So - I just purchased a sleeveless wetsuit. I think this will help me feel better in the water. My stroke changes so much in my full sleeve that my arms actually get tired. Now - we just need to keep the water temp in the 60's for Ironman. I guess right now it is not wetsuit legal at all!
I did 2 laps of the IMOO loop today for the 1st time. It was about 5:25. Not too bad. I was pretty sore though! I did like eating regular foods better than doing all liquid nutrition. The run off of the bike felt good - just hot and my legs are still sore from all of the cramps I had this week. I just have to be better about the timing of my food. I didn't really watch the time - just ate when I felt like it. I did take 2 salt tabs every hour, but I am considering taking more than that. I was cramping pretty bad once I was home. A bottle of nuun really helps with this - leads me to believe I need more salt! I hope that there is music out there on race day (hint to spectators - bring a radio!) I have had this slow country song stuck in my head for the last 3 days. When I wasn't chatting with people - it was on in my head. It's gotta go! I need fast stuff!
I think everything is coming together pretty nicely but I feel like I am doing way less than everyone else as far as total volume per week. I am excited to be getting a sports massage this week and hope to stick to my plan these last 3 weeks of peak training - well, and into taper.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Swimming Issues
So, another Aquathon last night - more issues. I really do not believe I was in a panic attack. I was comfortable and swimming well. After the 1st turn, I decided to draft a little. This girl and I were pretty evenly matched, so I dropped back a little. I needed to unlatch my wetsuit anyways, as I was quite warm. As I was swimming, I started wheezing. I did some breastroke and coughed up some junk and went again. I was fine for a few minutes and I had to cough again. And - so it went the rest of the way in. Of course my whole run was ruined now. I do have an inhaler, but I almost NEVER need it. In fact - I think the only time I have used it in the last several years was at Aquathon! I keep it in my purse - which was in the car. I actually considered going there 1st out of transition, but by the time it kicked it I was better off just doing a run/walk thing. I bought new shoes before the race so I wanted to try to fix my crappy form anyways. I was surprised to find that I was 81/89 last night. How terribly sad...
When everything goes to hell, I have a really hard time pulling out of the mental funk. I thought I handled Door County very well, I couldn't do anything about the weather. That swim was longer, more contact, and choppy. NO problems. I swam very well (besides poor sighting). The last aquathon (3 weeks ago) - I did not have problems. My tongue was tingly, but I didn't have the wheezing. I'm just not sure what to do. If it is in fact panicky feelings that I am not recognizing, I don't know what to do when IMOO gets here. I'm not sure more open water practice really will help as I can swim in open water by myself forever. Even with my wetsuit. I do prefer it unlatched in back. I think I will just go out that way for the rest of the season. There is a small part of me that wants to go without the wetsuit, but that is probably foolish for that distance. I have 1 more aquathon and the madison open water swim scheduled. I might try a couple of these swim clinics that are offered in the next couple of weeks. Maybe Lake Monona is better quality wise compared to Mendota, although I doubt it.
When everything goes to hell, I have a really hard time pulling out of the mental funk. I thought I handled Door County very well, I couldn't do anything about the weather. That swim was longer, more contact, and choppy. NO problems. I swam very well (besides poor sighting). The last aquathon (3 weeks ago) - I did not have problems. My tongue was tingly, but I didn't have the wheezing. I'm just not sure what to do. If it is in fact panicky feelings that I am not recognizing, I don't know what to do when IMOO gets here. I'm not sure more open water practice really will help as I can swim in open water by myself forever. Even with my wetsuit. I do prefer it unlatched in back. I think I will just go out that way for the rest of the season. There is a small part of me that wants to go without the wetsuit, but that is probably foolish for that distance. I have 1 more aquathon and the madison open water swim scheduled. I might try a couple of these swim clinics that are offered in the next couple of weeks. Maybe Lake Monona is better quality wise compared to Mendota, although I doubt it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Door County 1/2 Ironman Suffer-fest
Well, my days of "perfect" race conditions came to a SCREEEECHING halt this weekend. BUT - I needed it. We are in the middle of some insanely hot weather here in Wisconsin. Earlier in the week, I was hopeful that Door County would remain cooler than the Madison area. Then we get the "Heat Advisory Warning" email from the race director. I was most worried about the run. Can't control the weather though, so we were just going to have to see how it went.
Got up there Friday afternoon. Set up camp at Potawatomi State Park. Went up to get my packet, and then just chilled around the fire. The next morning, we went up to watch the sprint. Wade was entered in this event. He looked good! While we were watching for him to come in off of the bike, we saw a spectacular crash. I don't know what the dude did, but he took out one of the 8 -10 foot metal barriers, flipped over, and 2 spectators were injured as well. I went over to see if they needed assistance before medical arrived - and I missed Wade. Lots of folks helping, so we walked over to the run out to see Wade leave on the run. Saw him finish and chatted a bit with them. Then we stopped at the Y in Sturgeon Bay and signed both kids up for the kids tri later in the afternoon. Went back to the campsite for lunch and relaxation. On the way back to Sturgeon Bay for the kids tri, a bird flew into my bike on top of the car! Dead bird, blood, feathers and bits everywhere! YUCK!
The kids did their triathlon. Patrick's group was 1st --- ages 8-10. He was 21st overall. He did very well on the swim! I was so impressed. He could use a new bike - I think that might have helped. Mel was in the 4-7 age group and was the 6th girl. She just took off in the water. It was SOOO cute!
