, but I reassure myself that I'm perfectly fine, and I'll be very annoyed with myself if I quit for something so silly. The rest of the swim is good. I focus on taking the buoys wide like Sarah and I talked about, and focussing on technique. Before I know it , I'm done and on to a very overzealous wetsuit stripper. I'm thinking I'm lucky my shorts are still on and my feet are still attached to my legs ( he meant business!). Transistion was good. Took the time to put on my arm warmers since it was already raining and the sky didn't look like it was clearing anytime soon.
Bike was good overall. Started off easy and got some nutrition in right away. I realized while I was going through the town that although I had put my Garmin on at transition, I hadn't actually started the thing. Oops. I start is then and move on. Was paranoid for the first 20km that my tire was going to blow, but it seemed to hold up, even over rumble strips and train tracks so I figured I'd be safe. I did feel cold and miserable, but then realized that everyone was in the same boat so decided to hum along to singing in the rain.. yes I'm nerdy, but it actually picked up my spirits. My jaw dropped when I saw the first place guy already sprinting back the other way, but I went back to focussing on what I needed to do. Aerobars felt better than they ever have, and I took in nutrition at all the times I wanted to. My electrolyte beverage was good, but I ran out about 20 km out. I reached back to grab my extra bottle of it from my holders behind my seat, and to my shock, it was gone! It must have flown off behind me... sorry to anyone back there.. I didn't mean to litter or launch electrolyte beverage at you! So I settled for a few more gu chomps and some water from an aid station. I did notice there was an extraordinarily long hill that I was watching everyone work to get up while I was going down the other way, so I wanted to remember to save something in my tank for that. But I kept waiting and waiting to get to it... and then I was suddenly back in town. I guess it wasn't as big as I though, because unless I went way off course, I already did it! Yay! I did feel like I probably could have pushed a bit harder, but I wanted to save something in the tank for the run.
Transition was good. My stuff was wet though... including (boys... ignore the next sentence), my sole girlie product I was saving for the run. Oh well. Such is life. Quick pitstop in the bathroom and a cheer from Sarah and Kelvin, and I'm on my way! Calves feel surprisingly good, and I"m happy to have my electrolyte drink fully stocked again. I've decided to run with my running backpack which has become somewhat of a security blanket for me. But it's lightweight and I can have drink available to me anytime.. along with my gels. I pop one of my gels right before the first aid station and take in water there. I walk the aid station like I'd planned and continue this way throughout the run. I see Steve and Nate already on their way back but give high fives and feel pumped up again. I am so happy I wore the try-life top I bought. So many try-lifers were out there cheering for me, even though no one actually knew who I was. It was a little boost of energy every time I got a smile and a "way to go" and of course I happily reciprocated the cheering! A girl next to me actually commented on how many of us there were and how nice it was to see such great support for one another. There were a few points where I couldn't wait to see another aid station because it meant a short walk, but I managed to keep it up, and my calves only started tightening up for the last 5km or so. I stopped and stretched them for a minute at one of the last aid stations, then took off again. I was so excited to see the 19km sign and got a bit of a kick to bring it in. The team try-life tent was just the boost I needed to push me to the end with a strong finish that I was hoping for.
I was elated, to be done of course, but to have also accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I realized that I was at this race last year, purely as a spectator who hadn't swam in 17 years (and I"m only 30), and had never been on a road bike, let alone tri bike in my life. I had run before, but never more than a ten mile race, but I had always wanted to do triathlon, but didn't know where to start. Ironman Canada won me over to sign up... and that was that. I was going to be a triathlete. I finally felt like at the end of this race, that I was no longer a wannabe, but was actually becoming a triathlete. It's an amazing feeling and I'm so happy. I had hoped to be finished in around 6:30 so was pleasantly surprised with my 6:23 time. My swim was around 42 minutes, which was 3 minutes faster than I thought I'd be and my bike was 3:17, which again, was faster than I thought I would be. Run was a bit slower, but I"m happy with the way it went. I felt like I accomplished all the goals I set out for myself, and of course met my big goal of just finishing. I feel more prepared for the full Ironman, which is still daunting, but I know that putting in the training will get me there.. and hopefully with a smile on my face.
Goals for this race: Focus on technique and relaxing on the swim. Get nutrition in on the bike at set intervals and relax into my aerobars. Try to run the whole run minus the aid stations... this would be dependent on how my legs were feeling. I've been having a lot of calf problems the last few months, but am trying new compression sleeves for this race.
I was excited to be at home for this race... own food, own bed, less distractions. I got lots of rest before and was happy not be driving anywhere the day before the race. I still felt more scattered then I would have liked, but it all came together in the end. I think I was better prepared for the away races because I made lists so I wouldn't forget anything, and I assumed that because I was at my own house, that I wouldn't need lists. Guess I should have known better.
Got up at 430 which was a shock to the system but I had everything set out so I didn't have to think... just do. My nerves were kicking in and this made that peanut butter toast virtually impossible to swallow, but my handy backup plan worked well. I bought some of those Ensure beverages... the ones popular with the 90 year + crowd ;). I chugged one of those and felt much better. I'd used this before the chinook and felt good there too. Think this will become my go to pre race beverage. I dragged all my bags out to my car and was on my way.
Got to Stony around 615 and made my way to the bus with all my bags. After sitting on the shuttle bus for 5 minutes, I watched someone get on the bus with their helmet... Oh crap! Where the heck is my helmet?!? I had it sitting loose next to my bags so I wouldn't forget it, and what do I do? So I grab all my bags and get off the shuttle... dump everything on the ground, and sprint off to my car to get my helmet. Back on a new bus a few minutes later with a sigh of relief, Next time it goes in the bag with the rest of my stuff! I'm listening to everyone talking with nervous anticipation and they are all trading stories of previous experiences with this race. My stomach is turning from being nervous and sitting on a humid bus full of people. But we get there soon enough and I"m in the line for the bathroom asap! (thanks for the tip Sarah!). Feel much better and functional again so I prep all my stuff, drop off my run bag and find Steve to borrow the group bike pump. To my utter dismay, I snap off my valve on my back tire after filling it up! It's not leaking so I run to find steve and the others to ask advice. They assure me that they think it will hold, so I leave it with the knowledge that I may have to change my tire during the race (but I was already prepared to have to do that anyway). I wetsuit up, and feel better after talking to a few girls around me that are also newbies to the sport. I feel much better but not so much better that I can eat the whole banana I'm trying to shovel in my mouth. I get half in and that will have to do. I drop off my dry clothes bag and after some talking with Sarah and my mom, I head down to the water. I'm disappointed that they closed the swim warm up at 730, but Sarah assures me that everyone else is pretty much in the same boat.
I've decided that I started too far back in the group at the Chinook olympic, so I've picked a spot on the far left side about half way back. Again, lots of stories around me and the nervous energy is making that banana stir in my tummy... please don't barf! That would be soooo embarrassing. Before I have time to contemplate that, the horn is blowing and off we go. I fumble with my goggles a bit, and cringe at the "sludge" water at my feet, but dive in with everyone else. I find a little pocket and swim for a good 50 m before a foot comes out of nowhere and knocks my goggles off my face. As i pop up and attempt to readjust, I'm blocking everyone else and suddenly feel like I'm in a washing machine. Elbows and feet everywhere. Someone from a kayak asks me if I"m ok and I get going again. Part of me wants to quit right then, but I reassure myself that I'm perfectly fine, and I'll be very annoyed with myself if I quit for something so silly. The rest of the swim is good. I focus on taking the buoys wide like Sarah and I talked about, and focussing on technique. Before I know it , I'm done and on to a very overzealous wetsuit stripper. I'm thinking I'm lucky my shorts are still on and my feet are still attached to my legs ( he meant business!). Transistion was good. Took the time to put on my arm warmers since it was already raining and the sky didn't look like it was clearing anytime soon.
Bike was good overall. Started off easy and got some nutrition in right away. I realized while I was going through the town that although I had put my Garmin on at transition, I hadn't actually started the thing. Oops. I start is then and move on. Was paranoid for the first 20km that my tire was going to blow, but it seemed to hold up, even over rumble strips and train tracks so I figured I'd be safe. I did feel cold and miserable, but then realized that everyone was in the same boat so decided to hum along to singing in the rain.. yes I'm nerdy, but it actually picked up my spirits. My jaw dropped when I saw the first place guy already sprinting back the other way, but I went back to focussing on what I needed to do. Aerobars felt better than they ever have, and I took in nutrition at all the times I wanted to. My electrolyte beverage was good, but I ran out about 20 km out. I reached back to grab my extra bottle of it from my holders behind my seat, and to my shock, it was gone! It must have flown off behind me... sorry to anyone back there.. I didn't mean to litter or launch electrolyte beverage at you! So I settled for a few more gu chomps and some water from an aid station. I did notice there was an extraordinarily long hill that I was watching everyone work to get up while I was going down the other way, so I wanted to remember to save something in my tank for that. But I kept waiting and waiting to get to it... and then I was suddenly back in town. I guess it wasn't as big as I though, because unless I went way off course, I already did it! Yay! I did feel like I probably could have pushed a bit harder, but I wanted to save something in the tank for the run.
