Seriously... winning was not something I considered when I signed up for this race, got to the site, or even thought about until the bike turnaround when I counted the women ahead of me.
What a fun course.
The water in Lake Mead is gorgeous. I haven't raced in a lake where I could see the swimmer next to me underwater, much less the bottom of the lake!! In fairness, my 16 mos of racing have been limited to AZ manmade lakes. I wore my sleeveless wetsuit, although the water was 78. I forgot to put glide on my neck, and I have war wounds to prove it. The swim went well for me... I felt good, and my arm tendinitis was not a problem with the stretches that Ian Chapple (my AWESOME PT) taught me.
Out of the water and to transition. I can never tell how I'm doing coming out of the water... I'm such a moderate swimmer (although I have to admit that I like it quite a bit), and there are so many people ahead of me that I always feel lousy. My T1 was pretty fast (20 seconds faster than the next gal)... wetsuit off, shoes on (no socks), helmet and glasses on, and I'm out of here.
I am always sooo excited to get on the bike. It's my strongest of the three disciplines, and I just love the power. This may be my most favorite bike course to-date. It was very hilly and so much fun - an out and back course. I kept wondering what my AllSport GPS would read in elevation change. At the turnaround, I was able to count the women ahead of me. But, it's easy to miss people, so when I saw that I MIGHT be in third place, I got pretty excited. After the bike turnaround, I pushed the hills pretty hard - I could see the two gals up ahead of me after about 5 miles. I recognized one of them as the super swimmer that I saw before we started. Could she be a strong runner? Not likely, but who knows!
I then pushed to pass the super swimmer, and rode up to the other gal who was from the LA Tri Club. We spent the next 5 miles or so jockeying back and forth. It was fun. I was comfortable and didn't feel like I was pushing it too hard. I pulled ahead of her on a downhill and kept pushing. I got my heart rate up into the top of my race zone and felt pretty relaxed. I try to pay attention to Nick's advice regarding heart rate zones for racing... he is SO right on about it, I have learned to trust him. Coming from an the independent nightmare that I am, this is big.
I took a water bottle at each bike aid station, and it was just enough. I drank regularly and ate my Hammer gel and solid food. Feeling good! It was going to be a hot day, but the bike wasn't too bad. The wind in your face makes 90 not so bad. I beat the next fastest girl on the bike by almost 10 minutes.
I got back to transition and threw on my running shoes (again no socks) and my visor and off I went. As soon as I left transition, I saw the gal that I passed on the bike. Hmmmm... maybe she's a strong runner. Better get going! Up the hill out of the lake parking lot. WOW, it's hot. Within the first half mile, I regretted not wearing socks. My new orthotics were already rubbing on my arches. Ruh roh. Ignore it, Teri.
The first 3 miles of the run were torture. Uphill, no wind, almost 100 degrees, running from someone. Pure torture. Heart rate over anaerobic threshold. I'm WAY out of my racing HR range, but pace is slower than I'd like. Do I keep it up? I felt okay, so I kept it up. Luckily an aid station. I stopped, drank Hammer Melon (my favorite!), water, and poured water on my salty face and kept on going. Downhill on a concrete path. Whew... I needed that. Run turnaround #1 - I calculated that I was .5 miles ahead. I caught up to Dirk and he gave me some great motivation. Then onto a rock path through the Tunnels. And, crossing paths with Tyson was fun too! I like the out and backs on a trail course - it's nice to see friends. What a fun run course! The heat wasn't so bad with the tunnels to break it up. Run turnaound #2 - .8 miles ahead. Whew... those blisters are hurting. Ignore it.
During that 8 miles stretch of run, I kept thinking about those damn rock sculptures that Mountain Man Events gives out. I wanted one. I've been admiring them on Erica McClurg's mantle for years... I started running for the sculpture. Amazing the things that inspire. I was thinking of what I would say to Nick via text if I actually pulled out a win.
Then I started heading downhill - 3 miles to go. Feeling good. I stopped at EVERY water station and walked a bit, drank, cooled off, thought about the growing blisters that must be bleeding by now and kept on going. Last mile... I hit the mental wall, just like I did at Mountain Man. I know I'm going to take the win, and I start losing motivation to keep up my pace. I walked a few steps, then a few more. What a wimp. I could see the final downhill and I'm still walking... The blisters hurt worse when I'm walking. Wimp. Okay, pick it up... this is it.
