Actually look like I am exerting myself a bit here...guessing this is near the end of the 2nd run.
Showing posts with label Gold Coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gold Coast. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Gold Coast 2009 Pics
Actually look like I am exerting myself a bit here...guessing this is near the end of the 2nd run.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon 2009 - Long Version
It rained for about 20 days leading up to the race, and thunderstorms were in the forecast for race day. I tried to hold out hope that the swim wouldn't be canceled, keeping a positive attitude, even though the beaches had been closed during the week due to runoff, etc. But with a constant drizzle on race morning, walking from the parking lot to transition it was confirmed: swim canceled, and it would be a run/bike/run. We returned out wetsuits to the car (my wetsuit has now not be used since this race last year), and headed to a soggy transition area.
With the swim canceled, my confidence took a blow. I hoped to improve my overall time and move up in the overall standings this year. My primary focus the first half of the year has been my run fitness and speed, and I have also spent much more time in the saddle, including hours on the trainer over the winter- a first for me. However, even with this work, with no swim to 'rely' on, I wasn't sure if I needed to readjust my goals.
The announced the new waves, and I would be going off in the first wave. I decided to be confident, lined up close to the front, and make it hurt. My coach advised to be a little conservative in the first run, hammer the bike, and see what was left on the last run.
Run 1 (1.9 miles, 12:57 (6:49/mile))
I lined up front and center, not knowing how long the run was, and felt great from the start. I settled in with two other women, staying around 4th woman. I felt great, but tried to keep my breathing under control and steady. I didn't start my watch, sort of by accident, but also wanted to race by feel and effort. At the end of the first run, I thought I entered transition around 3rd in my age group.
I am basing the distance of the first run on the pace posted in the results. Who knows if it's accurate.
T1 (1:01)
I had trouble getting my bike shoes on, stepped in a huge puddle, and ran awkwardly with my bike to the bike out. I thought I had an awful transition, but realized I was the first woman out of transition (I think).
Bike (12 miles, 35:51 (20.1mph))
Being in the first wave we were lucky to have a wide open bike course for the 1st of a 2 loop course. I was passed almost right away by one of the two women who would pass me during the bike. I felt comfortable, stayed in my drops, and tried to keep her in sight. I was passed by another about halfway through the bike, made a brief attempt to hang with her, but realized it wasn't happening and continued to ride my own race, keeping my cadence up. My spirits were high, and the second loop all I thought about was avoiding a crash, as the course was wet, with puddles, and had masses of people all over the road. I witnessed one guy go down hard, and after that, took the corners conservatively and just wanted to be done. Overall, the bike felt good- I was able to make it hurt the entire time, keep my heart rate high, as well as my spirit. I think this is sort of a breakthrough for me, as I usually get bored/lose focus during the bike, no matter how short.
T2 (:46)
Ran awkwardly with my bike, stepped in more puddles, shoes on, visor in hand, run out. This felt good. I knew that only two women were in front of me, both in my age group, and wanted to see how far ahead they were ASAP.
Run2 (2.99, 20:06 (6:44/mile))
As much as I thought about doing a brick prior to this race, this was the first brick of the season for me. And I felt it. The first part of the run is a little out and back, and I was able to see how far in front the women were. I tried not to think about hammering and trying to catch them right away, just getting my legs under me and finding a comfortable stride. It took about a mile to find my legs, and I could tell I was gaining ground on the female running in front of me. I tried to keep my cool, latched on to a guy's shoulder and dig deep. My stride felt great and I was able to pick up my turn over. I passed her about ~2ish miles into the run. I could tell I wasn't gaining ground on the female in first- in fact, I couldn't even see her at that point. I tried to keep in mind there were waves behind me and I needed to keep digging deep, not just be happy with 2/AG. I finished strong, with no one out-kicking me in the finish chute, seeing my time around 1:10.
I knew this was about 4 minutes faster than last year, although the swim had been replaced (but go figure my run1 time was very close to my swim time from last year). After only a minutes or so, I saw a woman from the next wave finish, so I knew she had gone way faster than me. At that point I decided to enjoy how great I felt, cheer for others on my team, and not worry about the results.
Looking back, I wish I had run the first run a bit harder, but there is nothing else I would have changed. I can't think of any other race I have done where I have been able to push the run and set my sights on passing someone and actually get it done. AWESOME feeling.
