Charlotte 10 Miler

If my morning was any indication of how this race was going to go, I was doomed.
It seemed anything that could go wrong was going wrong.

5 am proved way to early.  I woke up late, choked on my applesauce, the dog wouldn't poo and it was damn cold.  Nonetheless, I made my way to pick up Michelle so we could start the 50 minute drive down to the far side of the city (well beyond my 2-exit bubble) to run a race that neither of us were too keen on.  In fact, we both confessed that we had fleeting thoughts of ditching the race to stay bundled and cozy in our homes instead of freezing body parts off running the streets of south Charlotte.  We both agreed at that moment, racing was a dumb idea.

I can't speak for Michelle, but I was not excited in the least to be running.  I simply just didn't want to.  But somehow, someway, I had to pull myself out of this funk.  And what better way to do that than to grab one of your besties and head out of town for what turned out to be a frigid and hilarious morning adventure full of bad decisions, hanger (hunger + anger = hanger) and Siri's mis-directions?

Michelle gave me a little crap for getting us there a bit early, but in hindsight I think we got there at a perfect time.  Rock star parking, minimal porta potty wait time with just enough time to grab our numbers and go back to the jeep to get a blast of heat (and some giggles) before the race.

After the announcer instructed us that the Start would start at the Start Line (nothing but brilliance in that statement), we got in a nice little warm-up jaunt before taking our spot amongst the 700 runners taking on the Charlotte 10 miler.

I had no race plan.  Good thing Michelle did!  I wasn't sure I could keep up with it, but I thought what the heck, I'll give it a try.  In my mind I thought that if anything, I can pace her for the first few miles so she wouldn't go out like a bat out of hell and then send her on her way.  Turned out to be a great plan and that is exactly what happened.  We ran the first four miles together and I knew she was going to have a great day so I urged her on.  She eventually decided to go on ahead as I watched her pull away around mile 4.5.  I smiled and thought to myself, "you go girl!"  And then I thought "thank goodness because I can't keep going at this pace!" HA!  I lost complete sight of her for about 1.5 miles.  I thought I was slowing down but when I looked at the watch, it told me I was actually running pretty consistent splits.  Huh.  I wasn't expecting that, but I'll take it!  I was running well.  I was working, but not over-working.

Then wait, do mine eyes deceive me?  Is that a familiar black pony tail and orange jacket I see?  Can I really be catching up to her?  Yup.  It took a little more time and a bit more work with some help from her fueling stop, but just before I reached the mile 8 water station, I spotted her slowing to get a drink.  I put some gas in the legs to get close enough to yell at her.  That sweetie pie waited a minute or so for me and we were off again!  We ran the final two miles together for the most part.  She was still ahead of me but close enough to where I'd catch up now and again.  Mile 9 was thee hardest segment of the entire day.  A three tiered hill brought to us directly from Satan.  Just when you thought it was done, it kept going.  Many cuss words were dropped, loudly.  I just couldn't hold them in!

With a mile to go, Chas, The Sockless Runner and Reckless Running ambassador, appeared with a camera in hand.  He also ran the 10 miler, but he's so speedy he had already been done for about 30 minutes and had plenty of time to scope out the perfect spot for this shot.  I wish I could say we planned this pose, but we just come by it naturally....

dorks.
but we own it.

We were in the home stretch with about a 1/2 mile to go and with Chas running along side keeping us going, er going faster I should say, Michelle pulled ahead to cross the line and I, just about on my last legs and last of my oxygen supply, crossed seconds behind her.

I couldn't believe it when I looked at my time.  Is it really possible that I just ran 10 miles at a faster pace then I did my 15K back in July?  Yup.  I know, right?  Surprised the hell out of me!!!  I guess I am getting some of my speed back.  And to think, I'm just seconds off from my half marathon PR pace and not really in race shape yet.  I hope that happens soon (damn those snack binges....#muststop).

4 weeks to go.  I'm looking at you, Wrightsville Half Marathon.

Let 'er rip!

The numbers?  I don't know if you really want to know them, but here they are just the same for inquiring minds.  There are a lot of speedy people out there!  So, I tend to hover just above the middle

Time: 01:25:44
Ave Pace: 08:34
AG Place: 20th out of 83
Gender Place: 100th out of 423
Overall Race: 241st out of 700

Not too shabby for this 'ol chick.  Absolutely no complaints here.  I'll take it!

This guy!
Photographer Extraordinaire AND he took home an AG award.
#RenaissanceMan

Congrats Roberta on your AG win!
Folks, she went on and ran another 10 after this.
#badass

Not a bad pic considering we couldn't breathe...

A big "holla" to all the folks we saw on the course.  The most fun was seeing speedy friends, old and new, blasting by.

And a shout out to all my Tri Team Ignite teammates who were there (but most I didn't see because I was hiding in the warmth!).  A good day for the Team, bringing home an AG award in the 10 mile and the men's overall in the 4 mile.  It's going to be a good year!  #ignite

Michelle and I opted NOT to have pancakes, but headed to an Irish pub for fish and chips and a pint. It may have been the best decision we made all day.