Dallas was at the finish, and it was so great to see his face! As always, I teared up at the finish. I'm such a sap. I then ate four popsicles as I sent that text to Nick. I won.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
I LOVE my bike...
I went on my weekly long ride early this morning - just shy of 100. I left so early that my goal once I was out the door was to get 20 miles in before the sun came over the ridge. Success!
I've done my last two 100 mile long rides alone - without anyone else riding along with me. Riding by myself wasn't intentional, rather situational. I've always done long rides with other people, just for moral support if nothing else.
I have been having a great time riding alone, despite how I thought I'd feel spending 5+ hours with no one to complain to. I actually think I have a better attitude when it's just me, and the time just flies by. Wow! Who knew??
This is what I have found in those 10+ hours alone in the past 2 weeks: I LOVE MY BIKE. I am completely infatuated with it. MY Scott Plazma. MINE. She and I are best friends (sorry Tyson). Last Saturday, I had such crazy, excited emotions about my Plasma that I almost got off of it at about mile 85 and took a picture of myself hugging the core of the frame.
How weird is that?
I've done my last two 100 mile long rides alone - without anyone else riding along with me. Riding by myself wasn't intentional, rather situational. I've always done long rides with other people, just for moral support if nothing else.
I have been having a great time riding alone, despite how I thought I'd feel spending 5+ hours with no one to complain to. I actually think I have a better attitude when it's just me, and the time just flies by. Wow! Who knew??
This is what I have found in those 10+ hours alone in the past 2 weeks: I LOVE MY BIKE. I am completely infatuated with it. MY Scott Plazma. MINE. She and I are best friends (sorry Tyson). Last Saturday, I had such crazy, excited emotions about my Plasma that I almost got off of it at about mile 85 and took a picture of myself hugging the core of the frame.
How weird is that?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Training
I'm having so much fun training this summer. I must have a sickness! I have truly looked forward to my 5-6 hour long bike rides, and the 2+ hour runs have become "normal."
Long ride Friday morning, followed by a drive with Tyson and the kids to San Diego for the long weekend. Looking forward to some beach time with Tyson and the kids, as well as trying out beach swimming.
Life is good!
Friday, July 30, 2010
San Francisco Marathon: 3:26:12!
Wow... what a crazy experience!
I'm going to chronicle my race here because this was such an amazing experience for me. Thanks to everyone who was involved!
Okay, so I've always wanted to run a marathon. I always knew that eventually I would, and frankly I have been surprised that it's taken me this long. I was a distance runner in high school and college, and I ran countless miles for a good 10 years. Our long runs would be 10-16 miles, and those were always some of my most favorite days. After my college running days ended, I was pretty burnt out, so I took a break... about a 10 year break! I would run on occasion or pick up and run a 5K or 10K. I even trained for and ran a couple of half marathons - one in 1999 and one in 2002. I've always enjoyed the competition... I don't really like to run for the "joy" of it - I run to race and to be competitive. It's just who I am.
When I decided to race Ironman Arizona, I thought that this would be a good time to race a marathon. Why not - I'm doing all this training, and why should my first marathon be at the end of 7 grueling hours of swimming and biking? I asked Nick, my coach, if I could run the San Francisco Marathon in the middle of my training and he said okay. Funny how I base so many decisions on his opinion. But I've learned (several times over) that he's the expert and he's right. My goal was to qualify to run Boston Marathon in 2011. I would need to race and qualify before late 2010 to make it for 2011. Boston qualifying time for my age is 3:40. In 2 months when I turn 35, I would have another 5 minute break! Can I make it?!
Why San Francisco? First (and foremost!), one of my best girlfriends lives there and it's a reason to visit. Second, the timing was just right (end of July). Third, I LOVE San Francisco. I ran the Half Marathon in 2002 and I loved running through the City.
We added the marathon into my Ironman training schedule, and honestly, we didn't make many adjustments except that my long runs were 2-6 miles longer than they would have been otherwise for about a month. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was really making enough of an adjustment to matter, but, AGAIN... Nick knows what he's doing! I ran one 18 miler, and a couple 16 milers. On my last long run, I got a stomach bug and could only do 13. I was a bit nervous.
My taper the week of the race included swimming, short runs and bikes. And, the weekend before, I rode 80 and ran for 2 hours. Didn't feel like much of a taper, to be honest. I do heartrate training with my coach, and his race strategy for me was this: run relaxed in my normal training HR range for the first 6 miles; push up to my threshold rate for miles 6-20; and push myself as hard as possible for the last 6.2. Hmmm... this scared me. I haven't run 4 hours in threshold before. Can I do it?