Although of course I would have liked a swim (and I am pretty sure it could have helped me place a bit higher), I think in a weird way I am happy the swim was canceled. I am realizing up to this point I have thought of myself as "a good swimmer who does triathlons." I think I need to start thinking of myself as a "triathlete." This is the exactly the confidence I was looking for going into Philly this weekend.
With the swim canceled, my confidence took a blow. I hoped to improve my overall time and move up in the overall standings this year. My primary focus the first half of the year has been my run fitness and speed, and I have also spent much more time in the saddle, including hours on the trainer over the winter- a first for me. However, even with this work, with no swim to 'rely' on, I wasn't sure if I needed to readjust my goals.
The announced the new waves, and I would be going off in the first wave. I decided to be confident, lined up close to the front, and make it hurt. My coach advised to be a little conservative in the first run, hammer the bike, and see what was left on the last run.
Run 1 (1.9 miles, 12:57 (6:49/mile))
I lined up front and center, not knowing how long the run was, and felt great from the start. I settled in with two other women, staying around 4th woman. I felt great, but tried to keep my breathing under control and steady. I didn't start my watch, sort of by accident, but also wanted to race by feel and effort. At the end of the first run, I thought I entered transition around 3rd in my age group.
I am basing the distance of the first run on the pace posted in the results. Who knows if it's accurate.
T1 (1:01)
I had trouble getting my bike shoes on, stepped in a huge puddle, and ran awkwardly with my bike to the bike out. I thought I had an awful transition, but realized I was the first woman out of transition (I think).
Bike (12 miles, 35:51 (20.1mph))
Being in the first wave we were lucky to have a wide open bike course for the 1st of a 2 loop course. I was passed almost right away by one of the two women who would pass me during the bike. I felt comfortable, stayed in my drops, and tried to keep her in sight. I was passed by another about halfway through the bike, made a brief attempt to hang with her, but realized it wasn't happening and continued to ride my own race, keeping my cadence up. My spirits were high, and the second loop all I thought about was avoiding a crash, as the course was wet, with puddles, and had masses of people all over the road. I witnessed one guy go down hard, and after that, took the corners conservatively and just wanted to be done. Overall, the bike felt good- I was able to make it hurt the entire time, keep my heart rate high, as well as my spirit. I think this is sort of a breakthrough for me, as I usually get bored/lose focus during the bike, no matter how short.
T2 (:46)
Ran awkwardly with my bike, stepped in more puddles, shoes on, visor in hand, run out. This felt good. I knew that only two women were in front of me, both in my age group, and wanted to see how far ahead they were ASAP.
Run2 (2.99, 20:06 (6:44/mile))
As much as I thought about doing a brick prior to this race, this was the first brick of the season for me. And I felt it. The first part of the run is a little out and back, and I was able to see how far in front the women were. I tried not to think about hammering and trying to catch them right away, just getting my legs under me and finding a comfortable stride. It took about a mile to find my legs, and I could tell I was gaining ground on the female running in front of me. I tried to keep my cool, latched on to a guy's shoulder and dig deep. My stride felt great and I was able to pick up my turn over. I passed her about ~2ish miles into the run. I could tell I wasn't gaining ground on the female in first- in fact, I couldn't even see her at that point. I tried to keep in mind there were waves behind me and I needed to keep digging deep, not just be happy with 2/AG. I finished strong, with no one out-kicking me in the finish chute, seeing my time around 1:10.
I knew this was about 4 minutes faster than last year, although the swim had been replaced (but go figure my run1 time was very close to my swim time from last year). After only a minutes or so, I saw a woman from the next wave finish, so I knew she had gone way faster than me. At that point I decided to enjoy how great I felt, cheer for others on my team, and not worry about the results.
Looking back, I wish I had run the first run a bit harder, but there is nothing else I would have changed. I can't think of any other race I have done where I have been able to push the run and set my sights on passing someone and actually get it done. AWESOME feeling.
Although of course I would have liked a swim (and I am pretty sure it could have helped me place a bit higher), I think in a weird way I am happy the swim was canceled. I am realizing up to this point I have thought of myself as "a good swimmer who does triathlons." I think I need to start thinking of myself as a "triathlete." This is the exactly the confidence I was looking for going into Philly this weekend.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon 2009
Short Version:
Canceled the swim, turned into a run (of unknown distance)/bike/run.
Run1: 12:57
T1: 1:01
Bike: 35:51
T2: 0:46
Run2: 20:06
Total Time: 1:10:44
1st 25-29 Age Group, 5th Female Overall (Last Year, 1/AG, 10/OA)
Achieved my goals plus some, except of course related to the swim for obvious reasons.
