Lonestar Triathlon

MKT 5.33.21 6th place - make that 5th place due to some wonky timing of the girl in front of me.

The night before the Lonestar Half my jitters were still there, but significantly less than past races. My training had built up my confidence as well as the pep talks of my fabulous friends and family. So, I set out my kit for the race and “tried” to fall asleep as best I could. Race morning came before I knew it and I robotically slipped on my tri gear and double-checked that I had everything I needed, pumped up my tires, and then headed out the hotel and to the race (it’s a definite plus to stay right by the start, one less worry). Everything from here on out seemed to go as planned. I laid out my gear in transition and chatted with some of the girls around me, which helps to alleviate some nervousness. I played the mantra “this is just a training day no biggie” on my internal tape player, pulled my wetsuit half way up and sauntered over to the swim start. The swim was in Galveston Bay and was shaped like trapezoid. I watched Robby’s wave go and subsequent waves hit the water as I waited for my start. Two girls around me started talking about how nervous they were and calming them down seemed to help me as well. I looked around to see if my parents had made it to the swim start and before I knew it my group was heading down the dock and into the water for the start of the 2008 Lonestar Half Ironman. I swam to the outer edge (a trick Lovato told me about years ago). The signal went off and this was it. It felt good to just get started and then the swirl of thoughts that wash over me along with the water at the beginning of a race came over me. This was going to be a long haul, but just take it in baby steps. I tried to keep my stroke long and efficient while at the same time keeping the buoys in sight. The shape of the swim made it easier to navigate and the bay had minimal chop so after bouncing around a few people, the swim exit manifested itself before me in no time. It was hard to tell where I came out compared to the rest of my wave. I saw my Mom as I came out which was uplifting gave her a high five and then ran over to the suit strippers. This is the first time I’ve ever had suit strippers at a race and they are the best thing ever! I had pulled off the top of my wetsuit as I exited the water, so I just plopped down and two girls grabbed either side of the suit and within a second they were handing it to me and I was off and running over to my bike. When your heart rate is going a mile a minute I slowed down a second to make sure I have everything. “helmet, shoes, glasses, is that all I need?” I shoved some banana in my mouth and headed out on the bike. As I was riding, I started to feel the stinging on my neck as salt water hit the wetsuit burn I got from my suit, it went away as I rode on, but the ride was a bit uncomfortable the first loop I think due to the salt water mostly. I tried to remember what everyone has been telling me and started drinking as I rode. My second lap I went for the water handoff. I had some trepidation when it came to grabbing a bottle while on the bike because it didn’t work so well for me at Eagleman where I missed the handoff. This time, the volunteers were great. I shouted that I wanted water, they shouted my order to one of the other volunteers and they ran along next to me handing it up. My first successful handoff, I was so relieved! I pulled into the transition feeling okay, racked my bike, pulled on my running shoes, made sure my helmet was off, clicked on my race number and was off. I ran toward the bike exit and then quickly realized my error turned around and headed for the run exit. My legs were exhausted at this point and I felt like I was dragging a sack of potatoes. I knew at this point that if I could run a 2 hr half marathon I would be around 5 hr 30 min, well below my PB. This kept me moving, while at the same time I was frustrated my legs felt like jello. I kept pushing and after a couple of miles and convincing myself this would be easy, my legs began to loosen up and I found more of a rhythm. The run took us throughout Moody Gardens with people cheering the whole way. I ran by a guy rocking out on guitar, a clown making silly comments to everyone, a whole section of people dressed like pirates, a steel drum player and tons of cowbell ringers. That is what makes these events so great. Once I got over my initial brick legs, I just tried to keep it steady, running by my parents cheering me on as well as seeing Robby out on the course kept the fire strong. The last couple of miles I used Paula Radcliffe’s technique of counting to one hundred to step up the pace and bring it home. It worked. I felt great as I ran through the finish hearing my name called and feeling outstanding after the whole experience and with a new half ironman personal best. What did I learn I need to work on?

1. Practice bricks more
   
2. Get on the bike more
3. Keep working on nutrition during long training
4. Figure out a way to prevent wetsuit chafing
   

give me some more of that

The New York Times has an article today about runner's highs and whether there is any truth based in the old-wise tale. There is no question in my mind that exercise makes you feel good. I don't think anyone will dispute that. My family can tell you, they know whether I've worked out that day just by talking to me on the phone. Far fewer people would compete if you didn't feel good training. Now if it is a "high", I have to say I'm definitely hooked. The strange thing is, it really isn't something you think about on the whole. I don't choose to train to "get high" but rather more the peaceful feeling I get from it. It is a time to be in yourself and do something solely for you. It is the feeling of being outside and working my body physically. Without a doubt, it feels good. So really is there any reason to prove it scientifically? Not in my book.

