When I think of myself as a racer I don’t think fast. I think good, but not fast. When I got out of the swim Scott told me I was 6th out of the water. I could have sworn there was an entire pack of people ahead of me. When I hit the bike turnaround at the end of the downhill I was in 2nd place, I expected at least 4 others to be ahead of me. Starting back up the climb I could see all the riders behind me. The closest female looked so strong and fast, and there I was slogging up the hill in my granny gear. I knew she was trying to chase me down and accepted the fact she was going to pass me. I ACCEPTED the fact. At that moment I realized not only had I just lost the race, but I was handing it over. Why was I so ready to believe her abilities over mine – I knew nothing about her? What if she couldn’t climb? What if she was on the verge of blowing up? What if she couldn’t run?
While I wasn’t deluded enough to believe I could win, I was disappointed enough in myself that I figured I’d at least make this girl work to pass me. I pushed up the hill with what I had, not caring if I had anything for the run. I focused on the maximum effort I could produce in that moment. My goal was to get as far as I could before the next racer passed me. Imagine my surprise when I got to transition still in 2nd place.
Now did I think I had a shot at winning? Absolutely not. Running is not my strong point, I would eventually get passed – probably in the first 2kms, but I was sticking to my guns to make her work for it. I didn’t look at heart rate, pace, or time. I was going strictly on putting one foot in front of the other as fast as I could. At the run turnaround I was able to see how far back the rest of the racers were. They looked so close. There was the girl still looking strong, fast and even more determined. I was the one in the lead but I felt weak, slow and vulnerable.
I picked up the pace. When I saw the last steep climb I was done. There was no way I was going to maintain my lead up that. I mentally gave myself a shake, - don’t hand over the race. Make that girl work. Stop giving up. Maybe that girl has a stitch and had to walk. Maybe she feels like she has to puke like you do. I focused solely on going as fast as I could up the hill. I did get passed by a young guy, which meant others weren’t far behind but they weren’t there yet so I fought on. Not once did I look behind me because I knew if I did and saw how close the next racer was I would be finished.
When I reached the top of the hill I had 1.5km to go, all downhill. Never did I imagine I could maintain a lead in a race this long. Was I thinking I could win? Nope. I was hurting thinking that 2nd place was good and started slowing down. I gave myself a HARD mental slap across the head. What is WRONG with you? Why do you want to settle for second when first is right in front of you? I increased pace.
Only when I reached the 1 km mark did I believe I could take the win and decide to fight for it. I was so close to the finish. I was not going to be the Tour de France rider who worked so hard the entire race only to be blown by in the final meters. I dug into a well of energy and effort I didn’t know existed and sprinted the final km, hoping I wasn’t going to have to slow down to throw up. For the first time ever in a race seeing the finish line did not defeat me.
I finished 50 secs ahead of the next female. I was that far ahead, and yet up until the last 5 minutes of the race I was ready to concede victory to her because I didn’t believe I was faster. Why? Because I was in pain. I didn’t feel fast. I didn’t feel strong. I didn’t look as fit as her. She had fire in her eyes while I felt like a scared rabbit. I never realized how many negative pre-conceived notions I have in my head. It never occurred to me that maybe all top finishers are in pain. Maybe none of them feel fast. Maybe they all feel weak. Maybe none of them think they look fit. Maybe they all feel like scared rabbits running for the chute waiting to be passed. I’ve never seen myself race. Maybe I do look fast (I just assume everyone who tells me that is being polite and encouraging). Maybe I do look strong. Maybe I do look fit and intimidating.
This race has given me tremendous insight into realizing how many times I’ve mentally buckled in races. In this race, because I was leading, there was a tangible outcome if I gave up – I’d lose my podium finish and I’d know it. Usually I’m never in contention for a win so I’m only racing for my own goals, if I give up on those there’s no consequence and nobody knows but me.
Looking back on some of my races I realize that I’ve let a lot of goals go because for whatever reason I mentally checked out without even knowing it. Stony is a perfect example. I was ready to give the race up 2 weeks before it started because I had ACCEPTED I wasn’t going to PR. Halfway through the race I realized I could actually PR. Get a flat and lose 10 mins, what happens? I mentally check out because my timing to PR is blown. The entire run I’m miserable and just looking for an excuse to quit or walk. In the end I’m only 3 minutes behind my PR with the flat. Without the flat I would have had a huge PR, what a tragedy if I would have decided not to race. Even with the flat, what could I have done if I wouldn’t have mentally quit on the run? I was so sure I couldn’t do it. I thought I was too slow but I wasn’t. I was holding the exact pace I needed, but in my mind I needed to overcome a 10 min deficit, which wasn’t achievable, when in reality I only needed 3 minutes – something which was. What if.
In the future, I’m going to try my hardest to throw out my ill conceived race notions, they do nothing but damage the psyche. I’m going to believe in myself and my abilities, since I’m so quick to believe in other peoples abilities I might as well include my own. I’m going to fight for my race goals. Just because achieving them doesn’t result in a nifty transition bag doesn’t mean they’re not worth fighting for. In fact, they are what I should fight for. A bag gets kicked around and stuffed in a closet; pride in performing your best lasts forever.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Leslie-Anne's Great White North Race Report - July 2011
Dear Diary,
I just have to tell you about GWN, it was such a learning curve!
The fun began on Friday July 1st when all my TTL friends and supporters met at the pre race dinner. Diary, Cathy was amazing as my support for this race (aka Sherpa Cathy!)
I got the nicest compliment when Toni asked, “Where the other half of Leslie-Anne was?” Diary I was sooooo pleased to hear such a compliment! It was a real ego booster.
Saturday we (TTL and supporters) gathered at Allen Beach to do our pre race stuff. Coach Angie asked that all the strong swimmers start out fast for 200 m and then slow down to race pace.
Well, see if I ever do that again! OMG!! After I did the 200m I had such difficulty regaining my breath there was NO WAY I would be doing that in a race.
That was the 1st lesson learned.
Saturday afternoon hanging around the hotel with every intention of reading when the lovely Richelle stopped by. During the conversation I stated my worst fear was getting a flat, as I didn’t really know how to change one. Now Diary as a triathlete I should know how to change a flat and even Richelle was surprised (and shocked) that I didn’t.
Richelle then spent time with me one on one and coached me through changing a flat. My fear was dispelled and I know now that should I flat during the race at least I would be able to change my tire. Not fast mind you but I could do it.
That was the 2nd lesson learned.
Quiet night, prepped my fuel, clothing, and watched Thelma and Louise, mmmm Diary Brad Pitt was mighty fine in that movie!!! (teehee!)
Race Day dawned a beautiful clear blue sky and I thought wow, I’d be dealing with sun for the 1st time ever!
I enjoyed my breakky and soon we were off to the race.
Diary, you know how I HATE the black condom (aka wetsuit) but Diary I did better in getting most of it on and with Sarah’s hubby to put his hands down my pants pulling form the inside it was on in no time! Diary, you know this has to be done and thank goodness Sarah is cool about Kevin helping out!
Next thing I’m in the water the for warm up, get a great hug from Coach Angie enroute to my place along the fence.
Diary what happened next surprised even me! I got going in the swim and before I knew it I was starting to have issues! ME~ issues in the swim!!! Just when I got my fecal matter together I saw a male swimmer in true distress. He was having trouble and it was me that got the attention of the vollies in the boats. I made sure he cleared the swimmers before I continued.
Wow, that was a scary thing to see and hear Diary, someone that scared. I did manage to get going and find my groove and when I did, ohhhhh Diary it felt great!
Out of water, found my bike, geared up and headed for the mount line (Ensuring I was pushing from my seat so I was “cool” looking.) I saw Angie and shook my head, as I knew my time was not going to be as I hoped it would be. 36:58 (slower than last year)
Off on the bike! Off comes my fuel bottle, argh, I stopped and a nice person retrieved it for me. Lovely day for bike ride weather wise, not so much road wise. Diary coming through Stony past the construction, hitting one serious bump after another caused my fuel bottle to almost fall out again, thanks to the athlete who told me I saved it. Diary shortly after that I had such a dark cloud of “I don’t want to be here” come over me I knew exactly what Coach Angie experienced during the Calgary Half. I had to make a decision and I did, I would finish the race for the sake of finishing.
Diary somewhere along the way I got back into what I was doing and had SUCH a great ride! Managed not to have to pee until 40k! I faithfully ingested my Infinite and managed to transfer from one bottle to my aero bottle without spilling! I even got a warning for drafting! “Hey Saskatchewan, mind your distance between you and the person ahead of you” We were on a hill! Guess it wasn’t really hill enough. No card though so I thanked the marshall and backed off. (Yes I did eventually pass the guy).
The last 10k into Stony just about did me in Diary. Egad, thank goodness for a sports bra that holds everything in place, as the road was CRAP I tell you!
The last challenge was the car that was trying to turn left up the hill to the dismount line that I almost ran into on my bike! I dropped one loud F-Bomb when I had to brake and drop my gears. I apologized to the spectators and got by the car. Yeesh. Bike time 2:59:01, close to 4 min improvement from last year!
Diary you know I am not a fan of the run but I had such a good ride that it carried me into the next stage. I forgot my watch at home Diary and I thought it wouldn’t matter but ohhhh it did. The start was a bit dodgy but I managed to pull myself together after 4k or so. Coach Angie saw me at that point, Diary, she is so observant! She knew I wasn’t happy!
The usual gut issues flared but thank goodness for “perfectly placed porta potties”.
My knee decided to give me major grief very close to the turnaround and I was one ticked off athlete. The others that ran by me as I was limping from tree to tree were so kind to me and one guy even asked if I needed salt. Diary I had to do something as there was NO effin’ way I was going to not finish. I manipulated my knee and it seemed to work and off I headed at a slightly slower pace. (Diary the watch would’ve really helped here). Back towards the home stretch and I was getting hungry, as in nothing in my stomach-start-to-ache-get-dizzy-hungry. Yeah for Heed! I tried the cookies but they didn’t quite work and eventually switched to the oranges, mmmmm tasty!
Just before 19k a man behind me said, “If you keep this pace up I’ll follow you and we will make under 6”
Diary, did I hear him right? He was going to follow me because of my pace! WOW Diary that was an amazing boost for me!
He was my new best friend and we did get through the last portion of the race. We agreed to walk any hills (he said it would be like adventure racing that way). Diary, I had him on the hills even walking and I did tell him that I would defiantly not walk the last hill to the finish line.
I finished strong but my time for the run was 2:21:18, not what I was hoping for.
My overall time was 5:57:17 most defiantly not what I was hoping for.
Diary, I have to figure out what I can eat that will “stick to my ribs” but not give me too much trouble.
I have to work on my run pace, as I believe I start out too fast. For the 1st time as I neared the last “climb” from the park to the finish line I knew I had more in me, just need to figure out the fuelling thing.
Lesson learned-wear a damn watch!
Diary, this was a learning race and I am glad that I got scared in the swim, as I said to Coach Angie afterwards I tend to get cocky when it comes to the swim. I had a great bike and I learned that I can go faster and I can relax going downhill!
I also learned I need to pace better in the run as I do have a comfortable pace for me and if others like it then more power to me!
Diary for the record I placed 12th in my AG, and I’m ok with that.
Diary get ready for the next push, IMC, here I come!
I just have to tell you about GWN, it was such a learning curve!
The fun began on Friday July 1st when all my TTL friends and supporters met at the pre race dinner. Diary, Cathy was amazing as my support for this race (aka Sherpa Cathy!)
I got the nicest compliment when Toni asked, “Where the other half of Leslie-Anne was?” Diary I was sooooo pleased to hear such a compliment! It was a real ego booster.
Saturday we (TTL and supporters) gathered at Allen Beach to do our pre race stuff. Coach Angie asked that all the strong swimmers start out fast for 200 m and then slow down to race pace.
Well, see if I ever do that again! OMG!! After I did the 200m I had such difficulty regaining my breath there was NO WAY I would be doing that in a race.
That was the 1st lesson learned.
Saturday afternoon hanging around the hotel with every intention of reading when the lovely Richelle stopped by. During the conversation I stated my worst fear was getting a flat, as I didn’t really know how to change one. Now Diary as a triathlete I should know how to change a flat and even Richelle was surprised (and shocked) that I didn’t.
Richelle then spent time with me one on one and coached me through changing a flat. My fear was dispelled and I know now that should I flat during the race at least I would be able to change my tire. Not fast mind you but I could do it.
That was the 2nd lesson learned.
Quiet night, prepped my fuel, clothing, and watched Thelma and Louise, mmmm Diary Brad Pitt was mighty fine in that movie!!! (teehee!)
Race Day dawned a beautiful clear blue sky and I thought wow, I’d be dealing with sun for the 1st time ever!
I enjoyed my breakky and soon we were off to the race.
Diary, you know how I HATE the black condom (aka wetsuit) but Diary I did better in getting most of it on and with Sarah’s hubby to put his hands down my pants pulling form the inside it was on in no time! Diary, you know this has to be done and thank goodness Sarah is cool about Kevin helping out!
Next thing I’m in the water the for warm up, get a great hug from Coach Angie enroute to my place along the fence.
Diary what happened next surprised even me! I got going in the swim and before I knew it I was starting to have issues! ME~ issues in the swim!!! Just when I got my fecal matter together I saw a male swimmer in true distress. He was having trouble and it was me that got the attention of the vollies in the boats. I made sure he cleared the swimmers before I continued.
Wow, that was a scary thing to see and hear Diary, someone that scared. I did manage to get going and find my groove and when I did, ohhhhh Diary it felt great!
Out of water, found my bike, geared up and headed for the mount line (Ensuring I was pushing from my seat so I was “cool” looking.) I saw Angie and shook my head, as I knew my time was not going to be as I hoped it would be. 36:58 (slower than last year)
Off on the bike! Off comes my fuel bottle, argh, I stopped and a nice person retrieved it for me. Lovely day for bike ride weather wise, not so much road wise. Diary coming through Stony past the construction, hitting one serious bump after another caused my fuel bottle to almost fall out again, thanks to the athlete who told me I saved it. Diary shortly after that I had such a dark cloud of “I don’t want to be here” come over me I knew exactly what Coach Angie experienced during the Calgary Half. I had to make a decision and I did, I would finish the race for the sake of finishing.
Diary somewhere along the way I got back into what I was doing and had SUCH a great ride! Managed not to have to pee until 40k! I faithfully ingested my Infinite and managed to transfer from one bottle to my aero bottle without spilling! I even got a warning for drafting! “Hey Saskatchewan, mind your distance between you and the person ahead of you” We were on a hill! Guess it wasn’t really hill enough. No card though so I thanked the marshall and backed off. (Yes I did eventually pass the guy).
The last 10k into Stony just about did me in Diary. Egad, thank goodness for a sports bra that holds everything in place, as the road was CRAP I tell you!
The last challenge was the car that was trying to turn left up the hill to the dismount line that I almost ran into on my bike! I dropped one loud F-Bomb when I had to brake and drop my gears. I apologized to the spectators and got by the car. Yeesh. Bike time 2:59:01, close to 4 min improvement from last year!
Diary you know I am not a fan of the run but I had such a good ride that it carried me into the next stage. I forgot my watch at home Diary and I thought it wouldn’t matter but ohhhh it did. The start was a bit dodgy but I managed to pull myself together after 4k or so. Coach Angie saw me at that point, Diary, she is so observant! She knew I wasn’t happy!
The usual gut issues flared but thank goodness for “perfectly placed porta potties”.
My knee decided to give me major grief very close to the turnaround and I was one ticked off athlete. The others that ran by me as I was limping from tree to tree were so kind to me and one guy even asked if I needed salt. Diary I had to do something as there was NO effin’ way I was going to not finish. I manipulated my knee and it seemed to work and off I headed at a slightly slower pace. (Diary the watch would’ve really helped here). Back towards the home stretch and I was getting hungry, as in nothing in my stomach-start-to-ache-get-dizzy-hungry. Yeah for Heed! I tried the cookies but they didn’t quite work and eventually switched to the oranges, mmmmm tasty!
Just before 19k a man behind me said, “If you keep this pace up I’ll follow you and we will make under 6”
Diary, did I hear him right? He was going to follow me because of my pace! WOW Diary that was an amazing boost for me!
He was my new best friend and we did get through the last portion of the race. We agreed to walk any hills (he said it would be like adventure racing that way). Diary, I had him on the hills even walking and I did tell him that I would defiantly not walk the last hill to the finish line.
I finished strong but my time for the run was 2:21:18, not what I was hoping for.
My overall time was 5:57:17 most defiantly not what I was hoping for.
Diary, I have to figure out what I can eat that will “stick to my ribs” but not give me too much trouble.
I have to work on my run pace, as I believe I start out too fast. For the 1st time as I neared the last “climb” from the park to the finish line I knew I had more in me, just need to figure out the fuelling thing.
Lesson learned-wear a damn watch!
Diary, this was a learning race and I am glad that I got scared in the swim, as I said to Coach Angie afterwards I tend to get cocky when it comes to the swim. I had a great bike and I learned that I can go faster and I can relax going downhill!
