my husband is the. most. supportive. guy. ever.
[how many non tri spouses would drive to races at 5am, carry stuff, carry bikes, hold food, cheer, drive home?]
but - just because he's supportive doesn't mean he 'gets it.'
[and that's okay. I certainly do not 'get' professional wrestling. or all that fried food. and how he stays so damn skinny.]
to the point: we live in a small house. we live in a small house that was built without closets, so we have k-mart wardrobes and tiny dressers. we don't not have a lot of room for clothes and we both are clothes horses. [where did that expression come from, anyhow?]
J recently mentioned that I have too many race tshirts.
I'm sorry, I didn't realize there was such a thing.
J: I understand the tech shirts, but the Arbutus Firecracker 10K from 2005?
YES, the Arbutus Firecracker 10K from 2005, which is horrendously ugly and horribly faded. And the Army 10 Miler which I never wear because they ran out of smalls, and mediums, and I ended up with a large. And Marine Corps, which is puke yellow and was a mock turtleneck [really? I ran 26.2 mi and that's what I get?] but I cut off the turtleneck and now it's a crewneck.
I refuse to throw any of them away, and I think anyone who runs or tris understands. Shirts are trophies [especially for those of us who don't get trophies]. They are memories of first marathons and PR 5Ks and crappy 10 milers.
We - like all good married couples - compromised.
The tshirts I wear are still in my drawer, and the others are in the basement.
I might get them all made into a quilt one day, when I'm old and not racing, but to be honest, I don't foresee a future without racing.
Plus, I might finally place when I turn 85 and there are only 2 people in my AG.
[and then I'll have a medal AND a tshirt!]
30 December 2008
28 December 2008
and some days the bear eats you.
hmph.
splits:
mile 1: 9:21
mile 2: 9:45
mile 3: 9:32
mile 4: 9:48
mile 5: 9:32
mile 6: 9:18
mile 7: 12: 12 (what the ef!? I mean, Really?)
mile 8: 9:22
mile 9: 9:31
mile 10: 9:18
10.05 miles in 1h 38m 05s // 09m 46s/Mi
I felt slow (and really, where the hell was I for mile 7?!)... at mile 6.5 I actually looked at my watch and said UGH. It was in the 60s ... but windy, so the warm + wind was a strange combination.
Yesterday I had a 7 mi run + 18 mi on the bike... maybe my legs were too tired from the bike ride? maybe that's an excuse... [but it sounds damn good !]
meh.
I'm getting tired of running the same routes. baltimore is not a big city, and when you cut out the super shady areas, it gets even smaller. I hate the idea of driving somewhere to run, though... both because of gas and time. Next week I have a 16 miler so I will definitely drive to the county to run. I'm not running a bunch of loops around the city for over 2 1/2 hrs.
splits:
mile 1: 9:21
mile 2: 9:45
mile 3: 9:32
mile 4: 9:48
mile 5: 9:32
mile 6: 9:18
mile 7: 12: 12 (what the ef!? I mean, Really?)
mile 8: 9:22
mile 9: 9:31
mile 10: 9:18
10.05 miles in 1h 38m 05s // 09m 46s/Mi
I felt slow (and really, where the hell was I for mile 7?!)... at mile 6.5 I actually looked at my watch and said UGH. It was in the 60s ... but windy, so the warm + wind was a strange combination.
Yesterday I had a 7 mi run + 18 mi on the bike... maybe my legs were too tired from the bike ride? maybe that's an excuse... [but it sounds damn good !]
meh.
I'm getting tired of running the same routes. baltimore is not a big city, and when you cut out the super shady areas, it gets even smaller. I hate the idea of driving somewhere to run, though... both because of gas and time. Next week I have a 16 miler so I will definitely drive to the county to run. I'm not running a bunch of loops around the city for over 2 1/2 hrs.
totals 22 dec through 28 dec
swim: 4400.00 M in 1h 31m 31s
bike: 30.00 Mi in 1h 39m 34s
run: 30.90 Mi in 4h 48m 18s
total: 07:59:23
(another 37 seconds and I would have hit eight hours!)
bike: 30.00 Mi in 1h 39m 34s
run: 30.90 Mi in 4h 48m 18s
total: 07:59:23
(another 37 seconds and I would have hit eight hours!)
22 December 2008
long run.splits
mile 1: 9:48
mile 2: 9:34
mile 3: 10:02
mile 4: 9:21
mile 5: 9:16
mile 6: 9:10
mile 7: 9:06
mile 8: 9:16
mile 9: 9:24
mile 10: 9:22
mile 11: 9:37
mile 12: 9:12
mile 13: 8:42
mile 14: 8:35
14.05 miles in 2h 10m 48s // 09m 19s/Mi
^^ really kicked it the past couple of miles but damn if I'm not inconsistent (enough double negatives for you?)
Dressing for this weather is such a PITA. accuweather.com said 30* with wind chill of 19*. wore tights, long sleeved tshirt, heavier windbreaker, gloves, hat. got too warm at some points and took off the hat and gloves ... then put those back on and took off the jacket.. jacket back on, gloves off, hat on. repeat.
next week is just 10 miles, but the following weeks are 16, 17. I need to leave the city to do these or I'll drive myself nuts running in loops. Baltimore isn't that big of a city... especially when you cut out the really high crime areas.
mile 2: 9:34
mile 3: 10:02
mile 4: 9:21
mile 5: 9:16
mile 6: 9:10
mile 7: 9:06
mile 8: 9:16
mile 9: 9:24
mile 10: 9:22
mile 11: 9:37
mile 12: 9:12
mile 13: 8:42
mile 14: 8:35
14.05 miles in 2h 10m 48s // 09m 19s/Mi
^^ really kicked it the past couple of miles but damn if I'm not inconsistent (enough double negatives for you?)
Dressing for this weather is such a PITA. accuweather.com said 30* with wind chill of 19*. wore tights, long sleeved tshirt, heavier windbreaker, gloves, hat. got too warm at some points and took off the hat and gloves ... then put those back on and took off the jacket.. jacket back on, gloves off, hat on. repeat.
next week is just 10 miles, but the following weeks are 16, 17. I need to leave the city to do these or I'll drive myself nuts running in loops. Baltimore isn't that big of a city... especially when you cut out the really high crime areas.
21 December 2008
how to brag re: Ironman.
[I found this online and thought it was too hilarious not to share]
Before I started to train an Ironman, I bought a training plan; I read books on hydration and fuel replacement, I listened to endless hours of advice from elite and pro triathletes. This information did help me finish, but it did not teach me how to correctly brag about being an Ironman.
My friends and I came up with a six phase program which will aid you in bragging about your Ironman . Use this plan from the moment you register until well after the race is complete for the most bang for your bragging buck.
Sign Up Phase: For most Ironman events, you have to register up to one year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to brag about doing an Ironman. During this phase, you must let all of your non-Ironman friends know you can't hang out with them anymore, because you just signed up for an Ironman. If you don't have any Ironman friends, then go to a place where runners or bikers hang out. Look for the Ironman symbol (M Dot) on their training clothes. An Ironman would never be caught running or biking without their Ironman stuff.
Training Phase: Training for an Ironman can be compared to having a part time job. You must let everyone you meet know this. This can be accomplished by sighing loudly at work, mumbling how tired you are because you just biked 100 miles, because you are in training for an Ironman. You can also skillfully steer the conversation with your neighbors and co-workers to your Ironman training. Here is an example:
Neighbor: "Did you hear what President Bush said this week?" Lee: "Were you aware that President Bush is a biker? I just biked 100 miles today. I am training for an Ironman."
Co worker: Lee, are you working late tonight? Lee: No, I have to get up early to do a 20 mile run.
I even once rang my neighbor's door and when he answered, I said "Sorry Bob, can't talk to you now, I am training for an Ironman."
One Week before the Race Phase: You need to let your neighbors and co-workers know you will be gone for a little while, competing in an Ironman. Once again, you can steer the conversation to your Ironman race.
Neighbor: "Wow Lee your lawn looks great!" Lee: "My lawn is going to look bad this next week; I will be competing in an Ironman."
Race Expo Phase: You must buy as much Ironman merchandise as possible. For years we saved our money to send both of my boys to private college, but sacrifices must be made. Both Derick and Ty will be going to junior college now. You must buy enough Ironman clothes to cover every day at work and training. You must also buy plenty of shirts for your spouse and children. They will also spread the word that you just finished an Ironman.
The Race Phase: At http://www.ironmanlive.com you can setup automatic emails and cell phone message notifications of your Ironman timing splits. You can use all of the entries in your email and cell phone address book. Include everyone regardless of whether they remember you are or not. It just does not matter, because you are an Ironman.
