I made it through my first open water tri! WIN was a very fun race. I was greeted for body marking by my good friend, Barb, which was a nice start to the day. Shortly after I got my gear set up in transition, the overcast sky let loose a some thunder, lightning and ultimately rain. The race was delayed by an hour, but it was okay, as the temps were blessedly cool and the cloud cover remained for the rest of my race. Awesome!
Obviously, my biggest concern was the swim. It was done in a time trial style where we started the swim singly every three seconds. I was lined up toward the back in the 13-minute pace group with Lisa, a fellow Red Lady. We were chatting and reminding each other to "go slow, stay in the moment, not think, etc." which made the 30-minute wait go by much faster. Suddenly, it was our turn.
"GO!" Crap. I walked out into the water and started swimming. Immediately, I managed to get a snoot full of water. For a moment, I felt my heart rate accelerate and my breathing go off, but this time I managed to rein myself in and get into the rhythm.
The swim was FINE! I just kept stroking, one arm at a time, and before I knew it, I had made the last turn and was heading down the backstretch. Sweet success! With the swim behind me, the rest was a piece of cake...or at least, I knew I could do the rest.
Being in the back of the swim pack gave me the opportunity to catch up to and pass many ladies on the bike. The 10-mile course was flat with slight rollers to keep it interesting. Since it was short, I pushed it as hard as I could and was rewarded with a 19 mph average, my best ever.
The run was on a bike path that was also mostly flat-ish. Because the cooler temps continued to prevail, I felt pretty good on the run and managed an 8:01 pace in spite of my water-soaked running shoes. A great day all in all! Fourth place in my age group, by a few seconds. The first place winner in my age group, was quite a bit faster, but the next three of use were within 50 seconds of each other. Both of the other gals had much faster swims, but we were otherwise close. I could have moved up a position, if I hadn't been such a slow swimmer. (How quickly my attitude moved from "surviving the swim" to getting faster on the swim. Ha! However, I was happy with the results today!
What was really wonderful was the fact that there were several people at the race that had also been at Tinman. They were so very supportive and truly happy for me that I had successfully completed the swim. This is what I've found in this community...a lot of ordinary people with an extraordinary amount caring for each other. I think the difference I've seen here compared to just runners, is that everyone struggles with at least one aspect of this sport. There's more empathy and tolerance as we strive to do the best we can do.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Next Test
So, my next test is coming up tomorrow at the WIN for KC Tri. It will be my first competition open water swim since the debacle at Tinman. As it would go, my swim at Shawnee Mission Park was not as good as my previous one at Kill Creek. It seemed to take me a while to fully relax. There were quite a few women there getting doing their last chance workout and funny, I seemed to have gotten bumped around more by them than when there are more guys at the swimming hole.
Oddly, I am feeling much more acclimated to the heat. Prairie Punisher duathlon was last Saturday in 100 degree heat, but I felt pretty good about my performance there. My first 5K was my fastest of the season, and I tried to run it conservatively. I finally got my bike speed up to 18 mph which is HUGE for me. I was a slacker on the second 5K, but it was HOT!
The weather is supposed to break a little this weekend, hopefully. And the race is relatively short...500 meter, 10 miles, 5K so I won't be out there that long. I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be ok...
Oddly, I am feeling much more acclimated to the heat. Prairie Punisher duathlon was last Saturday in 100 degree heat, but I felt pretty good about my performance there. My first 5K was my fastest of the season, and I tried to run it conservatively. I finally got my bike speed up to 18 mph which is HUGE for me. I was a slacker on the second 5K, but it was HOT!
The weather is supposed to break a little this weekend, hopefully. And the race is relatively short...500 meter, 10 miles, 5K so I won't be out there that long. I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be ok...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Long Ride
Some of the Red Ladies have foolishy signed up for the Eurekan Multisport Festival in Eureka Springs, AR in August. It is a three-day event consisting of a short triathlon on Friday, a century bike ride on Saturday and 10K run on Sunday. There are shorter options for the bike ride and the run, but I'm told you are not a Eurekan if you do the shorter distances. I have been to Eureka Springs on many occasions, having grown up a short drive away. It is HILLY. I have big concerns about the century ride, as hills on the bike are not my strong point.