Sunday, I woke up feeling rested. Got ready to go and Anna and I drove to the race site together. Got transition set up. Saw Jen - who I met at HHH - right next to me! Ran into my sister's friend Suzi. Fun seeing familiar faces. I got my wetsuit on with about 30 minutes before my wave started (I was wave 15/16). The water was 69 - slightly chilly, but it felt good. There was a pretty good chop in the water. When we were allowed to go to the start, several women tried to butt in my area. These older women weren't as friendly as my 35-39's from last year! Air horn went off - I took off...in the wrong direction! I had slightly foggy goggles and I just put my head down and went. I don't site much. I was going towards the pier. OOPS! Straightened myself out and got going in the right direction. I did have issues with going straight the whole swim. I think my time suffered a little because of it. I passed A LOT of people. Ended up 4th in my wave :) LOVED the wetsuit strippers!! Got to transition, got everything I needed on - and took off! My helmet felt funny. I realized that my braid was too high on my head, but I decided to let it go. Got passed by several people in the ride down to Sturgeon Bay. There was a pretty strong headwind. Coming through the residential area to get out to the agricultural area, I saw a SNAKE!! It was long and brown and coiled. I saw it kind of lunge at a bike. GROSS!
In this lollipop area I saw Rob, Deanna, and the kids. I didn't expect to see them, so it was a nice surprise! I kept going back and forth with #958. Every couple of miles we would pass each other. I started passing more people as the bike went on. The last stretch back up to transition was fast, and you could tell it was getting hot. I had 2 bottles of accelerade, 1 of nuun, 1 of water. In addition, I took 2 water bottles from aid stations and 1 gatorade. I ate 1 sleeve of clif blocks. I think I need more solids on the bike. I just didn't want to eat any.
I could tell I was getting some cramping as I was getting near the end. I wasn't sure how the run was going to go. Got into transition - there was my cheering section again! I had a hard time getting shoes on without going into full on foot cramps. Deanna also pointed out that I had goosebumps. I was a little worried about dehydration, I admit. I took my handheld bottle of nuun but it was so hot I threw it back. I wish I would have taken it and just refilled it at the aid station. I think it would have helped me to have it. The other thing I wish I would have done is to re-apply sunscreen. I'm pretty burnt. I had it there, I just forgot both times I was in transition.
I took off on the run, decided against the porta-potty. I wish I would have done it there, because I stopped at mile 1 and used that one. I then had a hard time running again. I tried to eat some GU chomps. That didn't really go down well. I could tell sometimes that I stopped sweating, so I would take some salt tabs, drink a gatorade, drink a water, dump ice in my bra. I tried a jog/walk. My stomach was not happy, but not to the point where I was going to get sick. I saw a guy on the side of the road with a medical team covering him in ice and ice cold towels. Not a pretty sight. I eventually walked up mile 6 hill. I ran through Egg Harbor and then walked from that aid station until the top of the bluff. I used the porta-potty again here. I was happy to be able to pee a little. I started indulging in the dunk tanks on the course too. I met a friend around mile 6 and we talked until this area. I was feeling antsy though, so I tried to run. She was having some GI issues and wanted to walk - she assured me she was fine with me moving on. I did look and saw that she was a DNF. I feel bad that I left her behind. I was able to run a few minutes (close to 1/2 mile or so)- walk to aid station - run a few - walk to aid station until the end. I ran down the big hill and finished. It was very anti-climatic. No names being announced. No band. Kinda sucked. I'm sure the people were needed somewhere else. There were spectators even going to the medical tent.
Once I was done, I walked around. I tried to sit in the shade, but I was a little dizzy. I then tried the dunk trough. That was HEAVENLY! I couldn't stay in long though. I went to find the cheering section, but they were gone from their spot. Either Anna was done, or they became concerned about me. I went to transition hoping they were there - no luck. I didn't want to have to walk all the way back, so I cleaned up my spot. I had to carry my heavy bag on my sunburn! :( I found a bench and plopped down. It wasn't long and Rob and all 5 kids were coming towards me -- no Deanna. Uh-oh. Yes, Anna was in medical. She needed an IV. We went in the shade and I went to get a water. While I was doing this, I decided to see Anna. In there was Jen - who was ok, but her husband needed an IV. Also, Jason - who was camping with us was in there also. No IV, just ice and gatorade. I saw a guy projectile vomiting. Lots of sad looking people. Ate some food, and eventually I went and got Anna's stuff out of transition for her while she was being tended to. Once she was released, we drove to Sturgeon Bay and went to Sonny's Pizzeria. Some crowd tried to steal our reservation! Jags! Went to camp, showered, sat down by the fire to relax --- thunder in the distance. Rob looks at the radar - MAJOR STORM coming. We decide to quickly pack up and hightail it out of there. We got cleaned up before the storm, but driving in it was not fun. We got home around 1.
Overall, I am happy with the race. I would have liked to have done better, but I was really challenged by the weather and I survived. I was never in too much distress. I didn't push it like I normally would have, I listened to my body and took it easy. I need to figure out how to keep my stomach from getting icky, but otherwise I felt okay. I'm still a little dehydrated even today. My bike yesterday was pathetically slow. I averaged under 15 mph! It's supposed to be 98 today. I might just put the bike on the trainer or go use my punch pass at the gym to use the treadmill. I enjoy racing - even though I get butterflies. I wish I was doing 1 more tri before IM, but I also don't want to overdo it. I have a couple of aquathons left, dairyland dare bike ride, and madison open water swim. Only 5 weeks before taper. Time to get working!