And...if you ever get stuck in a parking garage and need out, I'm your girl.
Don't ask.

Twilight 5K: The Day I Forgot How Hard 3 Miles Could Be

What to say, what to say.  It was a race.  We came. We ran. Some of us kicked ass and some of us lost a lung.  Or maybe that was just me that lost a lung, I'm not sure.  It's possible I still might be in a Papi Queso haze.

Do you remember when I said I was firing at about 85%?  Well, that theory has been proven false.  I think 75-80% is a more accurate assessment after Saturday's Summit Twilight 5K.  Coach Sarah gave me a simple strategy:  "I want you to build.  Half marathon (HM) pace for the 1st mile, 10K pace for the 2nd, 5K pace for the 3rd and kill the last .1."

So I ask myself, "Self?  What on earth does that mean?  How the heck do I know what my current paces are?  I haven't run more than a mile since September 17!"  Without much else to go on, I decided to use the paces from my PRs which would have shaken out like this:

What should have happened
1st mile - HM pace = 8:33
2nd mile - 10K pace = 8:18
3rd mile - 5K pace = 7:35
Last .1 = 7:15

What actually happened
1st mile - 8:24
2nd mile - 8:20
3rd mile - 9:25
Last .1 - 8:19

The Deets
Michelle found me at the start area about 5 minutes before gun time and we decided to line up just about mid pack.  She was coming off running the Savannah Marathon a few weeks ago so she was kind enough to stick with me.  Such a good friend!  It wasn't so much twilight by this time, but more like black-coffee-dark out and it was a little unnerving with the start so crowded.  We tried to get near some people with headlamps, but I don't think we had much success!  I know what you're thinking....why didn't we have headlamps.  Well, nothing like finding out an hour before a race that your torch is busted.  And yes people, I did try to change the batteries!  So, moving on.

It was dark which made it hard to keep an eye on what the good 'ol Garmin was telling me what my pace was.  We found an 8:30 at one point, it felt good and tried to hold onto it.  We know now that  was not at all what happened.  Still, all in all it felt pretty good and there we were, just like old times, chatting away!

And then as we start mile 2 I hear "HOPE!"  Pray tell who can see me?  It's pitch black out!  IT'S JACK!!!!  And then Michelle changed my name to Rose, we laughed about Titanic and then thought it best to get racing again.

Second verse, just like the first!  I looked down, saw the 8:20 and smiled..."Yes!  right on target!" This is GREAT!  We're KILLING IT!  We are AWESOME... and then I started having problems keeping my breath.  That's okay, you can hang in there....just 1.1 mile to go...

Then comes the greenway portion of the race.  This is the cool part.  It is pitch black and they light the pathway with luminaries on either side.  Such a neat sight!  But it caused a weird sensation that made me dizzy to be honest (And I say dizzy, not to be confused with ditzy as I'm normally known to be.  There is a difference.).

I was struggling by this point and Michelle was still happily chatting away, naming all the things we had waiting for us at the finish.  When I couldn't answer her, I knew I was in trouble.  I was wheezing and falling behind.  No matter how hard I tried to will it forward, my body slowed.  She tried to wait for me a couple times, but she was running so well I waved her on.  Then the hill we know as South Street happened.  Right at the 2.62 mark, my legs stopped moving.  I had no choice.  I was about to stroke out and had to get my heart rate back under control.  So, there I was, walking my not-so-happy ass up South.  After 10 minutes of walking (which was really only 30 seconds according to Garmin, but it FELT like forever), my heart calmed down and I started moving again.  I surprisingly felt much better and even passed some men that just passed me 30 seconds prior. I found my little motor and got myself up and over South Street to the finish line.

First race back since the surgery, first time running a full mile, let alone three, and first time running outside on the street and hills in two months.  Somehow I managed 11th out of 39 in my AG with a 27:01.  4 minutes off my PR but not too shabby if I don't say myself.  I guess it was folly to think I could hop right back in at a 7:30.  But I did.  HAHAHA!  This race was good for me.  Coach Sarah and I weren't planning on a race this soon in my recovery but it turned out to be a great way to accurately gauge where my current fitness is and what she needs to plan for me to get me where I'm heading. I mean...if I'm doing 8:40s at only 75% of my potential?  I suck at math, but it sounds like my future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.

Michelle promised me friends, beer and Papi Queso at the finish.  She didn't disappoint!  After getting some dry and warm clothes on, I found all my besties and was surprised by some Tri Team Ignite teammates!  DARTers and Igniters each had awards and PRs aplenty!  I love all my people.  Such a pool of fun and talented athletes!!  Special shout out to Igniter teammate, Doreen, for killing our AG and taking it for the win with a sub 20!  Girl...you SMOKIN'!  Imma gonna steal your Sketchers GoRuns!

Post-race festivities, PAPI QUESO (woot woot!), endorphin highs, dancing and shenanigans ensued, I assure you!