We flew into town on Saturday, roamed around the runners expo, I had a BEER at lunch (tee heee) and a sandwich, we made pasta for dinner, lounged, and went to bed around 9:30.
Race time was 5:42am, a good 45 minutes away from Kelli's house. We got up at 4am. I felt ready to go! It was dark! We got to the race site 30 minutes early, it was cold, and I was a combination of nervous and excited. Got some good photos.
The course is known as one of the most hilly around. The Wall Street Journal called it "The Race Even Marathoners Fear" in an article on July 13. Oh great. I was reading about the race from regular marathoners the night before. Quotes from runners who have raced Boston who say the course is 10-15 minutes slower than most courses. Oh great. And people talking about how "no one races this course to qualify for Boston." Oh great. And I have to finish in 3:40. Oh great.
I was nervous going to bed, and nervous standing on the line.
Starting horn blows.... About 40 steps past the starting line, I got emotional. I was actually doing this. I have thought about it, I've intended to do it, and this is real. Wow. Get a grip! The first 5 miles to the Golden Gate Bridge were awesome. I was faster than I expected, but I stayed in my lower training range and just got comfortable. Then we turned onto the Bridge and I got reeeeaally excited. What a rush! And I was passing people. The 5 miles that included running over and back across the Bridge were glorious. I had a ridiculous time!
The Bridge turnaround was during mile 7, and I used that turnaround as the time to push up to threshold HR. I was flying! And having a blast! I was nervous that I was pushing too hard, but I was determined to follow Nick's instructions.
Nutrition: I've had stomach problems when running in the past. Not regularly, but often. And, I'm notorious for not hydrating or eating on my runs. That doesn't work in a marathon, or in Ironman, for that matter. I didn't stop at the first water station (mile 4??), but I did drink water and grab a GU at the second station (at the Bridge turnaround). Had a small sip of GU and put the GU in my pocket for later.
I saw my wonderful supportive husband Tyson and my awesome friend Kelli at mile 10, after the Bridge. I was running under 8 minute miles on average (Tyson was getting my splits), and his eyes were big with excitement. They were suuuch great cheerleaders!
Run, run... on to Golden Gate Park. There were some long, slow uphills, and some seriously steep downhills. I kept my HR around threshold - sometimes a couple beats higher and sometimes a couple beats lower. I looked at my watch regularly to monitor HR. I refused to look at pace and at time... those things are irrelevant, according to my plan, and based on this stage of the race! I felt great at mile 10. I felt great at the half marker too, but I still had another 13!
At half, I caught up to a guy who asked what the Wave 3 split was... in talking to him, he let me know that he was 49 and this was his 159th marathon. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Wow. And, he just finished the LA Marathon in 3:10 a few weeks before. I was nervous that I was running with him because his pace was faster than mine should be. We ran together for a few miles.
Mile 18 I felt great - saw Tyson and Kelli again. Tyson ran with me for a good quarter mile, and he was so encouraging and happy. I was still nervous that I was going too fast. 18 miles is the farthest I had run before... could I keep it up? This was the first time I looked at my watch for time. I did the quick math... I could practically stroll from here and I was going to make my Boston time. WOW. I got emotional... I teared up and my throat seized. I couldn't breathe! I was horrified! Get it together, Teri! No more emotion!!!
Mile 22 I saw Tyson and Kelli again and I needed to use the bathroom... I stopped at the Mile 22 rest stop, used the bathroom (that was one tough squat!!), and drank some water. Got right back at it, and it hurt a bit more after the stop. I was worried about that!
There were some pretty serious downhills in the last section and they HURT!
Miles 24-26 were torture. I was broken, but almost there. I knew I would break 3:30. I had another emotional breakdown, seizing of the throat, panic. What if I can't breathe and I die on the course? Geez, Teri! When I FINALLY hit mile 26 and I had .2 left, I tried to pick it up. When I saw the finish line, I passed about 5 people. Again, emotion, red eyes, tears, wow. 3:26:12. Unbelievable.
Tried to raise my arms, but my line crossing photos prove that I was tired. I crossed, saw Tyson and Kelli, got a quick photo, and my legs immediately broke within 3 minutes. I could barely move. The beer tent that I had been dreaming of was the last thing I wanted. Take me home to a shower.
I was excited. Delighted. Take me home.
The next day we looked at results and found out I had placed 27th out of 2001 women. Wow... I had no idea. I have always viewed 8 minute miles as "slow," but I'm changing that idea.