Last night: Swam 2000

You Can Do It Because You Have To

My prerace jitters have officially begun. My stomach is in a knot continually, I can't sleep, I have excess energy, and my moods are large and wide. I keep going through lists in my head of what I need to do before the race, while at the same time feeling like I know nothing. I calm myself thinking, what do I need really? A swimsuit, a bike, some running shoes, those are the basics. I love to play in the ocean, ride my bike, and run and that is what it is about. So why the pressure? My nervousness is based on not knowing how my body will react to the starting gun, the race, and wanting to be top of the heap. A lot of fears are based on the unknown and all my training has been taking my hand and saying "look this is how you feel and you can do it, trust in yourself". I know I can, but will I? It is all up to me, but no pressure. So these last few days before the race are a mental battle of reassuring myself that I'm ready, willing and able.

Last night: 1 hour bike followed by 1/2 hour run.

Vato Lovato

On Friday morning, I had off work and to make things even better, I was meeting Amanda and Michael Lovato for a Barton Springs swim in the morning. Lovato and I are buds from college.
I did my first 100 mile bike ride with him back in '93 and I discovered Friday that it was Lovato's first as well. It is always so nice to see old friends and a bonus to know they are happy and doing so well. We had a lovely swim with the fishies and then Lovato and I were off to get some grub, catch up, and discuss training some. Mostly, we talked about what we all know, just enjoy yourself. And that I've been doing. Lovato made me feel like I'm right on track. I'm more excited about racing is Switzerland as he talked about how pretty the area is and what a huge spectator sport triathlons are over there. Come to find out Michael and Amanda are doing the spring and the olympic distances at the upcoming Lonestar triathlon, so I look forward to seeing them again there.

Saturday, I joined Jeff's riding group although Jeff himself was off skiing and KB came along as well. We settled on the Fitzhugh route and were off. The day was gorgeous, we couldn't ask for better weather and I felt pretty good other than a soreness in my legs going uphill, but that is to be expected. There was a point in the middle of the ride where the area around my shoulder blades was hurting, but that didn't last long and came to pass. KB and I broke off from the group around half way and I missed one of our turn offs. This is where the iphone comes to the rescue as I quickly looked up the map and put us back on the right course. It was on the way back to the planned route that we saw a roadrunner, making it all worth it. (~53 miles, one roadrunner)

Sunday was an easy 6 miler with the Harringtons. Followed by some good Harrington cooking with veggies fresh from the garden.

Rooster and Clyde's Flat Out Adventure (cont., part III)

The springs of San Marcos were all I envisioned and the mariposas in my stomach fluttered excitedly. I dabbed my toe in the water, "perfect"! What a great day. We recharged and snacked for a bit and then got on our bikes to head back to Austin. I hopped on Rooster and rode no more that 20 yds when I realized I had a flat tire. "Uh, Robby, I think I have a flat." I blurt out hoping that what I'm saying really isn't so. We pull into the parking lot to discover it is a reality. I stare for a second and then get to work. I open my pouch, discover I don't have the spare tube that I thought was in there, but I do have patches and that should work just fine. I take out the tube and search for the hole, all I can find is a little piece of metal sticking out and I pull it and patch the hole that is left. I replace the tube, read how to use the CO2 cartridge that neither of us has used before. and voila. We head back out like a movie where the music just starts stops and then starts again. I ride for a while head into the wind and then begin to feel the pebbles we are riding over. "Um, Robby, I hate to say it, but does my tire look low to you." "Yeah, I was looking at it and thought so." He retorts. I pull over again and go through the same ritual. We find another hole patch it and I begin again. We ride about 10 miles and again my tire is flat. "Why don't we just keep shooting it up with CO2 and see if we can make it to a bike shop in Buda?" Robby suggests. Sounds like a good idea to me. So that is how we hobble along until Buda, ride, tire gets low, shoot up some CO2, ride, you get the picture. By the time, we hit Buda we were on our last canister of CO2 and discover no bike shops. We tried calling Cabella's which FYI does not carry bike tubes. After calling numerous people many who were attending SXSW, Johan and Monica said they could get us tubes and CO2 and would meet us wherever. We decided to make it as far as we could on our last cartridge and then I would call them. Back again to the 'ol pump and ride tango. We made it back by Southpark Meadows in Austin when I needed to refill again, at this point our stomaches needed refilling too and we needed to evaluate where we would stop. We contemplated just going somewhere nearby and waiting for the rescue team, but after some peanuts and mention of Polvos (Austin Mexican Restaurant, YUM) I felt a new goal and drive. If I pump the bike up on what I think will be the last fill, I think I can make it. I charged it up and started pedaling. Whoosh, I went flying through the streets, if those street lights would stop making me stop, I was sure I could make it. I could feel the tires getting low, but not to the rim yet, I can ride a bit more, and just on the horizon, there was the sign for POLVOs, hah we had made it. I called Johan and Monica and they came with the supplies, KB and Nathan came home (they live nearby) and gave us water and a place to cool down. The bike ride ended up being a lot longer timewise than we expected and the lesson burned into me. Make sure you have a spare tube BEFORE you leave.