I also learned I need to pace better in the run as I do have a comfortable pace for me and if others like it then more power to me!
Diary for the record I placed 12th in my AG, and I’m ok with that.
Diary get ready for the next push, IMC, here I come!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cindy's GWN Race Report July 3, 2011
The Dress Rehearsal: Great White North Half-Ironman Race Report
So with all of the training that Richelle has prescribed and that I have enthusiastically completed, I was ready to see what kind of results I'd get at a longer distance event, like a half-ironman. I wanted to treat GWN as a dress rehearsal for IMC, what a perfect opportunity to let it all hang out without worrying about the outcome or possible disaster.
Here are the distances: swim 2km, bike 90km, run 21.3km. I raced GWN two years ago as my first half-iron, and while the 6:45ish finishing time was a good performance on that day, I was also hoping to up the ante and see what the added training would do for me. I was ready for a dress rehearsal, time to try out nutrition, clothing, strategies etc. And see how far I could push the envelope.
This is how the day unfolded...
Lesley-Anne was kind enough to drive us to the lake, rather than take the uber-early bus (thanks LA!). I quickly headed to transition, organized my bike and other stuff, headed for the port-a-potty line, then worked myself into my (new!) wetsuit. Fits like a glove. I dove into the lake for a short warm-up (yucky murky water at the shore, ugh!), back on shore. I totally ignored all the crazies who natter about wheels and nutrition, I found my quiet zone and worked my plan. After exiting the water, while standing around waiting for the start, I was beside Cindy & Scott, who were sporting their Garmin 310XT's. I usually don't start my watch until the bike, as it is big and bulky and tends to get trapped in my wetsuit. Scott pointed out that because I have the quick release band, I can easily palm and twist off the Garmin. In a split second decision (and primarily because this is my dress-rehearsal race), I ran over to my bike and activated the Auto Multisport function. A huge THANKS to Scott and Cindy for their words of wisdom; this is what I love about our Team, we're good support and share info and experiences in a very open manner, it's awesome. The Garmin was a big success, I like having the extra data from the swim portion, transition info, love it.
Time to hit the water! My race plan called for getting into the mix of it all, taking some bumps and swimming with my peer group. Yep, I was certainly in unfamiliar territory! Lots of bumps, a kick to the chin, someone swam over my back, quite the washing machine! It ironed itself out after the first 400m, I kept swimming thru it all, long strokes, felt like a fish! Wonderful! The first lap was over quickly, sub 20min, then on to the 2nd lap. Not as bumpy, somehow I slowed down a bit, but still a huge improvement over 2009.
2009 swim time: +45min
2011 swim time: 40min
T1 was smooth, I probably could have gone faster, but it was smooth. I heard Angie at the mount line, I saw Danielle M, we gave a little cheer, then I pedaled up the hill.
I don't remember much about my bike ride, other than it was hillier course than I recalled from 2009. I remember trying to cram in my allotted nutrition, but I started to feel nauseous; I was unsure whether it was the nutrition or the exertion level, so I took little sips and prayed they would sustain me until the run portion of the race. The hills really sapped my speed, I lost ground to a lot of competitors on the hills, why oh why am I so slow on the hills, I train on hills, I mountain bike, I'm consistent on the hills with a good turnover rate, for the love of all things holy, why do hills slam into me like a freight train??? Something to work on, I'm sure.... anyhow, I stayed pretty focused, only momentary lapses, and the out and back course was helpful in determining where other teammates were on the course, cheering for them, encouraging them, receiving some cheers back. Nice.
2009 bike time: 3:16
2011 bike time: 3:04
T2 also went smoothly. Again, I could have been a bit quicker, but it felt like I was missing something, so I did a triple check before running out the gate. No harm done.
The half-marathon that they throw at us after swimming and biking is no picnic. Your legs are tired, and running 21.3km's is not what tired legs want to do. I generally pound thru the first 10km and hope that I can hang on; it's between 10-14km that I lose focus, I allow the nagging aches and pains to consume me, and I walk. Today was no exception, I desparately wanted to walk and walk and walk. I was tired, I needed motivation. That's when the TTL people starting appearing, as it was the out-and-back section of the course. TTL rocks, I am so thankful that we give each other a smile, a high five, a "go girl", whatever. It picked me up and pushed me forward, a gentle push to move me ahead. I also thought back to my race planning, and reminded myself that if an 8-year old can run 1km in 5:28, I needed to get it in gear. So I did.
In the past, the run portion of the race seems to have been my achilles heel: tummy trouble, nutrition issues, foot issues. I was determined not to let any of these slow me down. Yes, my foot started to hurt, yes, I grabbed the wrong nutrition bottle this morning so after the first sip I knew I would be doomed if I continued sipping, and yes, my tummy was still nauseous. The important part is how I solved these race-day in-the-moment issues.
1) ignore the foot: pain is temporary. Try to wiggle my feet a bit so that it stretches out, just keep going. I need to go back to see Sarah P again for more ideas for IMC. Post-race I iced it, stretched it, rolled it, and now my foot is back to normal.
2) time to look for alternative nutrition. The aid stations are serving flat cola and oranges, let's see what happens. I took mini sips of flat cola, it seemed to stay down and didn't jiggle in my tummy, in fact the sugar content was yummy, and little sips successfully got me through the run from min 61-110. Then I sampled a couple of orange wedges. Wow, they tasted amazing! And they seemed to work even better than the cola! Who knew?!
3) I decided that being nauseous was a by-product of my exertion level. Richelle had encouraged me to go hard on the bike and still hold steady on the run (similar to Wasa). Well, my bike was certainly a strong ride, and when I hit the run my HR was hovering around 160, where it stayed the entire run, even elevating a bit towards the end. I'm pretty certain that this high exertion level caused my nausea. And since I didn't actually vomit, I think it indicates that I was on the fine line of racing to my limit and totally blowing up.
Turns out the run portion of my race may no longer be my achilles heel:
2009 run time: 2:45ish
2011 run time: 2:22
Total 2009 time: 6:45ish
Total 2011 time: 6:07
Overall, I'm super excited about my results, my performance, my teammates, everything! This dress rehearsal was a huge success!
Now I'm ready for training camp, and I know that when August 28th rolls around, I'll be ready for that, too!
So with all of the training that Richelle has prescribed and that I have enthusiastically completed, I was ready to see what kind of results I'd get at a longer distance event, like a half-ironman. I wanted to treat GWN as a dress rehearsal for IMC, what a perfect opportunity to let it all hang out without worrying about the outcome or possible disaster.
Here are the distances: swim 2km, bike 90km, run 21.3km. I raced GWN two years ago as my first half-iron, and while the 6:45ish finishing time was a good performance on that day, I was also hoping to up the ante and see what the added training would do for me. I was ready for a dress rehearsal, time to try out nutrition, clothing, strategies etc. And see how far I could push the envelope.
This is how the day unfolded...
Lesley-Anne was kind enough to drive us to the lake, rather than take the uber-early bus (thanks LA!). I quickly headed to transition, organized my bike and other stuff, headed for the port-a-potty line, then worked myself into my (new!) wetsuit. Fits like a glove. I dove into the lake for a short warm-up (yucky murky water at the shore, ugh!), back on shore. I totally ignored all the crazies who natter about wheels and nutrition, I found my quiet zone and worked my plan. After exiting the water, while standing around waiting for the start, I was beside Cindy & Scott, who were sporting their Garmin 310XT's. I usually don't start my watch until the bike, as it is big and bulky and tends to get trapped in my wetsuit. Scott pointed out that because I have the quick release band, I can easily palm and twist off the Garmin. In a split second decision (and primarily because this is my dress-rehearsal race), I ran over to my bike and activated the Auto Multisport function. A huge THANKS to Scott and Cindy for their words of wisdom; this is what I love about our Team, we're good support and share info and experiences in a very open manner, it's awesome. The Garmin was a big success, I like having the extra data from the swim portion, transition info, love it.
Time to hit the water! My race plan called for getting into the mix of it all, taking some bumps and swimming with my peer group. Yep, I was certainly in unfamiliar territory! Lots of bumps, a kick to the chin, someone swam over my back, quite the washing machine! It ironed itself out after the first 400m, I kept swimming thru it all, long strokes, felt like a fish! Wonderful! The first lap was over quickly, sub 20min, then on to the 2nd lap. Not as bumpy, somehow I slowed down a bit, but still a huge improvement over 2009.
2009 swim time: +45min
2011 swim time: 40min
T1 was smooth, I probably could have gone faster, but it was smooth. I heard Angie at the mount line, I saw Danielle M, we gave a little cheer, then I pedaled up the hill.
I don't remember much about my bike ride, other than it was hillier course than I recalled from 2009. I remember trying to cram in my allotted nutrition, but I started to feel nauseous; I was unsure whether it was the nutrition or the exertion level, so I took little sips and prayed they would sustain me until the run portion of the race. The hills really sapped my speed, I lost ground to a lot of competitors on the hills, why oh why am I so slow on the hills, I train on hills, I mountain bike, I'm consistent on the hills with a good turnover rate, for the love of all things holy, why do hills slam into me like a freight train??? Something to work on, I'm sure.... anyhow, I stayed pretty focused, only momentary lapses, and the out and back course was helpful in determining where other teammates were on the course, cheering for them, encouraging them, receiving some cheers back. Nice.
2009 bike time: 3:16
2011 bike time: 3:04
T2 also went smoothly. Again, I could have been a bit quicker, but it felt like I was missing something, so I did a triple check before running out the gate. No harm done.
The half-marathon that they throw at us after swimming and biking is no picnic. Your legs are tired, and running 21.3km's is not what tired legs want to do. I generally pound thru the first 10km and hope that I can hang on; it's between 10-14km that I lose focus, I allow the nagging aches and pains to consume me, and I walk. Today was no exception, I desparately wanted to walk and walk and walk. I was tired, I needed motivation. That's when the TTL people starting appearing, as it was the out-and-back section of the course. TTL rocks, I am so thankful that we give each other a smile, a high five, a "go girl", whatever. It picked me up and pushed me forward, a gentle push to move me ahead. I also thought back to my race planning, and reminded myself that if an 8-year old can run 1km in 5:28, I needed to get it in gear. So I did.
In the past, the run portion of the race seems to have been my achilles heel: tummy trouble, nutrition issues, foot issues. I was determined not to let any of these slow me down. Yes, my foot started to hurt, yes, I grabbed the wrong nutrition bottle this morning so after the first sip I knew I would be doomed if I continued sipping, and yes, my tummy was still nauseous. The important part is how I solved these race-day in-the-moment issues.
1) ignore the foot: pain is temporary. Try to wiggle my feet a bit so that it stretches out, just keep going. I need to go back to see Sarah P again for more ideas for IMC. Post-race I iced it, stretched it, rolled it, and now my foot is back to normal.
2) time to look for alternative nutrition. The aid stations are serving flat cola and oranges, let's see what happens. I took mini sips of flat cola, it seemed to stay down and didn't jiggle in my tummy, in fact the sugar content was yummy, and little sips successfully got me through the run from min 61-110. Then I sampled a couple of orange wedges. Wow, they tasted amazing! And they seemed to work even better than the cola! Who knew?!
3) I decided that being nauseous was a by-product of my exertion level. Richelle had encouraged me to go hard on the bike and still hold steady on the run (similar to Wasa). Well, my bike was certainly a strong ride, and when I hit the run my HR was hovering around 160, where it stayed the entire run, even elevating a bit towards the end. I'm pretty certain that this high exertion level caused my nausea. And since I didn't actually vomit, I think it indicates that I was on the fine line of racing to my limit and totally blowing up.
Turns out the run portion of my race may no longer be my achilles heel:
2009 run time: 2:45ish
2011 run time: 2:22
Total 2009 time: 6:45ish
Total 2011 time: 6:07
Overall, I'm super excited about my results, my performance, my teammates, everything! This dress rehearsal was a huge success!
Now I'm ready for training camp, and I know that when August 28th rolls around, I'll be ready for that, too!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Christine's Chinook OD race report - June 2011
Chinook OD
Warning: the following may include mushiness, personal content and some F bombs.
I had to write this as soon as I got home. As some of you may know, I have had four incredibly hard years. I have spent a lot of those four years training in my head. Every run, bike and swim I have battled what was happening domestically and personally.
Last year was my worst season, every race I had "female issues" and was struggling with low iron as well as feeling utterly shity and sad about my life. The Apple was my only decent race, and I fell at that one.
This year things are slowly getting better. Today was a training day, as I have my eye on the 70.3. Today was about getting my race legs and working out some kinks. I did not think that this would be my best time as I am very tired from fundraising mania, helping my kids get to dance camp in Disneyland. But today I got a lot more than I bargained for.
The swim felt great, as I was trying a new head position and I was just "swimming", I kept bumping into Tara and when I realized it was her – I said "sorry Tara". I got out of the water and still felt good. Then on to the bike, it was a tougher ride up the hill and against the wind – but something was different today. I felt good, I felt strong and I wasn't verbally beating myself up. At this point I could care less about my time – it was fun, I was having fun. I felt so good, no guilt for not doing everything Angie asked me to do – I have been training consistently – I was not frustrated by the people passing me – I barley noticed, I was looking forward, I felt good.
After the turn around I went to this place, a race zone that I don't recall going to before. My mind, body, emotions and spirit were one. I was experiencing harmony and self pride. For goodness sake, I was exercising and moving my body, in a way that not a lot of people do. I was not handicapped or physically incapable of doing this, I was no longer mentally tortured by myself or my life circumstances. I was happy, I was riding for me. I have a job where 100% of me go toward helping other, I am a mother where 100% goes towards making sure they are okay, happy, fed, clean, exercised, schooled, and socialized. 98% of my days are usually about others. Today was about me and ME and my fine self. I love this sport and I love the fact that I can do it. Usually I am so bummed because I am really slow, but I totally did not care or even think about that. I was playing.
As I was heading back after the turn around I came flying down those hills – I thought at one point ”man this seems fast" – I checked and I was doing 60k. "WEEE look at me go" was my exact thought.
I was happy when I came into transition and happy when I left – felt good and kept going. I was once again having this strange experience of joy in my body, mind, emotions and spirit. I felt good. I stopped looking at my watch and just went with it. I was not upset at people passing me (as they always do), I was just running for me. I recall passing a few people and around the 7 k mark I started to see how far I could push it and gave it my all. This year I was not running with the people who looked like they were about to dye. I even had some one say "I thought for sure I could catch you – but I just couldn't. When I was finished I was still happy and glad to be spending time with myself for 3 and a half hour. Yes I know that this is quite slow.
My final time – I really don't fucking care – I had fun, I am a triathlete, and all else fails I put my bid in for voting myself as Miss Congeniality.
Thanks Team, your are all wonderful and thanks Angie.
Christine…slow and happy
Warning: the following may include mushiness, personal content and some F bombs.
I had to write this as soon as I got home. As some of you may know, I have had four incredibly hard years. I have spent a lot of those four years training in my head. Every run, bike and swim I have battled what was happening domestically and personally.
Last year was my worst season, every race I had "female issues" and was struggling with low iron as well as feeling utterly shity and sad about my life. The Apple was my only decent race, and I fell at that one.
This year things are slowly getting better. Today was a training day, as I have my eye on the 70.3. Today was about getting my race legs and working out some kinks. I did not think that this would be my best time as I am very tired from fundraising mania, helping my kids get to dance camp in Disneyland. But today I got a lot more than I bargained for.
The swim felt great, as I was trying a new head position and I was just "swimming", I kept bumping into Tara and when I realized it was her – I said "sorry Tara". I got out of the water and still felt good. Then on to the bike, it was a tougher ride up the hill and against the wind – but something was different today. I felt good, I felt strong and I wasn't verbally beating myself up. At this point I could care less about my time – it was fun, I was having fun. I felt so good, no guilt for not doing everything Angie asked me to do – I have been training consistently – I was not frustrated by the people passing me – I barley noticed, I was looking forward, I felt good.
After the turn around I went to this place, a race zone that I don't recall going to before. My mind, body, emotions and spirit were one. I was experiencing harmony and self pride. For goodness sake, I was exercising and moving my body, in a way that not a lot of people do. I was not handicapped or physically incapable of doing this, I was no longer mentally tortured by myself or my life circumstances. I was happy, I was riding for me. I have a job where 100% of me go toward helping other, I am a mother where 100% goes towards making sure they are okay, happy, fed, clean, exercised, schooled, and socialized. 98% of my days are usually about others. Today was about me and ME and my fine self. I love this sport and I love the fact that I can do it. Usually I am so bummed because I am really slow, but I totally did not care or even think about that. I was playing.
As I was heading back after the turn around I came flying down those hills – I thought at one point ”man this seems fast" – I checked and I was doing 60k. "WEEE look at me go" was my exact thought.
I was happy when I came into transition and happy when I left – felt good and kept going. I was once again having this strange experience of joy in my body, mind, emotions and spirit. I felt good. I stopped looking at my watch and just went with it. I was not upset at people passing me (as they always do), I was just running for me. I recall passing a few people and around the 7 k mark I started to see how far I could push it and gave it my all. This year I was not running with the people who looked like they were about to dye. I even had some one say "I thought for sure I could catch you – but I just couldn't. When I was finished I was still happy and glad to be spending time with myself for 3 and a half hour. Yes I know that this is quite slow.