Got up there Friday afternoon. Set up camp at Potawatomi State Park. Went up to get my packet, and then just chilled around the fire. The next morning, we went up to watch the sprint. Wade was entered in this event. He looked good! While we were watching for him to come in off of the bike, we saw a spectacular crash. I don't know what the dude did, but he took out one of the 8 -10 foot metal barriers, flipped over, and 2 spectators were injured as well. I went over to see if they needed assistance before medical arrived - and I missed Wade. Lots of folks helping, so we walked over to the run out to see Wade leave on the run. Saw him finish and chatted a bit with them. Then we stopped at the Y in Sturgeon Bay and signed both kids up for the kids tri later in the afternoon. Went back to the campsite for lunch and relaxation. On the way back to Sturgeon Bay for the kids tri, a bird flew into my bike on top of the car! Dead bird, blood, feathers and bits everywhere! YUCK!
The kids did their triathlon. Patrick's group was 1st --- ages 8-10. He was 21st overall. He did very well on the swim! I was so impressed. He could use a new bike - I think that might have helped. Mel was in the 4-7 age group and was the 6th girl. She just took off in the water. It was SOOO cute!
Sunday, I woke up feeling rested. Got ready to go and Anna and I drove to the race site together. Got transition set up. Saw Jen - who I met at HHH - right next to me! Ran into my sister's friend Suzi. Fun seeing familiar faces. I got my wetsuit on with about 30 minutes before my wave started (I was wave 15/16). The water was 69 - slightly chilly, but it felt good. There was a pretty good chop in the water. When we were allowed to go to the start, several women tried to butt in my area. These older women weren't as friendly as my 35-39's from last year! Air horn went off - I took off...in the wrong direction! I had slightly foggy goggles and I just put my head down and went. I don't site much. I was going towards the pier. OOPS! Straightened myself out and got going in the right direction. I did have issues with going straight the whole swim. I think my time suffered a little because of it. I passed A LOT of people. Ended up 4th in my wave :) LOVED the wetsuit strippers!! Got to transition, got everything I needed on - and took off! My helmet felt funny. I realized that my braid was too high on my head, but I decided to let it go. Got passed by several people in the ride down to Sturgeon Bay. There was a pretty strong headwind. Coming through the residential area to get out to the agricultural area, I saw a SNAKE!! It was long and brown and coiled. I saw it kind of lunge at a bike. GROSS!
In this lollipop area I saw Rob, Deanna, and the kids. I didn't expect to see them, so it was a nice surprise! I kept going back and forth with #958. Every couple of miles we would pass each other. I started passing more people as the bike went on. The last stretch back up to transition was fast, and you could tell it was getting hot. I had 2 bottles of accelerade, 1 of nuun, 1 of water. In addition, I took 2 water bottles from aid stations and 1 gatorade. I ate 1 sleeve of clif blocks. I think I need more solids on the bike. I just didn't want to eat any.
I could tell I was getting some cramping as I was getting near the end. I wasn't sure how the run was going to go. Got into transition - there was my cheering section again! I had a hard time getting shoes on without going into full on foot cramps. Deanna also pointed out that I had goosebumps. I was a little worried about dehydration, I admit. I took my handheld bottle of nuun but it was so hot I threw it back. I wish I would have taken it and just refilled it at the aid station. I think it would have helped me to have it. The other thing I wish I would have done is to re-apply sunscreen. I'm pretty burnt. I had it there, I just forgot both times I was in transition.
I took off on the run, decided against the porta-potty. I wish I would have done it there, because I stopped at mile 1 and used that one. I then had a hard time running again. I tried to eat some GU chomps. That didn't really go down well. I could tell sometimes that I stopped sweating, so I would take some salt tabs, drink a gatorade, drink a water, dump ice in my bra. I tried a jog/walk. My stomach was not happy, but not to the point where I was going to get sick. I saw a guy on the side of the road with a medical team covering him in ice and ice cold towels. Not a pretty sight. I eventually walked up mile 6 hill. I ran through Egg Harbor and then walked from that aid station until the top of the bluff. I used the porta-potty again here. I was happy to be able to pee a little. I started indulging in the dunk tanks on the course too. I met a friend around mile 6 and we talked until this area. I was feeling antsy though, so I tried to run. She was having some GI issues and wanted to walk - she assured me she was fine with me moving on. I did look and saw that she was a DNF. I feel bad that I left her behind. I was able to run a few minutes (close to 1/2 mile or so)- walk to aid station - run a few - walk to aid station until the end. I ran down the big hill and finished. It was very anti-climatic. No names being announced. No band. Kinda sucked. I'm sure the people were needed somewhere else. There were spectators even going to the medical tent.