Post Race Phase: The finisher medal can be worn for one day per the number of miles raced and everyone knows that an Ironman is 140.6 miles. So wear that medal for 141 days (always round up as opposed to rounding down your finishing time). Your children must be trained to say, "My daddy is an Ironman. He gave me this shirt. He's an Ironman." This must be emphasized over and over with your children. I did not do this after I ran the Boston marathon, and Derick, my oldest boy, told everyone at his day care that his grandma ran the marathon. Your spouse must memorize all of your splits (swim, bike and run). You must also include both transition splits as well. Instead of wearing a shirt which states, "I am with Dummy", your spouse will wear a shirt which says, "I am with a stud Ironman". All conversations must be steered to your Ironman race.
Co-Worker: "Did you hear about the new work policy?" Lee: "Nope, I did not; I was racing in an Ironman."
For at least one month you can say, "Well, I 'm only going to run easy today, I just did an Ironman." When someone brings up a subject of hardships suffered, you need to remind them that you also have suffered through hardships while training and racing in your Ironman.
You can also use these ideas to brag about other races, but please only brag about races which are longer than 13.1 miles.
Before I started to train an Ironman, I bought a training plan; I read books on hydration and fuel replacement, I listened to endless hours of advice from elite and pro triathletes. This information did help me finish, but it did not teach me how to correctly brag about being an Ironman.
My friends and I came up with a six phase program which will aid you in bragging about your Ironman . Use this plan from the moment you register until well after the race is complete for the most bang for your bragging buck.
Sign Up Phase: For most Ironman events, you have to register up to one year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to brag about doing an Ironman. During this phase, you must let all of your non-Ironman friends know you can't hang out with them anymore, because you just signed up for an Ironman. If you don't have any Ironman friends, then go to a place where runners or bikers hang out. Look for the Ironman symbol (M Dot) on their training clothes. An Ironman would never be caught running or biking without their Ironman stuff.
Training Phase: Training for an Ironman can be compared to having a part time job. You must let everyone you meet know this. This can be accomplished by sighing loudly at work, mumbling how tired you are because you just biked 100 miles, because you are in training for an Ironman. You can also skillfully steer the conversation with your neighbors and co-workers to your Ironman training. Here is an example:
Neighbor: "Did you hear what President Bush said this week?" Lee: "Were you aware that President Bush is a biker? I just biked 100 miles today. I am training for an Ironman."
Co worker: Lee, are you working late tonight? Lee: No, I have to get up early to do a 20 mile run.
I even once rang my neighbor's door and when he answered, I said "Sorry Bob, can't talk to you now, I am training for an Ironman."
One Week before the Race Phase: You need to let your neighbors and co-workers know you will be gone for a little while, competing in an Ironman. Once again, you can steer the conversation to your Ironman race.
Neighbor: "Wow Lee your lawn looks great!" Lee: "My lawn is going to look bad this next week; I will be competing in an Ironman."
Race Expo Phase: You must buy as much Ironman merchandise as possible. For years we saved our money to send both of my boys to private college, but sacrifices must be made. Both Derick and Ty will be going to junior college now. You must buy enough Ironman clothes to cover every day at work and training. You must also buy plenty of shirts for your spouse and children. They will also spread the word that you just finished an Ironman.
The Race Phase: At http://www.ironmanlive.com you can setup automatic emails and cell phone message notifications of your Ironman timing splits. You can use all of the entries in your email and cell phone address book. Include everyone regardless of whether they remember you are or not. It just does not matter, because you are an Ironman.
Post Race Phase: The finisher medal can be worn for one day per the number of miles raced and everyone knows that an Ironman is 140.6 miles. So wear that medal for 141 days (always round up as opposed to rounding down your finishing time). Your children must be trained to say, "My daddy is an Ironman. He gave me this shirt. He's an Ironman." This must be emphasized over and over with your children. I did not do this after I ran the Boston marathon, and Derick, my oldest boy, told everyone at his day care that his grandma ran the marathon. Your spouse must memorize all of your splits (swim, bike and run). You must also include both transition splits as well. Instead of wearing a shirt which states, "I am with Dummy", your spouse will wear a shirt which says, "I am with a stud Ironman". All conversations must be steered to your Ironman race.
Co-Worker: "Did you hear about the new work policy?" Lee: "Nope, I did not; I was racing in an Ironman."
For at least one month you can say, "Well, I 'm only going to run easy today, I just did an Ironman." When someone brings up a subject of hardships suffered, you need to remind them that you also have suffered through hardships while training and racing in your Ironman.
You can also use these ideas to brag about other races, but please only brag about races which are longer than 13.1 miles.
totals 15 december through 21 december
swim: 5250.00 M in 1h 50m 30s
bike: 18.00 Mi in 1h 01m 22s
run: 31.00 Mi in 4h 47m 43s
total: 07h 39m 35s
bike: 18.00 Mi in 1h 01m 22s
run: 31.00 Mi in 4h 47m 43s
total: 07h 39m 35s
16 December 2008
gear.head
triathlons ain't cheap.
everyone knows this.
at a minimum, you need: swimsuit, goggles, cap, bike, helmet, running shoes.
but let's be honest. at a minimum, you also need: wetsuit, bike cleats, clipless pedals, bike shorts, bike jerseys, running shorts, running tights, singlets, tshirts, long sleeved tshirts, bike trainer, hat, gloves, sports bras, water bottles, GUs, cliff bars, other nurition, sports drinks, a gym membership, tri transition bag, running socks, cycling socks, iPod, GPS, HRM, an understanding spouse ;).
and then, after the basics, comes the wants.
it's so easy to get sucked in. compression socks? compression tights? new bike! it all promises to make you stronger, sleeker, faster. gear reviews bring out my green eyed monster and I Need It All. I'm not so much into what thoseintheknow call bike porn ... I'm too wet behind the ears to know (and really, that's not a bad thing). swimming... well, aside from from what phelps wore (and I'm not sure if I could wear that in a race, although why not?) there's not a whole lot of tech-y swim gear. I have [cheap] goggles that I like, a few suits, and fins. maybe I'll buy padles but that won't set me back too much. it's with running that I go into overdrive. I love running clothes and my Garmin and it's rare that I leave my friendly local running store without spending at least $200.00.
but.
I'm trying not to get caught up in it. I have what I need to be comfortable and safe and feel good. I'm not a pro. Hell, I'm not an AGer. Last year I got second in the First Annual Fells Point Figgy Pudding Run. [that's probably as close as I'll get to winning]. but I don't do it to win (for the post race cookies? yes.)
anyone can go out and buy top of the line everything, can buy a $5K bike and an aero helmet and the CWX tights (want, need) but that doesn't make you faster. it doesn't guarantee you'll place or even finish.
the best gear in the world doesn't hold a candle to 5:30 a.m. swims, 15 mi long runs in the rain, or 60 mi bike rides. it won't compensate for missing workouts or sleeping late. $15 socks will not run themselves.
it's an expensive sport and it's easy to get caught up in the I-need-the-best-of-everything mindset but what's Most Important is consistent, smart training.
everyone knows this.
at a minimum, you need: swimsuit, goggles, cap, bike, helmet, running shoes.
but let's be honest. at a minimum, you also need: wetsuit, bike cleats, clipless pedals, bike shorts, bike jerseys, running shorts, running tights, singlets, tshirts, long sleeved tshirts, bike trainer, hat, gloves, sports bras, water bottles, GUs, cliff bars, other nurition, sports drinks, a gym membership, tri transition bag, running socks, cycling socks, iPod, GPS, HRM, an understanding spouse ;).
and then, after the basics, comes the wants.
it's so easy to get sucked in. compression socks? compression tights? new bike! it all promises to make you stronger, sleeker, faster. gear reviews bring out my green eyed monster and I Need It All. I'm not so much into what thoseintheknow call bike porn ... I'm too wet behind the ears to know (and really, that's not a bad thing). swimming... well, aside from from what phelps wore (and I'm not sure if I could wear that in a race, although why not?) there's not a whole lot of tech-y swim gear. I have [cheap] goggles that I like, a few suits, and fins. maybe I'll buy padles but that won't set me back too much. it's with running that I go into overdrive. I love running clothes and my Garmin and it's rare that I leave my friendly local running store without spending at least $200.00.
but.
I'm trying not to get caught up in it. I have what I need to be comfortable and safe and feel good. I'm not a pro. Hell, I'm not an AGer. Last year I got second in the First Annual Fells Point Figgy Pudding Run. [that's probably as close as I'll get to winning]. but I don't do it to win (for the post race cookies? yes.)
anyone can go out and buy top of the line everything, can buy a $5K bike and an aero helmet and the CWX tights (want, need) but that doesn't make you faster. it doesn't guarantee you'll place or even finish.
the best gear in the world doesn't hold a candle to 5:30 a.m. swims, 15 mi long runs in the rain, or 60 mi bike rides. it won't compensate for missing workouts or sleeping late. $15 socks will not run themselves.
it's an expensive sport and it's easy to get caught up in the I-need-the-best-of-everything mindset but what's Most Important is consistent, smart training.
14 December 2008
long run sunday, ford ironman, and my bike.
long run sunday
(pretty soon it will be long ride saturday and long run sunday and buh-bye social life. wait, can I say buh-bye to a social life that doesn't exist?)