Transition was good. My stuff was wet though... including (boys... ignore the next sentence), my sole girlie product I was saving for the run. Oh well. Such is life. Quick pitstop in the bathroom and a cheer from Sarah and Kelvin, and I'm on my way! Calves feel surprisingly good, and I"m happy to have my electrolyte drink fully stocked again. I've decided to run with my running backpack which has become somewhat of a security blanket for me. But it's lightweight and I can have drink available to me anytime.. along with my gels. I pop one of my gels right before the first aid station and take in water there. I walk the aid station like I'd planned and continue this way throughout the run. I see Steve and Nate already on their way back but give high fives and feel pumped up again. I am so happy I wore the try-life top I bought. So many try-lifers were out there cheering for me, even though no one actually knew who I was. It was a little boost of energy every time I got a smile and a "way to go" and of course I happily reciprocated the cheering! A girl next to me actually commented on how many of us there were and how nice it was to see such great support for one another. There were a few points where I couldn't wait to see another aid station because it meant a short walk, but I managed to keep it up, and my calves only started tightening up for the last 5km or so. I stopped and stretched them for a minute at one of the last aid stations, then took off again. I was so excited to see the 19km sign and got a bit of a kick to bring it in. The team try-life tent was just the boost I needed to push me to the end with a strong finish that I was hoping for.
I was elated, to be done of course, but to have also accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I realized that I was at this race last year, purely as a spectator who hadn't swam in 17 years (and I"m only 30), and had never been on a road bike, let alone tri bike in my life. I had run before, but never more than a ten mile race, but I had always wanted to do triathlon, but didn't know where to start. Ironman Canada won me over to sign up... and that was that. I was going to be a triathlete. I finally felt like at the end of this race, that I was no longer a wannabe, but was actually becoming a triathlete. It's an amazing feeling and I'm so happy. I had hoped to be finished in around 6:30 so was pleasantly surprised with my 6:23 time. My swim was around 42 minutes, which was 3 minutes faster than I thought I'd be and my bike was 3:17, which again, was faster than I thought I would be. Run was a bit slower, but I"m happy with the way it went. I felt like I accomplished all the goals I set out for myself, and of course met my big goal of just finishing. I feel more prepared for the full Ironman, which is still daunting, but I know that putting in the training will get me there.. and hopefully with a smile on my face.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Cindy's IMCDA race report!
The one thing you can not be going into or during an Ironman is complacent. An Ironman finish is never assured no matter how many times you’ve done the race. It’s never going to be easy no matter how hard you’ve trained. And it’s never going to turn out the way you expect no matter how much you plan. Ironman is fire. Always changing, hard to predict, it can lull you into a false sense of security thinking you have it under control until it escapes and you get burned. I went into IMCDA ready to hammer out the best Ironman of my life. My training was as near to perfect as it could be. I was performing better than I ever had. My nutrition was dialed down to the kilometer. I was injury free and felt strong. My plan was down pat, or so I thought. With 20 kms left in my race Ironman hit me with a punch so hard it knocked me on my ass. I didn’t expect it, I didn’t see it coming, and I had no way to defend against it.
Ironman CDA started throwing its punches right from the start; a ripped wetsuit just before race start, a cold swim that included repeated elbows to the head, choppy water that left me dizzy and slightly nauseous, and a calf cramp that forced me to swim the last 1000ms with one leg. All of this I’ve dealt with before so I was able to deflect the blows and carry on without much disruption.
The bike was good to me but not without its challenges. Comprised of lots of turns, short fast climbs, long slow climbs, and dizzying descents the course kept you on your toes. The lack of flat stretches and multitude of athletes made it hard to find time to take in nutrition. No mental ‘zone out’ breaks on this course. Most of this was expected so it wasn’t a big deal. At this point I was slightly behind where I wanted to be, however I was feeling strong, and was happy with the nutrition I had taken in. I felt I was more than holding my own and was ready to launch an attack on the run.
Never, ever, underestimate Ironman. I was mildly surprised my run started slow and jerky but not concerned. I was running uphill and my training runs always started slow. I was confident my muscles would relax and the pace would come. I can’t remember when I took my first gel, or tried to. It was liquid ooze that stuck in my throat and made me gag. I threw it aside and thought nothing more of it. I thought nothing more of it. I continued to try to push pace taking in water and coke, the aid stations getting shorter and farther apart. I took my run to a walk up the big climb, thinking to myself this was going to be harder than I thought. I started to get concerned that my run wasn’t coming around, I didn’t want to feel this bad this early in the run. At this point I was the frog in the pot of water slowly being heated to a boil unaware of the danger it’s in until it’s too late to jump out.
By the time I hit the 20km turnaround not even the crowds could get me to move faster. All their cheers and positive energy bounced off me like pebbles against an armored truck. I was angry. I was tired. I was losing control. Starting uphill onto my second lap I veered towards Scott and Joz who were cheering for me. They were on the other side of the road. I stopped in front of them put both hands on top of my head and started to collapse into a ball despite the roar of a thousands of voices urging me to keep going. Ironman was hammering me to the ground. I was about to fall. I expected Scott and Joz to offer me hugs, and comfort me with soothing, placating words but they didn’t. They just shouted at me to keep going and dig, dig, dig - dig as deep as I could. I felt hurt and alone in my misery, I would get no comfort from them but I did start running (Thanks guys!).
Scott and Joz’s words sustained me for a short time. I was lost and didn’t know what to do. Physical elements I can battle but how do you prepare and fight against yourself? I had never experienced anything like this before. It wasn’t even on my radar that this could happen because I’ve always been able to keep myself going through sheer force of will. Ironman had delivered a powerful blow and I was blindsided. Joz was right, I did need to dig deep but not in the manner one would expect by exerting more energy, and pushing through the pain. I needed to dig deep and let myself go to a place I didn’t want to go. When I have an internal struggle there are two voices in my head; one is driven by emotion and one by logic. At around the 23km mark these two voices were at war. Here’s how it played out:
EMO: I hate this! I HATE IT HATE IT HATE IT. You’re always pushing! PUSH! PUSH! PUSH! Why do we always have to push? I’m tired of pushing! This is supposed to be fun! It’s not fun! I want to walk! What difference does it make if we finish in 4 hours or 5? It’s just a bunch of numbers we’re going to forget when we’re old anyway. I didn’t spend the last few months too tired to do anything with my girls to chase a bunch a numbers and finish miserable. NOBODY CARES! Take a look around, everyone thinks your doing awesome, you’re a superstar, do you think they care when you finish? No, they don’t. All they see is that you’re taking on the race and they’re happy for you, let’s just be happy! I want to feel what we had in our first Ironman. The awe of what we were doing. The joy of just being in the race. The honour of racing among so many inspirational athletes. I don’t want another Arizona where we finish miserable and crying. We had a PR in Arizona; it didn’t make us happy, it was supposed to make us happy! If you want PRs so bad take all your finisher plaques remove the years from them then hang them up in descending order – voila! Instant PR in every race, that’s how meaningless numbers are. I don’t want a meaningless race. Why do you want a PR anyway? It’s only good until the next race because then you have to beat it again, and again, and again, which means pushing more, and more, and more, WHEN DOES IT END?! If we don’t turn this race around into something enjoyable this could be our LAST Ironman, because I’m not doing this again, I’M NOT!!
LOG: What do you need to be happy?
EMO: I need to walk! I need to relax! I need to take a breather, see what’s going on around me, meet some athletes, enjoy my Coke!
LOG: Okay.
EMO: Okay what?
LOG: We can walk.
EMO: Oh my god! This is worse than I thought. We’re having a seizure aren’t we?! Maybe it’s a stroke? I don’t smell any burnt toast. Check heart rate maybe we’re going into cardiac arrest.
LOG: We’re not having a heart attack.
EMO: Then why? Why are you saying we can walk? This is a race, and not just any race; this is Ironman. An Ironman that we’ve trained the best we ever have for and you’re saying we can walk, just like that without a fight Ms. Who Cares if We’re Sick and Have to Puke We’re Going to Finish This 140km Training Ride?
LOG: You’re having some kind of fit. I don’t know why, and I’m not pleased that it’s happening, especially now, but it has to be addressed if we’re going to salvage this race. If walking will make you happy then we’ll walk.
EMO: Good. It will. Thank you.
LOG: Are you sure this is want you want?
EMO: Positive.
LOG: You aren’t going to beat yourself up with post race regrets?
EMO: Nope. Decisions made during a race are always the right ones at the time.
LOG: Then walk. But not the entire race. And not until the next aid station. Or into an aid station. Or downhill. Or on the flats.
EMO: You are so anal! Why do you have to have so many rules, why can’t you just relax?
LOG: Because if I did we’d be sitting on a couch right now with flabby muscle tone.
EMO: Pphlltt!
(27km)
LOG: Look that guy is running in bare feet.
EMO: Good for him.
LOG: There’s nothing wrong with our feet.
EMO: Nope, there isn’t.
LOG: That old guy is passing us up this hill - walking.
EMO: Yep. Go, old guy, go.
LOG: We need fuel.
EMO: Good idea. I’ll grab some grapes and chips at the next aid station.
LOG: A few grapes and chip crumbs are not adequate fuel for an Ironman run.