Yesterday: ~5 mile run

Rooster and Clyde's Flat Out Adventure (cont.)

Where do you find a tire after 8 PM on a Thursday? Here is where REI comes to the rescue. We head over to REI, the wheel gets a new tire and I head back to the venue to put the shiny new wheel on Clyde and head out to more venues. When I get to Clyde, the bike is lying on the ground along with a bunch of other disheveled bikes on the same rack. I look over at some guys standing at the rack with me. "Did you see what happened here?" I say. They stare at me blankly. Then someone comes up from behind, "I almost got the guy's license plate number but he sped off to quickly. I was upstairs and saw this car back into the whole rack and then speed off." "Great, what else is going to happen to my bike?" I think. I survey the bike and all seems fine, place the wheel on and then off I go riding to a new venue, with a renewed spirit and put it all behind me. Friday night's SXSW even had my bike pampered with valet bike parking at the Bodeans concert. These things usually happen in threes, so at least I'm done for awhile. Until ...
Saturday morning, Robby and I had planned on or rather I planned and Robby courageously agreed to come along a 70ish mile ride and wanted to get an early start so some of the day was left. I rode Rooster down to Robby's and we were off to San Marcos with my chicken-scratched directions tucked in my jersey to get us there. I had a basic idea of how to go, but when I saw some cyclists ahead of us, I sped up to double-check the way we were heading was correct. As most cyclists are, they were extremely helpful and had me follow them along until we hit Buda. "Okay" the cyclist said. "We are turning into the pharmacy here, but you should keep going straight." I thanked him for helping me out and as I was doing so and speeding up I heard the all too familiar sound of metal on metal and biker on concrete and I look back and he is down. He seemed to be fine and had his two buddies along, Robby got him an ice pack and we hung around to make sure he was alright before we headed on our way again. I should have known this was not to be an ordinary day. I just keep envisioning the cool springs in San Marcos and dipping my twinkle toes in the water. Keep your eyes on prize was working for me and we seemed to be rolling along just fine. (to be continued)

Yesterday: Swam 2000 yds at Barton Springs

Flat MK

This past week/weekend involved LOTS of practice changing flat tires. SXSW was going on and to get in some additional biking as well as avoid parking hassles I rode my bike to downtown Austin. The fun began when I first set out on my journey and discovered a flat on my old Bianchi "Clyde". Lucky for me, the Harrington coaches live nearby and I hobbled on over. "Remember the last time we changed your tire?" Sara jested. "Yeah, three times at the start of the Jingle Bell ride, how could I forget?" I was graciously taken care of, given spare tubes and sent on my way. On the ride downtown, the tire seemed to be a bit bumpy, but I thought nothing of it. I parked my bike and happily went about listening to music. When I went to get my bike and head across town to another venue, lo and behold the tire was completely flat again. Lucky for me I had those spare tires but no pump or tools. I made my way on foot with my bike, ate, relaxed, and then faced the flat. I managed to get the tire off with the back of a knife and fork and then Robby suggested seeing if any of the staff had a pump and he was spot on. I set about pumping the new tube and nothing was going in, took the pump off and discovered the valve was broken (flat #2). Fortunately I had yet another spare. I replaced the tube and this time it began to pump up. As I was pumping I heard a ripping sound and saw the tire ballooning out of the sidewall of the tire, not a good sign. I would have to get a new tire. (tune in tomorrow, for the conclusion of Clyde's flat out adventure, and Rooster's expert job of one upping Clyde).

This weekend's mileage: Bike 75.75 miles Saturday. Run 13.5 miles Sunday morning followed by 4.5 mile walk (later in the day) on Sunday. Legs still intact.

