may 09.

may 09.

riding bluebird: 23h 21m 13s - 365.3 Mi
in my Asics: 9h 44m 44s - 63.73 Mi
in the water: 7h 02m 13s - 20398.4 M

total training time: 40h 08m 10s

totals 25 may through 31 may

in the water: 4900.00 M in 1h 36m 48s
on bluebird: 86.80 Mi 5h in 26m 31s
in my asics: 3.59 Mi in 34m 31s*

total: 07h 37m 32s


* achilles (I think my achilles) has been bothering me. am staying off of it for a while and have an appt with one of the Univ. of Md. team physicians [sports doc] 06/15.

typical workout.

bike shorts? check!
super sweaty tshirt? check!
trainer set up in living room? check!
so-bad-it's-good reality tv? check! *

* yes, that's Spencer Pratt.

two weeks of totals.

11 may through 17 may

in the water: 6398.40 M in 2h 13m 20s [3 workouts]
on the bike: 80.00 Mi in 5h 13m 50s [5 workouts]

in my Asics: 12.41 Mi in 1h 48m 57s [2 workouts]

TOTAL: 09h 16m 07s

18 may though 24 may

in the water: 6600.00 M in 2h 18m 35s [3 workouts]

on the bike: 89.00 Mi in 5h 15m 20s [4 workouts]

in my Asics: 20.84 Mi in 3h 16m 43s [4 workouts]
TOTAL: 10h 50m 38s

wallet size

I was thinking of ordering a few wallet photos of the first one to pass out to friends and family

[kidding]

columbia oly tri.

Columbia Olympic Triathlon

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Centennial Lake - Ellicott City, Maryland, USA

1.5k Swim - 41k Bike - 10k Run

the short version:
swim
time: 29:25
pace: 2.03/100M
place in AG: 28/71

t1 and bike (timing mat issue?)
time: 1:43:29
pace: 14.78 (* off because it includes T1)
place in AG: 41/71

t2
time: 2:17
place in AG: 51/71

run
time: 54:08
pace: 8:43 pace
place in AG: 23/71

total
time: 3:09:10
place in AG: 33/71
place among women: 233/512
place overall: 984/1569

Friday Evening

I left work around 4:30, eager to get to packet pickup and meet Chrissie Wellington. I spent most of last week (1)telling people that I was meeting Chrissie Wellington, and (2) explaining who Chrissie Wellington is (two time Kona winner, god among women). Pick up was at the Columbia Sheraton. I got my race packet with my chip (new system, nice chip), bike number, run number, helmet sticker, and shirt (ugly ugly). My buddy Deb was there slapping wristbands on people and telling them that it was their ticket into and out of transition.

And because it was on sale and fit well and, was, well cute, I bought a new tri top. Hehe.

And then - time to meet the pros! I thought they would speak and we would ask questions, but it was really informal. Chrissie and the other pros were just hanging around... we were like giddy schoolgirls... erm, giddy trigeeks. She was SO NICE. I asked her about her flat at Kona and she said that she wasn't the type of person to throw her bike in a ditch, that the nice thing about Ironman is that you have the time to catch up (erm, SHE has the time to catch up... I'd probably be a ditch thrower!). She said she didn't have a favorite out of s/b/r. She was just so gracious and down to earth and friendly and TAN. I looked like a glowing albino next to her. She signed a poster, the race map, and my water bottle. Yes, Chrissie, I WILL reach for the stars! total girl crush. love her. Two time Kona winner, above right. MOP athlete, above left.

Deb, Chrissie, Me, Deb.

then it was time to go home and get to bed early !

Saturday
I spent Saturday morning cleaning - nervous energy - and just relaxing around the house. I took a nap and then got ready to meet some BTers for dinner at Pasta Blitz. It was great to meet everyone and put a face to all the names !

First, though, I found my spot --- end spot -- sa-weet!! and racked my bike (trashbags to keep it dry from the forecasted storms):

transition on Saturday evening:

Then I laid everything out and packed (cats not included):

and made a list of stuff not to forget:

and went to sleep after watching Monster-in-Law, which I found highly underrated! [J disagrees, although as someone who has never seen it his opinion doesn't really counts].

Sunday - RACE DAY

Up at 4:30 to eat my usual breakfast [oatmeal, peanut butter, honey, almonds] and get all my stuff together. Roused James [who got home from work at midnight] and we were on our way. So much easier on race morning when the bike is already racked.

Got to transition at around 6:00 and set up:

and then got marked [1304 on my hands and arms, 27 on my calf]:

and then waited for my wave -- wave 8, at 7:47 a.m. while waiting, we saw Chrissie come out of the water --- smiling, of course:took some pictures while waiting for my wave:

me and J ^^me and Deb ^^

James got breakfast ... he found the only unhealthy food for sale, natch [it's a small chocolate cake, not a muffin -- let's call a spade a spade!]:

and then - finally - it was game time.

SWIM - .9 mi

The swim is wetsuit legal, which is good news -- that's some brrchilly water. still, it really wasn't that bad, and although getting in was a bit of a shock, once I treaded water for a bit I felt okay. we were in the water for about three minutes, and then the air horn sounded, and we were off.