My final time – I really don't fucking care – I had fun, I am a triathlete, and all else fails I put my bid in for voting myself as Miss Congeniality.
Thanks Team, your are all wonderful and thanks Angie.
Christine…slow and happy
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Shannon's IMC race report - 2010
IMC 2010 Race Report
I have taken a very long time to finally get this done. I think part of me thinks once I am done writing this, it’s really over. In the first few weeks after Ironman, I told my IMC story at least once per day. Now I am telling it only once per week so I thought I should get it on paper ASAP. Even though it is late, I hope that my story will help some of our teammates getting ready for their first Ironman this year.
In general, I am an over achiever, A-type personality. Triathlons have been a very humbling experience as I am at the bottom of the heap. This really bothered me my first few years but something changed the week of Ironman. My whole training season leading up to Ironman was full of doubt and the biggest worry for me was bike cut-off. At our training camp in July, this doubt heightened when I could not make it up Yellow Lake. Many of my teammates witnessed my meltdown and throwing of my bike at the top. Angie gave me a stern talking to but the doubt hung over me like a cloud.
Ironman week arrived and our first team swim was Thursday morning in Lake Okanagan. My competitive swimming background was not enough for me to overcome my open water anxiety. Every time I was in open water I would have to use various techniques to calm myself down. It usually took a good 500 m to get into the groove. That Thursday morning I was really nervous with getting the wetsuit on and getting in for the swim. I got in the water and started swimming – something was different. I didn’t need to calm myself down. I actually felt good and comfortable in the open water. It was a huge Ah-ha moment. The week was starting off well.
The team atmosphere was amazing all week. I had great support from my parents, youngest son and my friends Angela and Bruce. My husband and oldest son were at hockey tryouts but kept my spirits up with their updates and checking in on me. I was amazingly calm all week. When I picked up my race package Thursday, the doubt about bike cut-off loomed large. This is the main reason I made the decision to sign up for IMC 2011 that day. It took a little pressure off. If I did not make it, the training f0r 2010 were just necessary steps towards finishing it in 2011.
The night before the race, we had a BBQ with my friends Angela, Angela’s parents, and Bruce. They surprised me with T-shirts they planned on wearing that donned Team Ouellette. It was great to have such enthusiastic support. We had a nice relaxing evening leading up to a sleepless night.
The morning came way too soon but everything went as planned until body marking time. I was in line with Tanya to get body marking when she said she had to change batteries in her watch. Shear panic over-whelmed me. I had forgotten my watch and heart rate monitor. I went hysterical when I couldn’t get a hold of my parents. Tears were flowing!! I had to find Angie. As usual, Angie calmed me down. She told me I could use her watch and to race on feel, not to worry about the heart rate. I didn’t have much choice so I finished the preparation for the swim. Walking to the beach brought on the butterflies. I heard “Mom” and looked up. Josh and my parents had a perfect vantage point for the race start and I got a much needed high five from Josh. I saw Tara on the beach so we stood together waiting for our big day to get started. I reviewed in my mind who I was dedicating each leg of the race to. The swim was for my friend Kim. It was her birthday and I wouldn’t get to talk to her, so I wanted her in my thoughts. The bike was dedicated to Shawn Riley, an employee of mine who died suddenly at the age of 30 years old just a month earlier. His enthusiasm for life had touched me and I wanted to do his memory proud. The run was for my Grandpa who had died the past September. He had had a long illness and was a fighter. I knew I had a guardian angel watching me so I would try to be a fighter like him.
Before I knew it, we were off. My goggles were leaking so I was playing with them quite a bit but felt good. There were not a lot of swimmers running into me so that was a bonus. UNTIL, that is, I heard a volunteer in a canoe say “YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY”. I stopped and looked up and realized there was not a soul around me – I was swimming parallel to shore instead of toward the buoys. My heart sunk. Even though I didn’t want to have “official” time goals, I wanted to finish the swim around 1:30. I pushed that out of my mind and got back to the task at hand. I got back on course and got into a great rhythm. I used Joanne’s mental game of one buoy at a time and I had a great rest of my swim. As I ran out of the water, I glanced at my watch – 1:20! I felt elated – despite my terrible start I had surpassed my secret goal. I think at this point, I had set the tone for the day. T1 went really well. I read my first note from my friend Cathy. She had given me a note for every bag and I was happy to have her around me Ironman day. She was a huge part of my Ironman journey as she had done all my long bike rides with me. She even came to the Ironman training camp to support me despite a bad back. Off to the bike, the dreaded bike. Along the fence I saw Angela, Bruce, Josh and my Mom and Dad. I gave them big waves and smiles and felt choked up. I rounded the corner to the cheers of Team Tri-Life. I really was doing this.
McLean Creek was there before I knew it and that little climb went well. I was going to take the first 60 km easy-peasy as Angie preached. I did that and it worked well. I was getting in the nutrition and fluids. Richter loomed ahead and I viewed that as a big test for me. I did it training camp day but it was hard. The hill was lined with many spectators. I heard Thunderstruck blaring which gave me a huge boost. Gord Clayholt was actually one of the reasons I started triathlons. Through the years we had kept in touch and I was very superstitious about seeing him at races. It was always in the back of my mind that I had to see him. He would be behind me on the swim, but always passed me on the bike. Going up Richter, I heard Gord say “You have got the bike”. This made me smile and deepened my resolve to gut this race it. Before I knew it, I was being greeted by Wade Church (GWN Organizer) at the top. As I told Angie when I saw her on my run, “I climbed Richter effortlessly”.
The Seven Witches were a nuisance but I did ok. The whole time I was doing them, I kept thinking about Yellow Lake. Just before turning onto the out and back, I saw Tanya in front of me and followed her for a while. Legs were tiring so it was nice to see a familiar face. At the out and back I should have gone to the washroom but the line-up was too long. I had not needed to really go yet so I thought I would wait for the run (yes Angie, I never used the washroom until 2 km into my run. I never told you that yet). The weather was a little nasty but I thought it was better than the 39 degrees we had at training camp. I dreaded Yellow Lake from the special needs station until I started the climb. It was lined with lots of cheering people. I looked up and saw the lane narrowing sign Kelly had told me to watch for. I was at the top of Yellow Lake and I really started to believe I would make bike cut-off. Now for the descent. It was liberating. I am a very slow and nervous descender. I felt like I was having a great trip down the hills and I even passed people which was unheard of. Coming into Penticton, I saw Leslie-Ann and Roger
in Roughrider green and their cheering gave me another lift to keep going. The last 10 km was painful and passing people already on the run made we realize it was far from over. Bike cut-off was 5:30 and I wheeled in T2 at 4:00 – I really did it. I was slow in transition but I was just so thrilled that I had done it I was relishing the moment. Heading out on the run, I gave my adoring fans hugs and high fives. I was really choked up at the point when Josh and Bruce ran along the fence encouraging me. I knew I wouldn’t see them until dark.
In the first km I saw JoZ and Richelle. I got much needed hugs and words of support from them. I had the honour of catching Richelle the year before at her first Ironman so it was a really good omen to see her at that point. I ran until around the 2 km mark and decided it was time to go to the washroom for the first time. Had to be done but oh my goodness!! I just about passed out – I had extreme chafing and it was anything but a relieving feeling. I saw Angie at Cherry Lane mall and she ran with me for a bit. I wanted to tell her everything but didn’t have time. Angie you are such a great coach and friend and even though we do this silly sport for ourselves, I felt so happy that you told me how proud you were I had made the bike. It meant a lot. Shortly after leaving Angie, I met up with a young lady, Maya, and we started chatting. It turned out she was also an engineer and we had a great conversation. During this part of the run, I saw Tara and we had smiles for each other – we were doing an Ironman!! Then I saw Ally who was enjoying every second of the day and made me laugh. About the 18 km mark I was starting to fade so Maya said her good byes and took off. I got to see Kelly heading back and boy, familiar faces and genuine smiles go a long way on Ironman day. I caught up to Nola and John and at that point, they were exactly what I needed. We ran into OK Falls and then I continued on to special needs. My salted potatoes were exactly what the stomach ordered. The coke was giving me a little bit of a tummy ache but the potatoes settled it down.
I then started the hardest part of the race for me which was the run back into Penticton. There were less people on the course, Penticton lights far away and it was dark. It took an eternity to get into Penticton. This was the part of the race that had few smiles or high points. Finally, I was in town and had 2 km left. The second last km felt like it took forever. You could see people heading across the finish line and I just wanted to be done. At the 1 km mark, our team was cheering. Angie came up to me with a big hug and I felt so overwhelmed. I just wanted to stay here. Angie pushed me and said “Get it done, you are an Ironman!” A volunteer informed me that I had 6 minutes if I wanted to beat 15 hours. There was no way I could get a km done in 6:00!! What the hell, I wanted to try it. I finished strong and the time was 14:58:55. I was an Ironman and I was getting a tattoo!!! I always thought I would have tears crossing the finish line but all I felt was elation and couldn’t quit smiling. My family and friends found me and took care of me which was awesome. I needed some TLC. Josh declared “Mom you are so fast!!!” He was just so happy I was in at 10:00. I had warned him all week I would probably be out there until midnight and I might not finish.
There is no way a person becomes an Ironman without a lot of support. I want to thank each and every person who has supported me throughout this journey. First, thanks to my coach and friend. I met Angie by fluke at a “learn to run a 10 km” clinic and have been with her since. Her honesty and intensity pushed me to believe in myself. I do finally believe her – I am a triathlete. The other thing Angie has brought into my life is my teammates. Being in Airdrie, I never felt a real part of the team until this last year as it took a while to get to know everyone. Now that I know everyone, WOW!! We are so lucky to have the support of each other. Races and training would not be the same without Team Tri-Life. My husband, Ronnie, and kids, Dylan and Josh, allow me to train and encourage me to do so. Ronnie is honestly the most amazing husband. Do we fight? Of course we do but he is always by my side and my Ironman journey was no exception. Teenage boys don’t say a lot about their Moms but they have shown me they are proud which is very important to me. My parents have always been there for me and it meant the world to have them there that day. Angela and Bruce have stood by me and have been at more finish lines for me than anyone in my life – I was so happy to have them there for my first Ironman. Angela has met me many mornings at the gym for early morning workouts and has offered continuous encouragement. Cathy introduced me to triathlons and I would have not finished the bike if it wasn’t for the tireless bike rides she accompanied me on.
I am not an elite athlete but I love training as a triathlete. I have grown up over the last few years when it comes to my attitude about the finish line. Being able to cope with races, good and bad, is a life skill and my first Ironman was not about the day of the race. The race day was the icing on the cake. I took the whole day in stride and enjoyed every minute (well most every minute) and kept a smile on my face. Becoming an Ironman has been a life changing experience. I AM AN IRONMAN!!!
I have taken a very long time to finally get this done. I think part of me thinks once I am done writing this, it’s really over. In the first few weeks after Ironman, I told my IMC story at least once per day. Now I am telling it only once per week so I thought I should get it on paper ASAP. Even though it is late, I hope that my story will help some of our teammates getting ready for their first Ironman this year.
In general, I am an over achiever, A-type personality. Triathlons have been a very humbling experience as I am at the bottom of the heap. This really bothered me my first few years but something changed the week of Ironman. My whole training season leading up to Ironman was full of doubt and the biggest worry for me was bike cut-off. At our training camp in July, this doubt heightened when I could not make it up Yellow Lake. Many of my teammates witnessed my meltdown and throwing of my bike at the top. Angie gave me a stern talking to but the doubt hung over me like a cloud.
Ironman week arrived and our first team swim was Thursday morning in Lake Okanagan. My competitive swimming background was not enough for me to overcome my open water anxiety. Every time I was in open water I would have to use various techniques to calm myself down. It usually took a good 500 m to get into the groove. That Thursday morning I was really nervous with getting the wetsuit on and getting in for the swim. I got in the water and started swimming – something was different. I didn’t need to calm myself down. I actually felt good and comfortable in the open water. It was a huge Ah-ha moment. The week was starting off well.
The team atmosphere was amazing all week. I had great support from my parents, youngest son and my friends Angela and Bruce. My husband and oldest son were at hockey tryouts but kept my spirits up with their updates and checking in on me. I was amazingly calm all week. When I picked up my race package Thursday, the doubt about bike cut-off loomed large. This is the main reason I made the decision to sign up for IMC 2011 that day. It took a little pressure off. If I did not make it, the training f0r 2010 were just necessary steps towards finishing it in 2011.
The night before the race, we had a BBQ with my friends Angela, Angela’s parents, and Bruce. They surprised me with T-shirts they planned on wearing that donned Team Ouellette. It was great to have such enthusiastic support. We had a nice relaxing evening leading up to a sleepless night.
The morning came way too soon but everything went as planned until body marking time. I was in line with Tanya to get body marking when she said she had to change batteries in her watch. Shear panic over-whelmed me. I had forgotten my watch and heart rate monitor. I went hysterical when I couldn’t get a hold of my parents. Tears were flowing!! I had to find Angie. As usual, Angie calmed me down. She told me I could use her watch and to race on feel, not to worry about the heart rate. I didn’t have much choice so I finished the preparation for the swim. Walking to the beach brought on the butterflies. I heard “Mom” and looked up. Josh and my parents had a perfect vantage point for the race start and I got a much needed high five from Josh. I saw Tara on the beach so we stood together waiting for our big day to get started. I reviewed in my mind who I was dedicating each leg of the race to. The swim was for my friend Kim. It was her birthday and I wouldn’t get to talk to her, so I wanted her in my thoughts. The bike was dedicated to Shawn Riley, an employee of mine who died suddenly at the age of 30 years old just a month earlier. His enthusiasm for life had touched me and I wanted to do his memory proud. The run was for my Grandpa who had died the past September. He had had a long illness and was a fighter. I knew I had a guardian angel watching me so I would try to be a fighter like him.
Before I knew it, we were off. My goggles were leaking so I was playing with them quite a bit but felt good. There were not a lot of swimmers running into me so that was a bonus. UNTIL, that is, I heard a volunteer in a canoe say “YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY”. I stopped and looked up and realized there was not a soul around me – I was swimming parallel to shore instead of toward the buoys. My heart sunk. Even though I didn’t want to have “official” time goals, I wanted to finish the swim around 1:30. I pushed that out of my mind and got back to the task at hand. I got back on course and got into a great rhythm. I used Joanne’s mental game of one buoy at a time and I had a great rest of my swim. As I ran out of the water, I glanced at my watch – 1:20! I felt elated – despite my terrible start I had surpassed my secret goal. I think at this point, I had set the tone for the day. T1 went really well. I read my first note from my friend Cathy. She had given me a note for every bag and I was happy to have her around me Ironman day. She was a huge part of my Ironman journey as she had done all my long bike rides with me. She even came to the Ironman training camp to support me despite a bad back. Off to the bike, the dreaded bike. Along the fence I saw Angela, Bruce, Josh and my Mom and Dad. I gave them big waves and smiles and felt choked up. I rounded the corner to the cheers of Team Tri-Life. I really was doing this.
McLean Creek was there before I knew it and that little climb went well. I was going to take the first 60 km easy-peasy as Angie preached. I did that and it worked well. I was getting in the nutrition and fluids. Richter loomed ahead and I viewed that as a big test for me. I did it training camp day but it was hard. The hill was lined with many spectators. I heard Thunderstruck blaring which gave me a huge boost. Gord Clayholt was actually one of the reasons I started triathlons. Through the years we had kept in touch and I was very superstitious about seeing him at races. It was always in the back of my mind that I had to see him. He would be behind me on the swim, but always passed me on the bike. Going up Richter, I heard Gord say “You have got the bike”. This made me smile and deepened my resolve to gut this race it. Before I knew it, I was being greeted by Wade Church (GWN Organizer) at the top. As I told Angie when I saw her on my run, “I climbed Richter effortlessly”.
The Seven Witches were a nuisance but I did ok. The whole time I was doing them, I kept thinking about Yellow Lake. Just before turning onto the out and back, I saw Tanya in front of me and followed her for a while. Legs were tiring so it was nice to see a familiar face. At the out and back I should have gone to the washroom but the line-up was too long. I had not needed to really go yet so I thought I would wait for the run (yes Angie, I never used the washroom until 2 km into my run. I never told you that yet). The weather was a little nasty but I thought it was better than the 39 degrees we had at training camp. I dreaded Yellow Lake from the special needs station until I started the climb. It was lined with lots of cheering people. I looked up and saw the lane narrowing sign Kelly had told me to watch for. I was at the top of Yellow Lake and I really started to believe I would make bike cut-off. Now for the descent. It was liberating. I am a very slow and nervous descender. I felt like I was having a great trip down the hills and I even passed people which was unheard of. Coming into Penticton, I saw Leslie-Ann and Roger
in Roughrider green and their cheering gave me another lift to keep going. The last 10 km was painful and passing people already on the run made we realize it was far from over. Bike cut-off was 5:30 and I wheeled in T2 at 4:00 – I really did it. I was slow in transition but I was just so thrilled that I had done it I was relishing the moment. Heading out on the run, I gave my adoring fans hugs and high fives. I was really choked up at the point when Josh and Bruce ran along the fence encouraging me. I knew I wouldn’t see them until dark.