Until next time,
Keep moving.
Be strong and feel free.
And always let there be #shenanigans!

Me, Mr van Voo, Michelle and Matt!
trying to stay toasty before the gun went off
Why the hell are we wearing shorts in this weather??

Tri Team Iginite!!

#shenanigans

Rockin' the Schoolhouse Out!

Schoolhouse Rock 10K Recap

This past Saturday, against the smarter voices in my head, I ran the Schoolhouse Rock 10K; another Helfrich Brother's special in the Summit Twilight Racing Series.  I do love these guys, but dang they sure do know how to throw down a beating...and then throw a big party afterward!

With any race in the series, you can count on 2 things.  Heat and Hills.  I missed out on the last beat down  all the fun during the Summit Solstice since I was helping out the timing crew, so I couldn't, in good conscience, miss this one too!  

I had to throw on a couple miles each on in the beginning and end since we were using this race in place of my long run as part of my training for Chicago.  About a half hour before gun time, Michelle and I did what was supposed to be an easy 2 miles for a warm up.  Well, with energies high and lots of chatting, the little 2 mile warm up flew by and before we knew it, it was time to pick our spot at the start line where we met up with Coach Lolo (getting ready to Do the Choo, which is next weekend...GO LOLO!).  

With my new race strategy in place, we started off.  And I think everyone else had the same strategy because it seemed like everyone took off like a bat out of hell.  I was hoping that people would soon realize that they started off to fast and would eventually drop the pace.  Alas, that was not to be!  

Thankfully, the Somewhat Legendary Mr. McGonnell stationed himself with his camera at what turned out to be a very photogenic hill. I know...I didn't know there was such a thing either!  

I mean, LOOK! LOOK AT HOW TALL I AM!  Almost Amazon like...

I like how we are all making the same face here...

Of course, he didn't realize it was me, or he was trying to pretend he didn't know me, either way he almost missed me blazing by....

DUDE....!?!?

And then there is the Honey Badger.  

Then again, the Honey Badger always makes this shit look good.

Alright, enough of the photogenic wonders of McGonnell....back to the race.

With a less-hilly front half, my first three miles averaged out to be a sub 8:00 pace.  I tried like the dickens to hold onto that, but that back half of the course is brutal and with three substantial mountains hills that come to memory; Patrick Johnson Lane (a.k.a The Hill That Must Not Be Named), South Street and Spring/Woodland Streets, my pace fell off a bit.  I was able to achieve a personal victory over Patrick Johnson though....(momentary bravado and puffed up chest)  he ain't so tough... 

Bottom line?  I gave each hill my best shot, tried not to puke on the down hills (glad to report I was successful but not without some questionable moments) and used the flats to my advantage.    

51:30 finish time

8:18 pace
A 3 minute PR for yours truly.

38th overall

13th female

4th in a decade big 30-39 Age Group :p 

2 items on AG to note:

        I was the oldest to finish until you hit spot 12! Go me!   

        And if AGs were grouped by 5 years like they are usually, I would have placed 2nd :)    

The whole fam damily had a good night.  Here are some shots at the finish.

Say Congrats!!!
1st in her AG!

Mr. van Voo
as if he needed an introduction
killing the finish!

She's gonna
KILL THE CHOO

me = hot sweaty mess

And then we ate weird food truck concoctions, stretched and "hydrated." 

stretching and "hydrating"
#multitasking

And remember.  Racing is ALWAYS better with friends!
Next up?  Run for Green Half Marathon.
This Saturday.
Be there.

Adventures with Thelma: The Season Finale

LKN Triathlon 2014

I swam.  I biked.  I ran.

I had previously laid out my new strategy I decided to implement for the last tri of my season.  Goal #1 was to throw caution to the wind, go all out and leave nothing left and see what happened.  Trial by fire so to speak.  Goal #2 was to do better than last year.

Mission Accomplished.

With a hectic night before and a later-than-I-wanted bedtime, I was thankfully able to get a good night sleep and woke up ready to go....and hungry!  I made a line directly to the kitchen to whip up some vittles.  I've made a few changes in my eating habits and have been testing some new things for my pre-race breakfast for Chicago.  It seems to be working, at least it has on my last couple of long training runs, but this was the perfect opportunity to test it out in an actual race albeit a short one.  After breakfast, loading the car and taking care of my fluffy sons, it was time for me to get my tail in gear and head to the race site down the road.

With plenty of time to set up my transition area and to settle in, I was able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. I ran into Mr. van Voo on my way to get my timing chip and we headed over to get our numbers marked. After a little chit chat we went about our individual pre-race rituals.  Me?  I donned on my ear buds to go for a quick and easy warm-up jog. I have to say, THEE most perfect song came up on the shuffle.  One that made me close my eyes, shut out the world and let the electricity and energy take over.  I just let my legs turn over however they wanted and lost myself in the song. I don't recall ever having a moment quite like that before!  Best warm-up EVER.  I've been debating on if I should share it as a Song for the Week or not.  I dunno...I might be selfish and keep that moment to myself...