Longer version later.
Canceled the swim, turned into a run (of unknown distance)/bike/run.
Run1: 12:57
T1: 1:01
Bike: 35:51
T2: 0:46
Run2: 20:06
Total Time: 1:10:44
1st 25-29 Age Group, 5th Female Overall (Last Year, 1/AG, 10/OA)
Achieved my goals plus some, except of course related to the swim for obvious reasons.
Longer version later.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Time to Race!
This weekend is finally my first triathlon of the season- Gold Coast Sprint. It was my first multi-sport race ever (2007) and my 'comeback' last year. I went into last year with NO expectations and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
This year, I have to admit I am a bit nervous, but a good, 'ready to race' nervous. I have been feeling seriously tired the past few weeks, but it's a short sprint and I am ready to go!
This weekend's goals:
1. Find some feet in the swim and HANG ON. My time in the pool has been less than ideal (ie perhaps 1/month?), but my feel for the water is still there, and I hope to be out of the water close to the front of the pack.
2. Hammer the bike. It's 12 miles - no reason to hold back. I am in Wave 2, so I should have a clear, open course for the first loop of the 2 loop course.
3. Improve on my run time from last year. I have really been focusing on my run basically since this race last year, and am hoping to see my pace drop and get up and race!
Overall, I am looking for a boost in confidence from this race going into Philly OLY next weekend.
In other news, I have a new favorite mid-afternoon snack: Whole Foods wins big over Trader Joe's when it comes to the fruit strip:
This year, I have to admit I am a bit nervous, but a good, 'ready to race' nervous. I have been feeling seriously tired the past few weeks, but it's a short sprint and I am ready to go!
This weekend's goals:
1. Find some feet in the swim and HANG ON. My time in the pool has been less than ideal (ie perhaps 1/month?), but my feel for the water is still there, and I hope to be out of the water close to the front of the pack.
2. Hammer the bike. It's 12 miles - no reason to hold back. I am in Wave 2, so I should have a clear, open course for the first loop of the 2 loop course.
3. Improve on my run time from last year. I have really been focusing on my run basically since this race last year, and am hoping to see my pace drop and get up and race!
Overall, I am looking for a boost in confidence from this race going into Philly OLY next weekend.
In other news, I have a new favorite mid-afternoon snack: Whole Foods wins big over Trader Joe's when it comes to the fruit strip:
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gold Coast Sprint Triathlon 2008
Short Version:
Swim 12:50
T1 1:30
Bike 37:12
T2 0:53
Run 21: 59 (includes T2)
Total Time 1:14:26
1/69 F25-29 AG, 10th overall female (Last year 4th AG, 17th OA)
Long Version:
Friday
As the day progressed, I was definitely getting sick. I had felt the start of the cold in my bike on Thursday afternoon, my legs felt like lead and I cut the hour ride short to just 14 miles. I was unfortunately not at all surprised by this, for a few reasons. First, I turned my AC on in my apartment this week, and it usually causes a sore throat/stuffy nose when I first use it. I tried to avoid it, but upper 90s with 90% humidity doesn't lend itself to open windows. Second, before EVERY big swim meet I have ever swam in (East Coast Regional Championship in high school, Metros (the DC area high school champs), and even NCAAs in college, I would get sick. Purely mental, but with definite physical symptoms: sore throat, cough, runny nose. So I got some Vitamin C chewables, and started drinking Emergen-C like it was water.
My mother and sister were in town for a few days, they got amazing seats to see Phantom of the Opera, which is one of my all time favorite shows, so I was able to at least take my mind off how badly I was feeling.
Saturday
Woke up feeling WAY worse. I debated getting up and going to the gym to do an easy 30 minutes on the elliptical just to loosen the legs up, but decided an extra few hours in bed would be better to get ready for the race. Had a lazy day, went to brunch with the family, and think I drank more OJ than I have in years. Also was eating Vitamin C chewables like they were candy. But I was starting to feel a bit better.
Sunday, race day
Some major storms moved through the city on Saturday night, and each time I woke up during the night, the wind was howling or it was pouring rain. I woke up to no rain, but definitely overcast and humid weather. Got picked up and was at the race site by 6:30am. Went to set up my transition and was getting SO SO excited to just be racing again. Although I did run a 10k a few weeks ago, I had no intention of taking this run easy. I decided my race plan was to hammer the swim and the run. If my hip/leg hurt, I would deal with it at the time, but I wasn't going to hold back, after all, it was only a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 3 mile run.