EMO: Then it’s a good thing we’re walking.
LOG: Smart ass.
(Run turnaround 32km)
LOG: We have to run to the turnaround. It’s only 200ms.
EMO: No it’s not. They moved it.
LOG: They didn’t move it. And you can’t stop at this aid station again.
EMO: Why not? The deal was I walked the aid stations. It’s not my fault they put it right beside the turnaround.
LOG: We just left it! What could you possibly need?
EMO: More coke and ice. And grapes. The grapes are good.
(Last 7km)
LOG: Are you in a happy place?
EMO: Yes.
LOG: Do you feel strong?
EMO: Yes.
LOG: Are you ready to finish this race?
EMO: YES! And thank you. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for bending enough to turn this race into something positive. I know it wasn’t easy for you to let go. I know this wasn’t the race you wanted. I’m sorry if you regret your decision after the race but I think we did well today, don’t you think?
LOG: We’re happy and feel strong, this IS the race I wanted. I won’t regret my decision. Don’t you know? Decisions made during a race are always the right ones at the time. And we didn’t just do well, we did great. Now let’s run this baby in like it’s the Olympic 100m sprint and bask in all the glory an Ironman finish has to offer!
Sprint I did. I can now truthfully lay claim to the fact that I finished an Ironman race at a 4:30 m/km pace and it felt awesome. I slapped hands with the crowd and let their cheers wash over me cleansing away any lingering negativity I had felt during the race. I heard my name announced and did a little dance. The only thing I didn’t do was look at my finishing time but then it wasn’t very important.
This was the only Ironman finish my mom has ever been to. She refused to come to other ones because she didn’t want to see me ‘wrecked’ (she was a ‘catcher’ at IMC finish line). As chance would have it she was standing at the gate of the finisher chute and was the first family member I saw. She didn’t see her daughter ‘wrecked’ she saw me happy, excited, and moving easily. My daughters were also there. I am so thankful and proud that I finished the way I did. This is the Ironman I remember. This is the Ironman I love.
I underestimated Ironman. I grew so complacent during this race, confident in my ability to overcome any obstacle that I didn’t realize how much I had let my fuel intake decline until days after the race. I let down my guard and took a hit that sent me crawling to the corner for a time out. However, I did what I needed to do to regroup, get back up and deliver a blow of my own.
So thanks for the day Ironman! I enjoyed your challenges, I enjoyed your rewards, I enjoyed the lessons you taught me; you tried your best to defeat me but it wasn’t your day – it was mine! I look forward to meeting you again in 2014 for a rematch (some place with warmer water).
Ironman CDA started throwing its punches right from the start; a ripped wetsuit just before race start, a cold swim that included repeated elbows to the head, choppy water that left me dizzy and slightly nauseous, and a calf cramp that forced me to swim the last 1000ms with one leg. All of this I’ve dealt with before so I was able to deflect the blows and carry on without much disruption.
The bike was good to me but not without its challenges. Comprised of lots of turns, short fast climbs, long slow climbs, and dizzying descents the course kept you on your toes. The lack of flat stretches and multitude of athletes made it hard to find time to take in nutrition. No mental ‘zone out’ breaks on this course. Most of this was expected so it wasn’t a big deal. At this point I was slightly behind where I wanted to be, however I was feeling strong, and was happy with the nutrition I had taken in. I felt I was more than holding my own and was ready to launch an attack on the run.
Never, ever, underestimate Ironman. I was mildly surprised my run started slow and jerky but not concerned. I was running uphill and my training runs always started slow. I was confident my muscles would relax and the pace would come. I can’t remember when I took my first gel, or tried to. It was liquid ooze that stuck in my throat and made me gag. I threw it aside and thought nothing more of it. I thought nothing more of it. I continued to try to push pace taking in water and coke, the aid stations getting shorter and farther apart. I took my run to a walk up the big climb, thinking to myself this was going to be harder than I thought. I started to get concerned that my run wasn’t coming around, I didn’t want to feel this bad this early in the run. At this point I was the frog in the pot of water slowly being heated to a boil unaware of the danger it’s in until it’s too late to jump out.
By the time I hit the 20km turnaround not even the crowds could get me to move faster. All their cheers and positive energy bounced off me like pebbles against an armored truck. I was angry. I was tired. I was losing control. Starting uphill onto my second lap I veered towards Scott and Joz who were cheering for me. They were on the other side of the road. I stopped in front of them put both hands on top of my head and started to collapse into a ball despite the roar of a thousands of voices urging me to keep going. Ironman was hammering me to the ground. I was about to fall. I expected Scott and Joz to offer me hugs, and comfort me with soothing, placating words but they didn’t. They just shouted at me to keep going and dig, dig, dig - dig as deep as I could. I felt hurt and alone in my misery, I would get no comfort from them but I did start running (Thanks guys!).
Scott and Joz’s words sustained me for a short time. I was lost and didn’t know what to do. Physical elements I can battle but how do you prepare and fight against yourself? I had never experienced anything like this before. It wasn’t even on my radar that this could happen because I’ve always been able to keep myself going through sheer force of will. Ironman had delivered a powerful blow and I was blindsided. Joz was right, I did need to dig deep but not in the manner one would expect by exerting more energy, and pushing through the pain. I needed to dig deep and let myself go to a place I didn’t want to go. When I have an internal struggle there are two voices in my head; one is driven by emotion and one by logic. At around the 23km mark these two voices were at war. Here’s how it played out:
EMO: I hate this! I HATE IT HATE IT HATE IT. You’re always pushing! PUSH! PUSH! PUSH! Why do we always have to push? I’m tired of pushing! This is supposed to be fun! It’s not fun! I want to walk! What difference does it make if we finish in 4 hours or 5? It’s just a bunch of numbers we’re going to forget when we’re old anyway. I didn’t spend the last few months too tired to do anything with my girls to chase a bunch a numbers and finish miserable. NOBODY CARES! Take a look around, everyone thinks your doing awesome, you’re a superstar, do you think they care when you finish? No, they don’t. All they see is that you’re taking on the race and they’re happy for you, let’s just be happy! I want to feel what we had in our first Ironman. The awe of what we were doing. The joy of just being in the race. The honour of racing among so many inspirational athletes. I don’t want another Arizona where we finish miserable and crying. We had a PR in Arizona; it didn’t make us happy, it was supposed to make us happy! If you want PRs so bad take all your finisher plaques remove the years from them then hang them up in descending order – voila! Instant PR in every race, that’s how meaningless numbers are. I don’t want a meaningless race. Why do you want a PR anyway? It’s only good until the next race because then you have to beat it again, and again, and again, which means pushing more, and more, and more, WHEN DOES IT END?! If we don’t turn this race around into something enjoyable this could be our LAST Ironman, because I’m not doing this again, I’M NOT!!
LOG: What do you need to be happy?
EMO: I need to walk! I need to relax! I need to take a breather, see what’s going on around me, meet some athletes, enjoy my Coke!
LOG: Okay.
EMO: Okay what?
LOG: We can walk.
EMO: Oh my god! This is worse than I thought. We’re having a seizure aren’t we?! Maybe it’s a stroke? I don’t smell any burnt toast. Check heart rate maybe we’re going into cardiac arrest.
LOG: We’re not having a heart attack.
EMO: Then why? Why are you saying we can walk? This is a race, and not just any race; this is Ironman. An Ironman that we’ve trained the best we ever have for and you’re saying we can walk, just like that without a fight Ms. Who Cares if We’re Sick and Have to Puke We’re Going to Finish This 140km Training Ride?
LOG: You’re having some kind of fit. I don’t know why, and I’m not pleased that it’s happening, especially now, but it has to be addressed if we’re going to salvage this race. If walking will make you happy then we’ll walk.
EMO: Good. It will. Thank you.
LOG: Are you sure this is want you want?
EMO: Positive.
LOG: You aren’t going to beat yourself up with post race regrets?
EMO: Nope. Decisions made during a race are always the right ones at the time.
LOG: Then walk. But not the entire race. And not until the next aid station. Or into an aid station. Or downhill. Or on the flats.
EMO: You are so anal! Why do you have to have so many rules, why can’t you just relax?
LOG: Because if I did we’d be sitting on a couch right now with flabby muscle tone.
EMO: Pphlltt!
(27km)
LOG: Look that guy is running in bare feet.
EMO: Good for him.
LOG: There’s nothing wrong with our feet.
EMO: Nope, there isn’t.
LOG: That old guy is passing us up this hill - walking.
EMO: Yep. Go, old guy, go.
LOG: We need fuel.
EMO: Good idea. I’ll grab some grapes and chips at the next aid station.
LOG: A few grapes and chip crumbs are not adequate fuel for an Ironman run.
EMO: Then it’s a good thing we’re walking.
LOG: Smart ass.
(Run turnaround 32km)
LOG: We have to run to the turnaround. It’s only 200ms.
EMO: No it’s not. They moved it.
LOG: They didn’t move it. And you can’t stop at this aid station again.
EMO: Why not? The deal was I walked the aid stations. It’s not my fault they put it right beside the turnaround.
LOG: We just left it! What could you possibly need?
EMO: More coke and ice. And grapes. The grapes are good.