Time to head back to transition and make all the final preparations to make the trek to the lake.  Cool thing about my transition area?  I got to rack next to one of my most favoritest couples EVER!  Made for such a fun pre and post-race, not to mention all the photo ops!  Mr. van Voo's area was far far away, but he made sure to stop by the fun side of the island for this gem of a pic...

Whole 'lotta trouble right there...

Ready to race!

Making new friends!

Enough of that.  Time to get racing!

Swim: 

My wave was all women 39 and under.  That's a lot of women.  And don't let the pink caps fool you....they were brutal!  I don't think I've ever had as much contact in the water as I did at that start.  Good news, it didn't really phase me.  I kept my head down and plowed forward regardless of what was in front of me, swimming over, kicking and hitting as I went.  It's okay though...because I apologized to everyone before the horn blew just in case!  And if anyone tries to tell you that triathlon is not a contact sport, they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.  Now, I don't know if I quite made the lake my bitch, but I did shave a lot of time off from last year.  Still, lots of room for improvement, but I knew that going in.

18:39  (last year:  23:03)

T1:

I am not known for my fantastic transition times.  But this day, I did run as promised...so fast that I was a blur.....  Now, I'm not going to share my T times, because, well, they are embarrassing.  

All you need to know that each transition was faster than last year!  

Bike:

So, the bike.  It felt great!  I passed more people than I got passed, so that's good.  It's hard to compare to last year though because they changed the course a bit and came up shorter than yesteryear.  All I know is I was able to attack the hills like I wanted to, use the downhills to my advantage and concentrated on my efficiency on the flats.  I'm good on flats!

58:54 - 17.3mph  (last year: 1:03:27 - 16.8mph)

T2:

Angry.  Dude next to me decided to use his area AND my area and I had to dig through all his bike crap, shoes included, to get to my stuff.  Yes, I threw it ALL.  And used some very colorful language as well.  

Run:

It didn't beat my stand alone 5K PR, but it might have beat my PR for a 5K in a tri.  I don't have much memory of the run, maybe because I was oxygen deprived, but my best memory was seeing a woman in my AG a bit ahead of me, locking her in my sights and methodically reigning her in and passing her well before the finish line.  This might have been my best run in a tri to date.  The absolute BEST memory?  Seeing my peeps when I crested the hill right before the finish!  Definitely gave me what I needed to keep pushing through!

25:15 - 8:08  (last year: 27:07)

that poor hat.

this is what a freight train looks like

too bad I can't punch people with
my quads...

And then we were done.  Endorphin highs for all!  

I FINALLY finished a sprint triathlon in under 2 hrs, it's only taken me two freaking years.

1:47:52 put me mid AG, which is better than my second to the last finish last year with a 2:00:06.

Yup, 12 minute PR folks.  I'll take it.

Go big or go home!

or...

Go big and head to T3

I do love T3

It wouldn't be right if we didn't do this

Callin' all the ladies!!!

JACK!!!!!

What can I say...
I'm in demand.

Adventures with Thelma: Ironman 70.3 Eagleman 2014

I don't even know what to recap.  The race?  The weekend?  The experience?  The journey?  Because for those that know me, this was way more than just a race; way more than just an endurance event.  Last weekend, I experienced the most amazing thing of my entire life and was able to do so with some of my closest friends and family; the same people that watched me claw my way to where I am now.

I guess I will just start writing and we'll see where it all goes. It'll be like our own little literary adventure.  Kinda like The Hobbit, but not really.

The Drive:

ROAD TRIP!!

Long.  Holy crap was it long.  Mr. van Voo and I hopped in the Silver Bullet for a 7.5 hour trip that turned into 10 freaking hours. #I95blows  There may or may not have been goofy pictures and dance videos made, but we will neither confirm nor deny.  There was a whole lotta crazy, whole lotta laughs and even some serious convos.  A trip like this will either make or break a friendship.  I have to say that I think we made it and did some serious bonding over Diet Cokes, Snickers bites and Combos. #lunchofchampions #dontjudge

Pre-Race Day Activities:
Friday night was basically a let's-just-find-something-to-eat-and-pass-out night after that car ride.

Thelma was so sad I had
to leave her and had to spend
the night outside...

Saturday was to be a busy day and found Mr. V, Mr. and Mrs. Honey Badger (Ashley & Lori  aka Coach Lolo!) and me up early as each of us had a small workout to get done to shake out the cobwebs from the car ride the day before. Then, it was off to Athlete Check-in and the "mandatory" meeting (that only I went to, and yes, I was the dork in the corner taking notes) to pick up our numbers, chips and all the Ironman gear we could, in good conscience (no finisher gear...don't want to jinx it!), buy.  Then it was off to the race site to check our steeds into transition and do some recon.

Parts of my two families!
One day may they all meet...