Thanks to everyone for the Congrats. Thanks to Nick for knowing things I don't know. Thanks to Tyson for always being there and being truly on my side. Kelli - having you there was awesome.
Now, on to Ironman...
I'm going to chronicle my race here because this was such an amazing experience for me. Thanks to everyone who was involved!
Okay, so I've always wanted to run a marathon. I always knew that eventually I would, and frankly I have been surprised that it's taken me this long. I was a distance runner in high school and college, and I ran countless miles for a good 10 years. Our long runs would be 10-16 miles, and those were always some of my most favorite days. After my college running days ended, I was pretty burnt out, so I took a break... about a 10 year break! I would run on occasion or pick up and run a 5K or 10K. I even trained for and ran a couple of half marathons - one in 1999 and one in 2002. I've always enjoyed the competition... I don't really like to run for the "joy" of it - I run to race and to be competitive. It's just who I am.
When I decided to race Ironman Arizona, I thought that this would be a good time to race a marathon. Why not - I'm doing all this training, and why should my first marathon be at the end of 7 grueling hours of swimming and biking? I asked Nick, my coach, if I could run the San Francisco Marathon in the middle of my training and he said okay. Funny how I base so many decisions on his opinion. But I've learned (several times over) that he's the expert and he's right. My goal was to qualify to run Boston Marathon in 2011. I would need to race and qualify before late 2010 to make it for 2011. Boston qualifying time for my age is 3:40. In 2 months when I turn 35, I would have another 5 minute break! Can I make it?!
Why San Francisco? First (and foremost!), one of my best girlfriends lives there and it's a reason to visit. Second, the timing was just right (end of July). Third, I LOVE San Francisco. I ran the Half Marathon in 2002 and I loved running through the City.
We added the marathon into my Ironman training schedule, and honestly, we didn't make many adjustments except that my long runs were 2-6 miles longer than they would have been otherwise for about a month. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was really making enough of an adjustment to matter, but, AGAIN... Nick knows what he's doing! I ran one 18 miler, and a couple 16 milers. On my last long run, I got a stomach bug and could only do 13. I was a bit nervous.
My taper the week of the race included swimming, short runs and bikes. And, the weekend before, I rode 80 and ran for 2 hours. Didn't feel like much of a taper, to be honest. I do heartrate training with my coach, and his race strategy for me was this: run relaxed in my normal training HR range for the first 6 miles; push up to my threshold rate for miles 6-20; and push myself as hard as possible for the last 6.2. Hmmm... this scared me. I haven't run 4 hours in threshold before. Can I do it?
We flew into town on Saturday, roamed around the runners expo, I had a BEER at lunch (tee heee) and a sandwich, we made pasta for dinner, lounged, and went to bed around 9:30.
Race time was 5:42am, a good 45 minutes away from Kelli's house. We got up at 4am. I felt ready to go! It was dark! We got to the race site 30 minutes early, it was cold, and I was a combination of nervous and excited. Got some good photos.
The course is known as one of the most hilly around. The Wall Street Journal called it "The Race Even Marathoners Fear" in an article on July 13. Oh great. I was reading about the race from regular marathoners the night before. Quotes from runners who have raced Boston who say the course is 10-15 minutes slower than most courses. Oh great. And people talking about how "no one races this course to qualify for Boston." Oh great. And I have to finish in 3:40. Oh great.
I was nervous going to bed, and nervous standing on the line.
Starting horn blows.... About 40 steps past the starting line, I got emotional. I was actually doing this. I have thought about it, I've intended to do it, and this is real. Wow. Get a grip! The first 5 miles to the Golden Gate Bridge were awesome. I was faster than I expected, but I stayed in my lower training range and just got comfortable. Then we turned onto the Bridge and I got reeeeaally excited. What a rush! And I was passing people. The 5 miles that included running over and back across the Bridge were glorious. I had a ridiculous time!
The Bridge turnaround was during mile 7, and I used that turnaround as the time to push up to threshold HR. I was flying! And having a blast! I was nervous that I was pushing too hard, but I was determined to follow Nick's instructions.
Nutrition: I've had stomach problems when running in the past. Not regularly, but often. And, I'm notorious for not hydrating or eating on my runs. That doesn't work in a marathon, or in Ironman, for that matter. I didn't stop at the first water station (mile 4??), but I did drink water and grab a GU at the second station (at the Bridge turnaround). Had a small sip of GU and put the GU in my pocket for later.