(Last 7km)
LOG: Are you in a happy place?
EMO: Yes.
LOG: Do you feel strong?
EMO: Yes.
LOG: Are you ready to finish this race?
EMO: YES! And thank you. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for bending enough to turn this race into something positive. I know it wasn’t easy for you to let go. I know this wasn’t the race you wanted. I’m sorry if you regret your decision after the race but I think we did well today, don’t you think?
LOG: We’re happy and feel strong, this IS the race I wanted. I won’t regret my decision. Don’t you know? Decisions made during a race are always the right ones at the time. And we didn’t just do well, we did great. Now let’s run this baby in like it’s the Olympic 100m sprint and bask in all the glory an Ironman finish has to offer!
Sprint I did. I can now truthfully lay claim to the fact that I finished an Ironman race at a 4:30 m/km pace and it felt awesome. I slapped hands with the crowd and let their cheers wash over me cleansing away any lingering negativity I had felt during the race. I heard my name announced and did a little dance. The only thing I didn’t do was look at my finishing time but then it wasn’t very important.
This was the only Ironman finish my mom has ever been to. She refused to come to other ones because she didn’t want to see me ‘wrecked’ (she was a ‘catcher’ at IMC finish line). As chance would have it she was standing at the gate of the finisher chute and was the first family member I saw. She didn’t see her daughter ‘wrecked’ she saw me happy, excited, and moving easily. My daughters were also there. I am so thankful and proud that I finished the way I did. This is the Ironman I remember. This is the Ironman I love.
I underestimated Ironman. I grew so complacent during this race, confident in my ability to overcome any obstacle that I didn’t realize how much I had let my fuel intake decline until days after the race. I let down my guard and took a hit that sent me crawling to the corner for a time out. However, I did what I needed to do to regroup, get back up and deliver a blow of my own.
So thanks for the day Ironman! I enjoyed your challenges, I enjoyed your rewards, I enjoyed the lessons you taught me; you tried your best to defeat me but it wasn’t your day – it was mine! I look forward to meeting you again in 2014 for a rematch (some place with warmer water).
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sarah's Hawaii Race Reports - 2 in 1!!
June 2. 2012- Kahakuloa Coast Half-Marathon (Maui)
When I planned my trip to Maui I had planned to do one race which was the South Maui Triathlon. But I came across a half marathon that I could not turn down. I had a two hour run that day anyways…. So why not run a half marathon
When I read about the race it said challenging, hilly and beautiful…. Need I say more, why not you only live once! I had ridden my bike several times in the area of the run and yes it is hilly! There is one hill that is names the wall! It is a 22% and it is long.
The morning of the June 2 2012 arrived luckily it was only a 10 min drive. Once I got to the start location (DT Fleming beach) I checked in a dn got my race number. As you all know the bathroom is pretty important prior to a race…. Unfortunately all the washrooms were locked so to the bushes it was, I think it would be wise to bring TP to future races
The race started at 6:30 am and this was the Kahakuloa Coast Half-Marathon so I was happy to be a part of it. 6:30 sharp we started off we were up a very long hill but I was smiling! I managed to pace this one girl which great!
As we started up another hill it was very rewarding with a cliff and ocean at your side. It felt like for every hill you were rewarded with the most spectacular view. We then came into a tiny fishing village and then came the rally big hill, I made it up but slowly…. For parts of the run my husband would join me on his road bike and we would have a quick chat and the odd photo.
As most of you don’t know my grandmother passed away the other week. I did this run in memory of my granny who lived in England (Wales) and for my mum as I love her to bits and she is a great supporter of my triathlons.
There were parts of the run that reminded me of England very narrow road, hilly, windy and the ocean at your side. This race had about 7 aid stations and was very well organized. As I was approaching the end you were up quite high looking down on the most amazing tiny community, and cliff all around, and the ocean crashing and the small church, the local kids cheering you on and welcoming you into their community. All the kids would race each finisher through the finish line and they had a blast doing it!
Everyone received the best finisher’s medal; it is shaped out to be Maui, with the little church that land marks the tow where the race ended.
All proceeds went to help maintain their local church. We were welcomed into the community with breakfast, and live Hawaiian music which topped off the morning.
If anyone travels to Maui around June 2 I HIGHLY recommend this run. This race will be one I will forever remember as one of those special memories, not for my PB but for an everlasting memory I never forget.
South Maui Triathlon: June 10, 2012
3:30 am came pretty quickly on June 10, 2012. The race started at 6:05am at the Wailea beach on Maui. There were a lot of people from USA, few from Japan, Italy, Canada, Spain, Australia, and China.
Previously to the race I had been doing a lot of open water swims on Maui to get use to the ocean swimming, I tell you it was nice to be able to look down and see the bottom and see sand, fishes and beautiful blues, and sometime a turtle…
I was a bit nervous to start as it was my first ocean swim. Off the horn went, I placed myself on the outside at the right near the front. I hoped over some waves and when it was safe to dive in I was off! I just kept thinking be calm and breath, oh and have fun!:) I got into a great pattern and off I went. I was passing people and then I started passing the men who left 5 min prior to the women! I then started to look down to enjoy the view once we passed the first buoy there was no view of the bottom just deep blue ocean, so I started singing in my head “ just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo and that got me calm….
Angie, I sprinted around the first buoy and that helped a lot and a got a little more aggressive…. It was the last stretch of the swim and I as having so much fun! I could have just kept swimming! I am more of a pool swimmer, but I must say one could get use to tropical swimming…. The finish of the swim came, and I felt so happy about the swim part.
There was a good hill up to T1 and my bike was located the farthest end which was good for the bike exist. There were hills for the first part of the bike ride, and then some downhill with a head wind and gradual up hill on the way back.
T2 came and went and then it was off to the run. Felt good at the start and there was nice downhill at the beginning, but you know what that means….. This run was HOT, not much wind and there were hills, thank goodness for sponges! The end was nearing and the last KM was downhill which was awesome and at this point I felt like I could just freaking run!
I was so happy with my results. Compared to last year’s OD triathlons I improved by about 20 min, and I place 5th in my age cat.
Angie thank you for believing in me and putting together wonderful programs, you the best!
Mahalo!
Sarah Van Tine
When I planned my trip to Maui I had planned to do one race which was the South Maui Triathlon. But I came across a half marathon that I could not turn down. I had a two hour run that day anyways…. So why not run a half marathon
When I read about the race it said challenging, hilly and beautiful…. Need I say more, why not you only live once! I had ridden my bike several times in the area of the run and yes it is hilly! There is one hill that is names the wall! It is a 22% and it is long.
The morning of the June 2 2012 arrived luckily it was only a 10 min drive. Once I got to the start location (DT Fleming beach) I checked in a dn got my race number. As you all know the bathroom is pretty important prior to a race…. Unfortunately all the washrooms were locked so to the bushes it was, I think it would be wise to bring TP to future races
The race started at 6:30 am and this was the Kahakuloa Coast Half-Marathon so I was happy to be a part of it. 6:30 sharp we started off we were up a very long hill but I was smiling! I managed to pace this one girl which great!
As we started up another hill it was very rewarding with a cliff and ocean at your side. It felt like for every hill you were rewarded with the most spectacular view. We then came into a tiny fishing village and then came the rally big hill, I made it up but slowly…. For parts of the run my husband would join me on his road bike and we would have a quick chat and the odd photo.
As most of you don’t know my grandmother passed away the other week. I did this run in memory of my granny who lived in England (Wales) and for my mum as I love her to bits and she is a great supporter of my triathlons.
There were parts of the run that reminded me of England very narrow road, hilly, windy and the ocean at your side. This race had about 7 aid stations and was very well organized. As I was approaching the end you were up quite high looking down on the most amazing tiny community, and cliff all around, and the ocean crashing and the small church, the local kids cheering you on and welcoming you into their community. All the kids would race each finisher through the finish line and they had a blast doing it!
Everyone received the best finisher’s medal; it is shaped out to be Maui, with the little church that land marks the tow where the race ended.
All proceeds went to help maintain their local church. We were welcomed into the community with breakfast, and live Hawaiian music which topped off the morning.
If anyone travels to Maui around June 2 I HIGHLY recommend this run. This race will be one I will forever remember as one of those special memories, not for my PB but for an everlasting memory I never forget.
South Maui Triathlon: June 10, 2012
3:30 am came pretty quickly on June 10, 2012. The race started at 6:05am at the Wailea beach on Maui. There were a lot of people from USA, few from Japan, Italy, Canada, Spain, Australia, and China.
Previously to the race I had been doing a lot of open water swims on Maui to get use to the ocean swimming, I tell you it was nice to be able to look down and see the bottom and see sand, fishes and beautiful blues, and sometime a turtle…
I was a bit nervous to start as it was my first ocean swim. Off the horn went, I placed myself on the outside at the right near the front. I hoped over some waves and when it was safe to dive in I was off! I just kept thinking be calm and breath, oh and have fun!:) I got into a great pattern and off I went. I was passing people and then I started passing the men who left 5 min prior to the women! I then started to look down to enjoy the view once we passed the first buoy there was no view of the bottom just deep blue ocean, so I started singing in my head “ just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo and that got me calm….