The only stress leading up to the race was my coach telling me not to wear my wetsuit. The water wasn't as cold as last year, and since it was only a 1/2 mile, he said the time I would save wearing the wetsuit wouldn't be worth it. I debated and stressed, but in the end decided to wear it because I had worn it last year and my ONLY goal going into the race was to beat last year's time.
Swim, 1/2 mile, 12:50 (last year 13:30)
I was in wave 8/10, so did a lot of standing around watching waves go off. It was good to see some strategy in terms of the course, as it was a u-shaped swim, with two left hand turns. However the start on the beach was a bit inside the first turn, so you had to swim a bit at a diagonal to get around the first buoy, however MANY people were swimming way too wide (I think there may have been a bit of a current). I also realized the waves were all very mixed in terms of age and gender, which was a bit intimidating.
Regardless, when our waves was called, I lined up front and center. The friend who was in my wave moved back a bit after we got some interesting stares from the 'big boys' (ie the M35-39) in our wave. I smiled back and held my ground. Gun went off and I felt GREAT. I had decided my swim goal was to be first out of the water from my wave. Who knew if this was realistic, but I would be racing whoever was around me for the entire swim. One guy shot WAY out and I realized there would be no keeping up with him, but I found some other feet and tucked in.
Definitely the WRONG feet to tuck in behind, as this guy's idea of sighting was to do a breast stroke kick every 4-5 strokes. And he was going way wide. So I got out from behind him and decided to swim my own race.
When I made the first turn and looked for the next buoy to site, I realized that the wave in front of me was orange caps. The buoys were also orange! It took me quite a bit of time to figure out just which orange circle in front of me was the buoy... Overall, the swim was unevetful. I felt really good, and ended up coming out the water second in my wave. The swim time includes the run up the beach and into transition.
T1, 1:30 (last year 1:38)
Nothing remarkable, I was on the other end of transition, as last year my rack was literally next to bike out.
Bike, 12 miles, 37:12 (last year 36:35).
As soon as I mounted my bike and tried to shift to a higher gear, my chain slipped. I was worried about the state of my bike all week (it started making some new noises and hadn't been shifting too great the last few rides), but I just tried to ignore it. The bike course is 2 6-mile loops, with some nice office park views and rollers. Not great road quality, there were bottles all over the road, and has 2 sharp, 180 turn-arounds. The course was really crowded by the time I got on it, as I started 32 minutes after the first wave. I didn't have much trouble in the crowds, only got blocked in/cut off a few times (by the same guy both times, in fact, who strangely also kept trying to chat with me).
I got passed by 2 females the entire bike, one of whom I was passing back and forth for most of the ride. I felt good about that, and didn't look at my computer at all. I didn't want to see my time or speed, as I was afraid if I was behind last year's time I would get discouraged. I do remember really pounding last year's bike course and being worried as I got closer to the run. I felt a bit of the opposite this year. As I got closer to the end of the bike, my legs felt really good and I was worried I hadn't pushed as hard as I could have.
T2 0:53 (last year 0:43)
Again, nothing special, had to run much farther in my bike shoes than last year (still worried about the flying dismount with my hip so I havn't done any this year yet, didn't want to start in a race). As I headed out of transition, my coach was right at Run Out and yelled at me to calm down and not hurt myself. I yelled back "It's only 3 miles- I'm not slowing down!" and took off :)
Run 21:59 (last year 22:43)--> I am pretty sure these run times include T2 as they have my pace as 7:02 for this year.
As I have said, last year this was my first Brick, and I thought I was going to die. My legs felt awful and I wanted to vomit. Looking back, this may have been because I hammered the bike WAY too hard last year for my fitness, even if it was only 12 miles. This year, the transition to run didn't even phase me. As I am thinking about it, there was NO point in the run where I thought "this feels funny" (it terms of running off the bike OR in terms of my hip injury). I also decided to NOT start my watch at the beginning of the run, as I again didn't want to discourage myself if I was running 'slower' than I wanted to be.
This year's run was a total contrast to last years, in all good ways. Last year, I think I passed a total of three people, non of them being women. This year, only a handful of people ran past me, only 1 being a woman (the same women who I was going back and forth with on the bike- who ended up winning one of the older age groups). This obviously is in part b/c I started in a much later wave this year, but I also felt REALLY good on the run.