I saw my wonderful supportive husband Tyson and my awesome friend Kelli at mile 10, after the Bridge. I was running under 8 minute miles on average (Tyson was getting my splits), and his eyes were big with excitement. They were suuuch great cheerleaders!
Run, run... on to Golden Gate Park. There were some long, slow uphills, and some seriously steep downhills. I kept my HR around threshold - sometimes a couple beats higher and sometimes a couple beats lower. I looked at my watch regularly to monitor HR. I refused to look at pace and at time... those things are irrelevant, according to my plan, and based on this stage of the race! I felt great at mile 10. I felt great at the half marker too, but I still had another 13!
At half, I caught up to a guy who asked what the Wave 3 split was... in talking to him, he let me know that he was 49 and this was his 159th marathon. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Wow. And, he just finished the LA Marathon in 3:10 a few weeks before. I was nervous that I was running with him because his pace was faster than mine should be. We ran together for a few miles.
Mile 18 I felt great - saw Tyson and Kelli again. Tyson ran with me for a good quarter mile, and he was so encouraging and happy. I was still nervous that I was going too fast. 18 miles is the farthest I had run before... could I keep it up? This was the first time I looked at my watch for time. I did the quick math... I could practically stroll from here and I was going to make my Boston time. WOW. I got emotional... I teared up and my throat seized. I couldn't breathe! I was horrified! Get it together, Teri! No more emotion!!!
Mile 22 I saw Tyson and Kelli again and I needed to use the bathroom... I stopped at the Mile 22 rest stop, used the bathroom (that was one tough squat!!), and drank some water. Got right back at it, and it hurt a bit more after the stop. I was worried about that!
There were some pretty serious downhills in the last section and they HURT!
Miles 24-26 were torture. I was broken, but almost there. I knew I would break 3:30. I had another emotional breakdown, seizing of the throat, panic. What if I can't breathe and I die on the course? Geez, Teri! When I FINALLY hit mile 26 and I had .2 left, I tried to pick it up. When I saw the finish line, I passed about 5 people. Again, emotion, red eyes, tears, wow. 3:26:12. Unbelievable.
Tried to raise my arms, but my line crossing photos prove that I was tired. I crossed, saw Tyson and Kelli, got a quick photo, and my legs immediately broke within 3 minutes. I could barely move. The beer tent that I had been dreaming of was the last thing I wanted. Take me home to a shower.
I was excited. Delighted. Take me home.
The next day we looked at results and found out I had placed 27th out of 2001 women. Wow... I had no idea. I have always viewed 8 minute miles as "slow," but I'm changing that idea.
Thanks to everyone for the Congrats. Thanks to Nick for knowing things I don't know. Thanks to Tyson for always being there and being truly on my side. Kelli - having you there was awesome.
Now, on to Ironman...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Here comes the San Francisco Marathon
Haven't posted in a while... I think its the heat that's kept me off the computer! Its been 115 this last week in Phoenix, and if you're not gone with your workouts by 7, you're toast!
So, I've been up and at it by 430-5am. its the weekends that are killing me, so I just switched by "off" day from Monday to Sunday so I can have some semblance of a life on Sat night and sleep in on Sunday. Yesterday was the first Sunday I've slept in since I can remember and it was magnificent! Tyson and I slept in, bought a new TV and had lunch, roamed aimlessly around the cool temp mall (making no purchases), then sat and watched movies and the Tour de France until we couldn't hold our eyes open. Magnificent!
Sooo, this weekend is the San Francisco Marathon. My first marathon ever, and a hilly one! I've been doing my long runs (up to 18 miles) and 4-5 hr long bikes, so I should be fit for it. I haven't run a marathon before, so I am not surehow those miles over 20 are going to feel, other than outright painful.
I'm nervous, because I'm filled with expectation. I think I can run a 3:30. I have no good reason to believe that, other than I feel good and I feel fit. But its not going to be easy. Nick says I can run a 3:40. I would like to make sure I'm under 3:45.
Hmmmmm... why do I put the pressure on myself? Why why? I do it because I'm a good competitor. I have expectations. I love placing well. I have thoroughly enjoyed training, and the long runs (when its not 100+ degrees) are some of my favorite workouts.
So, here it goes... next Sunday. I'll post my results...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Deuces Wild Half Ironman
One week ago today I completed my first half Ironman in Show Low, AZ. Tough course, at 6000 ft elevation. Record high temps in mid-90s.