Angie, I sprinted around the first buoy and that helped a lot and a got a little more aggressive…. It was the last stretch of the swim and I as having so much fun! I could have just kept swimming! I am more of a pool swimmer, but I must say one could get use to tropical swimming…. The finish of the swim came, and I felt so happy about the swim part.
There was a good hill up to T1 and my bike was located the farthest end which was good for the bike exist. There were hills for the first part of the bike ride, and then some downhill with a head wind and gradual up hill on the way back.
T2 came and went and then it was off to the run. Felt good at the start and there was nice downhill at the beginning, but you know what that means….. This run was HOT, not much wind and there were hills, thank goodness for sponges! The end was nearing and the last KM was downhill which was awesome and at this point I felt like I could just freaking run!
I was so happy with my results. Compared to last year’s OD triathlons I improved by about 20 min, and I place 5th in my age cat.
Angie thank you for believing in me and putting together wonderful programs, you the best!
Mahalo!
Sarah Van Tine
Nola's IMCdA race report-June 24, 2012
When the volume was starting to ramp up for Ironman and the weather wasn't all that co-operative for long outdoor rides, I started to question why did I sign up for another Ironman? I had already done 3, I had nothing to prove. Cindy reminded me that we are fortunate because we can do it, whereas so many are not. As well, it is fun! Having Cindy training for IMCdA was great! I picked up some nutrition ideas from her that I incorporated on race day which really helped and she is a strong athlete and that helped to push me on the rides and runs. I haven't been the best at being consistent in my training for the 3 previous Ironman's. This time around I was good at getting the workouts in and the distance. Inevitably, I put pressure on myself of having a time goal for this Ironman which is not realistic, since so much can happen that day that is beyond your control. I had a really good talk with Angie 5 days before the race and I reaffirmed my original goal which was to run the whole marathon - only allow walks thru aid stations. (I hadn't been able to do that in the previous Ironman's.) Couple of other things that Angie said were: On paper I should have a great day and Do the best I can in that moment. I wrote those down and repeated them whenever I started to have doubt. I also listened to the Crucible again and that really helped as well. Couple of points I took from that were: fitness is in the bank, execution is important - slowing down the least; Why am I doing this- want to run the marathon. So the whole day for me was to set myself up to be successful in running the whole marathon. This was the most work and preparation I have ever put into an Ironman.
I came up on Thurs with JoZ. My family was unable to make it because of final exams and work. This was ok, the plan was to have the summer off to spend it with my family and not worry about training for Ironman. Besides regular pre-race nerves, I was quite concerned about the swim. This is not typical of me to worry about the swim, but since the water was so cold - I was worried how I would do on the bike after being in the cold water. Cindy and I swam Friday morning and I was pleasantly surprised! Don't get me wrong - it was cold, but not nearly as cold as I was expecting. Once I knew that, I was good. After the swim I picked up my race package and then went on a short bike to check gears, etc. Took the rest of the day easy and then went to the supper and info meeting, which in my mind was short on info and more just sappy inspirational videos. On Sat, did a short run, packed my bags and took my stuff to transition. Nerves didn't start to bother me til the evening - but if they didn't, I would worry! ;-) I had my pre-race steak and carbs, which works quite well for me! I wasn't feeling all that tired that night, but did fall asleep and got 3 good hours of sleep and then had the restless/light sleep until time to get up. I had pb and honey on toast. JoZ knows me quite well - she checked the garbage to see if I ate most of the crusts (I did!), she had me eat half a banana and then she was happy, for she figured I had eaten enough.
Got to outside of transition, dropped of my special needs bags, saw Cindy and Scott, got body marked. Went into transition, went to my bike gear bag and opened the hotshots and placed them inside my shoes to warm my shoes. Fussed with my bike - pumping tires, worrying if I put enough air and got my nutrition ready. Transition closed at 6:30 and I thought that meant getting in. No! It was to leave transition to go to beach, but they had you standing at the exit for almost a half hour before they let you onto the beach. OK - finally on the beach! Went to the far right (course is counter-clock-wise) and about halfway back or so. Once the horn or cannon sounds - off we go. Finally, I'm doing something, the worrying and anticipation is over and I'm happy! The water wasn't too bad, but I knew my feet and hands will be cold when I get out. Had some contact in the first loop, but not too bad. I swam relatively straight for me, sighted ok and kept myself in an aerobic pace. I was able to breath every 4 strokes (no bilateral breathing) and kept that for the whole time, except when jostled or sighting. Got out of the water to do the second loop - high five Mike Riley (he was in the water announcing). Second loop - started off and stayed very choppy. Where in the heck did these waves come from?!? Coming back was a lot easier, the waves were pushing you back to shore. Once in a while I would get ahead of myself and think about bike and would have to remind myself to stay in the box. I finished the swim with a respectable 1:24:26 considering I hadn't done any open water swims of any sort and it was cold and rough water.
Transition 1 Transitions are where I suck big time and waste free speed and today was no exception. I didn't rehearse in my mind what I was going to do while swimming and it showed. It didn't help that my hands weren't working and once I had help from a volunteer, I got out of there.
Bike - Took it easy at first - as going thru town and lots of turns, one girl wiped out in front of me - I think she clipped a motorcycle - course marshal. Don't know if she continued and finished. Once out of town started sipping diluted Infinit. I was comfortable temp wise on the bike - had toe warmers on bike shoes, long sleeve shirt over tri top (kept shirt on for whole bike) and small knit gloves over bike gloves (took off quite late in the bike). I really can't stand to be cold on the bike, because I expend so much energy to keep warm and then there won't be anything left for the run. I took it really easy - cheesy easy for the first 60k. That included the new part of the bike course - heading SW and climbing most of the way with a head wind! I got passed by many, but I kept reminding myself that my goal was to set myself up so I can run the whole marathon. Another goal was to smile the whole race and to have fun. I did have fun, bopped to the music - either on my bike or on the run. I smiled because if you do, it doesn't hurt as much! I was very happy how my nutrition worked out on the bike. It was easy to get in and had no gut issues. Thank you so much Cindy for that! I took 4 bottles of Infinit for the whole bike ride. I had a banana, gu chomps and a protein bar for the first half and 4 gu gels and some ginger ale on second half. Also took a Gas-X late in the bike, which helped to prevent gut issues. Bike 7:29:29 Was quite ok with that - was a difficult course and windy, but never did I have a low moment on the bike. I was setting myself up for the marathon.
Transition 2 Bit more respectable, but not great 5:29
Run - Had a little trouble getting my Garmin to locate satellites, I thought I had it ready - but wasn't. Saw JoZ on the way out - told her about my Garmin, she told not worry about it and get going. So I did. Not too long after the Garmin connected and was able to see what my pace was. I was feeling pretty good after the bike and was really trying to hold myself back to a very easy pace so I can continue to run the whole marathon. Once I got of town, I saw Cindy and she looked really strong. I also saw other people I have met over the weekend. By the time I was on the run, I would alternate the PowerAde with coke or broth. I always took water as well. Things were going quite well, had a bit of bloaty tummy before the halfway point - so I took a Gas-X and that helped. Got to special needs and had some of my ginger ale - warm, but seemed to help too. Headed to the turn around for the halfway point and started back. There was a bit of an incline and here was the first time I felt I might not be able to run the whole marathon - I went out too fast for the first half. So, did a check - I could keep running as long as I slowed the pace down. Running slowly was better than walking. I also had to remind myself to smile - because it really doesn't hurt as much if you are smiling. I thought as long as I kept an easy pace and hopefully I could pick up the pace on the last 8-10k. I started not to take something every aid station at this point just to give my tummy a rest. I did take some broth and water and that seemed to help. Before I got to the last turn around (~30k), I needed something to get me thru the last bit - this is when I took my only gel on the run - Espresso Love - yummy!! Just what I needed. Didn't take anything for the next 2 aid stations, but I did allow myself to walk those. Once I went down the last big hill, it was good - had 5 miles or 8k to go - just like the Banff Winterstart! That's not bad and I was done with the hill! I had picked up a fellow runner on the hill heading out to the turnaround and Chris helped me keep the pace up for the last 10-12k. Friendly competition is always welcomed for that last push. Coming to the finish line was great - small decline made it easier and the spectators cheering you on was great. I felt strong, try to keep up with Chris, but his long legs beat my short legs! (I had teased him about me being older and shorter and passing him up the hill and that's when he started running with me.) Anyways we congratulated each other at the finish line and thanked for being there to get 'er done! JoZ was at the finish line and she was so happy for me!
So, finish time 14:09:14 - pretty darn good in my books and a PB to boot! 20 minutes PB and that race was Arizona!
