Well, after much delay, I'm reporting on the half ironman I did two weekends ago (June 13th) at the Liberty Triathlon. This was such a fun entry into the triathlon world in a beautiful part of the Midwest. The race had a great support crew, extraordinary fans, and some pretty inspiring racers, too.
The group of us (seven total) left Friday morning from Houghton in The Bike Shop's Dodge Sprinter van. It was a comfortable ride, and those in the back watched two or three movies during the ride. We stopped in Duluth at Amazing Grace Bakery for lunch, and they made me a huge, delicious chicken salad on greens. The bread smelled and looked delicious, too. We didn't linger too long in Duluth, though. We arrived just after 4 to the hotel for packet pickup. Leiah was there, too, so it was really perfect timing. She followed us back to the campground (we stayed at Baker Park) where we set up tents and rolled around on our bikes for a little while. Some of the guys went to St Paul to watch the professional cycling races, and Leiah, Ian, Adam, and I went to Leiah's boyfriend, Jared's, to have dinner. He made a delicious spaghetti and I was definitely satisfied. We went back to the campground around dark and headed to bed.
The early rise of 5am was easy, because I was a little anxious. I wasn't that nervous, though, which was nice. I had a few handfuls of peanut butter puffs (Envirokids) and drank some water, got ready for the race. We took our gear to the transition zone as early as we could, and got ourselves marked. I went with the Trances, even though I hadnt ran much in them... only a few miles. Before I knew it, there was only half an hour before race start. Then fifteen mintues. The starter had us gather on the beach for the staggered wave starts. We were the fourth to go- all of us except Leiah- and I knew I just needed to swim my own race and get into a rhythm. The way out was nice and calm, the waves were to our back. I got into a nice rhythm indeed, but found myself getting T-boned by some other swimmers that had temporarily lost their direction. I then realized I had to pee. I tried to go, focused on it and everything, to no avail. It didn't take long to get to the Olympic turnaround, but the long-course turnaround took forever. I took the turn wide, and was being overtaken by swimmers in white caps (the wave behind me). I didn't let it bother me, though, and tried to stay focused. I got out of the water and my legs felt tired, it was hard to run, but I tried to control my breathing while taking off the suit. I got to my bike and noticed that Andrew was already taking his bike off the rack. It surprised me that he beat me out of the water, but I grabbed my bike, put on my helmet and shoes, and rolled out of T1.
The bike felt great. I stayed aero as much as I could. It didn't take long to get passed by Adam, Caleb, and Jon. I tried to stay focused here, too, and just go my own race. I tried to stay as close to 20mph as I could, and my Garmin Forerunner was telling me my instantaneous velocity. My front bottle (Cee Gees Podium Quest) was filled with Kona Kola Nuun and Cytomax (separate tanks). Its position between my clip-ons was great; the straws were right near my mouth so every downhill was a chance to refuel while staying aero. I got into a rhythm around mile 5, and although I felt good, I held back. Some of the hills, I'd give'r a little, but I was still holding back. I munched on some Honey Stinger Chews and had a gel within the first 90minutes. Turns out, gels are not the best for the bike; my bars were coated in stickiness. I'll stick with chews from now on. Just before mile 40, Andrew passed me. Weird. I thought he was out of the water first? Turns out he was, he had a mechanical near mile 1. I wasn't worried about keeping up with him, though. He's a damned good Roadie. I kept pushing, on to lap 2. I was by myself for some of it, catching up to people ahead of me and dropping them. There was a guy that would go back and forth with me. I'd try to push hard when I passed him so that we weren't drafting. After the second lap, my legs still felt good, but the 9 miles out-and-back was tough mentally. "When is this damned turnaround?!" I kept thinking, I even said aloud, to someone else. But, after the turnaround, it was (mostly) all downhill back to T2, and I was putting the hammer down.
I got off my bike and put on my shoes (no socks) and grabbed my flask of Kona Kola Nuun. Racing out of T2, I headed straight to the bathroom slightly off the course. I tied my shoes as I peed, and hobbled my way out of the bathroom up the woodchip hill to the run course. My legs felt funny. My breathing was off. I tried to control it and stay forward and in control. I eventually regained a normal breathing rhythm and then saw Adam ahead. When I got to him, he was walking, and I walked wiht him for a few dozen yards. He was having chest tightness, so I handed him my flask for water and made sure he was ok before I took off again. I soon caught up with Ian, and Ian was close to Caleb. I grabbed a water and/or Coke at every station, walked a step or two (or more) while I drank it, or threw the water over my head. When I got to mile 6, I saw Andrew and Jon coming toward me. They weren't that far ahead. I was counting the women that also passed me on their way back, and figured I was in contention for a top-twenty spot by the time I got to the turnaround. I tried concentrating on my stride and turnover, and at around mile 9, I passed Andrew. I wasn't really gunning for Jon, because I knew he was a strong runner, but I started to hear someone behind me gaining. Around mile 12, a woman passed me with a 28 written on her left leg. She was in my age group! I let her go a little, but when I realized that I wasn't in that much pain, I was mad at myself for letting her get ahead. What if she is #3 in my age group? So I started pushing it a little more and got in her pocket. We navigated down the woodchip path to the lake, and she held back. I passed her effortlessly, and encouraged her to push with me, but she didn't. I had so much speed coming into the end stretch and my legs felt awesome and fresh. I crossed the line, and I wasn't heaving or hurling myself across. I felt really good!