In the first km I saw JoZ and Richelle. I got much needed hugs and words of support from them. I had the honour of catching Richelle the year before at her first Ironman so it was a really good omen to see her at that point. I ran until around the 2 km mark and decided it was time to go to the washroom for the first time. Had to be done but oh my goodness!! I just about passed out – I had extreme chafing and it was anything but a relieving feeling. I saw Angie at Cherry Lane mall and she ran with me for a bit. I wanted to tell her everything but didn’t have time. Angie you are such a great coach and friend and even though we do this silly sport for ourselves, I felt so happy that you told me how proud you were I had made the bike. It meant a lot. Shortly after leaving Angie, I met up with a young lady, Maya, and we started chatting. It turned out she was also an engineer and we had a great conversation. During this part of the run, I saw Tara and we had smiles for each other – we were doing an Ironman!! Then I saw Ally who was enjoying every second of the day and made me laugh. About the 18 km mark I was starting to fade so Maya said her good byes and took off. I got to see Kelly heading back and boy, familiar faces and genuine smiles go a long way on Ironman day. I caught up to Nola and John and at that point, they were exactly what I needed. We ran into OK Falls and then I continued on to special needs. My salted potatoes were exactly what the stomach ordered. The coke was giving me a little bit of a tummy ache but the potatoes settled it down.
I then started the hardest part of the race for me which was the run back into Penticton. There were less people on the course, Penticton lights far away and it was dark. It took an eternity to get into Penticton. This was the part of the race that had few smiles or high points. Finally, I was in town and had 2 km left. The second last km felt like it took forever. You could see people heading across the finish line and I just wanted to be done. At the 1 km mark, our team was cheering. Angie came up to me with a big hug and I felt so overwhelmed. I just wanted to stay here. Angie pushed me and said “Get it done, you are an Ironman!” A volunteer informed me that I had 6 minutes if I wanted to beat 15 hours. There was no way I could get a km done in 6:00!! What the hell, I wanted to try it. I finished strong and the time was 14:58:55. I was an Ironman and I was getting a tattoo!!! I always thought I would have tears crossing the finish line but all I felt was elation and couldn’t quit smiling. My family and friends found me and took care of me which was awesome. I needed some TLC. Josh declared “Mom you are so fast!!!” He was just so happy I was in at 10:00. I had warned him all week I would probably be out there until midnight and I might not finish.
There is no way a person becomes an Ironman without a lot of support. I want to thank each and every person who has supported me throughout this journey. First, thanks to my coach and friend. I met Angie by fluke at a “learn to run a 10 km” clinic and have been with her since. Her honesty and intensity pushed me to believe in myself. I do finally believe her – I am a triathlete. The other thing Angie has brought into my life is my teammates. Being in Airdrie, I never felt a real part of the team until this last year as it took a while to get to know everyone. Now that I know everyone, WOW!! We are so lucky to have the support of each other. Races and training would not be the same without Team Tri-Life. My husband, Ronnie, and kids, Dylan and Josh, allow me to train and encourage me to do so. Ronnie is honestly the most amazing husband. Do we fight? Of course we do but he is always by my side and my Ironman journey was no exception. Teenage boys don’t say a lot about their Moms but they have shown me they are proud which is very important to me. My parents have always been there for me and it meant the world to have them there that day. Angela and Bruce have stood by me and have been at more finish lines for me than anyone in my life – I was so happy to have them there for my first Ironman. Angela has met me many mornings at the gym for early morning workouts and has offered continuous encouragement. Cathy introduced me to triathlons and I would have not finished the bike if it wasn’t for the tireless bike rides she accompanied me on.
I am not an elite athlete but I love training as a triathlete. I have grown up over the last few years when it comes to my attitude about the finish line. Being able to cope with races, good and bad, is a life skill and my first Ironman was not about the day of the race. The race day was the icing on the cake. I took the whole day in stride and enjoyed every minute (well most every minute) and kept a smile on my face. Becoming an Ironman has been a life changing experience. I AM AN IRONMAN!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Leslie-Anne's Calgary Half Marathon Race Report - May 29, 2011
Calgary Half Marathon
This race did not scare me. I was the most relaxed I have ever been before a race. Not sure of the reason, I will go with I was ready for the distance and knew I would finish it.
I did complete the race. I did not come in time-wise where I would have liked but did come ahead of the Police ½ (both times I’ve done that race).
Early to rise, early start which meant I had to be at the LRT for the 5:20am departure to make the 7a race start. Decided it was a good chance to experiment on the pre race meal so a piece of toast and peanut butter with a cup of coffee some sugar no cream. Worked like a charm. J
I dashed out the door and had forgotten my fuel belt (water and liquid food), which meant my lip balm as well. The belt is like Linus's blanket to him! I did ok without it and next race I will not carry it. Missed the lip balm tho, that I won’t forget!
Met a few other TTLr’s on the train, what a great feeling to know I had people to talk to enroute to the venue.
The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, which was good as it was a tad chilly to start. Once the sun started to warm things up it was lovely. Pre race warm up with everyone and thanks to whoever it was that said I was “wasting away” WOW! You made my day!!! J
Headed to the start line and we were off!
In the 1st kilometer or so I was asked me when I got my capris, I said a couple of months ago why “They are completely see though, nice thong though” AH!!! I flipped my number around and continued to pull my shirt down and worried about the “view” for the rest of the race! Yikes!
Final (gun) 2:18:11:32, chip time 2:16:23:38. I'm ok with it. I still had some left in me at the end, which is great news!
As the day went on I processed the race and decided it was a good day overall. Not really keen on the time and the fact my knee flared but how I was doing when I was running was key.
Gut issues were right on cue, which means I know when they are going to occur and that is that. I thought I would get away with the last one as I hit the 18k mark but no...I thought I was done but! The best thing happened there were the port-a-potties right then and there with NO line-up! I get in I get out, works for me.
I did notice I got into more "zones" than before and when I did that I was passing people and this occurred more after the turnaround point. I took notice of the people that were beside me when I would stop for the loo or my knee flaring and I would work to catch up. These to me are good signs as I can problem solve and recover.
The knee thing is my meniscus just letting me know it's not happy when I push it so I listen and back off. Must remember to take my "vitamin I" before the race.
My legs were also tired from a very challenging 1hr53min bike ride (on my trainer) on Saturday that was composed of mostly low cadence "hill climbing" along with a time trial that I had the trainer in the wrong setting for! No wonder it was so hard! D’OH!
Early start, early finish! Got home, had a shower made myself a yummy omelet, toast, coffee and read the newspaper all by noon! Even got some errands done and when that was over had a beer and clamato juice, with some nachos on the side while sitting on the deck. I even grabbed a 20min catnap in the sun, ahhhhhhhhh :-) Beer is wonderful!
For a lovely cap of the day a barbequed steak dinner, red wine and my fav dessert after a race: small hot fudge sundae from DQ!
A great day for me, all good as I work towards that little ol’ race the end of August… J
This race did not scare me. I was the most relaxed I have ever been before a race. Not sure of the reason, I will go with I was ready for the distance and knew I would finish it.
I did complete the race. I did not come in time-wise where I would have liked but did come ahead of the Police ½ (both times I’ve done that race).
Early to rise, early start which meant I had to be at the LRT for the 5:20am departure to make the 7a race start. Decided it was a good chance to experiment on the pre race meal so a piece of toast and peanut butter with a cup of coffee some sugar no cream. Worked like a charm. J
I dashed out the door and had forgotten my fuel belt (water and liquid food), which meant my lip balm as well. The belt is like Linus's blanket to him! I did ok without it and next race I will not carry it. Missed the lip balm tho, that I won’t forget!
Met a few other TTLr’s on the train, what a great feeling to know I had people to talk to enroute to the venue.
The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, which was good as it was a tad chilly to start. Once the sun started to warm things up it was lovely. Pre race warm up with everyone and thanks to whoever it was that said I was “wasting away” WOW! You made my day!!! J
Headed to the start line and we were off!
In the 1st kilometer or so I was asked me when I got my capris, I said a couple of months ago why “They are completely see though, nice thong though” AH!!! I flipped my number around and continued to pull my shirt down and worried about the “view” for the rest of the race! Yikes!
Final (gun) 2:18:11:32, chip time 2:16:23:38. I'm ok with it. I still had some left in me at the end, which is great news!
As the day went on I processed the race and decided it was a good day overall. Not really keen on the time and the fact my knee flared but how I was doing when I was running was key.
Gut issues were right on cue, which means I know when they are going to occur and that is that. I thought I would get away with the last one as I hit the 18k mark but no...I thought I was done but! The best thing happened there were the port-a-potties right then and there with NO line-up! I get in I get out, works for me.
I did notice I got into more "zones" than before and when I did that I was passing people and this occurred more after the turnaround point. I took notice of the people that were beside me when I would stop for the loo or my knee flaring and I would work to catch up. These to me are good signs as I can problem solve and recover.
The knee thing is my meniscus just letting me know it's not happy when I push it so I listen and back off. Must remember to take my "vitamin I" before the race.
My legs were also tired from a very challenging 1hr53min bike ride (on my trainer) on Saturday that was composed of mostly low cadence "hill climbing" along with a time trial that I had the trainer in the wrong setting for! No wonder it was so hard! D’OH!
Early start, early finish! Got home, had a shower made myself a yummy omelet, toast, coffee and read the newspaper all by noon! Even got some errands done and when that was over had a beer and clamato juice, with some nachos on the side while sitting on the deck. I even grabbed a 20min catnap in the sun, ahhhhhhhhh :-) Beer is wonderful!
For a lovely cap of the day a barbequed steak dinner, red wine and my fav dessert after a race: small hot fudge sundae from DQ!
A great day for me, all good as I work towards that little ol’ race the end of August… J
Jenny's Calgary Half Marathon Race Report - May 29, 2011
My update is funny……
The start of my race was almost like one of my worst nightmares as a ‘runner’. I used to have nightmares about races where I missed the start because I was so late and I ended up having to run like a mad-woman to catch up with the rest of the runners.
Well, Sunday a.m. – I got there with only 4 minutes to spare. I have been so tired with all of my volunteer work (at my kids’ school) & work that I slept in on Sunday a.m.
I always like to have a breakfast & you know…do the bathroom thing before I leave my house. So I actually didn’t leave my house until 6:30!
My warm-up was literally running up that little hill next to Murdoch park to the start line.
I’ve always had a problem with pacing. I wanted to start off conservatively & save energy for the end. However, no matter how hard I tried, my garmin kept showing 5:10-5:13. At times, I was going 4:55. It didn’t feel like I was pushing myself though. I was pretty consistent until about 16km or so & then I started to feel the work in my legs. But this time, I didn’t give up. I kept forging ahead. I told myself words that Angie taught me….countdown to hurt. My milestones were the bridges. Heading east on Memorial….I knew that I had to make it from 14th St. bridge to 10th St. bridge. And then from 10th St. bridge to Centre St. bridge. As soon as I got to Centre St. bridge, I knew I was close to finish.
My chip time said 1:52. It’s faster than my last half, which was Last Chance half. So I feel pretty good, but my goal this year is still to finish in 1:50 or under. I’ve done it before & I know I can do it again!
After the run when I went to get the refreshments, I had the WORST charlie horse cramp in my calf when I was going up the hill from the park to street level. I thought that if I were to straighten my leg my calf would burst. So I collapsed at the steps going up from Murdoch park. I couldn’t believe it when this fellow runner came by & said, ‘…..excuse me…but where did you get the food?’. I thought to myself…..’I’m dying here & you’re not even going to help me?’. One of the race crew members saw me & said she’ll get me medical help. A physiotherapist came to help me up & helped me walk over to the medic tent where I got some ice treatment. It was weird as I don’t usually get Charlie horses. It took a while for that cramping to go away.
Overall, a pretty good day. Now I’m trying to decide whether or not to do Footstock Du and I think I’m going to try for that sub 1:50 at the Stampede Roadrace in July (hosted by Strides Running Store).
Thank-you Angie for your programs. You always push me & challenge me. One of these days I hope to accomplish my goals. I know I can get there!
Jenny
The start of my race was almost like one of my worst nightmares as a ‘runner’. I used to have nightmares about races where I missed the start because I was so late and I ended up having to run like a mad-woman to catch up with the rest of the runners.
Well, Sunday a.m. – I got there with only 4 minutes to spare. I have been so tired with all of my volunteer work (at my kids’ school) & work that I slept in on Sunday a.m.
I always like to have a breakfast & you know…do the bathroom thing before I leave my house. So I actually didn’t leave my house until 6:30!
My warm-up was literally running up that little hill next to Murdoch park to the start line.
I’ve always had a problem with pacing. I wanted to start off conservatively & save energy for the end. However, no matter how hard I tried, my garmin kept showing 5:10-5:13. At times, I was going 4:55. It didn’t feel like I was pushing myself though. I was pretty consistent until about 16km or so & then I started to feel the work in my legs. But this time, I didn’t give up. I kept forging ahead. I told myself words that Angie taught me….countdown to hurt. My milestones were the bridges. Heading east on Memorial….I knew that I had to make it from 14th St. bridge to 10th St. bridge. And then from 10th St. bridge to Centre St. bridge. As soon as I got to Centre St. bridge, I knew I was close to finish.
My chip time said 1:52. It’s faster than my last half, which was Last Chance half. So I feel pretty good, but my goal this year is still to finish in 1:50 or under. I’ve done it before & I know I can do it again!
After the run when I went to get the refreshments, I had the WORST charlie horse cramp in my calf when I was going up the hill from the park to street level. I thought that if I were to straighten my leg my calf would burst. So I collapsed at the steps going up from Murdoch park. I couldn’t believe it when this fellow runner came by & said, ‘…..excuse me…but where did you get the food?’. I thought to myself…..’I’m dying here & you’re not even going to help me?’. One of the race crew members saw me & said she’ll get me medical help. A physiotherapist came to help me up & helped me walk over to the medic tent where I got some ice treatment. It was weird as I don’t usually get Charlie horses. It took a while for that cramping to go away.
Overall, a pretty good day. Now I’m trying to decide whether or not to do Footstock Du and I think I’m going to try for that sub 1:50 at the Stampede Roadrace in July (hosted by Strides Running Store).
Thank-you Angie for your programs. You always push me & challenge me. One of these days I hope to accomplish my goals. I know I can get there!
Jenny
Shannon's Calgary Half Marathon Race Report - May 29, 2011
Despite the fact I am not finished my Ironman Canada race report, I was compelled to get the race from yesterday completed so it actually is off the plate of things to do.
I woke up Sunday morning and thought of 5 different reasons I would tell you I was not going to race. I did not want to race AT ALL. Not sure why I have felt like this last 2 races but it’s how I have been feeling. Part of it this time was probably just getting over bronchitis and wondering how my breathing would cope during the race. Part of it is the stresses of a sick father-in-law and work. After lying there for 10 minutes I decided I need to get a long run in anyways so might as well do it with the team. Once I was on the road heading to Calgary, I started to feel better.
Walking from the C-train, I heard my name and looked up to see familiar Team Trilife colors on Kelly. Great to see her and Mitch and to meet Jill, Kelly’s sister-in-law. Tried to find team at the starting line – no luck. Heart sunk a little – went to go run a little to warm up and wouldn’t you know there was the team. It was great to see everyone even for a few minutes. Chatted with Nola for a while and found out she was taking it easy as she had been sick and her back was causing here issues. We decided to run together and that was the best thing that could have happened. We started out slowly, slower than I wanted but I really wanted the company. My legs were trying to pick up pace but Nola kept saying, “I am going to slow it down, go ahead if you want”. Part of me wanted to, but more of me wanted to stay with Nola. It was a great run – Nola kept my mind off the time and we had a great visit. You know how bad I am with nutrition. At one point Nola said she was taking her gel. I decided I would to. Without her, I would have skipped the gel. With 2 km left, my stomach started to ache and I wanted to stop more than anything. Nola kept talking to me and helped me get through that feeling and we made it to the end. It wasn’t a PB on the clock (although pretty good time for me all things considered) but it was a PB race for me on the satisfaction scale. I got to spend a great morning with a fellow teammate and friend, I only walked 3 times at water stations, I actually took in some nutrition and I did not blow up in the last 5 km as I always have in the past.
I am taking a few things from this race to use moving forward:
1. I need to pace myself properly. I have tried in the past unsuccessfully. Much more satisfying to start out slow and finish strong.
2. I think nutrition is helpful – LOL
3. Running with a friend is extremely helpful. I train a lot of long distances on my own. I need to find more training partners to help the long bikes and runs.
4. At different times in training there are different circumstances. Adjusting races to these issues and focusing on execution is not only smart, but very rewarding.
Thanks Nola for a great run – you made my day.