I had a great day! I accomplished what I set out to do and that to me was a well executed, successful race. Ironman is often considered as an individual sport, but not to me. The support I get from friends and family is incredible. I can't thank everyone enough for their positive words and encouragement! THANK YOU :-)
I came up on Thurs with JoZ. My family was unable to make it because of final exams and work. This was ok, the plan was to have the summer off to spend it with my family and not worry about training for Ironman. Besides regular pre-race nerves, I was quite concerned about the swim. This is not typical of me to worry about the swim, but since the water was so cold - I was worried how I would do on the bike after being in the cold water. Cindy and I swam Friday morning and I was pleasantly surprised! Don't get me wrong - it was cold, but not nearly as cold as I was expecting. Once I knew that, I was good. After the swim I picked up my race package and then went on a short bike to check gears, etc. Took the rest of the day easy and then went to the supper and info meeting, which in my mind was short on info and more just sappy inspirational videos. On Sat, did a short run, packed my bags and took my stuff to transition. Nerves didn't start to bother me til the evening - but if they didn't, I would worry! ;-) I had my pre-race steak and carbs, which works quite well for me! I wasn't feeling all that tired that night, but did fall asleep and got 3 good hours of sleep and then had the restless/light sleep until time to get up. I had pb and honey on toast. JoZ knows me quite well - she checked the garbage to see if I ate most of the crusts (I did!), she had me eat half a banana and then she was happy, for she figured I had eaten enough.
Got to outside of transition, dropped of my special needs bags, saw Cindy and Scott, got body marked. Went into transition, went to my bike gear bag and opened the hotshots and placed them inside my shoes to warm my shoes. Fussed with my bike - pumping tires, worrying if I put enough air and got my nutrition ready. Transition closed at 6:30 and I thought that meant getting in. No! It was to leave transition to go to beach, but they had you standing at the exit for almost a half hour before they let you onto the beach. OK - finally on the beach! Went to the far right (course is counter-clock-wise) and about halfway back or so. Once the horn or cannon sounds - off we go. Finally, I'm doing something, the worrying and anticipation is over and I'm happy! The water wasn't too bad, but I knew my feet and hands will be cold when I get out. Had some contact in the first loop, but not too bad. I swam relatively straight for me, sighted ok and kept myself in an aerobic pace. I was able to breath every 4 strokes (no bilateral breathing) and kept that for the whole time, except when jostled or sighting. Got out of the water to do the second loop - high five Mike Riley (he was in the water announcing). Second loop - started off and stayed very choppy. Where in the heck did these waves come from?!? Coming back was a lot easier, the waves were pushing you back to shore. Once in a while I would get ahead of myself and think about bike and would have to remind myself to stay in the box. I finished the swim with a respectable 1:24:26 considering I hadn't done any open water swims of any sort and it was cold and rough water.
Transition 1 Transitions are where I suck big time and waste free speed and today was no exception. I didn't rehearse in my mind what I was going to do while swimming and it showed. It didn't help that my hands weren't working and once I had help from a volunteer, I got out of there.
Bike - Took it easy at first - as going thru town and lots of turns, one girl wiped out in front of me - I think she clipped a motorcycle - course marshal. Don't know if she continued and finished. Once out of town started sipping diluted Infinit. I was comfortable temp wise on the bike - had toe warmers on bike shoes, long sleeve shirt over tri top (kept shirt on for whole bike) and small knit gloves over bike gloves (took off quite late in the bike). I really can't stand to be cold on the bike, because I expend so much energy to keep warm and then there won't be anything left for the run. I took it really easy - cheesy easy for the first 60k. That included the new part of the bike course - heading SW and climbing most of the way with a head wind! I got passed by many, but I kept reminding myself that my goal was to set myself up so I can run the whole marathon. Another goal was to smile the whole race and to have fun. I did have fun, bopped to the music - either on my bike or on the run. I smiled because if you do, it doesn't hurt as much! I was very happy how my nutrition worked out on the bike. It was easy to get in and had no gut issues. Thank you so much Cindy for that! I took 4 bottles of Infinit for the whole bike ride. I had a banana, gu chomps and a protein bar for the first half and 4 gu gels and some ginger ale on second half. Also took a Gas-X late in the bike, which helped to prevent gut issues. Bike 7:29:29 Was quite ok with that - was a difficult course and windy, but never did I have a low moment on the bike. I was setting myself up for the marathon.
Transition 2 Bit more respectable, but not great 5:29
Run - Had a little trouble getting my Garmin to locate satellites, I thought I had it ready - but wasn't. Saw JoZ on the way out - told her about my Garmin, she told not worry about it and get going. So I did. Not too long after the Garmin connected and was able to see what my pace was. I was feeling pretty good after the bike and was really trying to hold myself back to a very easy pace so I can continue to run the whole marathon. Once I got of town, I saw Cindy and she looked really strong. I also saw other people I have met over the weekend. By the time I was on the run, I would alternate the PowerAde with coke or broth. I always took water as well. Things were going quite well, had a bit of bloaty tummy before the halfway point - so I took a Gas-X and that helped. Got to special needs and had some of my ginger ale - warm, but seemed to help too. Headed to the turn around for the halfway point and started back. There was a bit of an incline and here was the first time I felt I might not be able to run the whole marathon - I went out too fast for the first half. So, did a check - I could keep running as long as I slowed the pace down. Running slowly was better than walking. I also had to remind myself to smile - because it really doesn't hurt as much if you are smiling. I thought as long as I kept an easy pace and hopefully I could pick up the pace on the last 8-10k. I started not to take something every aid station at this point just to give my tummy a rest. I did take some broth and water and that seemed to help. Before I got to the last turn around (~30k), I needed something to get me thru the last bit - this is when I took my only gel on the run - Espresso Love - yummy!! Just what I needed. Didn't take anything for the next 2 aid stations, but I did allow myself to walk those. Once I went down the last big hill, it was good - had 5 miles or 8k to go - just like the Banff Winterstart! That's not bad and I was done with the hill! I had picked up a fellow runner on the hill heading out to the turnaround and Chris helped me keep the pace up for the last 10-12k. Friendly competition is always welcomed for that last push. Coming to the finish line was great - small decline made it easier and the spectators cheering you on was great. I felt strong, try to keep up with Chris, but his long legs beat my short legs! (I had teased him about me being older and shorter and passing him up the hill and that's when he started running with me.) Anyways we congratulated each other at the finish line and thanked for being there to get 'er done! JoZ was at the finish line and she was so happy for me!
So, finish time 14:09:14 - pretty darn good in my books and a PB to boot! 20 minutes PB and that race was Arizona!
I had a great day! I accomplished what I set out to do and that to me was a well executed, successful race. Ironman is often considered as an individual sport, but not to me. The support I get from friends and family is incredible. I can't thank everyone enough for their positive words and encouragement! THANK YOU :-)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Leslie-Anne's 3 in 1 race report-Spring 2012
So far my 2012 race season has had several ups and downs attached to it.
I started off with the “Big Run” May 5th. I deliberately avoided the Police Half as it is notoriously bad for weather that weekend. Well the race Gods decided to mess with my plan and switched the bad weather weekends.
The Police Half was nice and sunny with dry roads and pathways throughout the course. The Big Run, however, was the complete opposite.
Nothing like a half mary in a blizzard! Last aide station had slurpies not just water, that’s how much snow fell! I was done at 15k and somehow managed to finish. I was cold, tired and very miserable at the end of the race!
To summarize; a very challenging day weather, course and internal issues-wise, it was one for the record books and bragging rights abound for those that completed any of the distances that day!
Things had to be better for the Calgary Half Marathon 3 weeks later. Putting the previous run behind me, I focused on how I could complete the half and be close to or even better my PB.
I decided to make a few dietary changes about 2 to 3 days prior race day and went prepared to the race with instant dissolve Imodium. I also took a bit more time to warm up, keep to myself and focus on how I was going to make it through the 21.1 kms ahead.
I missed the start but wasn’t too worried, too crowded anyways and yeah for chip timing.
I had to stop during the Calgary half, lost a total of 5mins 30 sec but after that I didn’t stop once, NOT ONCE!! That is a new record for me! Most inspiring thing for me was when I was passing two runners just after the 15km mark, I overheard, “ Don’t let people passing you get to you, they will not be able to sustain that pace” I smiled as I knew I have (and still struggle with) been there. That being said, I thought to myself, “He has no idea where I have come from and how hard I’ve trained!” So when I passed them I simply said, “I’ve earned this” and kept on going!
Coming into the finish line for this race was the 1st time my rugby spirit wanted to straight-arm every single person in front of me. I was ready to pour it on and everyone else seemed to slow to impulse! I did not get the time I was seeking but I executed the best half I’ve ever done and that was a HUGE boost for my self-confidence as a runner.
I was so thrilled with how I felt at the end of that race. It taught me I can and will do better!
My long awaited triathlon season began with the Vulcan Tinman. I last did this race in 2010, had fun and thought it would be a good race to start the 2012 season.
Due to my swim time I was slated in the 20th heat, 2nd last for the day. This was the same time as Angie’s all I said to her was as long as we weren’t in the same lane I would be fine. We car-pooled and arrived approximately 10:30am, (our heat was 4:15pm btw). She had family members participating as well as fellow TTL’er, Danny Woo competing in his 1st triathlon.
For those of you that have travelled to and from races with Angie, it is quite the adventure. A word of warning: if your personal gear is anywhere near Angie’s and she does a scoop of her gear be forewarned, your gear is fair game. I was in “defcon 3” (military term of urgency, defcon 1 being all out emergency, state of war) when I couldn’t find my bike shoes. As it turned out Angie scooped them with her stuff and wondered whose shoes were beside all her transition set up gear!