I slept in and puttered around the house until I left for my run at 11:00 a. Baltimore is not that big so I have to be creative to ge in 14 miles ... after that distance I need to drive out to the county and run on the trails.
I had a really good run. I didn't start to feel tired until about mile 10, and I think some of that was psychological (just like getting bored/ tired at mile 4 of a 6 mi run -- it's just near the end). I continued to listen to New Moon (of the Twilight series) and although I kind of hate myself for listening to 'teenage vampire smut' it's not enough to stop.
Good weather too for a long run -- clear, partly sunny, mid to high 30s. I wore tights, a short sleeved shirt under a long sleeved shirt, and my yellow Nike drifit hat. Sometimes I was a little warm, but it was windy (especially near the water) so mostly I was comfortable.
I'm pretty confident in my goal to go a sub 4:00 at National. I ran a 3:53:13 at Richmond in November 2007, and although my mileage per week won't be the same (swim/ cycle in place of some runs), I've been a distance runner for four years and I think my experience and base will pull me through.
splits:
mile 1: 9:12
mile 2: 9:30
mile 3: 9:08
mile 4: 9:14
mile 5: 8:46
mile 6: 9:05
mile 7: 8:53
mile 8: 8:55
mile 9: 9:06
mile 10: 9:00
mile 11: 9:01
mile 12: 9:17
mile 13: 8:57
mile 14: 8:45
2h 08m 02s
14.14 miles
09m 03s/Mi
ford ironman
like the rest of the triathlon community (and anyone who flipped on nbc in the middle of the day), I watched the Ford Ironman Championship yesterday. the coverage focused mostly on the leaders, which was cool, but I would perfer to see more on the 'regular folks' (as regular as the KQ folks are, I suppose!). it was amazing though to see the leaders get out of transition so quickly - for an IM! ... and v. cool to see a female competitor tossing an extra co2 cartridge to christy wellington. my god can that woman fly on a bike.
I hope I get glow sticks to wear at IM Cozy.
bike
my rear wheel was flat, and after unsuccesfully trying to change it, then kind of changing it but not being able to put it back on the bike (um, I really need to learn how to put on my bike wheel) I - covered in grease - decided that eating doritos and watching Gossip Girl was the better way to go.
my wonderful husband took it to the Univ of Maryland bike shop to get it taken care of. hence, I have been bike free for a week.
not gonna lie, the break the trainer and I are on has been nice.
(pretty soon it will be long ride saturday and long run sunday and buh-bye social life. wait, can I say buh-bye to a social life that doesn't exist?)
I slept in and puttered around the house until I left for my run at 11:00 a. Baltimore is not that big so I have to be creative to ge in 14 miles ... after that distance I need to drive out to the county and run on the trails.
I had a really good run. I didn't start to feel tired until about mile 10, and I think some of that was psychological (just like getting bored/ tired at mile 4 of a 6 mi run -- it's just near the end). I continued to listen to New Moon (of the Twilight series) and although I kind of hate myself for listening to 'teenage vampire smut' it's not enough to stop.
Good weather too for a long run -- clear, partly sunny, mid to high 30s. I wore tights, a short sleeved shirt under a long sleeved shirt, and my yellow Nike drifit hat. Sometimes I was a little warm, but it was windy (especially near the water) so mostly I was comfortable.
I'm pretty confident in my goal to go a sub 4:00 at National. I ran a 3:53:13 at Richmond in November 2007, and although my mileage per week won't be the same (swim/ cycle in place of some runs), I've been a distance runner for four years and I think my experience and base will pull me through.
splits:
mile 1: 9:12
mile 2: 9:30
mile 3: 9:08
mile 4: 9:14
mile 5: 8:46
mile 6: 9:05
mile 7: 8:53
mile 8: 8:55
mile 9: 9:06
mile 10: 9:00
mile 11: 9:01
mile 12: 9:17
mile 13: 8:57
mile 14: 8:45
2h 08m 02s
14.14 miles
09m 03s/Mi
ford ironman
like the rest of the triathlon community (and anyone who flipped on nbc in the middle of the day), I watched the Ford Ironman Championship yesterday. the coverage focused mostly on the leaders, which was cool, but I would perfer to see more on the 'regular folks' (as regular as the KQ folks are, I suppose!). it was amazing though to see the leaders get out of transition so quickly - for an IM! ... and v. cool to see a female competitor tossing an extra co2 cartridge to christy wellington. my god can that woman fly on a bike.
I hope I get glow sticks to wear at IM Cozy.
bike
my rear wheel was flat, and after unsuccesfully trying to change it, then kind of changing it but not being able to put it back on the bike (um, I really need to learn how to put on my bike wheel) I - covered in grease - decided that eating doritos and watching Gossip Girl was the better way to go.
my wonderful husband took it to the Univ of Maryland bike shop to get it taken care of. hence, I have been bike free for a week.
not gonna lie, the break the trainer and I are on has been nice.
totals 8 dec through 14 dec
swim: 1550.00 M in 36m 36s
run: 34.22 Mi in 5h 11m 06s
total: 5h 47m 42s
(bike in shop)
run: 34.22 Mi in 5h 11m 06s
total: 5h 47m 42s
(bike in shop)
07 December 2008
totals 1 dec through 7 dec.
swim: 3650.00 M in 1h 17m 54s
bike: 45.70 Mi in 2h 38m 15s
run: 19.78 Mi in 3h 06m 09s
total time: 07h 02m 18s
bike: 45.70 Mi in 2h 38m 15s
run: 19.78 Mi in 3h 06m 09s
total time: 07h 02m 18s
03 December 2008
2009 race schedule.
is almost complete.
there are a few more races I'd like to do (Cherry Blossom, Army 10 Miler), but IM Cozy is really pricey, and I can't justify any more ...plus, I need to keep in mind the travel to and from Rhode Island 70.3. fortunantly, the other races are all [relatively] close by.
I will add one or two century rides, but they are (1) relatively inexpensive [although to a 'normal person', paying $35 to ride 100 mi is ridiculous], and (2) not really races [training].
22 March: National Triathlon
17 May: Columbia Triathon (Oly)
12 July: Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island (HIM)
13 September: Diamondman Triathlon (HIM)
26 September: Chesapeakeman Ultra Triathlon AquaVelo (IM swim/bike)
29 November: Ironman Cozumel (IM!)
I am SO excited for 2009 and am ready to get the season going. Starting in March, I have a race every other month (two in September) until Cozumel. Although each race is its own event, all races are mainly training/ prep for IM Cozy.
Even more exciting? My tri girlfriends are doing most of these, too [they are doing Shamrock the weekend before National]. It's so nice to someone to race 'with', even if you don't actually race together.
there are a few more races I'd like to do (Cherry Blossom, Army 10 Miler), but IM Cozy is really pricey, and I can't justify any more ...plus, I need to keep in mind the travel to and from Rhode Island 70.3. fortunantly, the other races are all [relatively] close by.
I will add one or two century rides, but they are (1) relatively inexpensive [although to a 'normal person', paying $35 to ride 100 mi is ridiculous], and (2) not really races [training].
22 March: National Triathlon
17 May: Columbia Triathon (Oly)
12 July: Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island (HIM)
13 September: Diamondman Triathlon (HIM)
26 September: Chesapeakeman Ultra Triathlon AquaVelo (IM swim/bike)
29 November: Ironman Cozumel (IM!)
I am SO excited for 2009 and am ready to get the season going. Starting in March, I have a race every other month (two in September) until Cozumel. Although each race is its own event, all races are mainly training/ prep for IM Cozy.
Even more exciting? My tri girlfriends are doing most of these, too [they are doing Shamrock the weekend before National]. It's so nice to someone to race 'with', even if you don't actually race together.
30 November 2008
november totals.
swim: 12100.00 M in 4h 17m 28s
bike: 88.70 Mi in 5h 12m 22s
run: 75.93 Mi in 11h 36m 45s
total: 21h 06m 35s
bike: 88.70 Mi in 5h 12m 22s
run: 75.93 Mi in 11h 36m 45s
total: 21h 06m 35s
totals 24 nov though 30 nov
swim: 3100.00 M in 1h 05m 53s
bike: 31.10 Mi in 1h 52m 02s
run: 16.14 Mi in 2h 30m 57s
total: 5h 28m 57s
bike: 31.10 Mi in 1h 52m 02s
run: 16.14 Mi in 2h 30m 57s
total: 5h 28m 57s
29 November 2008
that is all.25 November 2008
long run.
I had my first long run of training on Sunday. I was kind of apprehensive -- the last time I ran anything over 6 miles was when I suffered through 13.1 at Savageman ... but I had a great run!
Because it's been a long time since I had a long run -- it had been a long time since I had downloaded an audiobook. I went to audible.com to download a new audiobook. It takes me FOREVER to pick one (if I'm going to be listening for something for 12+ hours, it better be (1) interesting, and (2) well read).
I downloaded New Moon, by Stephanie Meyers.
(mmmm sexy vampires)
Yes, of the Twilight series.
Seriously.
Don't laugh.