This brings us to early afternoon when the rest of our tri-crew, Jo and Marc, made their way to town as well as my brother and his family that made the trip down from Upstate NY to cheer us on (how freaking awesome is that????!!!!!).  We all needed a couple hours of down time to relax and start getting ready for race day.  It was quite a sight, really....Three triathletes in one room with all gear and every piece of nutrition laid out on two beds and the floor.  What's a little unbelievable?  I forgot to take a picture.....

I met Mr. V, Marc and Jo in the lobby to head into town to have our early pre-race dinner with the fam.  We had a lot of laughs, lots of "commentary" and good pasta!  With full bellies, we gave our last hugs and said our goodbyes and good luck wishes as my fam wouldn't see us again before the start.

Race Day:
Both my roomies and I were all sleeping FABULOUSLY until some ninny erroneously (or thought it would be hysterical) scheduled a 3:45am wake up call.  DARN YOU MAN.  YOU SHORTED ME 15 MINUTES OF BLISS!  But I'm not bitter.  Really.
We headed down for a quick bite before all the other athletes in the hotel descended upon the continental spread of English muffins, oatmeal and all the peanut butter in the state of Maryland.  Time to get dressed and head to the start.

HOPE!  Wake up!
You can't get that 15 minutes back!

Days leading up to the event, everyone including the race directors, believed that there was no doubt this would be a wetsuit legal swim (temp 76.1 and lower).  Just goes to show you anything can happen on race day.  Upon our arrival, Mr V and I heard the water temperature announcement.  76.5.  Well dammit.  I handled the news quite well, surprisingly.  You see, I tend to worry.  A lot.  I don't know who I was that day, but I never felt calmer.  I took everything in, processed it and moved on without incident.  Goal = met.

Since we had about an hour before our swim wave started, Lori and I had LOTS of time to take silly pictures; there is a fantastic one of Coach Lolo, but I don't think the world is quite ready for that one yet....

No jelly fish!!!

Swim: 
I'm not a fast swimmer.  I'm not a strong swimmer.  If you're a regular reader, you know I'm prone to panic attacks. I kept it together, kept my head down and just found my rhythm.  I probably had the most fun on that swim than I have ever had in the open water.  I've been working really hard on my open water swimming, hopping in the lake at each opportunity and taking classes when I could, and I believe it paid off.  (Thank you Upgrade Lifestyle and Richard Allen Fitness!)
time 47:23 (goal 45:00) 

T1: calm, quick and efficient.  Sunscreen was a MUST!
time 3:12  (goal 5:00)

Bike:

Instant Bad Ass
Thanks James!!

SO MUCH FUN.  That course was flat, fast and beautiful.  And seeing a line of 40+ cyclists making a corner...an amazing sight and I'm amazed that I was part of it.  I built into a good sustainable effort, even pulling out a 20 mph mile here and there!  Having my nutrition plan drilled into my brain, and my watch alert set for every 15 minutes, took the nutrition guessing game out of the ride and really allowed me to focus on my effort level and pay close attention to how my body was feeling.  One thing I wasn't really aware of and wasn't able to practice before was taking water at aid stations while in motion on two wheels.  I'm proud to report that I picked up water at 2 stations in motion like a CHAMP!
time  3:19:26 - 16.85mph (goal  3:23:38 - 16.5mph)

T2:  
Coming into T2 I (heard first!) saw my family and what else could I do but run down the chute giving high 5s to all!  As soon as I hit transition, I took off my shoes and ran to my area.  After a quick pat down with my towel and quick reapplication of sunscreen, I put on running shoes, grabbed my watch face, gel flask and race number and I was off and running...literally!  *note to self.  Do not leave gel flasks in direct sunlight.  Hot gel tastes nasty.  Also, heat melts Body Glide and it is very messy stuff when it turns to liquid....
time  3:07  (goal 5:00)

No biggie...just thought
I'd wake up and do
70.3 today

Run:  
a HOT out and back route with NO shade and NO breeze.   So, we just baked.  It was an ugly course too, so you really had to block it all out and just go.  I have been hitting overall 8:45s in my interval training sessions quite comfortably and quite consistently, so I thought 9 minute miles were not out of the realm of possibility.  9s would still bring me under a 2hr half marathon, not a PR but still under 2 where I like to keep it.  It was pretty evident after the first two miles that it wasn't going to happen that day.  So, I had to make a new plan and fast.  Given the heat and the sun, I promised myself that I could walk, but ONLY through the aid stations to take water, electrolytes and sponges to cool down. It worked like a charm.  When I ran, I ran well.  I cooled off as best I could at the aid stations and then quickly got back to work.  Not my best run by far, but it was the best run I could have had on that day.  I also loved seeing all my people on the course.  I saw the Honey Badger coming in to finish as I was just starting my run, then Coach Lolo, Mr. van Voo and Marc and Jo.  I got so excited I shrieked their names, cheering them on as they flew by!  I can't say we all looked happy, because, well, we were running in direct sun for 2 hours with no shade and we really all just wanted to be done and eat fried pickles (wait...that might have just been me) but I can say we all looked strong!  I somehow ended up with a very consistent run, 1:03:06 at the halfway point, 1:03:30 to the finish.