The run is two loops, with the first loop being a bit longer than the second. I pushed the pace s much as I could in the second loop, and even though I was feeling it, I was having a BLAST out there- trying to soak up being healthy enough to be out there competing and racing again. Coming into the finish, I tried to push it as much as I could. In crossing the line I was SO happy, regardless of finishing time (OK that is only half true- I coudln't WAIT to see my time!). I knew that based on when my waved started and the time on the clock at the finish line my time was going to be VERY close to last years time.
Aftermath:
After I finished I was really happy with my performance, and was trying to hold in my excitement to see how I did. I talked to my coach before I knew my results, but he just gave me a hard time for letting a boy beat me in the swim :)
When I first looked at the results, they had my as 3rd in my AG. I was SO excited to have moved up from last year, and to have achieved my main goal of improving last years overall time. When they posted the final results, I had moved up to 1st in my Age Group, as the two in front of me had placed in the overall results. I hadn't even bothered to look, and some others from my team told me the great news! I had in no way expected that, so it was a nice treat. This was my 4th triathlon (1 sprint, 2 Olympics last year), and the first time I have placed in my age group. To have it be a win is just icing on the cake.
The main thing I am proud for this race is that, despite a stress fracture, 3 months off running, and 2 months in India and Africa, I improved my run time. It is so nice to have tangible results for all the hard work I have put in over the past two months, and only makes me more excited as I move forward to keep up doing all the 'right' things: ART, strength training, long slow running, ice and stretch!! I have to admit that I am a *tad* bit bummed that my bike time was slower this year, as I have put more effort into being on the bike this season so far, but at the same time, it's only 40 seconds :)
Now my short term goal is to somehow flirt/sneak my way into the NYC Triathlon next month. I have one idea that I am working on, that may or may not include sexual favors, so cross your fingers (that I get in, and don't have to provide said favors to do so...)
Swim 12:50
T1 1:30
Bike 37:12
T2 0:53
Run 21: 59 (includes T2)
Total Time 1:14:26
1/69 F25-29 AG, 10th overall female (Last year 4th AG, 17th OA)
Long Version:
Friday
As the day progressed, I was definitely getting sick. I had felt the start of the cold in my bike on Thursday afternoon, my legs felt like lead and I cut the hour ride short to just 14 miles. I was unfortunately not at all surprised by this, for a few reasons. First, I turned my AC on in my apartment this week, and it usually causes a sore throat/stuffy nose when I first use it. I tried to avoid it, but upper 90s with 90% humidity doesn't lend itself to open windows. Second, before EVERY big swim meet I have ever swam in (East Coast Regional Championship in high school, Metros (the DC area high school champs), and even NCAAs in college, I would get sick. Purely mental, but with definite physical symptoms: sore throat, cough, runny nose. So I got some Vitamin C chewables, and started drinking Emergen-C like it was water.
My mother and sister were in town for a few days, they got amazing seats to see Phantom of the Opera, which is one of my all time favorite shows, so I was able to at least take my mind off how badly I was feeling.
Saturday
Woke up feeling WAY worse. I debated getting up and going to the gym to do an easy 30 minutes on the elliptical just to loosen the legs up, but decided an extra few hours in bed would be better to get ready for the race. Had a lazy day, went to brunch with the family, and think I drank more OJ than I have in years. Also was eating Vitamin C chewables like they were candy. But I was starting to feel a bit better.
Sunday, race day
Some major storms moved through the city on Saturday night, and each time I woke up during the night, the wind was howling or it was pouring rain. I woke up to no rain, but definitely overcast and humid weather. Got picked up and was at the race site by 6:30am. Went to set up my transition and was getting SO SO excited to just be racing again. Although I did run a 10k a few weeks ago, I had no intention of taking this run easy. I decided my race plan was to hammer the swim and the run. If my hip/leg hurt, I would deal with it at the time, but I wasn't going to hold back, after all, it was only a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 3 mile run.
The only stress leading up to the race was my coach telling me not to wear my wetsuit. The water wasn't as cold as last year, and since it was only a 1/2 mile, he said the time I would save wearing the wetsuit wouldn't be worth it. I debated and stressed, but in the end decided to wear it because I had worn it last year and my ONLY goal going into the race was to beat last year's time.