I happen to enjoy listening to what my friend refers to as "teenage vampire smut." And no, the books are nowhere near Harry Potter good, but they are enjoyable and the narrator is good.
It's funny how I can get bored/ tired at mile two of a three mile run ... but that feeling doesn't hit until mile 8/9 of a 10 mile run. All relative, of course.
I had decent weather -- a little chilly in the mid-high 30s but not too cold. I wore tights and a long sleeved tech tee and I had gloves with me. I wore the gloves when I was running near water and took them off when I wasn't.
I felt good at the end of the run -- not sore, not v. tired. I even felt good on Monday, although my upper body was a twinge tight.
Next week: 11 mi.
10.10 miles in 1h 34m 27s // 09m 21s/Mi.
23 November 2008
totals 3 nov - 9 nov.
swim:
distance: 2000.00 M
time: 46m 26s
bike:
distance: 23.00 Mi
time: 1h 21m 23s
run:
distance: 21.83 Mi
time:3h 20m 46s
total time: 5 hr 25 min
distance: 2000.00 M
time: 46m 26s
bike:
distance: 23.00 Mi
time: 1h 21m 23s
run:
distance: 21.83 Mi
time:3h 20m 46s
total time: 5 hr 25 min
22 November 2008
fun at the friendly local running store.
my running shoes were shot, so I went to my friendly local running store and left with:
and $150 less in my checking account ;)
18 November 2008
the plan, revised.
monday: swim (30-60 min) pm/ bike (30-75) pm
tuesday: 3-5 mi run
wednesday: swim (30-60 min) pm/ bike (30-75) pm
thursday: 3-5 mi run
friday: rest
saturday: 5-10 mi pace
sunday: 10-20 mi long run
this is the schedule until january 26, when my official training starts for IMC!
tuesday: 3-5 mi run
wednesday: swim (30-60 min) pm/ bike (30-75) pm
thursday: 3-5 mi run
friday: rest
saturday: 5-10 mi pace
sunday: 10-20 mi long run
this is the schedule until january 26, when my official training starts for IMC!
16 November 2008
so long, speedo.
I swam competitively in high school.... not very fast, mind you ;), but competitively. I was a horrible freestyler but a decent breastroker (yes, ha.) and I made counties one year (I also got the flu two days before, swam anyhow, and had a horrible race, but I digress).
The whole swim team always voted on the team suit, and my senior year we chose a green (school's color) speedo with bubbles (I looked for a picture of it online, but to no avail). I wore a size 28. Correction: I wore a 30, but I stuffed myself into a 28 for racing. (I - and most of the other girls - had to wear the straps under our pits because the racing size HURT when the straps pressed into our shoulders). That particular season wasn't memorable but I have fond memories of high school swimming -- leaving class early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to drive to the pool, pasta parties, early morning swim meets, Boston Market turkey carver sandwhiches after those early morning swim meets, my mom the 'scorer', best times, finding out Saturday's line up on Thursday, crushes, friends.
The whole swim team always voted on the team suit, and my senior year we chose a green (school's color) speedo with bubbles (I looked for a picture of it online, but to no avail). I wore a size 28. Correction: I wore a 30, but I stuffed myself into a 28 for racing. (I - and most of the other girls - had to wear the straps under our pits because the racing size HURT when the straps pressed into our shoulders). That particular season wasn't memorable but I have fond memories of high school swimming -- leaving class early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to drive to the pool, pasta parties, early morning swim meets, Boston Market turkey carver sandwhiches after those early morning swim meets, my mom the 'scorer', best times, finding out Saturday's line up on Thursday, crushes, friends.
I threw away that suit last week. (yes, amazing it still fit, but we can attribute that to the wonderful qualities of spandex).
I wanted to hold onto it -- for sentimental reasons, and because I hate buying new suits -- but the elastic was wearing thin and I was getting afraid of the straps wearing completely thin ... and, um, breaking while swimming.
It actually made me a little sad to toss it.
... but, out with the old and all that and so I ordered two cheap clubswim suits... how adorable are these?!
the plan.
whew.
I survived my off season and I'm so ready to follow a training program.
The National Marathon (think Marine Corps but much smaller and all contained in the district [unlike MCM, which starts and ends in NoVa]) is on March 21 and I'm following Hal Higdon's Intermediate II training program -- but with one adjustment: Wednesday's run is replaced with 45-75 minutes on the bike.
The schedule looks something like this:
monday: swim (30-60 min)
tuesday: 3-5 mi run
wednesday: bike (45-75 min)
thursday: 3-5 mi run
friday: rest
saturday: 5-10 mi pace
sunday: 10-20 mi long run
The mileage is less than what I'm used to, but although I'm training for National, I'm base building for Ironman Cozumel.
... and the plan will change when I start "officially" training for Ironman Cozumel -- which starts January 26. One of my tri girlfriends is working on a schedule, so I'll have to change the schedule again.
As long as I get my long runs in I think I'll be fine. I'd like to just go a sub 4:00 again and I'll be happy. The goal through training is to keep a strong base and stay healthy!
While I will be racing National, I'm also kind of thinking of it as a supported training run.
Here we go !
I survived my off season and I'm so ready to follow a training program.
The National Marathon (think Marine Corps but much smaller and all contained in the district [unlike MCM, which starts and ends in NoVa]) is on March 21 and I'm following Hal Higdon's Intermediate II training program -- but with one adjustment: Wednesday's run is replaced with 45-75 minutes on the bike.
The schedule looks something like this:
monday: swim (30-60 min)
tuesday: 3-5 mi run
wednesday: bike (45-75 min)
thursday: 3-5 mi run
friday: rest
saturday: 5-10 mi pace
sunday: 10-20 mi long run
The mileage is less than what I'm used to, but although I'm training for National, I'm base building for Ironman Cozumel.
... and the plan will change when I start "officially" training for Ironman Cozumel -- which starts January 26. One of my tri girlfriends is working on a schedule, so I'll have to change the schedule again.
As long as I get my long runs in I think I'll be fine. I'd like to just go a sub 4:00 again and I'll be happy. The goal through training is to keep a strong base and stay healthy!
While I will be racing National, I'm also kind of thinking of it as a supported training run.
Here we go !
07 November 2008
one hundred push ups. update.
w1d1: 10/ 12/ 7/ 7/ 11 [max]
w1d2: 10/ 12/ 8/ 8/ 14 [max]
w1d3: 11/ 15/ 9/ 9/ 16 [max]
w2d1: 14/ 14/ 10/ 10/ 16 [max]
w2d2: 14/ 16/ 12/ 12/ 17 [max]
w1d2: 10/ 12/ 8/ 8/ 14 [max]
w1d3: 11/ 15/ 9/ 9/ 16 [max]
w2d1: 14/ 14/ 10/ 10/ 16 [max]
w2d2: 14/ 16/ 12/ 12/ 17 [max]
04 November 2008
whoops.
yeah, I'm on autopilot (told you I scheduled my winter workouts around the tv schedule) --
tonight is the ELECTION!
(I'll be biking early to Jeopardy and Scrubs, then ;))
tonight is the ELECTION!
(I'll be biking early to Jeopardy and Scrubs, then ;))
03 November 2008
so much for that.
I was GOING to run at 6:00 a.m.
I didn't.
Sun set at 5:03 this evening. Left work at 5:30.
That left me with:
fortunantly, the beautiful folks on Gossip Girl kept me going, and I listened to my iPod during commercials. it really wasn't that bad.
[seriously, I schedule my winter workouts around tv.]
I didn't.
Sun set at 5:03 this evening. Left work at 5:30.
That left me with:
fortunantly, the beautiful folks on Gossip Girl kept me going, and I listened to my iPod during commercials. it really wasn't that bad.
stats: 5.06 miles in 46m 06s // 09m 07s/Mi
p-up challenge (w2d1): 14/ 14/ 10/ 10/ 16 [max].
[seriously, I schedule my winter workouts around tv.]
02 November 2008
long time no blog.
hello to the four or five people that read this !
haven't blogged in a while because
1. I've been out of town at baby prosecutor's school, and
2. nothing interesting re: training has happened recently!
I've mostly been running, with a few (very few) swims and bike rides on the trainer thrown in.
Training for National starts in a couple weeks (Monday the 17), and I'm looking forward to having a training schedule again ... wee! Until then, will just be staying in shape.
Need to - finally - drag out my tights, gloves, mittens, and windbreakers.
Oh, and I got our neighborhood newsletter today -- a running group is forming! This is excellent news... perhaps I can avoid the treadmill all winter? A girl can dream ..
haven't blogged in a while because
1. I've been out of town at baby prosecutor's school, and
2. nothing interesting re: training has happened recently!
I've mostly been running, with a few (very few) swims and bike rides on the trainer thrown in.
Training for National starts in a couple weeks (Monday the 17), and I'm looking forward to having a training schedule again ... wee! Until then, will just be staying in shape.
Need to - finally - drag out my tights, gloves, mittens, and windbreakers.
Oh, and I got our neighborhood newsletter today -- a running group is forming! This is excellent news... perhaps I can avoid the treadmill all winter? A girl can dream ..