Shannon
I woke up Sunday morning and thought of 5 different reasons I would tell you I was not going to race. I did not want to race AT ALL. Not sure why I have felt like this last 2 races but it’s how I have been feeling. Part of it this time was probably just getting over bronchitis and wondering how my breathing would cope during the race. Part of it is the stresses of a sick father-in-law and work. After lying there for 10 minutes I decided I need to get a long run in anyways so might as well do it with the team. Once I was on the road heading to Calgary, I started to feel better.
Walking from the C-train, I heard my name and looked up to see familiar Team Trilife colors on Kelly. Great to see her and Mitch and to meet Jill, Kelly’s sister-in-law. Tried to find team at the starting line – no luck. Heart sunk a little – went to go run a little to warm up and wouldn’t you know there was the team. It was great to see everyone even for a few minutes. Chatted with Nola for a while and found out she was taking it easy as she had been sick and her back was causing here issues. We decided to run together and that was the best thing that could have happened. We started out slowly, slower than I wanted but I really wanted the company. My legs were trying to pick up pace but Nola kept saying, “I am going to slow it down, go ahead if you want”. Part of me wanted to, but more of me wanted to stay with Nola. It was a great run – Nola kept my mind off the time and we had a great visit. You know how bad I am with nutrition. At one point Nola said she was taking her gel. I decided I would to. Without her, I would have skipped the gel. With 2 km left, my stomach started to ache and I wanted to stop more than anything. Nola kept talking to me and helped me get through that feeling and we made it to the end. It wasn’t a PB on the clock (although pretty good time for me all things considered) but it was a PB race for me on the satisfaction scale. I got to spend a great morning with a fellow teammate and friend, I only walked 3 times at water stations, I actually took in some nutrition and I did not blow up in the last 5 km as I always have in the past.
I am taking a few things from this race to use moving forward:
1. I need to pace myself properly. I have tried in the past unsuccessfully. Much more satisfying to start out slow and finish strong.
2. I think nutrition is helpful – LOL
3. Running with a friend is extremely helpful. I train a lot of long distances on my own. I need to find more training partners to help the long bikes and runs.
4. At different times in training there are different circumstances. Adjusting races to these issues and focusing on execution is not only smart, but very rewarding.
Thanks Nola for a great run – you made my day.
Shannon
Monday, May 16, 2011
Scott's Ironman St. George Race Report - May 7, 2011
Ironman Saint George (IMSG) May 7th Race Report
Pre-race
Three months prior to the race I decided I needed something big to help push me off the couch, so I signed up for IMSG (thinking it should be big enough, yeah it was and then some). The family road trip stopped in St. George a week & a half pre-race for a few days. Swam in the infamous cold Sand-Hollow, where the front gate said it was 64 F but the water felt much colder closer to 60 F (15 C). Water was really clear and a great sight with the blue splashing up against the red rock. Ran ¼ of the run route (one way 10k) in the heat of the day 25 C to experience the hills, yes they are ugly (and all of the 2.6 times elevation climb I expected coming from IMC to IMSG) but so far both the swim & run seem doable.
The next day I biked the 80k loop once, this is where the confidence started to waver. What should have been a ~3h ride turned into 4, the hills were like steps but with false flats after the climbs, then a relentless wind that robbed me of all downhill rest. Hit a 14% grade to climb only ~1k, survived it, then a 3.5k long climb called the wall (17% grade), this hurt, but I survived only to crest into a head wind that punished me to no end. Now I did do my homework but looking at maps, elevation gain/loss and reports of previous riders told me I would be dealing with 30% more climbing on the bike in IMSG compared to IMC, now it was becoming a reality as to how much more this means, add in strong winds that change mid-day making it a true riding into the wind the whole time can be a reality. I was a bit shaken, doing the math and figuring that if race day were like this I might not make the bike cut-off. The following week I go back to the lake to do another swim, only to see the IMSG pole signs torn to shreds by the wind, then I see the 1 ½ foot white caps, I go in anyway, ice-cream headache was instant, water was way colder. I could barely swim 15 minutes as breathing and sighting was impossible, so I swam enough to know I could finish the swim, but was likely not going to like it. On shore I was chatting with a few others preparing and one guy produced his own thermometer and it showed the water at 56 F (not the 62 the entry booth was displaying).
To recap, super cold swim expected to rob me of strength for the start of the bike, super hard bike & run, lots of wind and only 3 months of training, most of which was indoors. My saving grace was the realistic race goals I had to: 1. Finish, 2. Not hurt myself and 3. Get myself off the couch.
The Race
4:30 am get up; get to special needs bag drop and then need to board a bus out to the swim. On the bus some young girls (early 20’s) were talking 90 miles a minute and drinking Rockstar, so not good for getting mentally prepared, but they were clearly nervous. I was so glad to be off the bus, got ready and see Cindy by the fence of transition (spectators had to take a different bus to T1). My bike was directly across from the men’s change tent so no hunting expected. I find out later that the tent design also provided some entertainment for those that were waiting after the swim as the flaps for the tent and changing habits offered some interesting (peep-show) entertainment.
Swim - They called us to the water, I went straight in and swam the 100 meters to the deep water start, was near the front and spent the time getting my face wet to calm the ice-cream effect. Water was calm and back to 62 F, very doable. I look to shore and there is a stream of swim caps that are not entering the water, waiting for the last second or stuck behind lemmings afraid to enter the water, then bang the canon goes, we’re off. Sucks to be those in line, but oh-well might have been their plan? Swim was a bit rough between swimmers but after 1600m I broke to the inside (with 10 feet) of the markers and had nice water. Since the swim course markers never went in before the race and pre-swimming was less than enjoyable, I failed to set sighting markers. The swim markers were not as nice as the ones I was accustomed to for GWN or IMC, they were hard to differentiate from the swimmers. First leg was fine, second leg was hard, into the sun but short, third leg was 1800m nothing really on the horizon to sight either, last leg to shore was fine but I had to re-enter the masses and they were still a bit pushy, I think the cold water was getting to the swimmers. I hit shore and transition went smoothly, I saw 1:15 on my watch, later I also see that I swam 450m extra, not sure where, but maybe the route was a bit long.
T1 - Took my time and made sure I didn’t miss sun screen this time (a step I did miss in IMC), later Cindy tells me I stopped for a massage and manicure instead of sun screening. They were slow & thorough, getting my arms, legs, neck, chest, hands, nose, cheeks, ears … I have a lot of body and these were the screeners that got a lot of free entertainment outside the change tents. 6 m 31s transition, so OK the rub down (uh I mean screening) didn’t take that long.
Bike - Stayed calm took the first portion easy, everything seemed good wind wasn’t too bad 20km to town, average speed was putting me in a happy place, Ok Swim check, bike might not be as bad as my pre-ride. I hit the 80k loop that I have to do twice, not bad, 30, 40, 50k all is good, then the heat went up over 30 C as I hit the hills, and I dropped a bit of speed to avoid exploding later in the day. This is the point I changed my race plan to listen to my body to try to keep the #1&2 race goals achievable. Stayed slow & steady up the hills, heart rate did spike, but luckily the wind was not yet as bad as last time so I could rest on the false flats and few descents. Started the second lap and had moderate confidence on finishing the bike, then a wind advisory was issued (easily hitting 35km/h plus gusts). It was getting harder on some parts but it helped in others. Leading up to The Wall was nice but then doing a 17% climb into a headwind at 34 C was brutal. I recall passing 8 bikers that had passed me earlier trying to hide in the shade, hanging their head on there bars stopped or laying on the side of the road, clearly done for the day. I have never seen so many ambulances busy around a course, lights on, and people to help. Like any race I asked myself many times, ‘Can I go faster?’, often the answer was yes, but I qualified it with a question ‘Should I?’, the answer was no. Finally get up to the top of the climb at 4700ft (again) and am greeted to a wind that robbed me of 10-15km/h compared to the first lap, no free speed, I actually still had work to do even with the 1850ft descent to T2. Added to this not riding outside enough made holding my head up hard at the 140k mark onward. This all said and done I had a 7h 33m bike glad to have the chance to add to the time needed for the run as I knew I would need it.
T2 – Slower than T1, I stopped for another sun screen massage, and had poorly tied my run bag making getting into it tough. Hey 8m 49s was lightning compared to some of the 31, 41 or 52 minute transitions others took (OK so these people still beat me on the race so maybe I should have gone out for a nice diner or had a nap, then started running might have helped).
Run - Happy to be off the bike, actually feeling not too bad (for the first 200m), then I hit the first hill and in the heat and the dry wind I realized I was going to overheat very quickly and likely not recover. Started grabbing 3-4 sponges at each aid station, and then from both sides of the road (aid stations for those on the returning leg) it was strange, soaking the hat, shirt, shorts, bandana carrying sponges and water nothing was working. I would be bone dry before the next station. I guess strong winds, 34 C and 19% humidity does that to you (oh while shuffling through a marathon). The race video has I guy comparing the run to going through a hair dryer, likely the best descriptor I can think of. Some of us did try running down the hills (if you call a death shuffle running). Here again I focused on listening to my body and it was a totally different experience. I could go faster and at times did. It was not the body complaining about the effort but just balance of fluids, fuel, and heat that made the decision. People were dropping like flies, again lots of emergency vehicle traffic and racers just stopped, finding shade or losing the will/ability to continue. The run route goes through a tortoise reserve; they told us the ‘Turtles get right of way. Runners can't touch them but they can jump over them’. I thought they were kidding, but instead all the racers were like turtles so I tried to not touch them and only had to jump over one. I along with everyone else out there in my lap was simply unable to run up any hill, walking was a huge accomplishment at this point of the day. The times I did push a bit harder something would complain, like gut cramps, head-ache, overheat/dry-out or foot blisters, I found I was able to adjust and address each of these (except the blisters) but it made for a very long 6h 18m run/walk through a red-rock super heated oven.
Really happy to see my family cheering and thanks to Cindy for braving the route to catch me more than once. I know the heat & hills you had to overcome to do this, and she was ‘Dried out like beef jerky.’ Many thanks to, Kelvin for the race wheels, Sarah for fixing my almost broken parts (and poking me with needles, still determining is this was for fixing me or her entertainment), Angie for doing such a great job helping me get there, Alfred (yes … Alfred) for putting me on to the amazing ice bandana, I thought of you lots in the run and how you saved my life out there without even knowing, all the Iron Girl harem you don’t realize that helping at your race was the best thing to help me stay calm & prepare for my race, and most of all my lovely girls (Ashton, Ariane & Cindy) for their support and encouragement through the training and the race.
I would definitely recommend IMSG to anyone that likes a challenge and has race goals that are realistic (no matter how awful I make it sound above). It was hard and I accept that only 3 months of training was, umm, stupid … or at least short. I realize that if at any time in this race I chose to use a time/speed/pace/place goal I would have blown up and likely lost accomplishing any goals that I had for this race. Will I go back? Yes, I hope to decide this with at least 4 months notice next time ;-) (I know how hard 3 months was for Angie to build programs for me). Is this harder than IMC? Definitely yes, but I think so many things can change race to race that this race could be great one year and punish the entire field the next. The fact that they had 20% DNF ratio which is worse than 2010 (~13% I think) was surprising. IMSG definitely taught me renewed and greater respect for the IM distance as nothing is a given.
Pre-race
Three months prior to the race I decided I needed something big to help push me off the couch, so I signed up for IMSG (thinking it should be big enough, yeah it was and then some). The family road trip stopped in St. George a week & a half pre-race for a few days. Swam in the infamous cold Sand-Hollow, where the front gate said it was 64 F but the water felt much colder closer to 60 F (15 C). Water was really clear and a great sight with the blue splashing up against the red rock. Ran ¼ of the run route (one way 10k) in the heat of the day 25 C to experience the hills, yes they are ugly (and all of the 2.6 times elevation climb I expected coming from IMC to IMSG) but so far both the swim & run seem doable.
The next day I biked the 80k loop once, this is where the confidence started to waver. What should have been a ~3h ride turned into 4, the hills were like steps but with false flats after the climbs, then a relentless wind that robbed me of all downhill rest. Hit a 14% grade to climb only ~1k, survived it, then a 3.5k long climb called the wall (17% grade), this hurt, but I survived only to crest into a head wind that punished me to no end. Now I did do my homework but looking at maps, elevation gain/loss and reports of previous riders told me I would be dealing with 30% more climbing on the bike in IMSG compared to IMC, now it was becoming a reality as to how much more this means, add in strong winds that change mid-day making it a true riding into the wind the whole time can be a reality. I was a bit shaken, doing the math and figuring that if race day were like this I might not make the bike cut-off. The following week I go back to the lake to do another swim, only to see the IMSG pole signs torn to shreds by the wind, then I see the 1 ½ foot white caps, I go in anyway, ice-cream headache was instant, water was way colder. I could barely swim 15 minutes as breathing and sighting was impossible, so I swam enough to know I could finish the swim, but was likely not going to like it. On shore I was chatting with a few others preparing and one guy produced his own thermometer and it showed the water at 56 F (not the 62 the entry booth was displaying).
To recap, super cold swim expected to rob me of strength for the start of the bike, super hard bike & run, lots of wind and only 3 months of training, most of which was indoors. My saving grace was the realistic race goals I had to: 1. Finish, 2. Not hurt myself and 3. Get myself off the couch.
The Race
4:30 am get up; get to special needs bag drop and then need to board a bus out to the swim. On the bus some young girls (early 20’s) were talking 90 miles a minute and drinking Rockstar, so not good for getting mentally prepared, but they were clearly nervous. I was so glad to be off the bus, got ready and see Cindy by the fence of transition (spectators had to take a different bus to T1). My bike was directly across from the men’s change tent so no hunting expected. I find out later that the tent design also provided some entertainment for those that were waiting after the swim as the flaps for the tent and changing habits offered some interesting (peep-show) entertainment.
Swim - They called us to the water, I went straight in and swam the 100 meters to the deep water start, was near the front and spent the time getting my face wet to calm the ice-cream effect. Water was calm and back to 62 F, very doable. I look to shore and there is a stream of swim caps that are not entering the water, waiting for the last second or stuck behind lemmings afraid to enter the water, then bang the canon goes, we’re off. Sucks to be those in line, but oh-well might have been their plan? Swim was a bit rough between swimmers but after 1600m I broke to the inside (with 10 feet) of the markers and had nice water. Since the swim course markers never went in before the race and pre-swimming was less than enjoyable, I failed to set sighting markers. The swim markers were not as nice as the ones I was accustomed to for GWN or IMC, they were hard to differentiate from the swimmers. First leg was fine, second leg was hard, into the sun but short, third leg was 1800m nothing really on the horizon to sight either, last leg to shore was fine but I had to re-enter the masses and they were still a bit pushy, I think the cold water was getting to the swimmers. I hit shore and transition went smoothly, I saw 1:15 on my watch, later I also see that I swam 450m extra, not sure where, but maybe the route was a bit long.
T1 - Took my time and made sure I didn’t miss sun screen this time (a step I did miss in IMC), later Cindy tells me I stopped for a massage and manicure instead of sun screening. They were slow & thorough, getting my arms, legs, neck, chest, hands, nose, cheeks, ears … I have a lot of body and these were the screeners that got a lot of free entertainment outside the change tents. 6 m 31s transition, so OK the rub down (uh I mean screening) didn’t take that long.
Bike - Stayed calm took the first portion easy, everything seemed good wind wasn’t too bad 20km to town, average speed was putting me in a happy place, Ok Swim check, bike might not be as bad as my pre-ride. I hit the 80k loop that I have to do twice, not bad, 30, 40, 50k all is good, then the heat went up over 30 C as I hit the hills, and I dropped a bit of speed to avoid exploding later in the day. This is the point I changed my race plan to listen to my body to try to keep the #1&2 race goals achievable. Stayed slow & steady up the hills, heart rate did spike, but luckily the wind was not yet as bad as last time so I could rest on the false flats and few descents. Started the second lap and had moderate confidence on finishing the bike, then a wind advisory was issued (easily hitting 35km/h plus gusts). It was getting harder on some parts but it helped in others. Leading up to The Wall was nice but then doing a 17% climb into a headwind at 34 C was brutal. I recall passing 8 bikers that had passed me earlier trying to hide in the shade, hanging their head on there bars stopped or laying on the side of the road, clearly done for the day. I have never seen so many ambulances busy around a course, lights on, and people to help. Like any race I asked myself many times, ‘Can I go faster?’, often the answer was yes, but I qualified it with a question ‘Should I?’, the answer was no. Finally get up to the top of the climb at 4700ft (again) and am greeted to a wind that robbed me of 10-15km/h compared to the first lap, no free speed, I actually still had work to do even with the 1850ft descent to T2. Added to this not riding outside enough made holding my head up hard at the 140k mark onward. This all said and done I had a 7h 33m bike glad to have the chance to add to the time needed for the run as I knew I would need it.
T2 – Slower than T1, I stopped for another sun screen massage, and had poorly tied my run bag making getting into it tough. Hey 8m 49s was lightning compared to some of the 31, 41 or 52 minute transitions others took (OK so these people still beat me on the race so maybe I should have gone out for a nice diner or had a nap, then started running might have helped).