Swim, 1/2 mile, 12:50 (last year 13:30)
I was in wave 8/10, so did a lot of standing around watching waves go off. It was good to see some strategy in terms of the course, as it was a u-shaped swim, with two left hand turns. However the start on the beach was a bit inside the first turn, so you had to swim a bit at a diagonal to get around the first buoy, however MANY people were swimming way too wide (I think there may have been a bit of a current). I also realized the waves were all very mixed in terms of age and gender, which was a bit intimidating.
Regardless, when our waves was called, I lined up front and center. The friend who was in my wave moved back a bit after we got some interesting stares from the 'big boys' (ie the M35-39) in our wave. I smiled back and held my ground. Gun went off and I felt GREAT. I had decided my swim goal was to be first out of the water from my wave. Who knew if this was realistic, but I would be racing whoever was around me for the entire swim. One guy shot WAY out and I realized there would be no keeping up with him, but I found some other feet and tucked in.
Definitely the WRONG feet to tuck in behind, as this guy's idea of sighting was to do a breast stroke kick every 4-5 strokes. And he was going way wide. So I got out from behind him and decided to swim my own race.
When I made the first turn and looked for the next buoy to site, I realized that the wave in front of me was orange caps. The buoys were also orange! It took me quite a bit of time to figure out just which orange circle in front of me was the buoy... Overall, the swim was unevetful. I felt really good, and ended up coming out the water second in my wave. The swim time includes the run up the beach and into transition.
T1, 1:30 (last year 1:38)
Nothing remarkable, I was on the other end of transition, as last year my rack was literally next to bike out.
Bike, 12 miles, 37:12 (last year 36:35).
As soon as I mounted my bike and tried to shift to a higher gear, my chain slipped. I was worried about the state of my bike all week (it started making some new noises and hadn't been shifting too great the last few rides), but I just tried to ignore it. The bike course is 2 6-mile loops, with some nice office park views and rollers. Not great road quality, there were bottles all over the road, and has 2 sharp, 180 turn-arounds. The course was really crowded by the time I got on it, as I started 32 minutes after the first wave. I didn't have much trouble in the crowds, only got blocked in/cut off a few times (by the same guy both times, in fact, who strangely also kept trying to chat with me).
I got passed by 2 females the entire bike, one of whom I was passing back and forth for most of the ride. I felt good about that, and didn't look at my computer at all. I didn't want to see my time or speed, as I was afraid if I was behind last year's time I would get discouraged. I do remember really pounding last year's bike course and being worried as I got closer to the run. I felt a bit of the opposite this year. As I got closer to the end of the bike, my legs felt really good and I was worried I hadn't pushed as hard as I could have.
T2 0:53 (last year 0:43)
Again, nothing special, had to run much farther in my bike shoes than last year (still worried about the flying dismount with my hip so I havn't done any this year yet, didn't want to start in a race). As I headed out of transition, my coach was right at Run Out and yelled at me to calm down and not hurt myself. I yelled back "It's only 3 miles- I'm not slowing down!" and took off :)
Run 21:59 (last year 22:43)--> I am pretty sure these run times include T2 as they have my pace as 7:02 for this year.
As I have said, last year this was my first Brick, and I thought I was going to die. My legs felt awful and I wanted to vomit. Looking back, this may have been because I hammered the bike WAY too hard last year for my fitness, even if it was only 12 miles. This year, the transition to run didn't even phase me. As I am thinking about it, there was NO point in the run where I thought "this feels funny" (it terms of running off the bike OR in terms of my hip injury). I also decided to NOT start my watch at the beginning of the run, as I again didn't want to discourage myself if I was running 'slower' than I wanted to be.
This year's run was a total contrast to last years, in all good ways. Last year, I think I passed a total of three people, non of them being women. This year, only a handful of people ran past me, only 1 being a woman (the same women who I was going back and forth with on the bike- who ended up winning one of the older age groups). This obviously is in part b/c I started in a much later wave this year, but I also felt REALLY good on the run.
The run is two loops, with the first loop being a bit longer than the second. I pushed the pace s much as I could in the second loop, and even though I was feeling it, I was having a BLAST out there- trying to soak up being healthy enough to be out there competing and racing again. Coming into the finish, I tried to push it as much as I could. In crossing the line I was SO happy, regardless of finishing time (OK that is only half true- I coudln't WAIT to see my time!). I knew that based on when my waved started and the time on the clock at the finish line my time was going to be VERY close to last years time.