19 October 2008
one hundred push ups.
http://hundredpushups.com/
initial test: 16 push ups.
w1d1: 10/ 12/ 7/ 7/ 11 [max]
w1d2: 10/ 12/ 8/ 8/ 14 [max]
w1d3: 11/ 15/ 9/ 9/ 16 [max]
05 October 2008
my first love.
january 01 2005.
amazingly, I wasn't very hungover. the weather was beautiful - if oddly unseasonal.
I didn't think of myself as a runner. I thought of myself as a gym rat who ran occassionaly ... 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there, before or after 10-20 minutes on the elliptical or the stationary bike. I had done a couple 5Ks.
I was running down St. Paul street when I thought (and I remember this. I do.) I should run a marathon.
it was always on my life list. it was always something I wanted to do, something to do once (ha.) and check off. and I thought -- for the first time and at the beginning of this journey and it's a thought I've had several times since -- if not now, when?
[because there will always be something]
Later that week I registered for the Baltimore Marathon.
___
now that I am not "in training" and just kind of puttering around, doing what I want when I want for however long I wish ... I find myself lacing up. I find myself lacing up and running familiar routes in my city and seeing the Trapeze School and the baby ducks in the Inner Harbor and the water around Fort McHenry.
maybe it's because it takes too long to drive to the gym and change into a swimsuit. maybe it's because it's a pain to drag the trainer up from the basement.
maybe it's just because I Love Running.
amazingly, I wasn't very hungover. the weather was beautiful - if oddly unseasonal.
I didn't think of myself as a runner. I thought of myself as a gym rat who ran occassionaly ... 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there, before or after 10-20 minutes on the elliptical or the stationary bike. I had done a couple 5Ks.
I was running down St. Paul street when I thought (and I remember this. I do.) I should run a marathon.
it was always on my life list. it was always something I wanted to do, something to do once (ha.) and check off. and I thought -- for the first time and at the beginning of this journey and it's a thought I've had several times since -- if not now, when?
[because there will always be something]
Later that week I registered for the Baltimore Marathon.
___
now that I am not "in training" and just kind of puttering around, doing what I want when I want for however long I wish ... I find myself lacing up. I find myself lacing up and running familiar routes in my city and seeing the Trapeze School and the baby ducks in the Inner Harbor and the water around Fort McHenry.
maybe it's because it takes too long to drive to the gym and change into a swimsuit. maybe it's because it's a pain to drag the trainer up from the basement.
maybe it's just because I Love Running.
30 September 2008
29 September 2008
downtime.
Tri season is over.
Marathon training for National hasn't started.
And I, my friends, am in a funk.
I don't do well with downtime. I'd rather be too busy than remotely bored. I'd rather be running around with ten items under four projects on todoist.com than sit sill.
My workouts have been sporadic which is not my style, and I need to get back on track and back into my groove.
[and sit patiently until training for National starts. and then training for Cozumel. and then I will be a happy girl!]
Marathon training for National hasn't started.
And I, my friends, am in a funk.
I don't do well with downtime. I'd rather be too busy than remotely bored. I'd rather be running around with ten items under four projects on todoist.com than sit sill.
My workouts have been sporadic which is not my style, and I need to get back on track and back into my groove.
[and sit patiently until training for National starts. and then training for Cozumel. and then I will be a happy girl!]
22 September 2008
why.
A lot of people hear about tris (esp about HIM and IMs) and ask why? ... why, on Earth, would anyone willingly put in 8, 10, 15, 18 hours a week, give up a social life, work out before and after work, long bike on Saturday, long run on Sunday, sore muscles, tired bodies, always hungry, life on hold --- to race for 7-16 hours at a time?
It's personal to each athlete, I think, so I can only answer why I do it:
the sense of accomplishment, meeting goals, having deadlines, following through a training program, doing what you set out to do, even when it isn't pretty and it isn't easy.
the high after a hard workout, mcdonalds after a hard workout, audiobooks on a long run, the views on a beautiful bike ride, streching out during an easy swim, discovering something new in my city -- ducklings, the trapeze school, Fifi the kinetic scupture race poodle, a 100 year old building that I've just now noticed. running in the rain, running in the snow. all workouts, even when they suck and are hard and boring because I did them and that is what matters.
race numbers, race metals, race tshirts. the sense of community, the kindness of strangers willing to lend a Body Glide or give a GU or advice.
spectators, who make you feel like you are a world class athlete, even when you are shuffling along at a snails pace. high fives from little kids. volunteers, who tell you that 'you look great' even though you don't, and wake up at 6:00 a.m. to pass out electrolyte pills and water to tired athletes --- sans pay. the volunteers who asked me my name at the bottom of a big climb and chanted TRI-CIA! TRI-CIA! while I struggled up the hill.
crossing the finish line.
I do it because I have to do it, because I could not and would not stop for any amount of money, because it's like being a wife, a daughter, a friend, an attorney: it's part of who I am.
the soreness fades and amazingly so do the memories of how painful it was, how badly you wanted to stop and the only thing you can think about after a race is
what's next?
It's personal to each athlete, I think, so I can only answer why I do it:
the sense of accomplishment, meeting goals, having deadlines, following through a training program, doing what you set out to do, even when it isn't pretty and it isn't easy.
the high after a hard workout, mcdonalds after a hard workout, audiobooks on a long run, the views on a beautiful bike ride, streching out during an easy swim, discovering something new in my city -- ducklings, the trapeze school, Fifi the kinetic scupture race poodle, a 100 year old building that I've just now noticed. running in the rain, running in the snow. all workouts, even when they suck and are hard and boring because I did them and that is what matters.
race numbers, race metals, race tshirts. the sense of community, the kindness of strangers willing to lend a Body Glide or give a GU or advice.
spectators, who make you feel like you are a world class athlete, even when you are shuffling along at a snails pace. high fives from little kids. volunteers, who tell you that 'you look great' even though you don't, and wake up at 6:00 a.m. to pass out electrolyte pills and water to tired athletes --- sans pay. the volunteers who asked me my name at the bottom of a big climb and chanted TRI-CIA! TRI-CIA! while I struggled up the hill.
crossing the finish line.
I do it because I have to do it, because I could not and would not stop for any amount of money, because it's like being a wife, a daughter, a friend, an attorney: it's part of who I am.
the soreness fades and amazingly so do the memories of how painful it was, how badly you wanted to stop and the only thing you can think about after a race is
what's next?
I am Savagewoman - hear me roar! (the whole story)
1.2 mi swim * 56 mi bike * 13.1 mi run
Friday evening:
I got home from work around 5:30 and started to get everything together. I did laundry and packed my tri bag and my suitcase. I blogged. I freaked out. Aggie the cat really wanted to come:
It all fit in here! This really is the world's greatest tri bag!
Saturday:
My dear husband didn't get home until 4:00 a.m. (work) so I tried to let him sleep as long as possible. We loaded up the car and left for Deep Creek Lake at 10:15 a.m.
The drive was pretty uneventful. It's almost completely a straight shot west. James and I stopped for food (graham crackers for me, cheetos for him, although I did eat a fair amount of his cheeeeesy poooofs). We got into the town of Deep Creek lake and found our motel
After we checked in we drove to packet pickup at the Lake. I got my chip, cap, race number, badass tshirt, and tons of samples and coupons, etc. After packet pickup we went to the mandatory pre race meeting -- safety safety, when the sign says no aero we mean it, no we probably can't enforce it but its for your safety, watch the hairpin turns on the decents, the wall is steep, the climb to the wall is steep, the 8 miles after the wall are all uphill, it's going to be cold when you get out of the water, it might be foggy and we will have strobelights on the buoys, the kayakers are there to help, safety is paramount, this is a hard race.
Then J and I got my bike and went to the safety check (for my bike and helmet)
Yay -- both passed! I bought a back up CO2 cartridge (but hoped, prayed that I would not need to use it) and then racked my bike. Then back to the hotel where James took a nap and I watched Meet the Parents and ate and fidgeted and unpacked and layed out clothes for Sunday (mine and James'). Then we went to dinner at Uno's where I had onion rings and bbq chicken pizza. We came back to the Alpine Village Inn Motel and passed out around 10:00.
Race Day!
I woke up (on my own at midnight and three, and then by my cell phone alarm at 5:00) and ate a bowl of oatmeal. I got dressed in my tri suit, and then put on a long sleeved shirt, jacket, and sweatpants. I woke up James and we left for the course at quarter to six. Transition opened at 6:00 and we were one of the first people there.
Then I got marked: 111 on each arm, and a 26 on my right calf:
Then to transition to set up everything at my bike.
At this point it was 6:30 and we had an hour and a half to kill. James and I wandered around for a while and walked out on the floating dock. I was nervous and excited but more of the latter and I was so ready to get started.
I went back to transition and put on sunblock, Body Glide, and my wetsuit. I bought a skull cap (don't laugh, I look awesome in it) to wear under my helmet for the first 18 miles of the ride.