So, Liz, the Red Ladies coach started incorporating training into our workout plans for this event. Today, while the smarter Reds who are not involved in this race, had a mere 45 mile ride, the rest of us had a 70-mile doozy to take care of. Oh, and there is a heat advisory here until next Friday. Ugh.
So, we met at Julie's at the crack o' dawn, 5:30 this morning. The route was nice, challenging in places, relatively flat in places. I felt great until the heat came on around 10:30.We are over 40 miles out by then, but were still looking at another 30 to get through.
My favorite moment was at about mile 54. I had had a few bad moments due to the heat. I started getting a sharp heat headache, as my mom used to call them when I was a kid, and my stomach was bothering me. It had been a little "off" all week, I think mainly due to this beastly heatwave we've had. We were riding through the little town of Bucyrus, which seemed pretty deserted. I spotted an empty building that had big porch on the front and some delicious shade. I stopped there and somehow managed to move my body from the bike to the porch. By the time Jen, Hannah and Julie joined me, I was sprawled out flat on my back, my bike helmet making a nice cushion for my head. The four of us were moaning and groaning about how we just didn't think we could make the full 70 miles in the heat. But, we got our asses off the porch and finished the ride. Woo Hoo!
That was my longest ride to-date and oh my, it was miserably hot. We all continue to make new milestones in our journey to Redman. And, we continue to forge friendships that I believe will stand the test of time. I LOVE this varied group of Red Ladies and don't know what I would do without them. It certainly wouldn't be complete a half IM, as the previous years will attest.
In Liz's words, Onward and Upward!
So, Liz, the Red Ladies coach started incorporating training into our workout plans for this event. Today, while the smarter Reds who are not involved in this race, had a mere 45 mile ride, the rest of us had a 70-mile doozy to take care of. Oh, and there is a heat advisory here until next Friday. Ugh.
So, we met at Julie's at the crack o' dawn, 5:30 this morning. The route was nice, challenging in places, relatively flat in places. I felt great until the heat came on around 10:30.We are over 40 miles out by then, but were still looking at another 30 to get through.
My favorite moment was at about mile 54. I had had a few bad moments due to the heat. I started getting a sharp heat headache, as my mom used to call them when I was a kid, and my stomach was bothering me. It had been a little "off" all week, I think mainly due to this beastly heatwave we've had. We were riding through the little town of Bucyrus, which seemed pretty deserted. I spotted an empty building that had big porch on the front and some delicious shade. I stopped there and somehow managed to move my body from the bike to the porch. By the time Jen, Hannah and Julie joined me, I was sprawled out flat on my back, my bike helmet making a nice cushion for my head. The four of us were moaning and groaning about how we just didn't think we could make the full 70 miles in the heat. But, we got our asses off the porch and finished the ride. Woo Hoo!
That was my longest ride to-date and oh my, it was miserably hot. We all continue to make new milestones in our journey to Redman. And, we continue to forge friendships that I believe will stand the test of time. I LOVE this varied group of Red Ladies and don't know what I would do without them. It certainly wouldn't be complete a half IM, as the previous years will attest.
In Liz's words, Onward and Upward!
Friday, July 15, 2011
71 Days Till Redman
I'm happy to report that the open water swimming is going well. I've been out to various venues several times now and have gotten very comfortable. I even enjoy it! Who'd a thunk?? I did buy a speed suit and part of my mind believes that it gives me the tiniest bit of buoyancy. I don't know if it does or doesn't and I don't care. It's USAT and WTC legal, so if it my new security blanket, so be it.
My next race is WIN for KC on July 30th. It's a 500-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run. I'm still a little anxious about it, but there is absolutely no reason that I can't complete that swim. I did six consecutive laps at Shawnee Mission Park Thursday night, which is more than twice the distance I need to go. I've even signed up for an Olympic distance tri over Labor Day weekend. Nothing thumbs one's nose at turning fifty than doing a 5150 on one's birthday weekend. :)
Tomorrow, I am meeting the group at 5:30 a.m. to ride 70 miles. I foolishly signed up for a three-day event in Eureka Springs, AR, which includes a very short triathlon, a Century ride and a 10K run. Doing a Century ride has been on the bucket list, but I didn't really intend to do my first one in Eureka Springs. It will be hilly, hilly, hilly and I'm not even sure if I can finish 100 miles at this point.