Once I was done, I walked around. I tried to sit in the shade, but I was a little dizzy. I then tried the dunk trough. That was HEAVENLY! I couldn't stay in long though. I went to find the cheering section, but they were gone from their spot. Either Anna was done, or they became concerned about me. I went to transition hoping they were there - no luck. I didn't want to have to walk all the way back, so I cleaned up my spot. I had to carry my heavy bag on my sunburn! :( I found a bench and plopped down. It wasn't long and Rob and all 5 kids were coming towards me -- no Deanna. Uh-oh. Yes, Anna was in medical. She needed an IV. We went in the shade and I went to get a water. While I was doing this, I decided to see Anna. In there was Jen - who was ok, but her husband needed an IV. Also, Jason - who was camping with us was in there also. No IV, just ice and gatorade. I saw a guy projectile vomiting. Lots of sad looking people. Ate some food, and eventually I went and got Anna's stuff out of transition for her while she was being tended to. Once she was released, we drove to Sturgeon Bay and went to Sonny's Pizzeria. Some crowd tried to steal our reservation! Jags! Went to camp, showered, sat down by the fire to relax --- thunder in the distance. Rob looks at the radar - MAJOR STORM coming. We decide to quickly pack up and hightail it out of there. We got cleaned up before the storm, but driving in it was not fun. We got home around 1.
Overall, I am happy with the race. I would have liked to have done better, but I was really challenged by the weather and I survived. I was never in too much distress. I didn't push it like I normally would have, I listened to my body and took it easy. I need to figure out how to keep my stomach from getting icky, but otherwise I felt okay. I'm still a little dehydrated even today. My bike yesterday was pathetically slow. I averaged under 15 mph! It's supposed to be 98 today. I might just put the bike on the trainer or go use my punch pass at the gym to use the treadmill. I enjoy racing - even though I get butterflies. I wish I was doing 1 more tri before IM, but I also don't want to overdo it. I have a couple of aquathons left, dairyland dare bike ride, and madison open water swim. Only 5 weeks before taper. Time to get working!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Aquathon, HHH, IMMT
So - Lots to tell. We'll go in order - sort of.
1st up - Aquathon. It was officially Race #2 of the series, but seeing as I wimped out of the 1st one in May - it was #1 for me. And it was a fail. Not to the worst degree, but pretty damn close. Oops - sorry. That also might not be the last naughty word. Just a warning. My stomach was kinda funky the whole pre-race, but I really didn't think I was nervous. I look at these races as training opportunities. There are WAY too many fast people here. This is where my swimming as a triathlete is just average. And that's okay. Except today.
Got in the water before the race and there is icky green patches. Not as nice as last weekend's water. Still okay. Went up on the beach for announcements, countdown, GO! I was swimming good. A little wide, but I try to avoid contact, so again - okay. When I went around the 1st buoy, I really was having a hard time mentally. The constriction of the wetsuit on my neck was bothering me. I decided to pull open the velcro. When I did this, it made me feel as though I couldn't make it. I still had 1/2 way or so to go. I started wheezing, my heart was racing and all of those damn kayaks were on the inside. SO - I did head out of the water breastroke. I could see Wade just ahead of me. I tried to go again and follow him, but I couldn't get my breathing under control. I went back to my head out breastroke. And continued until I could touch. This is not a good time to be short. I can't touch until I am close to the beach. I walked out of the water and into transition. Pissed off. Slowly got into running shoes and went. Still wheezing and coughing and mad.
I couldn't run up hills. Will Smith won the race and he went by me before I made it up the 1st hill. This is sad. I usually don't see the leaders until the 1mile mark at least. I was hoping Wade wasn't too far ahead of me - I really needed someone to take my mind off of my troubles. I couldn't help thinking - "What if I panic at Ironman?" We'll have to work that out. I have to say - I know the volunteers are just being encouraging and I am just like them when I am volunteering or spectating - but I cursed every single one of them internally. I did say "thanks" to them. But inside I was like "Fuck you". I was so mad that I was "weak". I normally would have been 10 minutes faster - at least. Turns out - Wade had a rough time too on the run. We'll get them next time!
HHH - 100K ride.
This was going to be a fun day with friends. My goal was to just ride, no time goal - try to ride up the hills. Check, and double-check! I laughed a bit, cursed a bit, and generally had a great time. The hills were bad. I thought I was going to fall over on Barlow or whatever it was. At the point that Anna got off her bike, I almost did. I was going so slow though that I thought if I unclipped, I would fall over. There was a period of time that Anna was walking almost as fast as I was riding. I was fully standing up on that hill. It was steep and long. Towards the end, a lot of people were walking the last couple of hills. It helped to stay on the bike actually. I would tell myself "just ride past that person" and there was always someone else ahead. Two funny things --- there was a guy on a mountain bike. We passed him on all the uphills. THEN - they had recently repaved a road with pea gravel. As we were all trying to go down super slow and not wipe out - he goes past yelling "who wants a mountain bike NOW!" Funny guy. The other thing, as we were struggling up a hill, a dude was off his bike to the side and I said to AmyJo - :are we running after we are done?" He looks at me and says "That is not even funny". He looked like he meant business too. It was funny. It's hard to laugh when you are going up hill. Hell - it's hard to breathe too! We did have a jack-ass in a mustang spin his tires going by us where we ate gravel. Jackass. It was a good time. Hard, but fun. Funny though, my legs are not all that sore. Calves were cramping a bit last night, water and nuun helped. Shoulder is KILLING ME! I guess I use my upper body a lot climbing hills. Had a great time riding with everyone and visiting after. I would do this again.