SWIM
The swim start was delayed 30 minutes, so all the athletes were standing around - barefoot - and shivering. I struck up a conversation with a woman who was doing this race to redeem herself after DNFing at IM Lake Placid this year due to hypothermia ... nevermind that she's completed 5 IMs before that! We finally walked over the timing mat and got into the water. I was in the first wave: women and elite males (note: I am a woman, not an elite male).
And.... we're off!! It was a little foggy but not too bad, and I had no problem spotting. The course was straight out and back so it was pretty easy to keep track of where I was. I could see the bottom at points and there were a lot of water plants that came up high and I kept thinking about Harry Potter being in the lake during the tri-wizard tournament but fortunantly I just had to swim 1.2 miles and not save anyone from mermaids.
I rounded the halfway point at 18:00 which was pretty much on schedule for me. The way back was a bit bouncy due to the boats but the waves weren't too high. I came out of the water, looking and feeling drunk and stumbled up and out of the water.
Swim Time: 38:51
TI
I crossed the time chip mat right out of the water, so my transition time includes the long run up to transition -- hill AND stairs (of course, what else could I expect from Savageman?). I took my time in transition -- got my wetsuit off, dried off with a towel, put on my skull cap, helmet, arm warmers, and gloves and left for a very long and very painful bike ride.
T1 Time: 8:07
BIKE
Okay, have my gloves, my socks, my cleats, nutrition, hydration, helmet, arm warmers jacket ... at mile 2: WHERE THE EFF ARE MY SUNGLASSES? Oh well, couldn't do anything about it then. The first 18 miles are a net downhill. It's an absolutely stunning bike ride -- through the mountains, through farms, next to a stream. Perfect weather, too -- could not have asked for a prettier bike ride. My Luna Moons were frozen and extra chewy, and I almost fell off my bike trying to get them out of the package.
At mile 18 I hit the town of Westernport (the bottom of the route elevation map) and began a steep steep climb. The three blocks up to the wall are at a 15-20 deg. incline, so when I finally got to the wall, I was exhuasted. I DID try the wall, but fell over about halfway through and was pulled to the side by a nice lady who also grabbed my bike. I walked up the rest of the wall (the first time I walked my bike ... but certainly not the last!) and then went on to climb Mount Savage (the first big peak on the elevation map).
On this bike course you are either climbing or free falling -- there really isn't a lot of inbetween ground. The course was well marked with helpful SLOW: SHARP DECENT signs to prevent riders from flying off their bikes and a hilarious NO DRAFTING! sign on a 10 deg. climb (near the top of Savage Mountain). I got to the top of the mountain and was met by volunteers in devil costumes, telling me that I was in HELL (like I couldn't figure that out from the pain in every muscle in my body).. and refilling my bottles with Heed and Water and giving me electrolyte pills.
A nice 3-4 mile decent follows the peak of Savage, but it's short lived. I did talk to a cow (I was getting a little delicious at this point) and was paced by a jack russel that ran out barking at me and ran besdies my bike for 15 feet. There were a few people (locals) out on the course, cheering and waving, which was very nice.
I thought I was lost more than once -- although the course is well marked, there were a few miles were I didn't see any people or any signs and I was sure I was off the course... and was thrilled when I was passed because at least it meant that I was on the course.
After coming around a very sharp left turn (really, it was a u-turn) I looked up a Killer Miller (the second big peak on the map) -- a 1.2 climb of about 9*. Yeah, right. My legs were SO fried at this point that I just hopped off and walked up the entire hill, and was relieved to see a few people doing the exact same thing behind me. I was greeted at the top by angels and some more water.
The rest of the course, I was told, was "flat" but these people have such an effed up defintion of "hills" that I should have known that flat = not HUGE hills. The last 10 miles took forever and the thought of running 13.1 mi was making me ill... well, that and the several GUs and Luna Moons I ate. I was so sick of sugary sweet foods and drinks and my stomach was not thriled with me. Finally, mile 55, and then, a couple minutes later, I was finished.
Bike time: slow. oh okay, real time: 4:58:38, 11.3 mph.
T2
I almost cried when I came into transition. Almost every single bike was back and it was SO disheartening. Still, I saw James, got off my bike, and re racked it. I changed from cleates to running shoes, turned on my Garmin, and put on my hat, and was off to run/ shuffle/ walk/ crawl 13.1 mi.
T2 time: 4:01
RUN
The run is evil -- you cross next to the finish line TWICE before actually running through the finish. I set off at around a 10:30 pace -- a far cry from my usual 8:10s for a HIM -- and took several walk breaks. My carefully planned nutrition plan was shot to hell as I ate a cookie and drank some coke at each aid station. At this point, it was about one thing: survival. I was going to drag my broken body across the finish line if it killed me (and it almost did). I finished the first lap and set off to do the second. There was almost NO ONE on the course at this time -- everyone I saw while I was on my first loop was on their second, and they had actually crossed the finish line while I was running next to it on to lap 2. 
My ego was almost as sore as my butt -- I am not, by any means, a fast runner, but I normally place in the top 25%ish of women. What was I doing in the back of the pack? I reminded myself of my goals: finish and have fun, and I sucked it up and kept going forward. One step at a time, one mile at a time. There was this horrible run up a fire hill... and we did it twice. I met up with a woman and we walked the last 4 miles together. We did walk them at about a 13:30 pace, so it's not like we were strolling, but I couldn't believe how slow I was moving. We turned a corner and picked up a pace fast enough to call a jog, I think ... and booked it - as best we could - to the finish.
Run time: 2:41:45, 12.19 pace (compare that to my HIM PR of 1:47, ha!)
FINISH
I crossed the finish line to a cheering group of people (I was shocked anyone was left, but it turns out they were waiting for their awards. Yeah, me too.). I got a metal and a coke and some pretzels and my James.
I could not have done this without my wonderful husband, who drove to and from Deep Creek, stayed with me at a shady motel, came with me to packet pickup and sat through the pre race meeting, woke up at 5:30 with me to go to the course, carried my bike, cheered me on, took pictures, told me I could do it, told me he was proud of me, and made me laugh when I felt like crying.
Oh, and finishers:
Number of female athletes: 41
Number of DNF female athletes: 8
Number of male athletes: 182
Number of DNF male athletes: 20
Crazy amout of DNFs + not a lot of females that even attempted it = one happy Trish for even starting this race and crossing the finish line.
21 September 2008
I am Savagewoman - hear me roar!
Just the quick and dirty details, because:
1. I hurt
2. ... like hell
3. I'm exhuasted
tomorrow will be a full report with pictures and details, such as:
- talking to moo cows
- our motel
- ow my legs
- ow my arms
- ow my shoulders
- my jack russel pacer
- "killer miller"
- my husband, the world's best
- cookies, coke, and bananas
- sunglasses, or lack thereof
- and so, so much more
Number of female athletes: 41
Number of DNF female athletes: 8
Number of male athletes: 182
Number of DNF male athletes: 20
My finish: 08:31:01
My swim: 38:51
T1: 8:07 (included a long run up a hill)
My bike: 4:58:38 (so very very painful ... do you have any idea how steep 5-31* climbs are?!)
T2: 4:01
My run: 2:41:25
1. I hurt
2. ... like hell
3. I'm exhuasted
tomorrow will be a full report with pictures and details, such as:
- talking to moo cows
- our motel
- ow my legs
- ow my arms
- ow my shoulders
- my jack russel pacer
- "killer miller"
- my husband, the world's best
- cookies, coke, and bananas
- sunglasses, or lack thereof
- and so, so much more
Number of female athletes: 41
Number of DNF female athletes: 8
Number of male athletes: 182
Number of DNF male athletes: 20
My finish: 08:31:01
My swim: 38:51
T1: 8:07 (included a long run up a hill)
My bike: 4:58:38 (so very very painful ... do you have any idea how steep 5-31* climbs are?!)
T2: 4:01
My run: 2:41:25
19 September 2008
two days two days two days!
two days two days two days!
I've been checking out the results from 2007 --- it looks like I'll finish in about the middle of the women (if this year is like last year). I'm predicting a finish of around 7:30-8:00:
swim: 35-40 min
t1: 3-4 min
bike: 4:30-4:45
t2: 3-4 min
run: 2:00-2:30
However. I have two goals for this race:
1. Finish
2. Have fun
I am so excited and nerves I can barely sit still!
I took a half day on Monday so I can sleep in a little. (we'll be getting home really late on Sunday night -- around midnight or later).
I've been checking out the results from 2007 --- it looks like I'll finish in about the middle of the women (if this year is like last year). I'm predicting a finish of around 7:30-8:00:
swim: 35-40 min
t1: 3-4 min
bike: 4:30-4:45
t2: 3-4 min
run: 2:00-2:30
However. I have two goals for this race:
1. Finish
2. Have fun
I am so excited and nerves I can barely sit still!
I took a half day on Monday so I can sleep in a little. (we'll be getting home really late on Sunday night -- around midnight or later).
17 September 2008
oh, good.
Email from yesterday, titled: 2008 SavageMan Triathlon Festival Athletes Guide.