After the turn-around point, I think the magnitude of what I was doing finally hit me when a voice of a friend, the one in the orange hat that I said was mean, entered into my head:  "There is no way you're not going to finish this." He was right. Then, the eerie calm that enveloped me the week before the race and even during that day disappeared and was replaced by a rush of thoughts and a wave of emotion.  

time  2:06:36  (goal 1:58:48)

Coming through that finish chute.  Wow.  Then I saw my big brother and Mr. van Voo... Well folks, this is where I get girly.  I almost lost it right then.  I choked backed some tears, composed myself to cross the
finish line and savored every second.  I kept it together pretty well until my sis-in-law, niece and nephew got me at the finish area.  Well, you can see what happened....

I've heard time and time again that in these types of events, your nutrition can make or break you and ultimately it all comes down to the run.
I am now a true believer, and if anyone tries tell you different, YES, the swim DOES matter!  :)
time  6:19:44  (1st goal 6:17:26  man-it-would-be-awesome-if goal  6:10:00)

I can't say it enough
I LOVE MY FAMILY
#blessed

And as I write, I'm starting to get that same rush of thoughts and wave of emotion.  Five years ago, I was at least 180 pounds and I couldn't walk a mile let alone run one.  Two years ago I ran my first half and full marathon.  Last year I did my first triathlon and ran my second marathon, while at the same time I was moving back out on my own, living alone and finding my own way.  Last weekend I finished a Half Ironman.  Who would have thunk it??

The physical transformation has been amazing, yes.  But what this journey has done for me emotionally, mentally and spiritually is so much more.  I reclaimed my happiness, my strength and confidence; things that I somehow allowed myself to lose along the way.  I was lucky to find an unbelievably fantastic circle of close friends.  I found something that I absolutely love to do.
not to mention the freaking awesome tan I have right now....

I know this is long, and I'm sorry 'bout that...but there was a lot to say about this one; and there is still so much I want to say if you can believe it.  So I will just say this:  I wouldn't have had the most amazing day that I did without my family and these people right here.

Best Buds!

Me and one of the most amazing
women I know rocking out our
first HIM

Triple Threat!

  

Tri DART!

Feel free.  Be strong.
Be your own kind of awesome.

Well, it's back to reality.....

....but what you did was real.

My brother said that to me last night when talked, after we all made it back to our homes safe and sound from an epic few days.  Nothing more appropriate could have been said to me than that.

There is SO much to say, so much to show!  A recap will happen but the thoughts and pictures need to be sorted through first.

I just wanted to jot a fast post to say it was a fantastic weekend, give a quick shout out to my family and to tell you all just how awesome they are, and to once more marvel at how lucky I am to have the circle friends that I do.

I would not have made it without them.  No doubt.

Jetton Sprint Triathlon 2014 Edition

It's a little hard to compare triathlons.  Distances vary, transition areas vary, distances to the transition areas vary....  You can estimate, you can guess, you can go by feel how you are improving.  But it's always nice to have the opportunity to compare apples to apples.

I had one summer of triathlon under my belt before I returned to where it all started.  Jetton Sprint Triathlon.  And it's here that I have the opportunity to do just that, compare apples to apples.

I had some concerns going into Jetton this past weekend.  Swim, knee, nutrition, anxiety.  Also, with my current training cycle getting ready for EagleMan, I felt like I had an opportunity to do well.  I didn't just want to finish it.  I wanted to "race" it.  I felt like I had the chance to get on people's radar, to become a name that people might want to watch for in the future.

Anyway....
'nuff of the blah blah blah
time to recap

Race morning.
shower, walk dogs, feed dogs and eat my English muffin with pb
double check bags
run upstairs to grab wetsuit
grab body glide
double check bags
run back upstairs to grab wetsuit
pump Thelma's tires
load car
double check bags
grab forgotten bike shoes
run back upstairs to grab race belt
fingers crossed I had everything because it was time to get on the road

Race site.
park in a field
ride from field to event area on weird pedals without clipping in
remember how to ride without being clipped in
try to remember how to get off without unclipping
check in, body marking and chip getting
set up transition area
10min jog to warm up (Hi Mr. van Voo!!!)
wiggle into the potato sack that is a wetsuit
quick dip in the lake
sing national anthem

Swim:  17:48 - 2:22/100m
(2013-23:36)  -5:12
This swim went much better than Belews in April.  Of course, this one was half the distance, but we won't concentrate on that part.
There were 4 swim waves and they had all the AG ladies start the day in the last wave (and in pink caps. ugh.). I was able to swim the majority of the course, practice my new sighting technique, sometimes successfully and sometimes not.  I was able to keep anxiety attacks under control, taking it nice and easy.  My goal was not time, but to have a swim I could feel good about and I think achieved that. I might have even passed some gents in green caps along the way.