Ironman Mont Tremblant
For those not in the know, the WTC -- which puts on Ironman branded races -- announced 2 new Ironman races. Ironman NYC and Mont Tremblant. Registration opened Wednesday. NYC sold out in 11 minutes - I hear. IMMT was still open. This is in Quebec Canada. Absolutely gorgeous. It is a ski village. So - hilly is an understatement. Just recently, Robert and I were discussing his plans for next year. He said maybe WEMS, maybe IM, maybe both. When he mentioned IM - I figured IMWI again. Thursday, I get a little email from him that says he had been thinking about IMMT. I was a little shocked, but figured if he really wanted to do it, I wasn't going to be able to stop him. I told him to go ahead. He in turn was shocked that I would be up for it. Many emails later - he signed up. SO = we are going to Canada next August! I'm excited for him. He hasn't done all that much in the last 2 years as the training has been revolving around me - and I really appreciate it. I have found how hard it is to train for such an event. I hope I am ready by September and that I don't blow up, but I will be happy to hand the training over to Rob again. I think he probably should start swimming soon, but when does he listen to me???? :)
1st up - Aquathon. It was officially Race #2 of the series, but seeing as I wimped out of the 1st one in May - it was #1 for me. And it was a fail. Not to the worst degree, but pretty damn close. Oops - sorry. That also might not be the last naughty word. Just a warning. My stomach was kinda funky the whole pre-race, but I really didn't think I was nervous. I look at these races as training opportunities. There are WAY too many fast people here. This is where my swimming as a triathlete is just average. And that's okay. Except today.
Got in the water before the race and there is icky green patches. Not as nice as last weekend's water. Still okay. Went up on the beach for announcements, countdown, GO! I was swimming good. A little wide, but I try to avoid contact, so again - okay. When I went around the 1st buoy, I really was having a hard time mentally. The constriction of the wetsuit on my neck was bothering me. I decided to pull open the velcro. When I did this, it made me feel as though I couldn't make it. I still had 1/2 way or so to go. I started wheezing, my heart was racing and all of those damn kayaks were on the inside. SO - I did head out of the water breastroke. I could see Wade just ahead of me. I tried to go again and follow him, but I couldn't get my breathing under control. I went back to my head out breastroke. And continued until I could touch. This is not a good time to be short. I can't touch until I am close to the beach. I walked out of the water and into transition. Pissed off. Slowly got into running shoes and went. Still wheezing and coughing and mad.
I couldn't run up hills. Will Smith won the race and he went by me before I made it up the 1st hill. This is sad. I usually don't see the leaders until the 1mile mark at least. I was hoping Wade wasn't too far ahead of me - I really needed someone to take my mind off of my troubles. I couldn't help thinking - "What if I panic at Ironman?" We'll have to work that out. I have to say - I know the volunteers are just being encouraging and I am just like them when I am volunteering or spectating - but I cursed every single one of them internally. I did say "thanks" to them. But inside I was like "Fuck you". I was so mad that I was "weak". I normally would have been 10 minutes faster - at least. Turns out - Wade had a rough time too on the run. We'll get them next time!
HHH - 100K ride.
This was going to be a fun day with friends. My goal was to just ride, no time goal - try to ride up the hills. Check, and double-check! I laughed a bit, cursed a bit, and generally had a great time. The hills were bad. I thought I was going to fall over on Barlow or whatever it was. At the point that Anna got off her bike, I almost did. I was going so slow though that I thought if I unclipped, I would fall over. There was a period of time that Anna was walking almost as fast as I was riding. I was fully standing up on that hill. It was steep and long. Towards the end, a lot of people were walking the last couple of hills. It helped to stay on the bike actually. I would tell myself "just ride past that person" and there was always someone else ahead. Two funny things --- there was a guy on a mountain bike. We passed him on all the uphills. THEN - they had recently repaved a road with pea gravel. As we were all trying to go down super slow and not wipe out - he goes past yelling "who wants a mountain bike NOW!" Funny guy. The other thing, as we were struggling up a hill, a dude was off his bike to the side and I said to AmyJo - :are we running after we are done?" He looks at me and says "That is not even funny". He looked like he meant business too. It was funny. It's hard to laugh when you are going up hill. Hell - it's hard to breathe too! We did have a jack-ass in a mustang spin his tires going by us where we ate gravel. Jackass. It was a good time. Hard, but fun. Funny though, my legs are not all that sore. Calves were cramping a bit last night, water and nuun helped. Shoulder is KILLING ME! I guess I use my upper body a lot climbing hills. Had a great time riding with everyone and visiting after. I would do this again.
Ironman Mont Tremblant
For those not in the know, the WTC -- which puts on Ironman branded races -- announced 2 new Ironman races. Ironman NYC and Mont Tremblant. Registration opened Wednesday. NYC sold out in 11 minutes - I hear. IMMT was still open. This is in Quebec Canada. Absolutely gorgeous. It is a ski village. So - hilly is an understatement. Just recently, Robert and I were discussing his plans for next year. He said maybe WEMS, maybe IM, maybe both. When he mentioned IM - I figured IMWI again. Thursday, I get a little email from him that says he had been thinking about IMMT. I was a little shocked, but figured if he really wanted to do it, I wasn't going to be able to stop him. I told him to go ahead. He in turn was shocked that I would be up for it. Many emails later - he signed up. SO = we are going to Canada next August! I'm excited for him. He hasn't done all that much in the last 2 years as the training has been revolving around me - and I really appreciate it. I have found how hard it is to train for such an event. I hope I am ready by September and that I don't blow up, but I will be happy to hand the training over to Rob again. I think he probably should start swimming soon, but when does he listen to me???? :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Capitol View Race Report, etc.