Included:
_____
Weather
The weather in Garrett County in mid to late September is typically very cool in the mornings. Average low is about 50 and average high around 70. All participants and spectators should expect cold temperatures early in the morning and dress accordingly. Last year's chilly morning in which athletes had to scrape frost from windshields was cooler than normal, but not extraordinarily so.
SavageMan Half participants start the bike with a long, shaded descent into Westernport. The cool temperatures, long descent, and wet clothes from the swim can combine to severely chill an underdressed athlete.
All SavageMan Half participants are strongly encouraged to put on excess clothing for the bike, including socks, gloves, arm warmers, and vest or jacket. A clothing drop will be provided in Westernport so athletes can shed excess clothing before the climbing begins in earnest. Please label/write your last name inside, or on, your clothing to be dropped - you will be able to identify and claim your clothes post-race in pre-sorted piles.
______
Very cool about the clothing drop --- I didn't want to discard a (pricey) jacket or long sleeved shirt and now I have more options for clothing.
I am excited and nervous and cannot WAIT for this weekend!
Also on my 'to pack' list:
Included:
_____
Weather
The weather in Garrett County in mid to late September is typically very cool in the mornings. Average low is about 50 and average high around 70. All participants and spectators should expect cold temperatures early in the morning and dress accordingly. Last year's chilly morning in which athletes had to scrape frost from windshields was cooler than normal, but not extraordinarily so.
SavageMan Half participants start the bike with a long, shaded descent into Westernport. The cool temperatures, long descent, and wet clothes from the swim can combine to severely chill an underdressed athlete.
All SavageMan Half participants are strongly encouraged to put on excess clothing for the bike, including socks, gloves, arm warmers, and vest or jacket. A clothing drop will be provided in Westernport so athletes can shed excess clothing before the climbing begins in earnest. Please label/write your last name inside, or on, your clothing to be dropped - you will be able to identify and claim your clothes post-race in pre-sorted piles.
______
Very cool about the clothing drop --- I didn't want to discard a (pricey) jacket or long sleeved shirt and now I have more options for clothing.
I am excited and nervous and cannot WAIT for this weekend!
Also on my 'to pack' list:
- jacket
- long sleeved tech tee
- charger for Garmin
- charger for camera
- photo ID/ wallet
- cell phone
16 September 2008
jlo and other celebrities.
You may have heard: Jennifer Lopez (nee JLo) did a sprint triathlon in 2:23:38.
I am thrilled to anounce that I am now faster than: JLo, P Diddy aka Puff Daddy aka Sean Combs, Oprah, Katie Holmes, Mario Lopez, Freddie Prinze, Jr., David Lee Roth, and Al Gore.
[for the record, I am slower than: William Baldwin, Dubya, and Dana Carvy]
[and Will Ferrel and I have almost the same PR!]
But I digress.
Yes, I think it's great that she finished it.
(I had my doubts).
(and why did she wear those stupid goggles?)
Yes, I think it's great that she raised money.
No, I don't think it's the world's most impressive accomplishment.
No, I don't think she's the only woman who has given birth and then raced.
Yes, I do think she's one of the few with nannies, coaches, etc.
Lopez … was overheard saying after the segment that she “couldn’t understand why everyone is talking about that swimmer,” according to a GMA source. “She couldn’t come up with (eight-time gold-medal winner Michael) Phelps’s name, and then she yammered on about how she was the one training for a triathlon just six months after giving birth, and how that was the big story right now, not ‘the swimmer.’”
I mean, really?
Bottom line: good for her, but let's not get too carried away with ourselves.
I am thrilled to anounce that I am now faster than: JLo, P Diddy aka Puff Daddy aka Sean Combs, Oprah, Katie Holmes, Mario Lopez, Freddie Prinze, Jr., David Lee Roth, and Al Gore.
[for the record, I am slower than: William Baldwin, Dubya, and Dana Carvy]
[and Will Ferrel and I have almost the same PR!]
But I digress.
Yes, I think it's great that she finished it.
(I had my doubts).
(and why did she wear those stupid goggles?)
Yes, I think it's great that she raised money.
No, I don't think it's the world's most impressive accomplishment.
No, I don't think she's the only woman who has given birth and then raced.
Yes, I do think she's one of the few with nannies, coaches, etc.
Lopez … was overheard saying after the segment that she “couldn’t understand why everyone is talking about that swimmer,” according to a GMA source. “She couldn’t come up with (eight-time gold-medal winner Michael) Phelps’s name, and then she yammered on about how she was the one training for a triathlon just six months after giving birth, and how that was the big story right now, not ‘the swimmer.’”
I mean, really?
Bottom line: good for her, but let's not get too carried away with ourselves.
15 September 2008
neatness, completeness, and organization.
to pack
clothes
tolietries
race day
clothes
swim
clothes
- two sweatpants
- four short sleeved tshirts
- two long sleeved tshirts
- jeans
- 2 tank tops
- 3 pairs underwear
- 2 bras
- two pairs of socks
tolietries
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash
- razor
- shaving gel
- face wash
- deoderant
- body lotion
- face lotion
- medicine
other
- directions to hotel
- hotel confirmation
- race confirmation
race day
clothes
- tri top
- tri shorts
- ponytail holder
swim
- wetsuit
- goggles
- cap
bike
- bike
- extra CO2 cartridge
- extra tubes
- water bottles (2)
- air pump
- gloves
- helmet
- bike shoes
- socks
- arm warmers
- (bike jersey)
- sunglasses
run
- running shoes
- nike hat
- garmin
- race belt for number
misc.
- body glide
- sunscreen
- camera
- flip flops
- post race clothing
- towels (2)
- Nike watch
- Transition bag
nutrition and hydration
- Accelerade
- Luna Moons
- GU
- salted peanuts
- electrolyte pills
anything else?!
13 September 2008
taper madness.
I slept horribly last night .. my nerves about Savageman are really starting to set in! T minus 8 days, yeeps!
I started tapering last week, but the real taper starts Monday. Next week I have a bunch of bricks but they are really short (i.e. 15 swim, 15 bike, 15 run).
Yesterday I bought blue arm warmers. The swim is in a chilly lake (definitely wetsuit legal!) and the first 18 miles of the bike have a net downhill. And the race is in the moutains of Western Maryland in late September ... as of right now, the high in that are is 76 and the low is 53 (I have been obsessed, lately, with accuweather.com!). I'm debating throwing a bike jersey over my tri top for the bike, but I'm afraid I'll be too warm and I don't want to just chuck a pricey bike jersey. Thoughts?
Ack I am getting butterflies just writing this! For so long I was thinking that this "just" a half ironman. Well, based on my bike performance at the course a couple of weeks ago, I'm predicting my finish at 7:30-8:00.... that's a long time to race!
On todoist.com (the world's greatest website), I have a "project" for Savageman. Right now I have four things left to do:
1. get bike checked out, cleaned, etc. at Maryland's Campus Rec Center (my husband works there so all my bike maintenance is free. sweet!)
2. make a "to pack" list
3. make a "to bring" to race list
4. pack!
(5. chill out!)
Okay, off to set up my bike trainer and get to the pool. Today is a 45 min swim (continuously, at race pace), and a 90 min bike at RPE 3-4. Tomorrow is an 80 min run.
I started tapering last week, but the real taper starts Monday. Next week I have a bunch of bricks but they are really short (i.e. 15 swim, 15 bike, 15 run).
Yesterday I bought blue arm warmers. The swim is in a chilly lake (definitely wetsuit legal!) and the first 18 miles of the bike have a net downhill. And the race is in the moutains of Western Maryland in late September ... as of right now, the high in that are is 76 and the low is 53 (I have been obsessed, lately, with accuweather.com!). I'm debating throwing a bike jersey over my tri top for the bike, but I'm afraid I'll be too warm and I don't want to just chuck a pricey bike jersey. Thoughts?
Ack I am getting butterflies just writing this! For so long I was thinking that this "just" a half ironman. Well, based on my bike performance at the course a couple of weeks ago, I'm predicting my finish at 7:30-8:00.... that's a long time to race!
On todoist.com (the world's greatest website), I have a "project" for Savageman. Right now I have four things left to do:
1. get bike checked out, cleaned, etc. at Maryland's Campus Rec Center (my husband works there so all my bike maintenance is free. sweet!)
2. make a "to pack" list
3. make a "to bring" to race list
4. pack!
(5. chill out!)
Okay, off to set up my bike trainer and get to the pool. Today is a 45 min swim (continuously, at race pace), and a 90 min bike at RPE 3-4. Tomorrow is an 80 min run.
05 September 2008
exhausted.