T1:
2:05 (2013-6:02)  -3:57
I was able to jog my way up to transition this time.  I had a little trouble getting the potato sack off, but eventually broke free; threw on my bike shoes, shades and helmet and Thelma and I were out of the gate.

Bike:  46:04 - 16.18 mph
(2013-48:11)  -2:07
All things considered, I can't complain too much about my bike segment...but I'm going to anyway!  I WAS TICKED!!!  not even 3 miles in I felt that twinge in my knee.  I knew I could run on my knee, I simply had to find a way to make it through that bike.  So, to save the knee, I honestly had to pedal most sections of the course with my right leg, especially on the two major climbs.  Which relatively speaking aren't huge climbs, but caused owies nonetheless.  I was disappointed I couldn't give it my best effort and would have liked to see how I would have fared if I attacked the course like I wanted to.  There were times I was brave enough and comfortable enough to get into aero position, so that is the positive that I will take away from the bike segment.

T2:  1:34
(2013-2:05)  -0:31
Looking back, I lost a lot of time here messing with my watch.  I'm putting the face onto quick release band and fitting Thelma with a bar to put the watch face on, so next time I can simply pop it off the bike and onto my wrist without issue.  I also need to find the quick button to change the mode from bike to run.  I could have taken another 30 seconds off I think.

Run:  26:03 - 8:23/mile
(2013-29:37)  -3:34
If I could kill any segment of this triathlon, one would think it would be on the run, and that's what I was banking on.  This is the first time I actually paid attention to who was around me, actively looking at the calf markings to see the AGs of the women ahead of me.  To see who I needed to "pick off" and who I could let go.  I passed a few men and women on the run, and I got a passed though I'm pleased to say maybe only

once or twice.  As I was making a move to pass on the left, I heard a voice behind saying "coming up the middle."  This woman passed us at a good clip, so I tried to hang on her feet hoping she could pace me in.  Alas, I couldn't hold on and I had to let her go.  I'm slightly disappointed in the fact that this is the same pace I've been hitting in my interval training.  Come race day you'd think I'd dial it up 10 seconds or so, but all in all not a bad run for me.  All that fiddling with my watch and it still wasn't working so I basically ran blind the whole way, no idea how fast, how far or how far yet to go.  Finally I came up on a volunteer that said something that I didn't quite catch and I asked "am I here?"  He said "you are, now sprint it home!"

You don't need to tell me twice...

2013 I finished in 1:49:29.
2014 I finished in 1:33:32.
-15:57 PR

Great PR, still pretty low on the AG rankings.  Oh well.  There's always next year!
And next year, heck with the apples.
I'll be a kiwi.

Next up?
70.3
23 days.

The Day I Battled Inner Demons.....and spiders.

Belews Lake International Triathlon 2014

I really don't know where to begin this recap, or exactly what I want to say about it.  So, if you'll just bear with me, I'm just going to type and see where the story leads.

I picked up Mr. C. around 6:00 am.  Without much caffeine consumed yet, I have to admit it took me at least 5 minutes to realize that no, no one moved their house...I turned too soon and was on the wrong road.  Anyway...moving on.
We loaded up the Jeep with his steed and gear and off we went into the great blue yonder that was Belews Lake one hour and thirty minutes away, with nothing but crappy songs on the radio.  I'm sorry if this offends, but Katy Perry at 6:30 in the morning does not motivate me.  Thank goodness for 80s on 8.

This is me, pretending to be tough stuff

Jitters finally started to sink in when we turned into the marina.  We parked, unloaded, checked in and got marked, all pretty smooth and uneventful....just how I like it!  We made our way to transition, set up our areas and chatted with friends.  Me and the boys, Mr C and Mr van Voo, did a quick warm up run and then it was time to wiggle into our wetsuits and get ready for go time.

I'd like to report back to you that all went swimmingly...(hahahaha! see what I did there? hahahaha!)  but alas that would be false.  This was THEE worst swim I have ever experienced in my entire life.  Even more than the washing machine that was Jetton sprint last year.  And no.  It was not the conditions.  Temps were a little chilly, but it honestly felt good in the full wetsuit.  With the exception of waves from a police boat here and there, the lake was basically calm.  I don't know what my problem was.  I think it was because all the buoys kept moving further and further away, that no matter what I tried to do with my stroke I was not making any forward progress (yes, I mean to use the word "forward").  Or maybe it was because I really can't see.  I can't sight in the lake worth a damn.  I can't tell how far I've gone or how far I have to go, which really sucks when you can't see the turn buoy, you know, the one that gives you hope that 1) you're going in the right direction and 2) that you'll be done with the misery soon.  I must have looked as bad as I felt because one kayaker wanted to pull me a couple times.  Finally I did take a rest and held onto his boat for a second...until I saw the only 5 remaining swimmers in the lake.  Voices in my head started SCREAMING.