Run - Happy to be off the bike, actually feeling not too bad (for the first 200m), then I hit the first hill and in the heat and the dry wind I realized I was going to overheat very quickly and likely not recover. Started grabbing 3-4 sponges at each aid station, and then from both sides of the road (aid stations for those on the returning leg) it was strange, soaking the hat, shirt, shorts, bandana carrying sponges and water nothing was working. I would be bone dry before the next station. I guess strong winds, 34 C and 19% humidity does that to you (oh while shuffling through a marathon). The race video has I guy comparing the run to going through a hair dryer, likely the best descriptor I can think of. Some of us did try running down the hills (if you call a death shuffle running). Here again I focused on listening to my body and it was a totally different experience. I could go faster and at times did. It was not the body complaining about the effort but just balance of fluids, fuel, and heat that made the decision. People were dropping like flies, again lots of emergency vehicle traffic and racers just stopped, finding shade or losing the will/ability to continue. The run route goes through a tortoise reserve; they told us the ‘Turtles get right of way. Runners can't touch them but they can jump over them’. I thought they were kidding, but instead all the racers were like turtles so I tried to not touch them and only had to jump over one. I along with everyone else out there in my lap was simply unable to run up any hill, walking was a huge accomplishment at this point of the day. The times I did push a bit harder something would complain, like gut cramps, head-ache, overheat/dry-out or foot blisters, I found I was able to adjust and address each of these (except the blisters) but it made for a very long 6h 18m run/walk through a red-rock super heated oven.
Really happy to see my family cheering and thanks to Cindy for braving the route to catch me more than once. I know the heat & hills you had to overcome to do this, and she was ‘Dried out like beef jerky.’ Many thanks to, Kelvin for the race wheels, Sarah for fixing my almost broken parts (and poking me with needles, still determining is this was for fixing me or her entertainment), Angie for doing such a great job helping me get there, Alfred (yes … Alfred) for putting me on to the amazing ice bandana, I thought of you lots in the run and how you saved my life out there without even knowing, all the Iron Girl harem you don’t realize that helping at your race was the best thing to help me stay calm & prepare for my race, and most of all my lovely girls (Ashton, Ariane & Cindy) for their support and encouragement through the training and the race.
I would definitely recommend IMSG to anyone that likes a challenge and has race goals that are realistic (no matter how awful I make it sound above). It was hard and I accept that only 3 months of training was, umm, stupid … or at least short. I realize that if at any time in this race I chose to use a time/speed/pace/place goal I would have blown up and likely lost accomplishing any goals that I had for this race. Will I go back? Yes, I hope to decide this with at least 4 months notice next time ;-) (I know how hard 3 months was for Angie to build programs for me). Is this harder than IMC? Definitely yes, but I think so many things can change race to race that this race could be great one year and punish the entire field the next. The fact that they had 20% DNF ratio which is worse than 2010 (~13% I think) was surprising. IMSG definitely taught me renewed and greater respect for the IM distance as nothing is a given.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sarah Van Tine-UBC Olympic Distance Tri!
Sarah Van Tine’s First Olympic Distance:
For some of you that don’t know who I am I joined Team Tri Life this year and I live in Banff Alberta. Last spring/summer was my first year doing triathlons, all it took was one event and I was absolutely hooked! Then this year I figured it was a good idea to have a coach to help me out along the way, and that is when I came across Angie.
It was now time for me to do my first Olympic distance; I figured I would start off early in the season with the UBC triathlon in Vancouver. March 6 came pretty darn fast and before I knew I was on my way to Vancouver! Who would have ever thought that so many people would be interested in your bike bag when you travel! It was quite the conversation piece… and most people thought it was quite something when I said I was doing a triathlon We then arrived in Vancouver, and by we I mean my husband Jaison, he is such a great supporter in my new found passion, even though I am quite sure I drive him up the wall when it gets closer to races We then drove up to UBC to check out the course, once that was done I felt much better!
I think this could be the first triathlon where I did not have to arrive at the crack of dawn! All you had to do was arrive 1.5 hours before your heat start. This event was so well organized. So it was now time to get out on the pool deck to get things started! My husband had this little bet with me… (but I just could not bring my self to do it) but now I am thinking if I had done it I could have started a new trend in the triathlon industry or, everyone would just think I lost my marbles… Before I left for the triathlon a friend of mine was giving me some breathing techniques for calming nerves, one of the techniques was a karate chop, basically you put your arms above your head with your hands together and then you do a karate chop with a really loud yell, and you repeat 5 times, this apparently releases any tension…. I believe it really would work but I just could not bring myself to do it, maybe next time
This swim was in a 50 m pool which was fantastic! It was now my turn to go, and I was off! All I could think about was pacing myself and not getting into racer mode… I managed to pull it off and it was the best swim ever! Then it was off to the bike… I stop at the change tent, as it was cool outside, and after the Banff Triathlon I have learnt my lesson about what to wear. The bike was great, it was my first time on my new road bike and I loved it Then the run came I was almost there… the first part of the run was great, you ran around UBC in and around the trees, and then the last 3k came, it was the hardest part as I kept getting side craps, and had to walk several times, but I kept going, and got to the finish and felt fantastic! Later that night I thought I would look up my times as I was curious as to how I did, when I looked I almost fell off the chair! I placed second in my age category this for sure came as a surprise.
Now I know I can do an Olympic Distance and I will keep doing then for the upcoming season. Thanks Angie for your support and putting together my programs, can’t wait to dive right back into training! I can’t wait to see fellow team members at races this summer!
You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.
Michael Phelps
Thank you for ready my race update.
Cheers,
Sarah Van Tine (SVT)
For some of you that don’t know who I am I joined Team Tri Life this year and I live in Banff Alberta. Last spring/summer was my first year doing triathlons, all it took was one event and I was absolutely hooked! Then this year I figured it was a good idea to have a coach to help me out along the way, and that is when I came across Angie.
It was now time for me to do my first Olympic distance; I figured I would start off early in the season with the UBC triathlon in Vancouver. March 6 came pretty darn fast and before I knew I was on my way to Vancouver! Who would have ever thought that so many people would be interested in your bike bag when you travel! It was quite the conversation piece… and most people thought it was quite something when I said I was doing a triathlon We then arrived in Vancouver, and by we I mean my husband Jaison, he is such a great supporter in my new found passion, even though I am quite sure I drive him up the wall when it gets closer to races We then drove up to UBC to check out the course, once that was done I felt much better!
I think this could be the first triathlon where I did not have to arrive at the crack of dawn! All you had to do was arrive 1.5 hours before your heat start. This event was so well organized. So it was now time to get out on the pool deck to get things started! My husband had this little bet with me… (but I just could not bring my self to do it) but now I am thinking if I had done it I could have started a new trend in the triathlon industry or, everyone would just think I lost my marbles… Before I left for the triathlon a friend of mine was giving me some breathing techniques for calming nerves, one of the techniques was a karate chop, basically you put your arms above your head with your hands together and then you do a karate chop with a really loud yell, and you repeat 5 times, this apparently releases any tension…. I believe it really would work but I just could not bring myself to do it, maybe next time
This swim was in a 50 m pool which was fantastic! It was now my turn to go, and I was off! All I could think about was pacing myself and not getting into racer mode… I managed to pull it off and it was the best swim ever! Then it was off to the bike… I stop at the change tent, as it was cool outside, and after the Banff Triathlon I have learnt my lesson about what to wear. The bike was great, it was my first time on my new road bike and I loved it Then the run came I was almost there… the first part of the run was great, you ran around UBC in and around the trees, and then the last 3k came, it was the hardest part as I kept getting side craps, and had to walk several times, but I kept going, and got to the finish and felt fantastic! Later that night I thought I would look up my times as I was curious as to how I did, when I looked I almost fell off the chair! I placed second in my age category this for sure came as a surprise.
Now I know I can do an Olympic Distance and I will keep doing then for the upcoming season. Thanks Angie for your support and putting together my programs, can’t wait to dive right back into training! I can’t wait to see fellow team members at races this summer!
You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.
Michael Phelps
Thank you for ready my race update.
Cheers,
Sarah Van Tine (SVT)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Leslie-Ann at St Paddys Day and Canmore Winter Tri
St. Paddy’s Day 10k - March 12, 2011
I had signed up for this race thinking it would be a good beginning to my race season and use the training and the race day itself to wean me off my skis for this season.
It was not a particularly successful plan as I was skiing very hard the weekend before the race which drained me! As a result pre-race week was more a recovery week!
That being said, I decided it wasn’t going to be a PR race which helped the pre-race prep!
Race day dawned a cool but sunny morning. I wasn’t nervous or stressed about the race itself more concerned with the internal issue that had plagued me. I hoped it would leave me alone and it did for the most part.
Wandered around saying hello to other TTL members, checked out the merchandise and found myself walking to the start line without a proper warm-up (oops)! That had me shift again how I was going to do this race. My error was I was more concerned about Roger as he was doing his 1st 5k and not wishing to leave him alone!
Off we go and I had to take the 1st kilometer to literally warm up! As the race continued, the sun came out and the temp rose. This was noticeable to me as I had this rugby jersey on that seemed to me to weigh a ton. I took off my neck scarf (Rider green and white of course!) and that cooled me down. Note to self: Fun to wear fun stuff but if it is not proper running gear it becomes too heavy and too hot!
I did fine on the climbs, not as fine on the down-hills. I began to curse running when I shifted that thought as I decided that 10k was not my distance this year and eased my pace and breathing which eased my mental stress load.
The dreaded internal issue flared around the 8k mark stopped and talked my gut into backing off so I could finish the race. Did so utilizing the downhill towards the finish vs. fighting it!
Time for the race-56:37.75. Placed 80/236 women and 24/52 in the 40-49 category. I’m good with that but definitely know I could have done better.
Recovery for the day was the worst I have ever been through! It looked like I had run farther the lack ‘o’ energy that I had!
I did manage to pull myself together enough and Roger and I went to the post-race gathering. We did not stay long, not because of the day but because I needed to get some sleep as I was on a team that was doing the Canmore Winter Triathlon the next day! Needed to be “up” for my 500m swim portion!
Summary:
I did not have the pre-race running in that I should have nor the rest! Fuelling begins everyday now and I need to figure that out so I am not challenged 1 or 2 days prior with repercussions during the race.
I had fun as it was a special treat to have Roger there as a participant. He ran his 1st timed 5k and did great! He said he would not run another timed event but would keep up the training. I’m good with that!
Canmore Winter Triathlon - March 13th - Team Event, Swim Portion
I haven’t done a team event since the late 1980’s where I was the swimmer (shocking I know…) for an Olympic distance triathlon.
I posted on FB (Richelle’s wall I believe) that I would do the swim for a team. Next thing I know Allyson contacts me and I’m on a team!
I was thinking the race was in April, good thing I checked earlier in the week!!
I got out to Canmore at 1:30pm poor Allyson was a bit worried that I wasn’t going to make it! I had told her and the other team member I wouldn’t be out until 1:30pm due to family commitments but she didn’t get that message!
Got numbered, set up how our transition would go (Allyson was the runner) and waited on deck until my heat.
I was in a lane with some very fast swimmers! I was the 2nd swimmer and I did get passed but I used those opportunities to draft. What a fun 25m I had behind a really tall and fast guy!
One of the guys that passed me I managed to catch up to in the last 50m. In fact, I was on his feet within the last 10m. I was just getting warmed up when I had to get out! I figure in a longer distance I would’ve passed that swimmer!
I was unable to stay for the medal presentation which was too bad as our team came in 1st place! Well done Triple A Spirit!!!
It was a fun race and the swim was exactly what I needed to recover. Yup, love the water!
Good weekend for racing! Bring on the rest of the season!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Paddy's 2010 IM Arizona Report
So, it's February and I have not yet completed my race report for Ironman. I'm not sure why. It may be that putting it all down on paper makes it completely all over. My journey started awhile back. I wasn't a real athlete, 48 year old, ex-smoker, and a few pounds overweight. I had hurt my back and promised that I would take a proper running course to improve my 1/2 marathon time. I signed up with Angie Andersons 1/2 marathon clinic... you know where this is going! Angie came to a bunch of us the next winter and we started training for triathlon's! I know for me, the goal was to do a few of these little things...not a real Ironman, the Tinman was challenge enough. But the Tinman turned into the Women's race in Strathmore and then a bunch more smaller races and soon Stoney and then a couple Ironman training camps. When I signed up to do the marathon in Vegas, I knew that an Ironman had to be done.
Joz was signing up for Arizona and Trish said she would sign up as well to support her. Cindy and Carla were in too. So I signed up. Let the games begin!
Race day seemed to come quick even though the training seemed to go on forever! The strain of training and working full time was definitely starting to show. We had biked and we had run and we swam and the day was here. I had my complete race team with me, missing only my daughter and the dogs! I woke up early in the morning and was amazingly calm. All the panic from the day before was dissolved. When I came to transition, I just got ready! Time moved interestingly slow until it was time to get into the water. I sat on the edge of the Tempe Lake and thought...this is insane! It's freezing in there! A kid next to me must have sensed my hesitation as he looked at me and said, "if you go, I'll go...on the count of three"! I jumped, swam to a starting spot and waited for the gun to fire. The swim seemed surreal. Nothing felt like it was moving fast and I just kept moving forward. I remembered Richelle talking about a bubble and I was thinking...no one is hitting me, I must be in a safe little bubble. This thought made me happy and when the smell of gas was in my face or my fingers started cramping, I just kept thinking of my bubble!
Out of the water at last and I moved in a half frozen state to the tent. I was really in frozen slow - mo! I finally got changed and out to the loo where I saw Trish she said hi and headed out to her bike. The race was on! For the first time everything started to feel like a race. I knew I had to catch up to Trish. A quick pee and on to my bike. I was moving not really fast but steadily knowing I had to catch up to Trish. It was great to see everyone on the way out. I finally got Trish in my view and thought that I would ride a bit behind her for the whole race. I thought that would be really funny as she would be thinking she was way ahead of me. I realised that this was an out and back and she would see me long before that so I caught up to her. I had a great bike. I'd pass Trish and she'd pass me. We did this for the whole ride. At one point she had to stop to go pee and we both knew that neither one of us would get off the bike without the other in case someone got ahead! So we both stopped, quick pee and back to it. The wind just made me laugh. We had seen dead dogs, broken glass, tumble weed, the wind was just the icing on the cake and it did not get me down. It was like God's little challenge. Ok God, I'm into it! and as a reward, the wind was on our back on the way home. Yahoo!
The weather seemed to sort itself out for the run and settled into the perfect evening. The first loop of the run was fun. We were running 10/1 and enjoying the people. A guy thought the pace was good and joined us. I enjoyed all of the water stations. The music was great and the volunteers were excellent. The snacks looked good at the tables. This was the first loop. The second loop started to show signs of wear and I took in the speedy massage and our pace slowed a bit. The third loop was the killer! I developed stomach cramps and my toes felt like someone was jabbing knives between them. I even said no to chocolate that a runner offered us at special needs. I kept telling Trish to go ahead, but she said NO. "Just keep Running". So I'd burp, stretch and try to keep running. The last loop took FOREVER! There were some amazing people out there. Everyone seemed so supportive of each other even this late in the day. Even at this point, I was actually having fun and enjoying the day (even though I was bitching pretty much the whole time now!). Finally we were at the last stretch and still moving. I could not run as much as I wanted but we kept going towards the end. Finally we saw everyone and we just had to go the last leg to the finish. Without a doubt, that was the longest stretch of the entire day! But, there it was... the finish line. Trish and I crossed together. Everyone was cheering and I just wanted to cry, or have a shower or lie down or something. (mostly I wanted and got that massage!) I also wanted to scream that "I had done it".
Thanks to Angie, Trish and of course my husband, my kids and family and all of the EE and Trilife gang. Angie was right, it has changed me. I never had the confidence before to think of myself as an athlete, but now I can say, " I am an Ironman!" and I'm pretty pleased about that!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Scott Thompson; Birkebeiner Race Report Feb. 12th 2011
Pre-race - Mother Nature had a strange sense of humour this year so my ski training was not near the level I was at last year with swings from -20 to +10 weekly. Race day weather, temp +2 start and +5 for the high, so wax from the night before was really wrong. I took my skis to the pro's who were waxing & they cleaned off the stuff I had on and added a layer of klister, really gooey/stick gunk. Had to pee, but the line was too long so I decided I could likely hold it for a while.
Take my intended 5.5kg (12lb) pack to be checked and discover I was at 17 lbs. Did my best to remove some items but only got to 15lbs before race start (thinking what’s an extra 3lbs is over 55 km?) Set-up beside the 5-6 hour pace time, feeling ready to race, looking for Cindy in the crowd, finally catch her eye as the crowd starts to shuffle forward.
The Gun - My glide was smooth & long, felt like I was going overly easy at the start, also felt like I was significantly further back from last year, but no worries, HR in check, all is good. At about 8k mark the 55k and 31k races overlap for 16km, I only had a 30 minute head start on Cindy (who was in the 31k race) so I was worried that she would blow past me like I was standing still. Turns out she had passed that point of overlap well before I got there. Hit the 8k rest station, skipped my planned bottle refill as the crowd was a gong show, my fluid & fuel intake is good and my training has helped. Got water at the next station and added it to the running bottle I had in my jacket that had powdered Infinit already in it (a new blend I had not tried yet, small logistical issues making a month late in arrival, no issues from this other than pre-race stress).