I ended up finishing in 5:23, 3rd in my age group and 12th overall for women. I ran a smart race, and I loved the way I felt when I finished.
After the race, I had my blisters cut off and taped up (no socks = baaad blisters) and cheered on my teammates. We sat around the grassy waterfront for a few hours, and the guys got their legs wet in the lake (ice bath!). We wrapped up the race with some burgers and awards, and headed back to the van. A few of the guys stayed around camp, and the rest of us went to TGI Fridays for some recovery food. It was an early night, all of us were wiped out. We weren't in a rush to leave in the morning. We stopped again in Duluth on the way back, this time at Burrito Union. So good.
To wrap up: I am in love with triathlons. I was a little apprehensive at first. I didn't want to admit that I would like the three-sport world, but my experience thus far shows promise. I'm still not giving up my world of running, though.
Run happy!
Are you ready yet?
This weekend will be the start of a new chapter in my athletism: My first triathlon. I am really excited, because its just outside of the Minneapolis/St Paul area and I will get to spend time with some really awesome friends. I rode the QRoo for group ride tonight, and it was smooth and comfortable. I felt like the hills were easily manageable, and I felt confident in the aero position... for the first time outside! Making progress... I'm also somewhat nervous. What if I forget my goggles? What will I do if I flat? Twice? And how to do I wear my hair? Seriously, it's at a weird length and won't all stay in a pony tail under my helmet. HELP!
Just now, Caleb asked Adam if I'd ridden my bike in a while. Why? Because my tire pressure is about 40psi. Who knew you had to check your tires every time you went out? Turns out, he said, I'm not a cyclist. But am I a triathlete? I suppose we'll see on Saturday morning, when I'm treading water in Lake Independence around a bunch of other athletes with blue caps on their heads and butterflies in their stomachs. Until then, I'm signing off. See you on the flipside, when you will find out just how long this chapter will be.
Just now, Caleb asked Adam if I'd ridden my bike in a while. Why? Because my tire pressure is about 40psi. Who knew you had to check your tires every time you went out? Turns out, he said, I'm not a cyclist. But am I a triathlete? I suppose we'll see on Saturday morning, when I'm treading water in Lake Independence around a bunch of other athletes with blue caps on their heads and butterflies in their stomachs. Until then, I'm signing off. See you on the flipside, when you will find out just how long this chapter will be.
Who's your Go-to-Girl?
A few weeks ago, I nominated a friend for a Mountain Hardwear sweepstakes known as "Go To Girl." The jist?:
'Mountain Hardwear and Montrail are giving away head to toe gear for you and your Go-to-Girl! 4 weeks, 4 sets of gear. Mountain Hardwear and Montrail join forces to celebrate the inspiration and motivation women provide each other to climb, bike, hike, swim, surf, trail run, and paddle. We want to know who that Go-to-Girl is that motivates you! Give us 300 characters on who motivates you and include a photo.'
So, I nominated one of my MegaTough Girls, and proceeded to forward the info to the group. Between the MegaTough Girls, it was incredibly hard to pick just one... but luckily there are four rounds of prizes! Coincidence? I think not.
Then, last night, I got a call from Jess. She won! She had nominated me as her Go-to-Girl, and each of us will get a full outfit from Mountain Hardwear. I'm pumped! Each of us get a full outfit from the Explore Collection:
So, I nominated one of my MegaTough Girls, and proceeded to forward the info to the group. Between the MegaTough Girls, it was incredibly hard to pick just one... but luckily there are four rounds of prizes! Coincidence? I think not.
Then, last night, I got a call from Jess. She won! She had nominated me as her Go-to-Girl, and each of us will get a full outfit from Mountain Hardwear. I'm pumped! Each of us get a full outfit from the Explore Collection:
- Trailhead Long Sleeve Shirt
- La Rambla Short
- Canyon Hiker Hat
- Montrail Molokini Flip Flop
Jessica B's Go-to-Girl...
