As it is STILL raining in NYC and up and down the East Coast, if the swim is canceled this weekend I will be throwing a very loud, obnoxious temper-tantrum.
But I am so excited for my first OLY in almost two years. Goals for the race:
Hammer the swim.
Stay focused on the bike- make it hurt.
PR the 10k 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
FYI- It's June.
Just had to remind myself, as it's been raining for about 8 days straight, is about 60 degrees outside, and there is rain on the forecast for the next 10 days.
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:
Friday, June 12, 2009
Corporate Challenge 2009.
Last night was the Corporate Challenge in NYC. I ran this race with my company my first week of work in 2006 and thought I was going to die from the humidity. I have been a cheerleader the past two years due to injury so was excited to run this year. We usually have a solid group of 20-30 runners/walkers, and it's a fun way to spend some time with colleagues outside of the office.
Or at least, that is what I think when I sign up, however, the reality is, the 3.5 mile course in Central Park with 15,000+ people is a complete klusterf%c!. I learned my lesson the first year, when it took me 10+ minutes to even start to 'jog' and got an 'elite' sticker this year so I could head up to the very front of the crowd. I started about 5-10 yards back from the front, but was still surrounded by those walking - I don't get it.
I was, however, able to settle into a nice pace right away. I hadn't decided if I was going to 'race' or get in a good tempo run, as I have been really tired and been having some soreness in my hip the past few days, but there were a number of women right around me running the same pace, so I went with it. After two sub-7 minutes miles (6:48, 6:53), I decided to pull it back a bit in the third mile (7:30).
I finished with a 7:05 pace over 3.5 (3.6 according to Garmin) miles. With the 5ks and this race, I am really seeing the progress with my speed and confidence, and it's really nice with the hard work I have put in the past few months.
A few other women from my company came in about :15 and:30 seconds behind me, so there is a chance we could qualify for the championships- something like the top 10% of teams in each city, based on the average (or total, I'm not sure) time of your top 4 or 5 runners, qualify to run in the Championships, which is held on Park Ave. in October. Pretty cool for a little 'ol non-profit running in cotton t-shirt in 100% humidity :)
Or at least, that is what I think when I sign up, however, the reality is, the 3.5 mile course in Central Park with 15,000+ people is a complete klusterf%c!. I learned my lesson the first year, when it took me 10+ minutes to even start to 'jog' and got an 'elite' sticker this year so I could head up to the very front of the crowd. I started about 5-10 yards back from the front, but was still surrounded by those walking - I don't get it.
I was, however, able to settle into a nice pace right away. I hadn't decided if I was going to 'race' or get in a good tempo run, as I have been really tired and been having some soreness in my hip the past few days, but there were a number of women right around me running the same pace, so I went with it. After two sub-7 minutes miles (6:48, 6:53), I decided to pull it back a bit in the third mile (7:30).
I finished with a 7:05 pace over 3.5 (3.6 according to Garmin) miles. With the 5ks and this race, I am really seeing the progress with my speed and confidence, and it's really nice with the hard work I have put in the past few months.
A few other women from my company came in about :15 and:30 seconds behind me, so there is a chance we could qualify for the championships- something like the top 10% of teams in each city, based on the average (or total, I'm not sure) time of your top 4 or 5 runners, qualify to run in the Championships, which is held on Park Ave. in October. Pretty cool for a little 'ol non-profit running in cotton t-shirt in 100% humidity :)
Friday, June 5, 2009
VCTC X-Country 5k Series #2
After basically being sick since the morning after the last race two weeks ago, I had no expectations for this race. It was a much smaller crowd, I am sure due to the threat of thunderstorms and rain that was forecasted. It did not rain much, and wasn't too hot, but the air was THICK and nasty humid.
I recruited a friend (hi jules) to run this week, and it was nice to have company (not that we ran together much more than one step ha- she was first loser, oh sorry, 2/OA).
Based on how I felt (sluggish, heavy legs, snotty nose, congested), I am very happy to go only about :12 seconds off my time from the last race. My splits are a whole lot uglier, but I am glad I wasn't reduced to walking and got through it. I think a 21:-- is in my future for this series.
The splits:
Wow, so yeah, apparently I lost all my time in the last 0.1 of the race :) Whoops. Admittedly, I did turn and see no one was in sight behind me, and I had no chance of catching the person in front of me, and jogged it in. I ended up 8/OA female, and 3/AG, which means one thing= another amazing carrot cake muffin.
And the lesson: Don't try to race a 5k with a head cold. It's not fun or pretty, and the 'head wanting to explode' feeling didn't go away until..oh wait, it's still there.
Edit: Official results have me as 7/OA. I'll take it!
I recruited a friend (hi jules) to run this week, and it was nice to have company (not that we ran together much more than one step ha- she was first loser, oh sorry, 2/OA).
Based on how I felt (sluggish, heavy legs, snotty nose, congested), I am very happy to go only about :12 seconds off my time from the last race. My splits are a whole lot uglier, but I am glad I wasn't reduced to walking and got through it. I think a 21:-- is in my future for this series.
The splits:
| Race #1 | Race #2 | |
| 7:02 | 6:53 | |
| 8:14 | 8:21 | |
| 7:15 | 7:11 | |
| 0:16 | 0:34 |
Wow, so yeah, apparently I lost all my time in the last 0.1 of the race :) Whoops. Admittedly, I did turn and see no one was in sight behind me, and I had no chance of catching the person in front of me, and jogged it in. I ended up 8/OA female, and 3/AG, which means one thing= another amazing carrot cake muffin.
And the lesson: Don't try to race a 5k with a head cold. It's not fun or pretty, and the 'head wanting to explode' feeling didn't go away until..oh wait, it's still there.
Edit: Official results have me as 7/OA. I'll take it!
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