My average pace was significantly faster than last year, at the start at least, with far less effort. About 15k mark I noticed my first wax issues of my ski’s starting to slip going up hills and that jarring impact to the body of having to instantly shift weight and stabilizers to my poles to avoid falling back down the hill and bowling down the dozen or so hot on my heals. By 30k any chance to get up the hill meant pure shoulder strength and duck walk/hop (I’d like to say run but if you saw if you would laugh at the relation of this to being a run). By this point I had made up and was holding about 9-10 minutes ahead of last years’ race. Hit 31k and thought I could be done if I were Cindy (little did I know that she was actually going to finish in a mere few minutes and I still had over 2 ½ hours to go (I’d ask who the smart one is but don’t think I’d like the answer)). 34k mark and I had all I could take & I could slip no more so I finally stopped to pee and try some wrong temperature wax on my ski’s (for those with sick minds this was two mutually exclusive steps one in private & one in public; you choose). From 35-50km the ski slippage decreased a bit and I had a skier decide to use me as a pacer. We started to chat and it was nice as it helped me keep pace a bit more regular and distract me a bit. He seemed to have no intention to pass and if we held that pace would have hit bang on a 5:30 race. Then I slipped and fell going up a hill (should have reapplied the wax 5k prior but didn’t want to stop). My follower seemed almost lost that I fell and reluctantly went pass me. He held the pace and even picked it up a bit once he left me; I lost a bit from that point on. It was then that I actually saw his face and more importantly his back when I realized he was not carrying a 12lb pack I gave myself permission to let him go. I did try to catch him again, saw him many times, but I had no kick wax left on my ski’s so my only propulsion was the very tired shoulders.
Passed the # caller, didn’t hear him this year because as I rounded the corner to the finish, a fellow skier pulled up beside me a challenged me to sprint to the finish. So 1 second doesn’t seem like much in a 5:37:59 55km race but this guy helped me to dig a bit deeper and beat his 5:38:00 time. Again, only after did I notice he also did not have a 12 lb pack either.
Post race - Sore legs, mostly hip flexors & really sore shoulders. Shaved only a few minutes off last year’s time so I call it a win even with adding 10lbs (+15lb pack -5lbs body weight). Cindy takes my pack for a few minutes and tells me its too heavy and doesn’t want to carry it, that’s what I was thinking for over 5 ½ hours, again who is the smarter one?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cindy's 2010 IMAZ Race Report
Performance wise this was the best race of my life - especially considering 3 months prior to race day I told Angie I didn’t think doing this race was in best interest of my health. I PR’d every discipline (beating my stand alone marathon time), my pacing for the race was bang on – not a second of time in my control was squandered. My nutrition was dialed in perfectly – no hunger, no cravings, no bloating, no gas. I couldn’t have executed a better race. It was perfect, except for one thing - I did not have fun.
This race couldn’t have been over fast enough for me. Mentally it was the toughest race I have ever done. Despite everything going so great, I was mentally checked-out and I don’t know why, although I do have some theories - beginning with the swim, the worst I have ever experienced.
This race isn’t as well organized as IMC. The entire transition area was loosey-goosey with body marking, special needs (not even in transition), race bags, and bikes spread out in no logical order so it was on the chaotic side. People were putting on wetsuits everywhere so Carla and I haphazardly chose a spot on concrete to suit up at about 6:20. Water temp was 16 C, no hurry to jump in early. I had just slipped my wetsuit over my hips when I felt a pop on my left leg. The inner seam of my suit had ripped. Did I panic? Nope. My one race goal was to handle anything that happened as calm and cool as a cucumber. I went to my bike, ripped off the duct tape I always keep wrapped around my seat post, and slapped it overe the hole. The tape didn’t fit entirely around my leg so to prevent it from curling off I grabbed an elastic from the timing tent and slipped it around my thigh. It held the tape in place perfectly.
Crisis averted, Carla and I walked through swim start when I then realized I had no goggles. They were in my dry clothes bag, which had been thrown on a mound of others in no order. Think cucumber. I pushed my way through a 1000 racers back into transition to find my bag. Fortunately the bag wasn’t buried that deep and I was able to find it quickly. Now, how was I ever going to find Carla again? I didn’t want to start without her. She has this ability to keep me calm and make me laugh, which I was really going to need because I did not want to get into the water. Squeezing through the swim start gate I spotted her still standing where I had left her.
We made our way to the boardwalk. No sedate saunter to the water’s edge for a short warm-up and strategic start entry for this swim. It was the march of the penguins as racers were systematically pushed into the icy, murky water below. The water was cold. Take you breath away cold. As soon as you hit the water you had to move or another racer would be on your head. The swim start was about 100m away so Carla and I headed for it. There were so many people in the water it was impossible to do anything but a stunted breaststroke. It was barely twilight. I couldn’t see the start line. I couldn’t see the swim course. Carla and I had no idea where we were placed in the water. I was effectively blind. My breathing was rapid and shallow from the cold.
All of a sudden the canon went off. No anthym. No countdown. No warning. I started to swim. Or tried to. Limbs were everywhere. If I wasn’t hitting one then one was hitting me. I needed to get my face in the water to get control of my breathing, but it was risky because you couldn’t see the other swimmers and I didn’t want to get beaned in the head. For the first 600m I wasn’t able to find any open water or get in a more than three strokes at once. I thought about Paddy and the other girls and hoped they were doing okay. I imagined Carla would be swearing. I was valiantly trying to defend any space I could get but I was under siege. My breathing was getting out of control. Panic was rising. It occurred to me that I was experiencing my first ‘Ironman’ swim. I was in the middle of a suicidal mosh pit and I wanted out. NOW.
At this point I was fighting an internal war. One side was attempting to calm myself – I was okay, I could do this, take one stroke at a time, blah, blah, blah. The other side was flashing “Danger, danger, danger, get out, get out!” I compromised. I told myself if I could get to a boat I could hold on to it until the crowd thinned out. No boats were in sight, just an ocean of swimmers all around me. I had no place to go but forward, but just giving myself permission to grab a boat was enough to calm me down.
Eventually I was able to grab 15m of open water. My breathing regulated and I was okay. Soon I had a clear path and hit a steady pace. It did cross my mind as to where all the other racers went but I didn’t want to go there. I was in a good place. Then this mean man in a boat started pushing me back to the suicide pit, saying I was inside the swim course. I had no idea where the swim course was - I had yet to see a buoy. Back into battle I went feeling like a guppie in a school of sharks. As we approached the bridge I prayed I wasn’t going to get bashed into a concrete pillar.
The turn-around buoy was insane. Why doesn’t anyone ever swim around these things? Just as I complete the turn I got kicked in the calf and it immediately cramped. My first thought was “But I ate a banana!” I went under. A guy beside me asked if I needed help. “Boat,” I croaked. A boat was right there and I grabbed it. I stretched my calf a bit then took off. It cramped again. I considered pushing through it but decided no, I need to take care of this. I grabbed the boat and continued stretching. When it felt better I took off again. The entire incident was about 30 secs. The swim back was really choppy. I was grumpy. I was aggressive. I was swimming strong. At one point a woman apologized to me. I want to scream at her, “Don’t apologize out here, you’ll getting chewed up and spit out!” The boats guys were militant in driving stray swimmers, attempting to escape the bedlam, back into the fray.
Approaching the exit stairs I saw each set (there were about 6) was about 3-4 deep with swimmers. I slowed my pace to pee, then bee-lined for the shortest line. I grabbed the third stair and hauled my ass out of that water lickety-split. Check my time. I PR’d my swim. How? I don’t really care. I’m glad I survived. I feel beaten, battered, and mentally drained. I put it behind me and immediately began focusing on the tasks ahead. I barely had time to get my watch off before I ran into the “peelers”. They were octopuses! My arms weren’t even out of my suit when hands began grabbing and pulling me, pushing me to the ground. Surprisingly, I didn’t get cold during the swim. The neoprene hat was wonderful and the shirt Angie recommended I wear under the wetsuit worked superb (I wore a white one which isn’t so white any more).
In transition racers were changing everywhere. It was an obstacle course trying to get to the transition tent (IMC is so much more civilized). I snagged a volunteer who helped me put on my socks and shoes. I pushed my way out of the tent looking forward to the bike where I wouldn’t be mauled anymore. I exited the tent and was ambushed on both sides by people with white goo on their hands – aahh!. They grabbed my arms and smeared it on me. Aaahh! I looked like Frosty the snowman! I had to get away from people. I snatched my bike and ran.
Once on my bike, I took up an easy spin and relaxed. People passed, and passed, and passed. I let them go. I had more important things to worry about, like how I was going to get the white paste off my arms before I passed the photographer. What was this stuff, glue? I managed to get most of it off, but my body numbers smeared and I now had it all over my shorts and jersey. That done I settled into my aerobars to drink, take in the scenery and plan my bathroom strategy. Oh look, dead dog on the side of the road, how nice.
I had to pee. The course was busy, so there was always someone behind me. Porta-potty it was going to have to be. Pass an aid station, line-up at potties, no stopping. At turn-around I really, really had to go. Pass porta-potties, big line up – peeing on the bike it will be. Hit the descent (and a headwind) and was able to pee enough to get comfortable. One thing I didn’t take into consideration was that I was wearing compression shorts. Tight compression shorts. Not much gets out and not much gets in. My foresight was telling me this ride was going to get uncomfortable.
Even pedaling easy (I was staying in my small gear ring the entire first lap to keep my effort down) I was soon enveloped in packs of riders. Riders three deep beside, right on my back wheel, right in front of me. Really, people? I had to fight you in the swim and now I have to fight you on the bike? For 20k or so I was really vocal, yelling at people to complete the pass and break up the packs, but eventually I gave up. Why waste my energy? So depending on the situation I either passed them up or let the pack go. Oh look, another dead dog on the side of the road.
My calf was sore where I got kicked. Should I try and stretch it while I can so it doesn’t screw me up on the run? My ribs are aching. Am I getting a side stitch? It’s not bothering me much now but what about on the run? I go through my options. I can: eat, pee, slow down, or speed up. I try all four but nothing changes so I let it be. I start looking for the girls. Did they make it through the swim? One-by-one I see them. As Carla passes I smile knowing she’s probably swearing.
Starting second lap I see Scott bending down fiddling with the camera. Should I call out as I go by? I don’t bother, my throat is hoarse. Got passed by the lead male pro at 70k. I picked up my pace. I peed whenever I got the chance. One time I grabbed the water to rinse off, only it wasn’t water it was Infinit. I applauded myself for catching the mistake before I bathed myself in it, how awful to lose my fuel! I put the bottle back but missed the cage and dropped it. Bonehead. Lucky me I had extra powder in my jersey. Funny, it’s not there. S*$%! I put it in my run bag. Bonehead. I laughed. What can you do? I had enough gels to get me to special needs.
Heading into special needs it started to rain. And hail. And lightening. Oh look, a tumbleweed is blowing across the road just like in the movies. COME ON, REALLY?! This is the frigging desert. It rains three days a year and this has to be one of them! I put my head down and continue to pound it out. What can you do? Pee of course. Chrissy Wellington passes me at 100k. She’s fast. My butt’s not happy and I’m fidgety on my seat.
Third lap I pick up pace again staying one gear easier than I have to. I enjoy the tailwind and speed knowing I’ll have the wind the last 30k. I’m passing everyone. At turn-around the wind has picked-up, the road is wet, and pelatons are still boxing me in – while in their aerobars - this is an accident waiting to happen. I’m still feeling really good but I drop back choosing to stay safe. Whatever energy I don’t burn on the bike I’ll use on the run.
Coming into transition I do a final pee not caring if anyone is my way. I see I’ve PR’d my bike. Who cares. My butt is so raw all I want to do is get off my seat. I take off my cycling shoes and run in socks because the ground is slippery. Grab my run bag, enter the tent, toss of my shoes, rip open bag, slip on runners then grab everything else and head out, putting on items as I go. Exiting the tent I make sure to dodge the psycho sunscreeners.
I start the run fast so I slow down. People are passing me like crazy. Demoralizing crazy. What lap are these freaky people on? Check my watch. Still too fast. Even though it kills me, I slow down. First lap takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I really need someone to run with. Look around. No one. COME ON! I spend two-thirds of the race fighting people off and now there’s no one! And of the people I do pass or run by no one is talking. There’s no chit-chat. No banter. Just silence. These people are all demon racers from hell sent to torment me. And why the heck do my feet hurt so bad? They feel like they’re on fire and my toes are cramped.
Cresting the top of the only hill on the course I pull out a gel and suck on it. I’m looking down and happen to see written on the sidewalk ‘Photographer ahead’. Oh, great. I prepaid for my photos I want them to be good. I stick the unfinished gel back into my fuel belt, tidy up my clothes, tuck all my hair under my cap, straighten up my form, paste a smile on my face then speed up. After I pass him I pull out the gel to finish it and wonder why I sped up. It’s a still photo. Bonehead.
Second lap I increase pace but not by much. I can feel my right quad wanting to cramp. None of the announcers have been calling my name as I pass, even when I’m on my own. In fact, no one is, not even the spectators. It makes me grumpy. I look down at my number and see that the entire corner is sheared off so the only part of my name left is ‘ndy’. Maybe I’m the Wendy, Sandy, Andy, Mindy that gets called out when I pass. I feel a bit better.
I have Infinit on me but decide not to use it. Stick with gels as primary fuel, I don’t know why I decide to do this. Take water at the aid stations - following Carla’s advice to take a substantial drink, not just sip it – alternating between cola and chicken soup, let me amend that, not chicken soup, broth. Whenever I asked for soup the response was, “We don’t have soup but there’s broth at the end”. I want to slap my head. Will this race ever end?
Pass through special needs calling my number. Getting closer to my pickup spot and see nobody moving to get my bag so call louder. I pass by still calling. I look back and some guy is holding out my bag shaking it. I call out, “I’m not running back for it.” He lets out a little huff clearly not happy he has to run my bag to me. Well buddy, I’m not happy I now have to run with this bag until the next aid station and it’s all crap anyway.
A little over two hours into the run I’m surprised my glutes and hips are pain-free – this is typically the time they start cramping. In fact, I realize my glutes haven’t complained once this entire race. Very odd since they’ve complained every workout in training and I’ve spent 5 months in physiotherapy trying to get them to shut-up. I figure they’re sleeping and that’s why my quads are starting to ache. Which makes me realize the ache I had in my ribs on the bike is gone and my calf isn’t crampy. Guess that’s why you don’t waste energy worry about things not in your immediate sphere. What I can feel, is a little rub on the back of my shoe. Probably a pebble I picked up on the dirt path. This is my take-care-of-things race so the next aid station I stop and slap on a blister pad instead of ignoring it.
Finally, I start my third lap. It’s dark. Real dark. I hope I don’t trip on something and fall on my face dark. My feet are a throbbing mass of pain. I still don’t have to pee, even with all the fluids I’m taking in. I’m not hungry. I have no cravings. I don’t have to fart. My gut is absolutely silent. Probably sleeping like my glutes. I have no idea what my pace or HR is, or the time. It’s so dark my watch is useless. Passing through transition I looked for Scott so I could dump my fuel belt but I couldn’t find him. Where was he? Having supper with the Ironman Director of Opertations and his wife (which they paid for).
With 5 km left a lady asked another what time it was. “6:50”, she says. I have to admit, my heart sank. With all my PRs that day (I knew I was on course for a run PR) and the great race I was having, I wasn’t going to go sub-12 hours. “Thanks for letting me know, lady,” I thought as my pace faltered. I was mad. So be it. At least I can try for a 4:30 run. I picked up the pace. My quads were not happy. Crossing the final bridge I met up with Joz. She didn’t look like she was hallucinating or loopy. I told her I’d see her at the finish line.
The last 3k was lonely and dark. I wanted to trip every person who passed me, especially if I had seen them walking earlier because the only time I walked was when liquid was going down my throat. Running the final leg to the finish I still wasn’t feeling any race excitement. There was a momentary spark when I took the final turnoff for the finish line but it quickly died when I found myself in a dark parking lot. I shouldn’t be this grumpy so close to the finish.
As I hit the last corner into the finisher’s chute the only thing I felt was a burning desire to get this damn race over with. I did hear Mike Reilly call my name (although he said it wrong) and I remembered to smile as I crossed the finish line (which had no ribbon) although I really didn’t feel like it. My catchers seemed to expect me to be jubilant so I tried to pretend I was happy, but really I didn’t feel anything except how much my feet hurt. I was beginning to wonder if I had stress factures. I wasn’t too stable on my feet so one of the catchers took me to the athlete area (which was super small). She asked me if I wanted a massage but I declined. I could barely stand the pressure of her hand on my arm. All I wanted was water. She took me to get some. There was no place for me to sit. I finally stole a seat from someone who was saving it for someone else. This isn’t a movie theatre, dude, no seat saving!