Race time was on and in the water I go. Not a fan of such a start but that is the challenge of a sprint! The key was to keep calm and keep my breathing at an even pace. 20 lengths seemed to end quickly and I dashed towards the timing mat that seemed sooooo far away!
Hopped on the bike and out I went knowing that Angie was going to be in hot pursuit (I know she started after me as I saw her on the deck). Good incentive for me to push myself on my new bike! Headwind on the out, just how long can 7.5km be?! Hit the turnaround and zoom! What a blast with a tailwind! Angie did catch me at transition and was off on the run “lickety split”
The run was the run was the run. 5km can be a challenge and I had some! My breathing was too rapid and I had to slow my pace in order to keep my heart rate from going too crazy. I eventually settled it and the latter half was better than the 1st half. Angie coached me in for the last kick, which I found very beneficial and will utilize that learning in future. It’s different being one of the last racers on the course due to my swim time but the fan support at the end was amazing.
Great race, good times, and a pleasing result: 36th overall, 7th Female overall, 1st in my Age Group. Swim 8:56, Bike 28:40 Run 26:43 Total Time: 1:04:18 (PB in all events from 2010)
This is a fun race to kick start the season with, family friendly and fantastic atmosphere!
Note to self: Eat before I race and not wait for the end, as there will be nothing left!
No taper for this gal as I headed into the week before Wasa starting with a 120km ride Bragg Creek to Elbow River Falls the day after Vulcan. Challenging but fun, breath taking scenery and the weather was lovely. I was reminded once again of my absolute dislike for descents, as I had to stop and regroup my poop before continuing out of Elbow River Falls. I finished the ride on a positive note and the next time won’t be so hard.
Afterwards, nothing a cold beer at a bar-b-que with fellow TTL athletes and family members didn’t cure. What a way to end a fantastic weekend of racing and riding! Thank-you John and Wilma!
Wasa Olympic was a race that I signed up long before any others. The reason I could was I knew it was held before the CFL season would begin. That was the deal this year between Roger and I, no signing up for races until we knew when we would be heading to Regina for the Rider home games!
I was ready for Wasa, and was looking forward to this fun filled race I have heard so much about. Booked my accommodations and my good friend Stacey Boivin and her adorable 4-month-old son Jacob joined me for the weekend.
The weather did not look promising but we held onto the hope that race day would be somewhat decent. We drove through rain on Friday and watched the temperature hover around 7c all day Saturday. At least we did not drive through snow as many others had to!
One thing about arriving on Friday and having all day Sat to hang about was I was completely rested for the race. This is something that does not occur enough for me with my hectic lifestyle. I did manage an easy 20min pre race run on Saturday morning.
I did not partake in the pre race swim in the afternoon. I am comfortable enough in open water and I commended all those that did go in. One of which was an honorary TTL’er from my rugby days. Todd fit right in with everyone and was so excited to be prepping for his first Oly.
During race package pick up it was confirmed the 1500m swim was shortened to 750m due to the water temperature and outside air temperature. All I was hoping for was dry roads for the bike; the cold temps were not as much of a concern.
Sunday we were up early and arrived to get a fairly good parking spot. I have to admit there was a moment or two that I seriously considered not doing the race. The inner triathlete and to step up and say, “Just do it, you’ll be ok and will have a fun day”.
My internals cooperated with me and with assistance from my friend “Emo”, I was hoping for a non-gut issue kind of day. I got just that! Yeah baby!!
I set up my transition area with Todd and a couple of other former and current rugby players an immediately named our area “rugby row”. Very cool to have friends from another sport that have moved into triathlons! My spirits were uplifted! So much so I was able to get my wetsuit on all by myself! Wow! “I’m a big girl now!”
I watched the sprint athletes come out of the water and some did not look good at all. I decided that this was not going to be a day to set any records in the water, no need to kill myself there even though it is my best event. That meant I would save it for the bike and the run instead.
Saw Todd off from the swim to bike and headed to the beach myself. Stopped to say hello to a few people and almost missed the swim start! D’oh! Ran to my spot, left side, walked into the water, warmed my wetsuit and dove in and walked back out.
Yup, the water was effin’ cold! I did not have to wait long before we started and that was a good thing!
As far as the swim goes, I was calm and to be honest, enjoyed the swim regardless of the cold water. That is how much I love open water swimming. I got past many athletes and on the home stretch really started to get my swim mojo going. I had to laugh as one swimmer tried to keep pace with me, she seemed to like to swim right beside me which I tried to avoid and eventually she couldn’t keep the pace (heh heh) and dropped back.
Out I got and had some difficulty getting my zipper down, manual dexterity was somewhat challenged! Suit stripped (I SO love that part!) and off to the bike.
Swim Time: 14:44, 1st in my Age Group!
The choice of clothing for the swim included a tight fitting t-shirt and a tight fitting long sleeved tech shirt, worked perfect under my TTL jacket. I put gloves on, as I did not want to get cold hands on the bike. What I didn’t have was anything for my feet. I knew there were there but couldn’t feel them!
The bike was out and back on a clean smooth road with a slight headwind to contend with until the turnaround. I used this opportunity to practice getting comfortable in my aerobars and learned I can do just that! Lots of “cat and mousing” going on that made for a fun ride. I was pushing myself and even with cold legs and no feeling in my feet I urged myself onwards. I had my cadence but no speed, must remember to check that before the race starts! Glad to see the bike marshals out checking for drafting.
I had my sights on one athlete in my age group and worked on passing her inside 2km left on the bike. Good push for the end and I encouraged myself to spin my legs with 700m or so left to prep for the run. Clean dismount and ran to my transition spot on what I believed were my feet.
Bike Time: 1:21:39, 3rd in my Age Group and a PB!
Now the run is on and I knew I had to play this one as smart as possible. I did not wear my gloves or TTL jacket but left my long sleeved shirt on. Got my runners on, tied up and was off. I even managed to get my watch on (yes, my watch) and start the timer as I crossed the timing mat. The gloves helped with the maintaining of manual dexterity!
The one thing the gloves did not help was my feet. I could not feel them! I thought of the character Eugene Levy plays in the movie, “Best in Show”, he has two left feet, and I looked down to see if I had put my runners on the correct feet they felt that odd! I had to laugh at myself and hope that they eventually would warm up. They did, around the 3km mark and that is when I thought I had something in my shoe. I tried to ignore it but Angie’s voice was in my head telling me not to ignore and to fix the problem when it starts versus trying to solve an issue later on. No sticks or stones in my shoe just the defrosting going on and they simply “felt funny”.
The run continued and I was happy with my pace. I slowed up a bit to take in some water (not Gatorade, blech that stuff is horrid!).
I started to get a bit warm and that sensation always challenges me so I removed my long sleeved shirt and instantly felt better.
I really pushed through the last 2 km. Going past the finishing area is torturous at the best of times and it seemed to take me forever to get back to that place. I remembered how Angie coached me in at Vulcan and began to do the same thing as I came to the finish again. I challenged myself and overtook a 30yr old in the last 10m or so!
I almost lost my cookies after crossing the finish line but took a few deep breaths and I was ok.
I stopped my watch and thought I might have come close to a PB in a “stand alone” 10k let alone part of a triathlon.
Run time 55:08, 10th in my Age Group PB for an Oly distance (and just shy of my PB stand alone 10k by 9 seconds)
End result was 4th in my Age Group overall, yeah me!
This was the best Olympic distance race for me so far. I had a blast and will seriously think about doing Wasa again next year. The volunteers were SO good, the food at the end excellent and lots of it. The camaraderie with new and old friends (in a new sport) added to the weekend experience.
We all enjoyed some Wasa sun that came out for the rest of the day, yummy food and yes, a beer, Pilsner beer of course!
Thanks everyone for a great race!
I started off with the “Big Run” May 5th. I deliberately avoided the Police Half as it is notoriously bad for weather that weekend. Well the race Gods decided to mess with my plan and switched the bad weather weekends.
The Police Half was nice and sunny with dry roads and pathways throughout the course. The Big Run, however, was the complete opposite.
Nothing like a half mary in a blizzard! Last aide station had slurpies not just water, that’s how much snow fell! I was done at 15k and somehow managed to finish. I was cold, tired and very miserable at the end of the race!
To summarize; a very challenging day weather, course and internal issues-wise, it was one for the record books and bragging rights abound for those that completed any of the distances that day!
Things had to be better for the Calgary Half Marathon 3 weeks later. Putting the previous run behind me, I focused on how I could complete the half and be close to or even better my PB.
I decided to make a few dietary changes about 2 to 3 days prior race day and went prepared to the race with instant dissolve Imodium. I also took a bit more time to warm up, keep to myself and focus on how I was going to make it through the 21.1 kms ahead.
I missed the start but wasn’t too worried, too crowded anyways and yeah for chip timing.
I had to stop during the Calgary half, lost a total of 5mins 30 sec but after that I didn’t stop once, NOT ONCE!! That is a new record for me! Most inspiring thing for me was when I was passing two runners just after the 15km mark, I overheard, “ Don’t let people passing you get to you, they will not be able to sustain that pace” I smiled as I knew I have (and still struggle with) been there. That being said, I thought to myself, “He has no idea where I have come from and how hard I’ve trained!” So when I passed them I simply said, “I’ve earned this” and kept on going!