The course is a triangle - out to the first buoy, left around it to the second buoy, left around that, and then to the exit. I felt pretty good during the swim. I got kicked a few times but not in the face and nothing bad. I am horrible at drafting --- if I get close enough to draft, I find feet in my face and that, well, grosses me out. Sighting was good -- I was on course the whole time and never found myself needing to over correct.

Got out of the water at just under 30:00 - a solid swim.


running up to T1 ^^

T1
I struggled a bit to get out of my wetsuit, but once that was off, I got on my [pre rolled] socks, bike shoes, helmet, and gloves, and headed out for my ride. It was misting -- wet but (1) not storming, and (2) not pouring. I'd take it. In true Columbia fashion, you have to run your bike up a [muddy] hill to get out of T1 and get out on the bike course.

BIKE - 25.5 Mi
Although this was my first Columbia, I've ridden this course a few times. And no, it's no Savageman but it's a tough course:

The ride started out pretty well. I started taking swigs of Infinit -- I made a 90 minute bottle [3 scoops] and sips of water. And I got passed. A lot. I will be hearing "ON YOUR LEFT!" in my dreams. I am just not a great [ahem decent] cyclist and I know I need to work on it... by riding more. What I HAVE gotten better is downhills ! I stopped breaking and just started flying. Hey, if I fall... that's what helmets are for, right? Plus, I need to bring up my average speed of 11 mph on the hills with those 25+ mph on the downhills. My favorite part of the course is the circle around Tridelphia -- it's the most rolling-y part of the course and just beautiful.

at some point during my bike, Chrissie finished:

she's so cool.

Least favorite part of the ride? The [well intentioned, I know] lady who was cheering for everyone, then looked at me struggling up and hill and yells, "ARE YOU OKAY??" Umm, yeah, fine, just kind of slow. BACK OFF.

Finally back onto Rt. 108 and ready to get off my bike. Re-entered the park, and unclipped. I almost bit it trying to get off the bike, but I managed to stay upright. barely. [below: I'm the girl behind the two guys in blue]



T2:
Ran my bike down the hill, re racked her, and put on my running shoes and hat. Grabbed my race belt and ran out. can't feel my feet. is that normal?

RUN - 6.2 Mi
My legs were Jell-o at the start of the run.

So everyone talks about the hills of Columbia, but I hadn't heard a whole lot about the hell that was the run course. HILLS - they're what's for breakfast! [brunch, maybe though, at that point]. the first .25 of the run is pretty flat, and then you make kind of u-turn and start running up a hill. And then it's flat for a bit. And then you run up another hill. then downhill for a bit. then uphill. REPEAT. whoa nellie was that tough! I did pass some people [the advantage of being an okay runner and a crappy cyclist].

Mile 4 was a welcome sight and mile 5 was beautiful. At one point I was walking up a hill [so tired] when a woman in my AG, grabbed my elbow and said, "c'mon, last big hill, I promise. push it!" and I finished that hill strong. erm, okay, I finished it running.

FINISH
We came back into the park and I could see where we'd finish. I knew it was only about 1/3 of a mile but it seemed so far away ! I tried to pick it up and finish strong.

There is nothing more beautiful than a finish line.classic watch shot^^


Got my medal, mylar blanket, and some food (pasta salad and bagel w cream cheese - YUM), and then went back to see Deb finish. I was COLD. and hungry. [and kind of cranky, but really, why the eff are you in the food line if you didn't race?? p.s. the jeans are a dead givaway].


wearing the ugly shirt ^^

And as I'm walking [dragging] out of transition with all of my crap + bike, Chrissie passes me and says WELL DONE. I stammered, thanks, you too !

the happy finisher ^^ [watch time says 1:09 - still waiting for official results]

totals 03 may - 10 may

recovery week

swim: 2500.00 M in 53m 30s [1 workout]
bike: 58.00 Mi in 3h 35m 20s [4 workouts]
run: 19.09 Mi in 2h 54m 21s [3 workouts]

total: 07h 23m 11s

birthday girl !

yesterday I turned the big two-seven.

[celebrated by having an afternoon criminal docket and going out my co workers for happy hour].

many of you know that my husband isn't into tris. or running. or swimming. or biking.

but for someone who doesn't actually participate in tris, he knows a lot about them [example: I asked him if he would be volunteering at IMCOZ, and he responded, I'm not slathering down the Clydesdales with sunblock. See? he totally knows the phrasology!]. he doesn't blink when I say, I'm going on a run, I'll be back in 2 1/2 hours, or I'm going on a ride, I should be back in 4 or 5 hours. he knows the difference between a singlet, a tri top, and a bike jersey. he doesn't gripe when we need to leave at 4:00 am for a race. he cheers me on and takes photos and carries my bike back from transition to the car after a race.

basically he's the most awesome, supportive guy ever.

so, back to my birthday:

James got me an Aero Design aero bottle for my bike !
SockGuy socks! (that say sassy, natch)
and Lush products for post race/ post training soaks in the tub!