Aftermath:
After I finished I was really happy with my performance, and was trying to hold in my excitement to see how I did. I talked to my coach before I knew my results, but he just gave me a hard time for letting a boy beat me in the swim :)
When I first looked at the results, they had my as 3rd in my AG. I was SO excited to have moved up from last year, and to have achieved my main goal of improving last years overall time. When they posted the final results, I had moved up to 1st in my Age Group, as the two in front of me had placed in the overall results. I hadn't even bothered to look, and some others from my team told me the great news! I had in no way expected that, so it was a nice treat. This was my 4th triathlon (1 sprint, 2 Olympics last year), and the first time I have placed in my age group. To have it be a win is just icing on the cake.
The main thing I am proud for this race is that, despite a stress fracture, 3 months off running, and 2 months in India and Africa, I improved my run time. It is so nice to have tangible results for all the hard work I have put in over the past two months, and only makes me more excited as I move forward to keep up doing all the 'right' things: ART, strength training, long slow running, ice and stretch!! I have to admit that I am a *tad* bit bummed that my bike time was slower this year, as I have put more effort into being on the bike this season so far, but at the same time, it's only 40 seconds :)
Now my short term goal is to somehow flirt/sneak my way into the NYC Triathlon next month. I have one idea that I am working on, that may or may not include sexual favors, so cross your fingers (that I get in, and don't have to provide said favors to do so...)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Perfect Day
I felt amazing.
I went faster (and I think the course was longer).
And I won my age group.
...Can't ask for much else, huh?
I went faster (and I think the course was longer).
And I won my age group.
...Can't ask for much else, huh?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Gold Coast
Last year, Gold Coast Triathlon in Port Washington was my first triathlon ever.
I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 12. Had an amazing experience swimming in college, felt I gave it everything I had, then promptly sat on my ass for 2 years. I started to run casually in grad school with some friends while trying to stay sane while surrounded by all that was this, as well as lose some of the couch weight I had gained. I ran a 10 mile road race in Oct 2005, and was hooked.
Upon moving to NYC, a few of my ex-swimmer friends (and now Kona qualifiers :) got me interested in triathlon. I joined a group to train with, bought a used bike that I still don't know anything about (all I know is that it's a super-cute, super-small Giant-OCR, I call it my 'Little Giant'), and made some amazing new friends.
So last year at Gold Coast, I had ridden my bike at most 10 times- I had yet to conquer my fear of riding in the streets of NYC...come to think of it, the 1/2 mile of city streets I now ride to the park is still the most stressful part of my day...
Last year, Gold Coast was also my first Brick. And I wanted to die. I thought I was standing still. And an 80-year old man ran past me.
By the numbers, last year:
13:30 swim (1/2 mile I think)
1:38 T1
36:35 bike (no idea- 13ish miles maybe?)
0:43 T2 (my rack was right next to bike in/run out)
22:43 run (3 miles- this may include my T2 time, as the results say the pace was 7:19, which doesn't really make sense...)
1:15:11
My main goal is to improve on each of these times. The weather is supposed to be perfect. I am SO excited.
[I realized last night at packet pick-up that I am for some reason starting with the older female swim wave. It looks like most other 25-29 females are in wave 4, and I am in wave 8. Not sure of the reason, but it will give me good motivation to catch up to my age group!]
I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 12. Had an amazing experience swimming in college, felt I gave it everything I had, then promptly sat on my ass for 2 years. I started to run casually in grad school with some friends while trying to stay sane while surrounded by all that was this, as well as lose some of the couch weight I had gained. I ran a 10 mile road race in Oct 2005, and was hooked.
Upon moving to NYC, a few of my ex-swimmer friends (and now Kona qualifiers :) got me interested in triathlon. I joined a group to train with, bought a used bike that I still don't know anything about (all I know is that it's a super-cute, super-small Giant-OCR, I call it my 'Little Giant'), and made some amazing new friends.
So last year at Gold Coast, I had ridden my bike at most 10 times- I had yet to conquer my fear of riding in the streets of NYC...come to think of it, the 1/2 mile of city streets I now ride to the park is still the most stressful part of my day...
Last year, Gold Coast was also my first Brick. And I wanted to die. I thought I was standing still. And an 80-year old man ran past me.
By the numbers, last year:
13:30 swim (1/2 mile I think)
1:38 T1
36:35 bike (no idea- 13ish miles maybe?)
0:43 T2 (my rack was right next to bike in/run out)
22:43 run (3 miles- this may include my T2 time, as the results say the pace was 7:19, which doesn't really make sense...)