Last night's workout was supposed to be a 30 min swim/ 30 min bike/ 30 min run, but I was too lazy to drive to the pool AND I had ANTM DVR'd... so who better than Tyra to motivate me to be a FIERCE biker? The run felt pretty good, especially toward the end (which is a long uphill!). I feel like I'm ready to tackle Savageman, as ugly, slow, and painful as my finish may (will) be.
bike
59m 13s
18.00 miles
18.24 mph
6:10 PM
Trainer (brick/run)
run
32m 08s
3.44 mile
09m 20s/Mi
7:20 PM
(brick/bike)
Aside from a bigger butt and legs that can no longer fit into some of my pencil skirts, another wonderful side effect of HIM training is the constant exhaustion. I set my alarm for 6:30 this morning and swear I did not hear it. J woke me up, "Trish, it's 7:55, don't you have court this morning?" Yes, I do, at 8:30. I was showered and out of the door at 8:10, and to the courthouse by 8:39. Things worked out (thank goodness for late defendants ;)) but my god if I could get 10 hours of sleep a night I would be a very happy girl.
I need to get in some pool time ... probably a short 1500m after work tonight.
bike
59m 13s
18.00 miles
18.24 mph
6:10 PM
Trainer (brick/run)
run
32m 08s
3.44 mile
09m 20s/Mi
7:20 PM
(brick/bike)
Aside from a bigger butt and legs that can no longer fit into some of my pencil skirts, another wonderful side effect of HIM training is the constant exhaustion. I set my alarm for 6:30 this morning and swear I did not hear it. J woke me up, "Trish, it's 7:55, don't you have court this morning?" Yes, I do, at 8:30. I was showered and out of the door at 8:10, and to the courthouse by 8:39. Things worked out (thank goodness for late defendants ;)) but my god if I could get 10 hours of sleep a night I would be a very happy girl.
I need to get in some pool time ... probably a short 1500m after work tonight.
01 September 2008
believe it.
caption: ow.
Part of me wanted to think that the Saveageman bike course was ... a little bit of hype. Of course, I KNEW it was a tough course, but I thought - maybe - that some triathletes were puffing our their chests. Maybe it was a wee bit exagerated? They weren't, and it wasn't.
Believe. The. Hype.
This morning at 6:00 a.m., three triathletes left Catonsville for Deep Creek Lake. We were on the course at 9:20. The first 18 miles are rolling hills... certainly not easy, but doable. Oh, and gorgeous... the beauty of this course is unbelieveable -- lakes, blasted out mountains, creeks, tall trees. Amazing. So the first 18 miles were okay. I felt okay. The decent was a BLAST - I hit 40 mph... oh, and I swallowed a fly.
Believe. The. Hype.
This morning at 6:00 a.m., three triathletes left Catonsville for Deep Creek Lake. We were on the course at 9:20. The first 18 miles are rolling hills... certainly not easy, but doable. Oh, and gorgeous... the beauty of this course is unbelieveable -- lakes, blasted out mountains, creeks, tall trees. Amazing. So the first 18 miles were okay. I felt okay. The decent was a BLAST - I hit 40 mph... oh, and I swallowed a fly.
The climb up TO the wall was brutal -- so much so that I had to hop off my bike ... and getting back on it was no picnic. I didn't make it up the wall - I bit it about 3/4 of the way up - but I'm not worried about it. The wall is so short -- if I make it, great, and if I don't, well, there's another 36 miles of climbing where I can prove myself. Haha.
The next part of the course was a climb up a gravel road -- the dust was really bothering my eyes. There were some more sharp decents, and then more climbing -- there are Seven Big Hills (excluding, of course, the smaller hills on the rolling hills).
I did pretty well with nutrition and hydration - I had a Gu, Luna Moons, or Sport Beans every 45 minutes, and alteranted Accelerade, Gatorade, and water. We stopped at a little store and I got salted peanuts. Good call on my part -- they were just what I needed.
And then, after hill number... 4? 5? I was separated from my group. They had been really great about stopping and waiting for my slow ass, but when I reached a fork in the road, they weren't there. I rode around for a while, called around them ... but no such luck. Finally, I knocked on someone's door and called my mom, who checked my email and gave me the phone numbers of my riding buddies. I got a hold of them and finally caught up.
What did I learn from this?
1. Bring my OWN cue sheet!
2. Carry my cell phone!
The hills were KILLER ... I was in my granny gear and huffing and puffing all the way up them... I had to stop and walk a couple of times. Total climb: 5940 feet.
Final stats:
4h 45m 44s
58.60 miles
12.31 Mi/hr
58.60 miles
12.31 Mi/hr
The average MPH is really funny (and, um, really slow), because I was going 4-7 mph on the hills and 20-30 mph on the decents. Only 2 people last year went over 20 mph on the course. It's seee-low.
We stopped at an Unos and all four of us had a giant burger and fries and beer. Mmm. Beer.
30 August 2008
swim/ bike brick and HIM nutrition/ hydration plan.
swim
39m 51s
2187.23 yards
01m 49s /100 yards
4:45 PM
500 wm
1 x 1500
bike
1h 21m 04s
20.00 miles
14.80 Mi/hr
5:50 PM
trainer
I wish I could have worked on my TI transition, but short of setting up my bike trainer at the gym, it wasn't going to happen. I did have my bike set up at home and I changed quickly, so that will have to do.
I tried Accelerade today for the first time. It's not delicious, but it doesn't taste awful and I seem to tolerate it well. I've been using Gu (and tried the new Roctane today - flavor: Vanilla Orange - not bad, not bad) and Luna Moons without too much havoc on my stomach.
Plan for Savageman:
6:00 a.m.: oatmeal with honey, peanut butter, and almonds
7:30 a.m.: sport beans
8:00 a.m.: race starts!
T1: Gu and Accelerade
Bike: Drink every 10 minutes (alternate Accelerade and water), Eat every 45 minutes (alterate Luna Moons, Gu, and sport beans).
T2: Gu and Accelerade
Run: Drink every other mile (alternate sports drink and water), Gu every 45 minutes.
Thoughts on this?
39m 51s
2187.23 yards
01m 49s /100 yards
4:45 PM
500 wm
1 x 1500
bike
1h 21m 04s
20.00 miles
14.80 Mi/hr
5:50 PM
trainer
I wish I could have worked on my TI transition, but short of setting up my bike trainer at the gym, it wasn't going to happen. I did have my bike set up at home and I changed quickly, so that will have to do.
I tried Accelerade today for the first time. It's not delicious, but it doesn't taste awful and I seem to tolerate it well. I've been using Gu (and tried the new Roctane today - flavor: Vanilla Orange - not bad, not bad) and Luna Moons without too much havoc on my stomach.
Plan for Savageman:
6:00 a.m.: oatmeal with honey, peanut butter, and almonds
7:30 a.m.: sport beans
8:00 a.m.: race starts!
T1: Gu and Accelerade
Bike: Drink every 10 minutes (alternate Accelerade and water), Eat every 45 minutes (alterate Luna Moons, Gu, and sport beans).
T2: Gu and Accelerade
Run: Drink every other mile (alternate sports drink and water), Gu every 45 minutes.
Thoughts on this?
24 August 2008
it all begins when you hit submit.
Active.com
"Active.com-Registration" will be displayed on your credit bill.
Please print this page for your records.
2008-08-24 15:38:48.207 Order 34608056-082408153809
2009 COZUMEL IRONMAN
Age Group
Tricia Cecil $525.00
"Active.com-Registration" will be displayed on your credit bill.
Please print this page for your records.
2008-08-24 15:38:48.207 Order 34608056-082408153809
2009 COZUMEL IRONMAN
Age Group
Tricia Cecil $525.00
22 August 2008
race picture and bike question.
North East Tri -- kicking it to the finish: 
Thursday's run (pm):
To say I am starting to get nervous about Savageman is putting it midly. I've been reading the forums on the Savageman website, and man-oh-man is the bike going to be ROUGH (total climb of 5940 ft).. I read what I thought was great advice in one of the posts: if this is your first HIM, treat it as an event and not a race. I am not going to stress about transition times, I am not going to stress about a slow average MPH on the bike, I am not going to stress about finishing in under x hours. I am going to enjoy it -- the agony and the joy of it -- and be grateful that I have the health and the means to participate in events like this.
Thursday's run (pm):
48m 56s
5.33 miles
5.33 miles
09m 11s/Mi
Friday's run (am):
33m 34s
3.62 miles
09m 16s/Mi
To say I am starting to get nervous about Savageman is putting it midly. I've been reading the forums on the Savageman website, and man-oh-man is the bike going to be ROUGH (total climb of 5940 ft).. I read what I thought was great advice in one of the posts: if this is your first HIM, treat it as an event and not a race. I am not going to stress about transition times, I am not going to stress about a slow average MPH on the bike, I am not going to stress about finishing in under x hours. I am going to enjoy it -- the agony and the joy of it -- and be grateful that I have the health and the means to participate in events like this.
The 55.7 mile bike course includes over 5,700 feet of climbing with both long gradual climbs and short, steep pitches. While the first 18 and final 10 miles are downhill or flat, all athletes should be forewarned that the climbing in the middle 30 miles is savage and relentless. All participants, no matter how strong, should consider a 27 tooth cassette or compact cranks. Weaker cyclists should consider a triple front chainring or risk walking their bike. -- I need some advice on this! Thoughts?
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