I mean, really? those gifts are so me.

so very sweet.

really, TBL? [spoiler]

the final challenge for the contestants on TBL (the Biggest Loser) is to run a marathon.

that is clearly a great idea for people who
1. were morbidly obese 12 weeks ago
2. have no to little running background
3. have 26 days to train
4. have current injuries [hip, knee]

I truely believe that anyone can finish a marathon - given proper training and time.

[I do realize that any publicity is good publicity, but shame on you NBC.]

(um I do think Mike pissed some people off by the "I'm not saying I finished a marathon. People RUN marathons. I'm walking it." still a marathon, buddy.)

.... and now I am crying because - bringing it back to me, of course [it is my blog] - the next time I finish 26.2 miles will be at the end of IMCOZ. sometimes I truely cannot believe I am attemping this. I cannot believe my training now will double [double!]. Ironman will be my life but I want it so badly. and people ask me why // why put myself through this, through the training and the pain, the exhuastion and I wish I could answer but I can't. it's too hard to explain/ it's just a goal, a fire inside, part of who I am and who I want to be. november seems so far away but it's not. RI 70.3 is in less than 9 weeks. Ain't it funny how time slips away says Dave Matthews and isn't he right.

totals 27 april - 3 may

swim: 2500.00 M in 54m 41s [1 workout]

bike: 101.60 Mi in 7h 07m 34s [5 workouts]
run: 17.45 Mi in 2h 40m 28s [3 workouts]

total: 10h 42m 43s

htfu'd, indeed.

today's ride - by the numbers:

time spent riding: 180 min
miles rode: 41
amount of time in the rain [appx]: 80 min
roadkill: 3
people that passed me: 7
people I passed: 0
water bottles on bike: 4
tries it took before I got good at putting the bottle back into the rear cage: 4
number of times I cursed the the Bento Box when it hit my leg [appx]: 14**

I woke up at 8:00 to get ready and eat before stuffing all of my stuff in the car and driving to the Columbia bike course. breakfast: thomas whole wheat bagel with peanut butter + cream cheese. bike clothes still not dry from washer so I threw them in the dryer on low with the towels.

On the course at 9:36... I decided to wear bike shorts, short sleeved jersey, and arm warmers. It was in the low 60s, overcast. Started riding and felt pretty good.

And then the rain came. [htfu, it's just rain]

I couldn't SEE. [htfu, just keep an eye out for cars]

The rain hurt like hell when it hit my skin. [htfu!]

I was nervous on some of the steep downhills, but - glass half full girl that I am! - I thought, hey, if I crash my bike, I could just get a new one.. erm, a new carbon one. a cervelo, even. I didn't crash.

I made it through the course once (25.2 mi), and then went out and back from the park to the 10 Oaks circle (16 mi).

socks, bike shorts -- soaked. and trust me, the chamois doesn't dry quickly after a rainstorm. eeps.

**oh, I solved a mystery ! I've had these bruises on the insides of my legs about an inch below my knee, and I could not figure out where they were coming from. On an uphill I stood and my leg hit the Bento Box -- hurt. like. a. mofo. turns out all those times I hit my legs on that stupid box ... yeah, it definitely hurt enough to bruise. [turns out I need to move it back further, but for now I have two lovely purple brusies. hawt.]

after: my friends Cathy and Deb walked me through the course (the transition areas, where the swim starts and ends, the horrible hill at the beginning of the 10K) and then we enjoyed lunch at cheeburger, cheeburger.

Cheeseburger + fries + onion rings + peanut butter cup milkshake = best post ride food. Ever.

I actually had fun on the bike today ! it's taken me some time to enjoy biking - for a few reasons, I think: I'm not good at it [um, not that I'm a great runner or swimmer, but at least I can keep up in those sports], it's sssscary [whizzing downhill at 30 mph while cars pass you at 65 mph], it's expensive, and it's time intensive [pre mix drinks, pump air into tires, take front wheel off bike, load up car, drive to course, take bike out, put bike shoes on, helmet, etc., actually ride, then do all of that in the reverse].

um, all that said, I am starting to enjoy it, and I think that's because I'm getting better at it. The hills that felt impossible 2 weeks ago felt easier today, and the hills that felt difficult 2 weeks ago felt... well, almost easy today.

nutrition/ hydration plan is going well: I am becoming obsessed with Infinit (thanks, IronBob, for reminding me!). I know a lot of triathletes that use it + love it, and I'm quickly understanding why. Today I put in 6 scoops - about 600 calories - for a three hour ride. It went down easy, didn't upset my stomach, and kept me going. My plan right now for IMCOZ is to make two 4-hour bottles (marked off by the hour) and just rinse down the ultra-concentrates with water from the course. My stomach doesn't tolerate food well and I think going Infinit only on the bike - with maybe a Payday or 2 for flavor/ variety - will be a good plan.

t minus 15 days until Columbia - so excited !

april showers.

april totals

swim: 20700 M in 7h 30m 38s

bike: 278.6 Mi in 17h 04m 52s

run: 92.45 Mi in 14h 10m 11s

total training: 38h 45m 41s