So - raced again today. Only my 2nd attempt at the Olympic Distance. The 1st was back in 2008. Rob's original "throwdown" with me. I've been running for the past 15 years or so. I'm a swimmer by nature. Rob is a great biker - he just didn't really do much in the way of exercise for a long time. BUT - he would always joke that he could beat me in a triathlon. Bigfoot Olympic Distance - he decided that would be our "race". I won - of course :) That was not an easy course, but not as hard as Capitol View. I had a 2:56:xx then. I didn't have really any time goals today. In fact, I had to look up my Bigfoot time this afternoon to make sure I had a PR. I just wanted to be relaxed and have fun. I succeeded on all fronts. I enjoy triathlon - and I really had a good time today (except when the 4 girls in my age group went by me on the bike).
The swim. I am a good swimmer. Having done several tri's now, I can say this. I also am confident in the water. I make sure I get in the front. I'm pretty certain that I'm one of the best everytime I get in the water - some day I will get this handed to me (like Thursday at Aquathon). But really. They said "go" and after 6 strokes - I saw no one. I was in the 2nd to last wave. I passed several people in the wave ahead of me and several men also. They were several waves ahead of me. I was 1st in my age group in the swim. The water was clear - which has NEVER happened in Lake Mendota before. I have swam 3 tri's and 5 aquathons in the past 3 years in this lake. Best swim ever for me. Had fun. Felt good.
T1 - slower than I'd care for, but not bad. Got out of the wetsuit okay. Should have re-applied sunscreen.
Bike - I swear I had a flat tire for the 1st 10 miles. Legs just felt heavy. The ride in though felt good. I got passed by a bunch of dudes and 6 women. I ended up passing 1 back on the way in and 2 on the run. Unfortunately, 4 of the 6 were in my age group (40-44). I did get past 1 of them on the run, but not 2 for an age group award :(
T2 - not bad. I don't think I could have been faster, actually. But I still rank pretty slow.
Run - this course is brutal. Trail run and hilly. Lots of ups and it doesn't seem like there are as many downs, which doesn't make sense - but trust me -- that's what it feels like. I found that I disliked the Ironman
Perform that they had on the course. I either have to train my tummy to like it or I have to figure out what to do during IM as that is what is on the course. I had a good run. Actually - this felt the best since I had surgery! No ankle pain. I got passed by one fast chick who was many years older. She was loud with her breathing. It probably took her 2 minutes to actually get past me. I was actually glad she went by. I passed A LOT of people. That felt good.
Overall - a 6 minute PR and I really had fun. I hope the pictures show it.
Things I realized in the last few weeks of training:
1. When you see pretty houses on a hill - that does not mean good things are ahead for me on the bike. I am probably about to climb those hills.
2. It is very important to have a well-oiled chain.
3. If your chain is not well-oiled and you have problems shifting while going uphill - you are probably going to drop your chain.
4. If you drop your chain while going uphill and quickly unclip one foot - you are likely going to fall to the opposite side.
5. Falling while basically not moving - still hurts.
6. Big Trucks pulling Big Boats/Trailers etc - think they own the road and they are not afraid to tell you by blaring their horns at you.
7. I'm glad I don't live in Cross Plains -- no offense to anyone reading this from Cross Plains, but I have never liked your Culver's and I now really don't like your Kwik Trip either. Seems the dregs of society are found at either location.
8. My bike fitness is not where I want it to be. We are going to be forced to have a working relationship this summer.
9. I am addicted to caffeine. I need a treatment program. Help.
10. Just because you train a ton - doesn't mean you will lose weight : ( Of course - concrete mixers are probably not good for recovery calories. Probably not a large Latte Miel either, but both tasted good!
That's all for now. Aquathon this week - I wimped out last month due to water temp and volunteered instead. Also have HHH next week. Rob laughs at me when I talk about it. We'll see if I survive.
The swim. I am a good swimmer. Having done several tri's now, I can say this. I also am confident in the water. I make sure I get in the front. I'm pretty certain that I'm one of the best everytime I get in the water - some day I will get this handed to me (like Thursday at Aquathon). But really. They said "go" and after 6 strokes - I saw no one. I was in the 2nd to last wave. I passed several people in the wave ahead of me and several men also. They were several waves ahead of me. I was 1st in my age group in the swim. The water was clear - which has NEVER happened in Lake Mendota before. I have swam 3 tri's and 5 aquathons in the past 3 years in this lake. Best swim ever for me. Had fun. Felt good.
T1 - slower than I'd care for, but not bad. Got out of the wetsuit okay. Should have re-applied sunscreen.
Bike - I swear I had a flat tire for the 1st 10 miles. Legs just felt heavy. The ride in though felt good. I got passed by a bunch of dudes and 6 women. I ended up passing 1 back on the way in and 2 on the run. Unfortunately, 4 of the 6 were in my age group (40-44). I did get past 1 of them on the run, but not 2 for an age group award :(
T2 - not bad. I don't think I could have been faster, actually. But I still rank pretty slow.