I guess I'll be testing the old adage, "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
My next race is WIN for KC on July 30th. It's a 500-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run. I'm still a little anxious about it, but there is absolutely no reason that I can't complete that swim. I did six consecutive laps at Shawnee Mission Park Thursday night, which is more than twice the distance I need to go. I've even signed up for an Olympic distance tri over Labor Day weekend. Nothing thumbs one's nose at turning fifty than doing a 5150 on one's birthday weekend. :)
Tomorrow, I am meeting the group at 5:30 a.m. to ride 70 miles. I foolishly signed up for a three-day event in Eureka Springs, AR, which includes a very short triathlon, a Century ride and a 10K run. Doing a Century ride has been on the bucket list, but I didn't really intend to do my first one in Eureka Springs. It will be hilly, hilly, hilly and I'm not even sure if I can finish 100 miles at this point.
I guess I'll be testing the old adage, "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
Friday, July 8, 2011
More Swimmmm
This week was my first attempt to swim at Shawnee Mission Park "naked." No, not literally naked, but without my wetsuit. And, not really even naked at that. I had to send the first speed suit back to Xterra becasue they had sent a full length one instead of the short one and it just coincidentally arrived at my house before I left for the park.
The speed suit is made of a very thin, stretchy rubbery-feeling material. I had read on various sites that even though they are very thin, they still provide a tiny bit of buoyancy. Intellectually, I can't really understand how they would...they are so very thin. However, whether it was a psychological thing or not, I did feel that it helped me float a little better. Regardless of real or imagined, I DON'T care! They are legal for triathlons.
I was ecstatic that I swam a good 1200 yards out there Thursday. I was relaxed and in the moment and even enjoying the swim. It gave my confidence an huge boost.I know now that I will be able to do the WIN for KC women's triathlon in three weeks, which is nice since it cost almost $90 to enter.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting Bea at her in-laws to do a mock tri. It's just going to be the two of us, so I hope that I don't do something stupid and end up scaring myself, thus undoing all my new progress. But, I still need all the open water practice I can squeeze in.
After I see how tomorrow goes, I may sign up for the HyVee 50150 (fifty-one fifty, which is how many yards the Olympic distance consists of). It's a big deal race because it has a pro component to it. It's Labor Day weekend and in Des Moines...my Oly race before Redman.
I am so excited about my swim progress. I just may be a triathlete yet!
The speed suit is made of a very thin, stretchy rubbery-feeling material. I had read on various sites that even though they are very thin, they still provide a tiny bit of buoyancy. Intellectually, I can't really understand how they would...they are so very thin. However, whether it was a psychological thing or not, I did feel that it helped me float a little better. Regardless of real or imagined, I DON'T care! They are legal for triathlons.
I was ecstatic that I swam a good 1200 yards out there Thursday. I was relaxed and in the moment and even enjoying the swim. It gave my confidence an huge boost.I know now that I will be able to do the WIN for KC women's triathlon in three weeks, which is nice since it cost almost $90 to enter.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting Bea at her in-laws to do a mock tri. It's just going to be the two of us, so I hope that I don't do something stupid and end up scaring myself, thus undoing all my new progress. But, I still need all the open water practice I can squeeze in.
After I see how tomorrow goes, I may sign up for the HyVee 50150 (fifty-one fifty, which is how many yards the Olympic distance consists of). It's a big deal race because it has a pro component to it. It's Labor Day weekend and in Des Moines...my Oly race before Redman.
I am so excited about my swim progress. I just may be a triathlete yet!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Heat Wave
The dog days of summer have arrived with a vengence. I went out with some fellow Red Ladies this morning at the crack of dawn to do our long ride. By the time we finished our 49 miles, we were feeling the heat. Ugh. Now, to repeat the process tomorrow morning as I meet Marcela at 6:00 a.m. to run our scheduled 11 miles. I had thought about doing the Lenexa Freedom Run on Monday, but I am ready for one day of sleeping in!
Along with the heat rising, I'm finding my entusiasm flagging. So, I polled the gals this week, asking them how they were keeping their motivation going through what is becoming to me, some drudgery to get through the training. There was a grueling group track workout on Wednesday night, which I had skipped, partly because I had an invitation to get together for happy hour with a former co-worker I had not seen in a while and partly because I just didn't want to do it.
Me: "Are any of you finding that this training schedule is starting to feel a bit like a monotonous grind? We've been hard at it for six months (and some of us that started with the fall base camp, it's been longer than that). My motivation is flagging. I can feel accomplished one week that I got the workouts in only to face another week of more of the same (or even MORE of more of the same).