I felt rested and ready heading into the race. Had a great swim - 37.5 minutes, compared to my goal of 40-45 minutes. 20th out of the water. Feeling good! Got onto the bike and had a pretty good ride, although my last 10 miles my HR was down and my legs were burning. My avg speed was 20.6. Then coming out of transition, my quads were hurting and I was feeling dizzy and nauseous. I ran 12:12 pace miles, after spending a LOT of time at aid stations and walking. UGH!
Very frustrating. My coach believes I dehydrated, so I'm working on improving my hydration and my eating in races. This is why you do so many races - good training for what you need to work on!
Next time!
In the meantime, Tyson has a knock out race... finished 30 minutes better than he expected and had a great, breakout run. Very exciting :)
I felt rested and ready heading into the race. Had a great swim - 37.5 minutes, compared to my goal of 40-45 minutes. 20th out of the water. Feeling good! Got onto the bike and had a pretty good ride, although my last 10 miles my HR was down and my legs were burning. My avg speed was 20.6. Then coming out of transition, my quads were hurting and I was feeling dizzy and nauseous. I ran 12:12 pace miles, after spending a LOT of time at aid stations and walking. UGH!
Very frustrating. My coach believes I dehydrated, so I'm working on improving my hydration and my eating in races. This is why you do so many races - good training for what you need to work on!
Next time!
In the meantime, Tyson has a knock out race... finished 30 minutes better than he expected and had a great, breakout run. Very exciting :)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Racing Season...
It's been a while and a lot has been going on since my last post. I have been training a LOT... specifically running and riding - I rode a couple of 80+ mile rides, six or seven run 5 10-14 mile runs.
I did my first triathlon of the season - Tempe International - a few weeks ago. And, I had a poor showing. I didn't taper at all, and it was hot, and I had a swimming problem. The swim was SO bad that a kayaker came up to me to ask me if I needed a break. REALLY??!! After 34:58 struggling minutes in the water, I finally made it out. I sped through transition, got on the bike and felt great - did my bike split in 1:10:28 - one of the fastest . Then, I finished it up with a 48:16 10K, total time 2:36:17. 4th in my age group and 29th female. UGH! Very frustrating!
This very poor swimming showing motivated me to sign up for Masters Swimming... two weeks of masters swimming and i was feeling pretty good...
Raced Tribal Sprint Triathlon this last Saturday morning. This race in 2009 was my first triathlon. And this particular race is geared towards swimmers - the sprint swim is 1000m, where most sprint races are 400-600m or 750m. I just went out to give it my best shot and ended up 6th overall female and won my age group! With a total time of 1:27:56! I was 24th of 75 out of the water (WOW! Huge improvement for me!), 4th on the bike and 6th on the run. FABULOUS! Very exciting for me, and I beat my 2009 time by... drum roll are you ready for this... 13 minutes!!!!! (Last year I finished in 1:41:00). Wow. What a great feeling! And, last year I was 73rd of 90 out of the water - wow.
Prepping for this weekend's half Ironman at Deuces Wild in Show Low, AZ. I'm looking forward to it. I'll report back :)
I did my first triathlon of the season - Tempe International - a few weeks ago. And, I had a poor showing. I didn't taper at all, and it was hot, and I had a swimming problem. The swim was SO bad that a kayaker came up to me to ask me if I needed a break. REALLY??!! After 34:58 struggling minutes in the water, I finally made it out. I sped through transition, got on the bike and felt great - did my bike split in 1:10:28 - one of the fastest . Then, I finished it up with a 48:16 10K, total time 2:36:17. 4th in my age group and 29th female. UGH! Very frustrating!
This very poor swimming showing motivated me to sign up for Masters Swimming... two weeks of masters swimming and i was feeling pretty good...
Raced Tribal Sprint Triathlon this last Saturday morning. This race in 2009 was my first triathlon. And this particular race is geared towards swimmers - the sprint swim is 1000m, where most sprint races are 400-600m or 750m. I just went out to give it my best shot and ended up 6th overall female and won my age group! With a total time of 1:27:56! I was 24th of 75 out of the water (WOW! Huge improvement for me!), 4th on the bike and 6th on the run. FABULOUS! Very exciting for me, and I beat my 2009 time by... drum roll are you ready for this... 13 minutes!!!!! (Last year I finished in 1:41:00). Wow. What a great feeling! And, last year I was 73rd of 90 out of the water - wow.
Prepping for this weekend's half Ironman at Deuces Wild in Show Low, AZ. I'm looking forward to it. I'll report back :)
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