Then my catcher left. She left. She just left me there. I was going to need food. I was going to need the bathroom. How as I going to get up? How could she just leave me here? I did all that work and I’m just dumped? At IMC you don’t get dumped! Then I spotted Scott, my wonderful husband, at the exit searching for me. Always there when I need him, I knew he wouldn’t dump me.
I lumbered out of my chair like I was pregnant and made a pass by the food picking up what I could. When I reached Scott the tears flowed. He didn’t say anything. Just tucked me under his arm and let me silently cry while he gently guided me to the bathroom to get changed. I released every emotion I had accumulated over day. That god-awful, horrible swim. The raw chaffing on my butt. The pain in my feet.
I really don’t know how anyone can do an Ironman without a ‘Scott’ by their side. He got me cleaned up, took care of all my race equipment, and helped me back to the run course where I plunked down in a chair to watch Carla and the other girls finished. Carla looked as happy as I did coming in. I cheered as she passed and she muttered, “This is a f*&%ed-up race.” I laughed. I wasn’t the only who had a hard time.
The most exciting part of the day was watching Joz come in. There were some tense moments not knowing if she was going to make it. To see her running out of the dark with such a fierce look of determination on her face was a goose-bump moment. Watching Chris Daniels stumbling after her trying to keep up was an America’s Funniest Home Videos moment that had me laughing until the finish line. It was a great way to end a mentally exhausting day.
When I returned home my eldest daughter clung to me. I assured her I was home to stay and would spend all of the next day with her. She asked if I had to exercise. I said no. She cheered. It’s time to rest.
This race couldn’t have been over fast enough for me. Mentally it was the toughest race I have ever done. Despite everything going so great, I was mentally checked-out and I don’t know why, although I do have some theories - beginning with the swim, the worst I have ever experienced.
This race isn’t as well organized as IMC. The entire transition area was loosey-goosey with body marking, special needs (not even in transition), race bags, and bikes spread out in no logical order so it was on the chaotic side. People were putting on wetsuits everywhere so Carla and I haphazardly chose a spot on concrete to suit up at about 6:20. Water temp was 16 C, no hurry to jump in early. I had just slipped my wetsuit over my hips when I felt a pop on my left leg. The inner seam of my suit had ripped. Did I panic? Nope. My one race goal was to handle anything that happened as calm and cool as a cucumber. I went to my bike, ripped off the duct tape I always keep wrapped around my seat post, and slapped it overe the hole. The tape didn’t fit entirely around my leg so to prevent it from curling off I grabbed an elastic from the timing tent and slipped it around my thigh. It held the tape in place perfectly.
Crisis averted, Carla and I walked through swim start when I then realized I had no goggles. They were in my dry clothes bag, which had been thrown on a mound of others in no order. Think cucumber. I pushed my way through a 1000 racers back into transition to find my bag. Fortunately the bag wasn’t buried that deep and I was able to find it quickly. Now, how was I ever going to find Carla again? I didn’t want to start without her. She has this ability to keep me calm and make me laugh, which I was really going to need because I did not want to get into the water. Squeezing through the swim start gate I spotted her still standing where I had left her.
We made our way to the boardwalk. No sedate saunter to the water’s edge for a short warm-up and strategic start entry for this swim. It was the march of the penguins as racers were systematically pushed into the icy, murky water below. The water was cold. Take you breath away cold. As soon as you hit the water you had to move or another racer would be on your head. The swim start was about 100m away so Carla and I headed for it. There were so many people in the water it was impossible to do anything but a stunted breaststroke. It was barely twilight. I couldn’t see the start line. I couldn’t see the swim course. Carla and I had no idea where we were placed in the water. I was effectively blind. My breathing was rapid and shallow from the cold.
All of a sudden the canon went off. No anthym. No countdown. No warning. I started to swim. Or tried to. Limbs were everywhere. If I wasn’t hitting one then one was hitting me. I needed to get my face in the water to get control of my breathing, but it was risky because you couldn’t see the other swimmers and I didn’t want to get beaned in the head. For the first 600m I wasn’t able to find any open water or get in a more than three strokes at once. I thought about Paddy and the other girls and hoped they were doing okay. I imagined Carla would be swearing. I was valiantly trying to defend any space I could get but I was under siege. My breathing was getting out of control. Panic was rising. It occurred to me that I was experiencing my first ‘Ironman’ swim. I was in the middle of a suicidal mosh pit and I wanted out. NOW.
At this point I was fighting an internal war. One side was attempting to calm myself – I was okay, I could do this, take one stroke at a time, blah, blah, blah. The other side was flashing “Danger, danger, danger, get out, get out!” I compromised. I told myself if I could get to a boat I could hold on to it until the crowd thinned out. No boats were in sight, just an ocean of swimmers all around me. I had no place to go but forward, but just giving myself permission to grab a boat was enough to calm me down.
Eventually I was able to grab 15m of open water. My breathing regulated and I was okay. Soon I had a clear path and hit a steady pace. It did cross my mind as to where all the other racers went but I didn’t want to go there. I was in a good place. Then this mean man in a boat started pushing me back to the suicide pit, saying I was inside the swim course. I had no idea where the swim course was - I had yet to see a buoy. Back into battle I went feeling like a guppie in a school of sharks. As we approached the bridge I prayed I wasn’t going to get bashed into a concrete pillar.
The turn-around buoy was insane. Why doesn’t anyone ever swim around these things? Just as I complete the turn I got kicked in the calf and it immediately cramped. My first thought was “But I ate a banana!” I went under. A guy beside me asked if I needed help. “Boat,” I croaked. A boat was right there and I grabbed it. I stretched my calf a bit then took off. It cramped again. I considered pushing through it but decided no, I need to take care of this. I grabbed the boat and continued stretching. When it felt better I took off again. The entire incident was about 30 secs. The swim back was really choppy. I was grumpy. I was aggressive. I was swimming strong. At one point a woman apologized to me. I want to scream at her, “Don’t apologize out here, you’ll getting chewed up and spit out!” The boats guys were militant in driving stray swimmers, attempting to escape the bedlam, back into the fray.
Approaching the exit stairs I saw each set (there were about 6) was about 3-4 deep with swimmers. I slowed my pace to pee, then bee-lined for the shortest line. I grabbed the third stair and hauled my ass out of that water lickety-split. Check my time. I PR’d my swim. How? I don’t really care. I’m glad I survived. I feel beaten, battered, and mentally drained. I put it behind me and immediately began focusing on the tasks ahead. I barely had time to get my watch off before I ran into the “peelers”. They were octopuses! My arms weren’t even out of my suit when hands began grabbing and pulling me, pushing me to the ground. Surprisingly, I didn’t get cold during the swim. The neoprene hat was wonderful and the shirt Angie recommended I wear under the wetsuit worked superb (I wore a white one which isn’t so white any more).
In transition racers were changing everywhere. It was an obstacle course trying to get to the transition tent (IMC is so much more civilized). I snagged a volunteer who helped me put on my socks and shoes. I pushed my way out of the tent looking forward to the bike where I wouldn’t be mauled anymore. I exited the tent and was ambushed on both sides by people with white goo on their hands – aahh!. They grabbed my arms and smeared it on me. Aaahh! I looked like Frosty the snowman! I had to get away from people. I snatched my bike and ran.
Once on my bike, I took up an easy spin and relaxed. People passed, and passed, and passed. I let them go. I had more important things to worry about, like how I was going to get the white paste off my arms before I passed the photographer. What was this stuff, glue? I managed to get most of it off, but my body numbers smeared and I now had it all over my shorts and jersey. That done I settled into my aerobars to drink, take in the scenery and plan my bathroom strategy. Oh look, dead dog on the side of the road, how nice.
I had to pee. The course was busy, so there was always someone behind me. Porta-potty it was going to have to be. Pass an aid station, line-up at potties, no stopping. At turn-around I really, really had to go. Pass porta-potties, big line up – peeing on the bike it will be. Hit the descent (and a headwind) and was able to pee enough to get comfortable. One thing I didn’t take into consideration was that I was wearing compression shorts. Tight compression shorts. Not much gets out and not much gets in. My foresight was telling me this ride was going to get uncomfortable.
Even pedaling easy (I was staying in my small gear ring the entire first lap to keep my effort down) I was soon enveloped in packs of riders. Riders three deep beside, right on my back wheel, right in front of me. Really, people? I had to fight you in the swim and now I have to fight you on the bike? For 20k or so I was really vocal, yelling at people to complete the pass and break up the packs, but eventually I gave up. Why waste my energy? So depending on the situation I either passed them up or let the pack go. Oh look, another dead dog on the side of the road.
My calf was sore where I got kicked. Should I try and stretch it while I can so it doesn’t screw me up on the run? My ribs are aching. Am I getting a side stitch? It’s not bothering me much now but what about on the run? I go through my options. I can: eat, pee, slow down, or speed up. I try all four but nothing changes so I let it be. I start looking for the girls. Did they make it through the swim? One-by-one I see them. As Carla passes I smile knowing she’s probably swearing.
Starting second lap I see Scott bending down fiddling with the camera. Should I call out as I go by? I don’t bother, my throat is hoarse. Got passed by the lead male pro at 70k. I picked up my pace. I peed whenever I got the chance. One time I grabbed the water to rinse off, only it wasn’t water it was Infinit. I applauded myself for catching the mistake before I bathed myself in it, how awful to lose my fuel! I put the bottle back but missed the cage and dropped it. Bonehead. Lucky me I had extra powder in my jersey. Funny, it’s not there. S*$%! I put it in my run bag. Bonehead. I laughed. What can you do? I had enough gels to get me to special needs.
Heading into special needs it started to rain. And hail. And lightening. Oh look, a tumbleweed is blowing across the road just like in the movies. COME ON, REALLY?! This is the frigging desert. It rains three days a year and this has to be one of them! I put my head down and continue to pound it out. What can you do? Pee of course. Chrissy Wellington passes me at 100k. She’s fast. My butt’s not happy and I’m fidgety on my seat.
Third lap I pick up pace again staying one gear easier than I have to. I enjoy the tailwind and speed knowing I’ll have the wind the last 30k. I’m passing everyone. At turn-around the wind has picked-up, the road is wet, and pelatons are still boxing me in – while in their aerobars - this is an accident waiting to happen. I’m still feeling really good but I drop back choosing to stay safe. Whatever energy I don’t burn on the bike I’ll use on the run.
Coming into transition I do a final pee not caring if anyone is my way. I see I’ve PR’d my bike. Who cares. My butt is so raw all I want to do is get off my seat. I take off my cycling shoes and run in socks because the ground is slippery. Grab my run bag, enter the tent, toss of my shoes, rip open bag, slip on runners then grab everything else and head out, putting on items as I go. Exiting the tent I make sure to dodge the psycho sunscreeners.
I start the run fast so I slow down. People are passing me like crazy. Demoralizing crazy. What lap are these freaky people on? Check my watch. Still too fast. Even though it kills me, I slow down. First lap takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R. I really need someone to run with. Look around. No one. COME ON! I spend two-thirds of the race fighting people off and now there’s no one! And of the people I do pass or run by no one is talking. There’s no chit-chat. No banter. Just silence. These people are all demon racers from hell sent to torment me. And why the heck do my feet hurt so bad? They feel like they’re on fire and my toes are cramped.
Cresting the top of the only hill on the course I pull out a gel and suck on it. I’m looking down and happen to see written on the sidewalk ‘Photographer ahead’. Oh, great. I prepaid for my photos I want them to be good. I stick the unfinished gel back into my fuel belt, tidy up my clothes, tuck all my hair under my cap, straighten up my form, paste a smile on my face then speed up. After I pass him I pull out the gel to finish it and wonder why I sped up. It’s a still photo. Bonehead.
Second lap I increase pace but not by much. I can feel my right quad wanting to cramp. None of the announcers have been calling my name as I pass, even when I’m on my own. In fact, no one is, not even the spectators. It makes me grumpy. I look down at my number and see that the entire corner is sheared off so the only part of my name left is ‘ndy’. Maybe I’m the Wendy, Sandy, Andy, Mindy that gets called out when I pass. I feel a bit better.
I have Infinit on me but decide not to use it. Stick with gels as primary fuel, I don’t know why I decide to do this. Take water at the aid stations - following Carla’s advice to take a substantial drink, not just sip it – alternating between cola and chicken soup, let me amend that, not chicken soup, broth. Whenever I asked for soup the response was, “We don’t have soup but there’s broth at the end”. I want to slap my head. Will this race ever end?
Pass through special needs calling my number. Getting closer to my pickup spot and see nobody moving to get my bag so call louder. I pass by still calling. I look back and some guy is holding out my bag shaking it. I call out, “I’m not running back for it.” He lets out a little huff clearly not happy he has to run my bag to me. Well buddy, I’m not happy I now have to run with this bag until the next aid station and it’s all crap anyway.
A little over two hours into the run I’m surprised my glutes and hips are pain-free – this is typically the time they start cramping. In fact, I realize my glutes haven’t complained once this entire race. Very odd since they’ve complained every workout in training and I’ve spent 5 months in physiotherapy trying to get them to shut-up. I figure they’re sleeping and that’s why my quads are starting to ache. Which makes me realize the ache I had in my ribs on the bike is gone and my calf isn’t crampy. Guess that’s why you don’t waste energy worry about things not in your immediate sphere. What I can feel, is a little rub on the back of my shoe. Probably a pebble I picked up on the dirt path. This is my take-care-of-things race so the next aid station I stop and slap on a blister pad instead of ignoring it.
Finally, I start my third lap. It’s dark. Real dark. I hope I don’t trip on something and fall on my face dark. My feet are a throbbing mass of pain. I still don’t have to pee, even with all the fluids I’m taking in. I’m not hungry. I have no cravings. I don’t have to fart. My gut is absolutely silent. Probably sleeping like my glutes. I have no idea what my pace or HR is, or the time. It’s so dark my watch is useless. Passing through transition I looked for Scott so I could dump my fuel belt but I couldn’t find him. Where was he? Having supper with the Ironman Director of Opertations and his wife (which they paid for).
With 5 km left a lady asked another what time it was. “6:50”, she says. I have to admit, my heart sank. With all my PRs that day (I knew I was on course for a run PR) and the great race I was having, I wasn’t going to go sub-12 hours. “Thanks for letting me know, lady,” I thought as my pace faltered. I was mad. So be it. At least I can try for a 4:30 run. I picked up the pace. My quads were not happy. Crossing the final bridge I met up with Joz. She didn’t look like she was hallucinating or loopy. I told her I’d see her at the finish line.
The last 3k was lonely and dark. I wanted to trip every person who passed me, especially if I had seen them walking earlier because the only time I walked was when liquid was going down my throat. Running the final leg to the finish I still wasn’t feeling any race excitement. There was a momentary spark when I took the final turnoff for the finish line but it quickly died when I found myself in a dark parking lot. I shouldn’t be this grumpy so close to the finish.
As I hit the last corner into the finisher’s chute the only thing I felt was a burning desire to get this damn race over with. I did hear Mike Reilly call my name (although he said it wrong) and I remembered to smile as I crossed the finish line (which had no ribbon) although I really didn’t feel like it. My catchers seemed to expect me to be jubilant so I tried to pretend I was happy, but really I didn’t feel anything except how much my feet hurt. I was beginning to wonder if I had stress factures. I wasn’t too stable on my feet so one of the catchers took me to the athlete area (which was super small). She asked me if I wanted a massage but I declined. I could barely stand the pressure of her hand on my arm. All I wanted was water. She took me to get some. There was no place for me to sit. I finally stole a seat from someone who was saving it for someone else. This isn’t a movie theatre, dude, no seat saving!
Then my catcher left. She left. She just left me there. I was going to need food. I was going to need the bathroom. How as I going to get up? How could she just leave me here? I did all that work and I’m just dumped? At IMC you don’t get dumped! Then I spotted Scott, my wonderful husband, at the exit searching for me. Always there when I need him, I knew he wouldn’t dump me.
I lumbered out of my chair like I was pregnant and made a pass by the food picking up what I could. When I reached Scott the tears flowed. He didn’t say anything. Just tucked me under his arm and let me silently cry while he gently guided me to the bathroom to get changed. I released every emotion I had accumulated over day. That god-awful, horrible swim. The raw chaffing on my butt. The pain in my feet.
I really don’t know how anyone can do an Ironman without a ‘Scott’ by their side. He got me cleaned up, took care of all my race equipment, and helped me back to the run course where I plunked down in a chair to watch Carla and the other girls finished. Carla looked as happy as I did coming in. I cheered as she passed and she muttered, “This is a f*&%ed-up race.” I laughed. I wasn’t the only who had a hard time.
The most exciting part of the day was watching Joz come in. There were some tense moments not knowing if she was going to make it. To see her running out of the dark with such a fierce look of determination on her face was a goose-bump moment. Watching Chris Daniels stumbling after her trying to keep up was an America’s Funniest Home Videos moment that had me laughing until the finish line. It was a great way to end a mentally exhausting day.
When I returned home my eldest daughter clung to me. I assured her I was home to stay and would spend all of the next day with her. She asked if I had to exercise. I said no. She cheered. It’s time to rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)