What are you all doing to keep your heads focused on the goal? Is it just me?
Still I slog on. But I would like to instill some of the excitement I felt three months ago once again. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I got some of the most amazing answers.
From Julie, "I, too go through lows. But when I attend a group workout it seems as though there is much energy from the group, even though there are many complaining about weather, Matilda workouts etc.... Even with complaints there is a positive energy from you all. Yesterday I looked at Robbin who was out in the heat and fighting her worst discipline (running) and thought WOW she is working really hard, it sucked, but she was trying. So seeing her busting butt just gave me more inspiration to continue. There are little things that keep me positive, like now I can ride up hills that last year I could not or had to pull over to rest. Or running the HH never stopping except for walking the water stations and one time I could not open my wrapper. You know me I hate running and stop all the time because I have bad thoughts.
I think of us as one big family drinking the kool-aid.
Just remember we are ALL doing this. I told Tricia two weeks ago that I wanted to drop out of Red-ladies, because I am feeling soooo bad. So your not the only one that feels bad. Just need to lean on one another, and maybe have more social events. Even if its meeting at McDonald's with the girls so they can bring their kids. "
From Stephanie, "I agree that we need more group workouts. I think the day to day grind of training together with everything we do as women wears us down. We've been at it now awhile. Nothing beats positive female energy. Nothing beats giving each other compliments (thank you Julie). There's never a day that that devil triathlete who sits on my left shoulder tells me to just give up, but then, I think about September 24th coming and going and not having done Redman. When my father died a few years ago, I told myself that I am not going to live life with any regrets. Where will we find such a group of strong motivated funny women to train with again? It really is something special. We've come this far, we go the rest of the way together. Now, Julie, it's time to drink the Kool Aid! Cheers!"
Fron Robbin, " Julie and I were discussing the other day how unique and great this group is, if for no other reason than there is not a diva among us.
I appreciate the kind words Julie- that its the stuff that helps to keep me going, especially when I feel that I have been a total drag on the rest of you. Last night sucked for me, but here I am, heading to the gym to swim 2,000 because quitting for me is just not an option. I want to feel good about myself again, and despite the bad days and homicidal thoughts - this is helping to get me there.
My self-deprication and sarcasm is how I cope, but you are all making it easier to handle the bad days."
From Bea, " I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I struggle getting the workouts in. I feel like I do really good for a week and then start falling short the following week. I tend to slack quite a bit but then get back on track. I do feel a little burned out at times. I really enjoy the group workouts I just wish I lived closer. I really love this group. There is so much support and positive energy. Seeing all of you at Kansas 70.3 supporting either by email or physically being there gave me so much strength it was really amazing. You guys are one of the reasons I haven't left the group and training. I look forward to the group training and all the daily email from the group. "
From Marcela, "I'm so glad someone told me 'there is this group of women training for Redman!, you should contact Liz'. To think that I was attempting this on my own seems very crazy now!!!
I love the group workouts, and I'm all for more of them! I like collective sweating (yes, Steph, even inside my eyes!! that stings, doesn't it? we need headbands! RED ones!!).
I also love the support and the good vibes. It had never ocurred to me, but Robin is right when she says there are no divas in our group. That's really nice!
So, let's keep going upward and onward!!! 86 days left!!!"
The thing about triathlon is that most people (and I would even hazard a guess that no one) excels at all three aspects of this sport. We each have a weak area or two or THREE that is harder than another. This group is no different. Some are best at swimming, some biking, some running. We each have our strengths and are ready to be there for someone else who is deficient.
This is an amazing group of women that I've come to admire and appreciate from the soles of my feet. We have come together as mostly strangers and bonded in ways that is not always common among groups of women. I've received an outpouring of support in my swimming endeavors, as well. Just reading over these comments make my eyes tear up a little.
Like Robbin says, Quitting is just not an option! Slog on!
(And, thank God for wetsuits that will keep me afloat at Redman.)
I am honored to count myself among these incredible Red Ladies!
Along with the heat rising, I'm finding my entusiasm flagging. So, I polled the gals this week, asking them how they were keeping their motivation going through what is becoming to me, some drudgery to get through the training. There was a grueling group track workout on Wednesday night, which I had skipped, partly because I had an invitation to get together for happy hour with a former co-worker I had not seen in a while and partly because I just didn't want to do it.