Coming into the finish line for this race was the 1st time my rugby spirit wanted to straight-arm every single person in front of me. I was ready to pour it on and everyone else seemed to slow to impulse! I did not get the time I was seeking but I executed the best half I’ve ever done and that was a HUGE boost for my self-confidence as a runner.
I was so thrilled with how I felt at the end of that race. It taught me I can and will do better!
My long awaited triathlon season began with the Vulcan Tinman. I last did this race in 2010, had fun and thought it would be a good race to start the 2012 season.
Due to my swim time I was slated in the 20th heat, 2nd last for the day. This was the same time as Angie’s all I said to her was as long as we weren’t in the same lane I would be fine. We car-pooled and arrived approximately 10:30am, (our heat was 4:15pm btw). She had family members participating as well as fellow TTL’er, Danny Woo competing in his 1st triathlon.
For those of you that have travelled to and from races with Angie, it is quite the adventure. A word of warning: if your personal gear is anywhere near Angie’s and she does a scoop of her gear be forewarned, your gear is fair game. I was in “defcon 3” (military term of urgency, defcon 1 being all out emergency, state of war) when I couldn’t find my bike shoes. As it turned out Angie scooped them with her stuff and wondered whose shoes were beside all her transition set up gear!
Race time was on and in the water I go. Not a fan of such a start but that is the challenge of a sprint! The key was to keep calm and keep my breathing at an even pace. 20 lengths seemed to end quickly and I dashed towards the timing mat that seemed sooooo far away!
Hopped on the bike and out I went knowing that Angie was going to be in hot pursuit (I know she started after me as I saw her on the deck). Good incentive for me to push myself on my new bike! Headwind on the out, just how long can 7.5km be?! Hit the turnaround and zoom! What a blast with a tailwind! Angie did catch me at transition and was off on the run “lickety split”
The run was the run was the run. 5km can be a challenge and I had some! My breathing was too rapid and I had to slow my pace in order to keep my heart rate from going too crazy. I eventually settled it and the latter half was better than the 1st half. Angie coached me in for the last kick, which I found very beneficial and will utilize that learning in future. It’s different being one of the last racers on the course due to my swim time but the fan support at the end was amazing.
Great race, good times, and a pleasing result: 36th overall, 7th Female overall, 1st in my Age Group. Swim 8:56, Bike 28:40 Run 26:43 Total Time: 1:04:18 (PB in all events from 2010)
This is a fun race to kick start the season with, family friendly and fantastic atmosphere!
Note to self: Eat before I race and not wait for the end, as there will be nothing left!
No taper for this gal as I headed into the week before Wasa starting with a 120km ride Bragg Creek to Elbow River Falls the day after Vulcan. Challenging but fun, breath taking scenery and the weather was lovely. I was reminded once again of my absolute dislike for descents, as I had to stop and regroup my poop before continuing out of Elbow River Falls. I finished the ride on a positive note and the next time won’t be so hard.
Afterwards, nothing a cold beer at a bar-b-que with fellow TTL athletes and family members didn’t cure. What a way to end a fantastic weekend of racing and riding! Thank-you John and Wilma!
Wasa Olympic was a race that I signed up long before any others. The reason I could was I knew it was held before the CFL season would begin. That was the deal this year between Roger and I, no signing up for races until we knew when we would be heading to Regina for the Rider home games!
I was ready for Wasa, and was looking forward to this fun filled race I have heard so much about. Booked my accommodations and my good friend Stacey Boivin and her adorable 4-month-old son Jacob joined me for the weekend.
The weather did not look promising but we held onto the hope that race day would be somewhat decent. We drove through rain on Friday and watched the temperature hover around 7c all day Saturday. At least we did not drive through snow as many others had to!
One thing about arriving on Friday and having all day Sat to hang about was I was completely rested for the race. This is something that does not occur enough for me with my hectic lifestyle. I did manage an easy 20min pre race run on Saturday morning.
I did not partake in the pre race swim in the afternoon. I am comfortable enough in open water and I commended all those that did go in. One of which was an honorary TTL’er from my rugby days. Todd fit right in with everyone and was so excited to be prepping for his first Oly.
During race package pick up it was confirmed the 1500m swim was shortened to 750m due to the water temperature and outside air temperature. All I was hoping for was dry roads for the bike; the cold temps were not as much of a concern.
Sunday we were up early and arrived to get a fairly good parking spot. I have to admit there was a moment or two that I seriously considered not doing the race. The inner triathlete and to step up and say, “Just do it, you’ll be ok and will have a fun day”.
My internals cooperated with me and with assistance from my friend “Emo”, I was hoping for a non-gut issue kind of day. I got just that! Yeah baby!!
I set up my transition area with Todd and a couple of other former and current rugby players an immediately named our area “rugby row”. Very cool to have friends from another sport that have moved into triathlons! My spirits were uplifted! So much so I was able to get my wetsuit on all by myself! Wow! “I’m a big girl now!”
I watched the sprint athletes come out of the water and some did not look good at all. I decided that this was not going to be a day to set any records in the water, no need to kill myself there even though it is my best event. That meant I would save it for the bike and the run instead.
Saw Todd off from the swim to bike and headed to the beach myself. Stopped to say hello to a few people and almost missed the swim start! D’oh! Ran to my spot, left side, walked into the water, warmed my wetsuit and dove in and walked back out.
Yup, the water was effin’ cold! I did not have to wait long before we started and that was a good thing!
As far as the swim goes, I was calm and to be honest, enjoyed the swim regardless of the cold water. That is how much I love open water swimming. I got past many athletes and on the home stretch really started to get my swim mojo going. I had to laugh as one swimmer tried to keep pace with me, she seemed to like to swim right beside me which I tried to avoid and eventually she couldn’t keep the pace (heh heh) and dropped back.
Out I got and had some difficulty getting my zipper down, manual dexterity was somewhat challenged! Suit stripped (I SO love that part!) and off to the bike.
Swim Time: 14:44, 1st in my Age Group!
The choice of clothing for the swim included a tight fitting t-shirt and a tight fitting long sleeved tech shirt, worked perfect under my TTL jacket. I put gloves on, as I did not want to get cold hands on the bike. What I didn’t have was anything for my feet. I knew there were there but couldn’t feel them!
The bike was out and back on a clean smooth road with a slight headwind to contend with until the turnaround. I used this opportunity to practice getting comfortable in my aerobars and learned I can do just that! Lots of “cat and mousing” going on that made for a fun ride. I was pushing myself and even with cold legs and no feeling in my feet I urged myself onwards. I had my cadence but no speed, must remember to check that before the race starts! Glad to see the bike marshals out checking for drafting.
I had my sights on one athlete in my age group and worked on passing her inside 2km left on the bike. Good push for the end and I encouraged myself to spin my legs with 700m or so left to prep for the run. Clean dismount and ran to my transition spot on what I believed were my feet.
Bike Time: 1:21:39, 3rd in my Age Group and a PB!
Now the run is on and I knew I had to play this one as smart as possible. I did not wear my gloves or TTL jacket but left my long sleeved shirt on. Got my runners on, tied up and was off. I even managed to get my watch on (yes, my watch) and start the timer as I crossed the timing mat. The gloves helped with the maintaining of manual dexterity!
The one thing the gloves did not help was my feet. I could not feel them! I thought of the character Eugene Levy plays in the movie, “Best in Show”, he has two left feet, and I looked down to see if I had put my runners on the correct feet they felt that odd! I had to laugh at myself and hope that they eventually would warm up. They did, around the 3km mark and that is when I thought I had something in my shoe. I tried to ignore it but Angie’s voice was in my head telling me not to ignore and to fix the problem when it starts versus trying to solve an issue later on. No sticks or stones in my shoe just the defrosting going on and they simply “felt funny”.
The run continued and I was happy with my pace. I slowed up a bit to take in some water (not Gatorade, blech that stuff is horrid!).
I started to get a bit warm and that sensation always challenges me so I removed my long sleeved shirt and instantly felt better.
I really pushed through the last 2 km. Going past the finishing area is torturous at the best of times and it seemed to take me forever to get back to that place. I remembered how Angie coached me in at Vulcan and began to do the same thing as I came to the finish again. I challenged myself and overtook a 30yr old in the last 10m or so!
I almost lost my cookies after crossing the finish line but took a few deep breaths and I was ok.
I stopped my watch and thought I might have come close to a PB in a “stand alone” 10k let alone part of a triathlon.
Run time 55:08, 10th in my Age Group PB for an Oly distance (and just shy of my PB stand alone 10k by 9 seconds)
End result was 4th in my Age Group overall, yeah me!
This was the best Olympic distance race for me so far. I had a blast and will seriously think about doing Wasa again next year. The volunteers were SO good, the food at the end excellent and lots of it. The camaraderie with new and old friends (in a new sport) added to the weekend experience.
We all enjoyed some Wasa sun that came out for the rest of the day, yummy food and yes, a beer, Pilsner beer of course!
Thanks everyone for a great race!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sharon's Arizona Mary Race Report
http://trilifestyles.blogspot.com/2012/01/arizona-rock-and-roll-marathon-january.html
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