1:15:11
My main goal is to improve on each of these times. The weather is supposed to be perfect. I am SO excited.
[I realized last night at packet pick-up that I am for some reason starting with the older female swim wave. It looks like most other 25-29 females are in wave 4, and I am in wave 8. Not sure of the reason, but it will give me good motivation to catch up to my age group!]
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Random-ness: Ready, GO!
We are in the middle of a crazy heat wave right now on the East Coast, it is in the upper 90s with heat index well over 100 and the humidity is just unbearable. It's like August on the East Coast, but worse, and it's only June! Is this my punishment for getting an extra 6 weeks of summer in India and South Africa during the east coast winter? The heat wasn't even this bad in India!
The heat is making it easier to accept the fact that I wont' be running much this week. After thinking I was doing all the right things, upping the miles 10%, upping the long run 10%, my legs just need a week off.
I was really angry that my legs were flaring up this weekend, but when I looked at my training, I haven't backed off my legs and had a 'rest' week in about 5 weeks, and with my RACE! this weekend, now is as good a time as any to take an easy week. My shins are actually feeling better today, and the nagging in my hip that has been around since my speed/hill work-out last week is gone. I MAY do an easy-peasy 2-3 miles in the next few days, but that is ALL.
I rode for an hour yesterday when it was 97 degrees. It was not as bad as I was expecting, and had wanted to ride longer, but went through my liquids VERY quickly and didn't think water could sustain me for the extra time.
ALSO, so exciting! My good friend from swimming in college who I was supposed to do Eagleman with....QUALIFIED FOR KONA!! It was a brutal day, but in her first Half Ironman, on ONE training ride of 35 miles, she rocked it out. She was FREAKING out after the race and didn't know what to do (take the Kona slot of the Clearwater one), but everyone convinced her this may be a once-in-a lifetime thing and she should just do it. And if she can do so well on ONE 35 mile bike, just imagine if she put a bit more time into training for Hawaii. This is the same girl who qualified for Boston in her first marathon with I think one run over 14 miles. INSANE. I am so so excited for her, and selfishly excited for someone to ride long with over the coming months as I get ready for my first half in September. And who knows, maybe a little trip to Kona may happen in October if I can swing it??
I'm going for the super-long-randomness today:
I am SO SO EXCITED for my race this weekend. This was my first Tri ever last year, and I got 4th in my age group and I think 17th overall. I also rode the entire, flat 12 miles bike course on the small ring b/c I honestly didn't know how to shift the gears on my bike. I also thought I was going to die off the bike as it was my first Brick ever. SO EXCITED to see what I can do this year.
The heat is making it easier to accept the fact that I wont' be running much this week. After thinking I was doing all the right things, upping the miles 10%, upping the long run 10%, my legs just need a week off.
I was really angry that my legs were flaring up this weekend, but when I looked at my training, I haven't backed off my legs and had a 'rest' week in about 5 weeks, and with my RACE! this weekend, now is as good a time as any to take an easy week. My shins are actually feeling better today, and the nagging in my hip that has been around since my speed/hill work-out last week is gone. I MAY do an easy-peasy 2-3 miles in the next few days, but that is ALL.
I rode for an hour yesterday when it was 97 degrees. It was not as bad as I was expecting, and had wanted to ride longer, but went through my liquids VERY quickly and didn't think water could sustain me for the extra time.
ALSO, so exciting! My good friend from swimming in college who I was supposed to do Eagleman with....QUALIFIED FOR KONA!! It was a brutal day, but in her first Half Ironman, on ONE training ride of 35 miles, she rocked it out. She was FREAKING out after the race and didn't know what to do (take the Kona slot of the Clearwater one), but everyone convinced her this may be a once-in-a lifetime thing and she should just do it. And if she can do so well on ONE 35 mile bike, just imagine if she put a bit more time into training for Hawaii. This is the same girl who qualified for Boston in her first marathon with I think one run over 14 miles. INSANE. I am so so excited for her, and selfishly excited for someone to ride long with over the coming months as I get ready for my first half in September. And who knows, maybe a little trip to Kona may happen in October if I can swing it??
I'm going for the super-long-randomness today:
I am SO SO EXCITED for my race this weekend. This was my first Tri ever last year, and I got 4th in my age group and I think 17th overall. I also rode the entire, flat 12 miles bike course on the small ring b/c I honestly didn't know how to shift the gears on my bike. I also thought I was going to die off the bike as it was my first Brick ever. SO EXCITED to see what I can do this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)