Me: "Are any of you finding that this training schedule is starting to feel a bit like a monotonous grind? We've been hard at it for six months (and some of us that started with the fall base camp, it's been longer than that). My motivation is flagging. I can feel accomplished one week that I got the workouts in only to face another week of more of the same (or even MORE of more of the same).
What are you all doing to keep your heads focused on the goal? Is it just me?
Still I slog on. But I would like to instill some of the excitement I felt three months ago once again. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I got some of the most amazing answers.
From Julie, "I, too go through lows. But when I attend a group workout it seems as though there is much energy from the group, even though there are many complaining about weather, Matilda workouts etc.... Even with complaints there is a positive energy from you all. Yesterday I looked at Robbin who was out in the heat and fighting her worst discipline (running) and thought WOW she is working really hard, it sucked, but she was trying. So seeing her busting butt just gave me more inspiration to continue. There are little things that keep me positive, like now I can ride up hills that last year I could not or had to pull over to rest. Or running the HH never stopping except for walking the water stations and one time I could not open my wrapper. You know me I hate running and stop all the time because I have bad thoughts.
I think of us as one big family drinking the kool-aid.
Just remember we are ALL doing this. I told Tricia two weeks ago that I wanted to drop out of Red-ladies, because I am feeling soooo bad. So your not the only one that feels bad. Just need to lean on one another, and maybe have more social events. Even if its meeting at McDonald's with the girls so they can bring their kids. "
From Stephanie, "I agree that we need more group workouts. I think the day to day grind of training together with everything we do as women wears us down. We've been at it now awhile. Nothing beats positive female energy. Nothing beats giving each other compliments (thank you Julie). There's never a day that that devil triathlete who sits on my left shoulder tells me to just give up, but then, I think about September 24th coming and going and not having done Redman. When my father died a few years ago, I told myself that I am not going to live life with any regrets. Where will we find such a group of strong motivated funny women to train with again? It really is something special. We've come this far, we go the rest of the way together. Now, Julie, it's time to drink the Kool Aid! Cheers!"
Fron Robbin, " Julie and I were discussing the other day how unique and great this group is, if for no other reason than there is not a diva among us.
I appreciate the kind words Julie- that its the stuff that helps to keep me going, especially when I feel that I have been a total drag on the rest of you. Last night sucked for me, but here I am, heading to the gym to swim 2,000 because quitting for me is just not an option. I want to feel good about myself again, and despite the bad days and homicidal thoughts - this is helping to get me there.
My self-deprication and sarcasm is how I cope, but you are all making it easier to handle the bad days."
From Bea, " I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I struggle getting the workouts in. I feel like I do really good for a week and then start falling short the following week. I tend to slack quite a bit but then get back on track. I do feel a little burned out at times. I really enjoy the group workouts I just wish I lived closer. I really love this group. There is so much support and positive energy. Seeing all of you at Kansas 70.3 supporting either by email or physically being there gave me so much strength it was really amazing. You guys are one of the reasons I haven't left the group and training. I look forward to the group training and all the daily email from the group. "
From Marcela, "I'm so glad someone told me 'there is this group of women training for Redman!, you should contact Liz'. To think that I was attempting this on my own seems very crazy now!!!
I love the group workouts, and I'm all for more of them! I like collective sweating (yes, Steph, even inside my eyes!! that stings, doesn't it? we need headbands! RED ones!!).
I also love the support and the good vibes. It had never ocurred to me, but Robin is right when she says there are no divas in our group. That's really nice!
So, let's keep going upward and onward!!! 86 days left!!!"
The thing about triathlon is that most people (and I would even hazard a guess that no one) excels at all three aspects of this sport. We each have a weak area or two or THREE that is harder than another. This group is no different. Some are best at swimming, some biking, some running. We each have our strengths and are ready to be there for someone else who is deficient.
This is an amazing group of women that I've come to admire and appreciate from the soles of my feet. We have come together as mostly strangers and bonded in ways that is not always common among groups of women. I've received an outpouring of support in my swimming endeavors, as well. Just reading over these comments make my eyes tear up a little.
Like Robbin says, Quitting is just not an option! Slog on!
(And, thank God for wetsuits that will keep me afloat at Redman.)
I am honored to count myself among these incredible Red Ladies!
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