My good friend Megan Killian is the epitome of strength. Marathon runner, rock climber, biker, Nordic skier and soon-to-be
Why I LOVE being an ID'er
Recently, I was accepted to be a Brooks ID athlete. It is a great reward and honor to be a member of such elite, strong, and encouraging group of athletes. At first, I was excited to get the stuff I love at a discounted price. But now, I can see that it is WAY more than that! Recently, we've been in discussions about the Marathon Maniacs and the pros and cons, who's in, who's not, and so on. I didn't know they existed until my second marathon in Washington (Whidbey Island), in which I had a not-so-awesome encounter. However, my fellow teammates have demonstrated to me that they aren't all that bad (hey, some of them are phenomenal Brooks IDers), there's just a few rotten apples here and there.
Here's a brief correspondence, in which I had described my first Maniac encounter, and a wonderful woman gave me encouragement:
Me: it is my goal to run 50marathons in 50states before I am 50- which is a lofty goal for most- but in a crowd like this it's "nothing special."
Her: Dude, don't discount that awesome goal. Indeed it is SOMETHING special!
Me: My fastest marathon thus far was my first, a 3:22, in which I spent the entire first half chatting,...
Her: And that kind of speed, especially with the first half at your self-proclaimed "not at fastest effort", is something MORE special. Rock on, sister!
The encouragement in this group is outrageous. I absolutely love it, and I am really excited to mingle with the group members and plan my future races around what they are doing. It would be so awesome to have another ID'er at my next marathon or 10K. To meet these people in person is something I am looking forward to!
So, whether you're a new runner, or you've been running for fifty years, there are some great people out there waiting to meet you on your travels through the running world. If it's your first marathon, or your thirtieth, if you are a little scared, running alone, whatever; just keep your head up. Look around; someone is there to support you. Ask if you have any questions, smile if you are feeling good. My teammates and I- we'll be there to smile back.
Here's a brief correspondence, in which I had described my first Maniac encounter, and a wonderful woman gave me encouragement:
Me: it is my goal to run 50marathons in 50states before I am 50- which is a lofty goal for most- but in a crowd like this it's "nothing special."
Her: Dude, don't discount that awesome goal. Indeed it is SOMETHING special!
Me: My fastest marathon thus far was my first, a 3:22, in which I spent the entire first half chatting,...
Her: And that kind of speed, especially with the first half at your self-proclaimed "not at fastest effort", is something MORE special. Rock on, sister!
The encouragement in this group is outrageous. I absolutely love it, and I am really excited to mingle with the group members and plan my future races around what they are doing. It would be so awesome to have another ID'er at my next marathon or 10K. To meet these people in person is something I am looking forward to!
So, whether you're a new runner, or you've been running for fifty years, there are some great people out there waiting to meet you on your travels through the running world. If it's your first marathon, or your thirtieth, if you are a little scared, running alone, whatever; just keep your head up. Look around; someone is there to support you. Ask if you have any questions, smile if you are feeling good. My teammates and I- we'll be there to smile back.
First Women's Cycling Night
Last night, Portage Health had its first Women's road biking sessions of the year. I am excited to be leading the group this year, and it was so great to see so many ladies show up. The group ranged from beginners to experienced, with 10 ladies total for the first outing (plus Arnie as our sag). Not too bad, especially since it started to rain on us occasionally. Felt good, though... right?
After a brief introduction of the group and some roady tips, we were on our way!
Giving some tips riding in a group on the road.
What attentive listeners! ;)
We started at the SDC at Michigan Tech and headed down the waterfront trail to Canal Road. Canal Road is a great route because it is one of the "more flat" routes in the area. That being said, there are still some hills to climb. Check out our route here: Breakers and Back
(Note: this GPS route includes a brief "turn-around" that I did around Schmidts Corner, as well as my route home from the SDC at the end of the ride)
Having a good time
We've got some speedsters in the group
Almost done!
Hope to see everyone out next week, where we'll start at the Portage Health campus in Hancock.
After a brief introduction of the group and some roady tips, we were on our way!
Giving some tips riding in a group on the road.
What attentive listeners! ;)
We started at the SDC at Michigan Tech and headed down the waterfront trail to Canal Road. Canal Road is a great route because it is one of the "more flat" routes in the area. That being said, there are still some hills to climb. Check out our route here: Breakers and Back
(Note: this GPS route includes a brief "turn-around" that I did around Schmidts Corner, as well as my route home from the SDC at the end of the ride)
Having a good time
We've got some speedsters in the group
Almost done!
Hope to see everyone out next week, where we'll start at the Portage Health campus in Hancock.
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