Run - this course is brutal. Trail run and hilly. Lots of ups and it doesn't seem like there are as many downs, which doesn't make sense - but trust me -- that's what it feels like. I found that I disliked the Ironman
Perform that they had on the course. I either have to train my tummy to like it or I have to figure out what to do during IM as that is what is on the course. I had a good run. Actually - this felt the best since I had surgery! No ankle pain. I got passed by one fast chick who was many years older. She was loud with her breathing. It probably took her 2 minutes to actually get past me. I was actually glad she went by. I passed A LOT of people. That felt good.
Overall - a 6 minute PR and I really had fun. I hope the pictures show it.
Things I realized in the last few weeks of training:
1. When you see pretty houses on a hill - that does not mean good things are ahead for me on the bike. I am probably about to climb those hills.
2. It is very important to have a well-oiled chain.
3. If your chain is not well-oiled and you have problems shifting while going uphill - you are probably going to drop your chain.
4. If you drop your chain while going uphill and quickly unclip one foot - you are likely going to fall to the opposite side.
5. Falling while basically not moving - still hurts.
6. Big Trucks pulling Big Boats/Trailers etc - think they own the road and they are not afraid to tell you by blaring their horns at you.
7. I'm glad I don't live in Cross Plains -- no offense to anyone reading this from Cross Plains, but I have never liked your Culver's and I now really don't like your Kwik Trip either. Seems the dregs of society are found at either location.
8. My bike fitness is not where I want it to be. We are going to be forced to have a working relationship this summer.
9. I am addicted to caffeine. I need a treatment program. Help.
10. Just because you train a ton - doesn't mean you will lose weight : ( Of course - concrete mixers are probably not good for recovery calories. Probably not a large Latte Miel either, but both tasted good!
That's all for now. Aquathon this week - I wimped out last month due to water temp and volunteered instead. Also have HHH next week. Rob laughs at me when I talk about it. We'll see if I survive.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
J-Hawk Earlybird Race Report
Well, kettlebell class last Thursday kicked my A**. We did 340 squats, plus 60 lunges. My knee was majorly upset. It hurt to get out of my car. I was uncertain as to how Sunday's race would unfold. Turns out the knee was okay for the race. Sunday started with a nice bright yellow ball of fire in the sky! This is my 3rd time doing this race. Last year it rained on me. The 1st year ('08) was cool and overcast. I was pretty excited -- for about 5 seconds. I realized that the wind was going to be an issue. BUT - can't control the weather, can we?!
Pre-race meal -- 1 slice of pb toast, 1 banana, and a Large Soy Latte Miel (mmmmm). I rode with the Rewey's to the race. Set up -- what a bunch of hogs some of those people are! I actually moved 2 people's stuff to make room for my stuff! Geez! Decided to swim with tri shorts and long sports bra/top. Warmed up for a 150 - ready to go!
I was in Wave 1 - swimmer 1 in my wave. My friend Pete was swimmer 2 -- 10 seconds after me. My friend Wade was swimmer 3 in my wave - 2 lanes over. Started out with bilateral breathing, but I also give up on that. I saw Wade get about even with me - maybe slightly ahead. Made sure he didn't get too far away from me. On the flip turn at 450 yards, Pete touched my feet. At this point I decided that I would make him work to pass me. Timer guy put a kickboard in the water to let us know that we were indeed done. Grabbed my towel and exited the building with Wade and Pete right behind me. The chip time says 7:46 - mat just outside of the door. Rob and kids were right there "Mom! It's a race!" Apparently they didn't like that I was walking.
LONNNNNNNNG transition. I pulled on tights - I was chilled! Short sleeve, long sleeve, and lightweight wind jacket. Shoes, helmet, garmin, sunglasses. Pete and Wade left before me. I passed Wade not long after we started. He said that he was already cramping bad. Wind was brutal! Really tried to work hard on the bike since I knew the run might not go as well as I would like. The 1st part of the ride, I was able to get aero. Had to watch some of the corners because of gravel. When is it going to wash out of the road? I passed 1 other person besides Wade on the bike. I saw several others ahead of me and thought I could catch them. Then I turned into the wind. If I could have moved to look at my watch, I am certain I would have seen negative numbers for speed! UGH! I had to be in my small ring. I almost NEVER go to my small ring. I usually stay in the middle ring. The way back was so bad with crosswinds, I am literally surprised I didn't blow over. It was funny to be leaning right just to keep the bike upright. I don't think I have ever ridden in such wind! And - it was less windy Sunday compared to Saturday! Bike time said 53:xx. SLOW!
Transition 2 was better. I pulled off my jacket, pulled on my number and grabbed my hat. Grabbed a drink at the aid station. I felt bad throwing the cup since the wind blew it so far. I started out at a good pace. I was afraid of hurting my ankle, so I dialed back a little. I got passed by 2 people on the run. I came close to passing someone, but just didn't push hard enough to pass him at the home stretch. The run is on the cross-country trail. It was nice that it was dry this year. Especially the long wooden boardwalk! That always has a few causualties. I felt I finished strong. Pete finished about 2 minutes ahead of me. I became quickly chilled waiting for Wade to come in. Turns out his cramps never subsided. He reported that he SAT DOWN on the run to try to stretch! I was about to go in an shower when I saw him coming, so I waited. Boy that shower felt good. All in all, this is a fun race. I enjoy doing it and it is so low pressure. Especially being in the 1st wave of a pool swim. We all went to Rocky's for lunch. Wade and I went back to check our times. 1:31:31 Slowest of my 3 races here. No hardware this time :(
I have since had a massage, and now my legs are feeling better. I think it is my IT band, but not sure. I'm going to go easy with the run this week and hopefully it is just a minimal setback. The good news is - I'm done with kettlebell class!