Four months out

We are now four months out from IM Switzerland. I feel like I've been building a good base and have had good days and bad days, overall I've been enjoying it. Coach M, set off my panic button talking about doing long rides. I've since simmered down and am looking forward to the challenge and appreciate the tough love, although I buck at it at first. It is pretty amazing to think that I can train myself (hopefully) to go for so long and so far. The main thing that usually makes me nervous is whether or not I will have the mental strength during the race and I think that is part of what training long helps accomplish. Training long lets me know mentally while at the same time training me physically, that yes you can do this just relax.

Last night was a swim at Stacy followed by a run at Lady Bird Lake where I passed SXSW goer after SXSW goer. The highlight was running passed some aging rockers, "Rock on Sister" they called at me. "Exactly" I thought.

hawkeye

Hawks have always been good supervisors during my training. Some people get squeamish when they see a mouse or a roach, but then there are animals that have the opposite effect on you and give you warm fuzzies when you see them. This for me is the hawk. When I was running in New York surrounded by tall buildings, I would gaze around and up on a street light there would be the hawk, chest feathers pumped up looking down on me with a weary eye as if to say, "you can only aspire to reach the same heights as me." But at the same time encouraging me almost in secret. I'll see hawks playing in thermals while on trail runs, sitting on light posts above the highway, taunting drivers below stuck in traffic, sitting on cliffs, and coasting around the sky like professional surfers. Hawks are my Calgon.

Saturday, Robby and I played bike courier as we rode out to Bee Caves, picked up a package, rode back to my house and then ran the package to Fedex. Robby had to sprint to make the deadline, but mission accomplished. It made the workout that much more interesting. My legs felt tired, but kept in mind long and slow and not trying to race (sometimes it is hard for me) Rode: 45 miles, Ran: ~8 miles.

Sunday wetsuit swim Austin, Texas

train the trainer

Austin, yesterday was rainy and cold which left me riding my trainer. Boy, do I have sympathy for you DCists. The workout was just an hour and I rode 16 miles, but it felt ten times harder than when I road twice as far outside the day before. Riding inside is NOT an easy task, thank goodness we have sunshine and happiness today.

Sometimes when I ...

feel the urge I just like to ride, run, swim hard. As hard as I can as if I'll break through to another time zone. It is sort of the opposite of a tantrum where you bang your fists hard until you feel better. I pound my legs or arms as hard as I can on my gears, the ground, through the water and when I do it leaves me feeling lighter. My cares, worries are far behind me and then I coast along like a hawk that has caught an air current and I look down at thoughts that have plagued me and they seem so insignificant.

Tuesday, I swam a nice 3000 and then went for a run. Before I swam I was tired and not that into it, but when I got out to run there was a renewed energy and it was less like a workout but more like running through a huge field of clover where you can't help but run, it begs for it. Yesterday, I had the same feeling as I rode along a good flat stretch of road where I know I can dig down and ride for a long stretch and hopefully launch myself. The ride totaled 33 miles and was great tonic.

Press On

This weekend was a beautiful weekend for riding and running and I was really looking forward to my "Pedal Thru the Pines" in Bastrop, TX on Saturday. I chose to do the 63 miler as I know I really need to get used to being in the saddle. The ride started out through Bastrop State Park with hills throughout. This gave us (Nathan, KB, and Robby) the challenge of weaving in and out of cyclists as a good amount got off their bikes to rest at the top of hills and such. Once out of the park, the cyclists doing shorter routes were out of the picture and we zipped along. The weather couldn't have been better, the scenery perfect, and company fabulous. All in all it was a great riding day. I felt strong and comfortable the whole way and felt like I had a good pace going, thanks to my riding buddies. I was a bit nervous at the 45 mile mark as that has been my standard as of late, but no worries on this ride.

Sunday, I knew I wanted to do the long run and my legs actually felt pretty good so I decided to take on the 10-mile Lady Bird Lake Loop. Robby joined me and again the weather was warm with a cool breeze and overcast, a perfect day for running. It was pretty fun to run the trail going from crowded festival goer sections to parts of the park less popular. I felt energized the whole run and great the rest of the day. Could I be getting stronger?! Oh the joy of training.

During my ride through the pines, I saw a lizard who was doing his regular run across the road when, he ran right into the bike tire of a cyclist in front of me, he shook his head as if to say "What a nuisance. What is that doing here?" and then forged back in the same direction. He was going to complete his mission. This is how I see my training for IM Switzerland, moving forward accomplishing goals and there may be little setbacks that I don't see or anticipate, but I need to shake them off and keep going. I always think of the quote my parents had in their bathroom when I was little (great place for quote placing by the way). It was a quote from Calvin Coolidge and I always think of it when I am struggling.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.