"No way can you be the last one out of this lake.  Oh my gosh.  You are going to be the last one out of this lake.  What does that mean..you're going to be getting out on the bike when everyone is coming in.  You are going to be the only one out there.  What is the point.  This is ridiculous.  You are not going to finish this."

 I looked behind me once more.  No. Effing. Way.
Another voice enters my head, words of encouragement that I read just an hour before appeared in my mind.

Me:  "Alright.  I'm good."
Kayaker:  "Are you sure?" (because he really didn't believe me)
Me:  "I'm gonna have to be."

And then I pushed off and went on my way with every single emotion a human being can experience at one time.  I used any stroke I could think of, made up a few of my own, and probably 10 minutes later I reached the ladder and somehow pulled myself and 10 gallons of water that was IN my wetsuit out of that freaking lake, and using words a little more colorful than "freaking".  Walking up, yes walking, to transition, of course there HAD to be a freaking camera.

So....this happened.

so happy to be out of that lake!

Next up?  The bike.  Not much to say about the bike.  Thelma and I had a disagreement about what gear she wanted to be in before I got on, but considering I had to go up what looked like a damn mountain as soon as I got on, I had to win that argument.  A two looped course on country roads with cross wind and some decent inclines...I can't be too upset with my performance on the bike.  Granted, I have a long way to go, but I think I performed right where my bike fitness and comfort levels are.  I give myself additional props for not crashing when the spider crawled over my hands......

It is near impossible for me to walk in my cycle shoes.  So, to save myself from further humiliation that only the duck walk can bring, and since there was NO ONE ELSE IN TRANSITION and no chance for me to get in anyone's way, I stopped and took off my shoes and walked to my rack.  There, I put on my run shoes, my bib and started what would be the longest hour of my entire life.

Only 6.2 miles.  I just had to keep it together for 6.2 miles.  And I tried.  I really tried.  Tried to stay in the moment, take step by step.  It helped to see most my peeps out on the course....even if they were making the turn to finish when I was just starting my run.  But those high fives and friendly faces of Lori, Ashley, Mr. C., Marc and Mr. van Voo...well they kept me going.  A double out-and-back course that had some good rolls and inclines didn't make for my best run in the least.  By mile 4 I finally settled in to a reasonably comfortable pace, enough to get me through to the last .5 mile that was a downhill finish.  I'm really good at downhill finishes....

And then it was over.  I ate Nilla Wafers and Chips Ahoy cookies, drank a real Dr. Pepper, may have taken a 15 second nap, tried to figure out how it all went so wrong and ultimately thanked the heavens that I made it through.

This was my first attempt at this distance.  I didn't expect to kill it, but I did believe I was in shape to do much better than I did.  This event was a humbling experience and a complete eye opener of just how much more work I need to do to finish this 70.3 coming in June.

Some positives.  Because you need to find the positives....
My times have nowhere to go BUT up.  Lots of time to work with on the swim just by figuring out some small corrections to my stroke and getting familiar with OWS will help the anxiety.  My T1 & T2 times?  Hell, that's at least 5 minutes right there! (No. I am not exaggerating.)  And my run is where it needs to be in training...I just need to start putting it all together.

And, I've heard this before but I never really truly empathized with it until now.
Pros and elite amateur athletes are awesome.  They are fast, they are skilled, they are fun to watch and to cheer for because their performances are exhilarating. They finish and everyone cheers them in!  It's inspirational, it's motivational....they are just awesome!

Now, let's visit the athletes that finish in the bottom. These athletes are giving it their all.  They are putting as much effort into their race as the elites.  No, they aren't as speedy, but % of effort that they put out is the same.  Your speed at 90% effort may be faster than me, but we are both putting in 90% if you're getting my drift.  So, think of giving 90% effort for 02:15:00, with people cheering, flurry of excitement! Then, think about giving 90% effort over 3 hours and 30 minutes........and alone.  You are still giving a 90% effort while watching spectators pack up their chairs, athletes leaving.....volunteers cleaning up cones and equipment from the course.  All that is left, is you. Alone, in your own head.

Pros and Elites = hardcore
Last of the pack athletes = a different kind of hardcore
Just promise me you won't forget that.

Now....as for my predictions!  Let's see how I did, shall we?

• The water will be cold.
• FALSE the lake was not as cold as anticipated.  no worries of hypothermia here.
• I finish at least 45 minutes behind all my friends.
• TRUE not all my peeps, but Mr C crossed in 2:43:40, Me in 3:25:51.
• It is completely possible that I will finish in the bottom 20 finishers.
• FALSE  I finished in the bottom 23.
• Lori will finish in the top 5 in our AG if not place.
• TRUE  and TRUE  Lori got 3rd in AG!!!   GO LOLO!
• Mr. van Voo will pass me in the lake within 2 minutes.



she needs more Nilla Wafers...

• FALSE  He passed me within 45 seconds.
• Mr. C will have a strong showing on the bike giving him a great advantage coming into T2
• TRUE Mr. C had the best day out of all of us!!!

And what a better way to finish this epic long blog post than with finisher pics....