Seems the weather is warming up - should make for some good upcoming training opportunities!
Pre-race meal -- 1 slice of pb toast, 1 banana, and a Large Soy Latte Miel (mmmmm). I rode with the Rewey's to the race. Set up -- what a bunch of hogs some of those people are! I actually moved 2 people's stuff to make room for my stuff! Geez! Decided to swim with tri shorts and long sports bra/top. Warmed up for a 150 - ready to go!
I was in Wave 1 - swimmer 1 in my wave. My friend Pete was swimmer 2 -- 10 seconds after me. My friend Wade was swimmer 3 in my wave - 2 lanes over. Started out with bilateral breathing, but I also give up on that. I saw Wade get about even with me - maybe slightly ahead. Made sure he didn't get too far away from me. On the flip turn at 450 yards, Pete touched my feet. At this point I decided that I would make him work to pass me. Timer guy put a kickboard in the water to let us know that we were indeed done. Grabbed my towel and exited the building with Wade and Pete right behind me. The chip time says 7:46 - mat just outside of the door. Rob and kids were right there "Mom! It's a race!" Apparently they didn't like that I was walking.
LONNNNNNNNG transition. I pulled on tights - I was chilled! Short sleeve, long sleeve, and lightweight wind jacket. Shoes, helmet, garmin, sunglasses. Pete and Wade left before me. I passed Wade not long after we started. He said that he was already cramping bad. Wind was brutal! Really tried to work hard on the bike since I knew the run might not go as well as I would like. The 1st part of the ride, I was able to get aero. Had to watch some of the corners because of gravel. When is it going to wash out of the road? I passed 1 other person besides Wade on the bike. I saw several others ahead of me and thought I could catch them. Then I turned into the wind. If I could have moved to look at my watch, I am certain I would have seen negative numbers for speed! UGH! I had to be in my small ring. I almost NEVER go to my small ring. I usually stay in the middle ring. The way back was so bad with crosswinds, I am literally surprised I didn't blow over. It was funny to be leaning right just to keep the bike upright. I don't think I have ever ridden in such wind! And - it was less windy Sunday compared to Saturday! Bike time said 53:xx. SLOW!
Transition 2 was better. I pulled off my jacket, pulled on my number and grabbed my hat. Grabbed a drink at the aid station. I felt bad throwing the cup since the wind blew it so far. I started out at a good pace. I was afraid of hurting my ankle, so I dialed back a little. I got passed by 2 people on the run. I came close to passing someone, but just didn't push hard enough to pass him at the home stretch. The run is on the cross-country trail. It was nice that it was dry this year. Especially the long wooden boardwalk! That always has a few causualties. I felt I finished strong. Pete finished about 2 minutes ahead of me. I became quickly chilled waiting for Wade to come in. Turns out his cramps never subsided. He reported that he SAT DOWN on the run to try to stretch! I was about to go in an shower when I saw him coming, so I waited. Boy that shower felt good. All in all, this is a fun race. I enjoy doing it and it is so low pressure. Especially being in the 1st wave of a pool swim. We all went to Rocky's for lunch. Wade and I went back to check our times. 1:31:31 Slowest of my 3 races here. No hardware this time :(
I have since had a massage, and now my legs are feeling better. I think it is my IT band, but not sure. I'm going to go easy with the run this week and hopefully it is just a minimal setback. The good news is - I'm done with kettlebell class!
Seems the weather is warming up - should make for some good upcoming training opportunities!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Gwen has her Groove Back
I have been running. I think I can safely say - I'm back. It feels so good. This morning, the dog and I ran over 6 with the sun coming up in the east (yes, I know - it always comes up in the East - shut up Robert). Glorious! I LOVE that feeling. I am not breaking any speed records, but I am happy with my pace. My legs were not even sore! I think the dog even enjoyed it.
Biking has been going well. Again - not breaking any speed records, but it feels good. Legs get a bit tired, but I feel I am making progress. I just need to start introducing more hills. I think I will try that this afternoon while the kids are at choir.
Swimming has been going GREAT! I did a 2500 straight last week and was able to hold a 1:26/100 yard pace. That is about my goal pace. I am starting to incorporate longer sets into my workouts. Pretty soon I have to consider open water :(
Life is about to get really crazy. The boy is on 2 baseball teams - one of which Robert is coaching. I have to consider something for the girl - I think she wants to try softball. Not sure how that is going to work with the baseball schedules and my workout schedule. We'll see.
May 1st is my 1st triathlon of the year and then there is an Aquathon race May 19th. Let it begin....
Biking has been going well. Again - not breaking any speed records, but it feels good. Legs get a bit tired, but I feel I am making progress. I just need to start introducing more hills. I think I will try that this afternoon while the kids are at choir.
Swimming has been going GREAT! I did a 2500 straight last week and was able to hold a 1:26/100 yard pace. That is about my goal pace. I am starting to incorporate longer sets into my workouts. Pretty soon I have to consider open water :(
Life is about to get really crazy. The boy is on 2 baseball teams - one of which Robert is coaching. I have to consider something for the girl - I think she wants to try softball. Not sure how that is going to work with the baseball schedules and my workout schedule. We'll see.
May 1st is my 1st triathlon of the year and then there is an Aquathon race May 19th. Let it begin....
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