The Run - Race Day Roundup

I knew pretty much the minute I “ran” (again, said lightly) into Transition that things were not going quite according to plan.  T1 had gone fairly smoothly.  But as soon as I got to my rack, all hell broke loose.  I tossed my helmet and it ended up on the other side of the rack so when I tried to rack my bike (which is odd in itself – you rack it by the seat, which is odd), it got caught, Matt told me later, on the helmet.  I spent a good 30-45 seconds trying to get my damn bike racked!  I WAS SO FRUSTRATED!  I seriously almost just tossed the M-Fer to Matt across the rail.  I was pissed.  Finally, got it racked and bent to take off my bike shoes and put on my sneakers.

And then, a cramp gripped my middle.  Remember when I said I hadn’t had any water? Um.. yea.  I started to feel it REALLLY bad.  And out loud, under my breath, “Oh shit.”  I had to run!  But, got on my shoes, grabbed my hat, and off I went. 

It was hot, man!  Matt told me later that had I been in 10 minutes before, the clouds were still over the sun for the most part, but it had opened up and it felt brutal!  Thank goodness I had picked up a hat to run in on Saturday morning.  I hit the first water station and grabbed a little sip of water and down the hill I went, back toward the water.  The first part was ALLLL gravel, not a great running surface.  And then back up a hill on gravel, but at the end was more water, so that was a great incentive to keep going.  That first section was a bit difficult because I was still getting my legs back after the bike, it was all gravel, there was a hill, but at least it was shaded.

Next section was grass and flat… woo hoo!  And I picked up some speed.  Also, every once in a while I could hear a family member (read: Ellen or Matt) yell.  Funny how inspiring that was during that run.

Then, the looooong third section.  All dirt and rock and in the open so HOT!  Going down the hill wasn’t bad.  There were two water stations and it was just put your head down and run.  I could feel the heat and I could feel the rocks and reminded myself that I truly hate trail running, especially when, at mile 2, my ankle rolled (I still feel it).  I knew I needed more water, but just took little sips and splashed the rest.  I kept telling myself, “Dude, this is only 3 f’ing miles.  You can run 20. Just stop bitching and finish this shit.” (Yes, I have entire conversations with myself).

The way back?  Different story.  I had to plead with myself a bit more.  My body had decided that the people walking were MUCH smarter than I was.  But, I refused. Seriously – the run was where I was strong! NO WAY was I going to walk!  And I didn’t. 

So, back up the hill I went.  And I started to hear the familiar sounds of my man and my big-mouth beautiful daughter.  They saw me and they started to cheer.  And cheer me the whole way in they did.  And as I turned the last turn, I saw everyone else at the big ‘ole finish line, screaming me in. 

And you know what.

I finished.  I did what I came to do.  I became a triathlete.

Hell yea.

The Bike - Race Day

Coming out of the water, my legs felt a little wobbly, but after a few meters (it was 75 meters from the water into Transition), I felt much better.  I had to find my transition area first… but I will admit, it was a little disheartening to run in and it be… empty!  Sure, I know I was in the last group, but I expected it to be this bustling hive of activity. There weren’t many people there as I did start 15 minutes after the first wave and while there were many people still left in the water (some from groups that started before me… no, I wasn’t last!), I guess I just expected more people.  Strange, huh?

Anyway, found my area, peeeeeelllleeed out of my wetsuit (easier than I feared), got my shoes and helmet on and grabbed my bike and started the slow jog out of Transition.  I decided long before that I wasn’t going to try any fancy advanced techniques like already having my shoes clipped in or anything.  Nope, nothing like that for me.  And, my T1 time wasn’t all that bad.  I had studied transitions a lot – videos, reading, etc.  I don’t think much can really prepare you for them though other than just experience.  Sure, I was actually REALLY happy with where I placed my gear at set-up and what I brought, but it is shear experience.

So, up the hill to the road.  I could have run faster and could have really pushed it harder.  I will take this more seriously next time.  I mounted my bike really well (for me) and I was off!  Again, best thing I did for this whole tri was have Matt drive me around the bike path before the race.  I understood the route, the turns, where big gravel lay, the hills.  It was really helpful to feel the route beforehand and will do this on every future race – triathlon or running – from here on out.

But, I did come to really feel my inexperience on the bike.  First of all, I do not completely understand the gears and shifting.  I am fully comfortable with one ring on my super uber fancy shmance gear system, but there is a second ring, and one that I don’t even know how to get into. BUT, I did realize that I REALLY NEED IT.  There were many points that I felt I was spinning and spinning my pedals but it wasn’t doing a damn thing.  Luckily most of those times it happened, I hit a hill or something and it ended up being okay.  But the last two miles, I NEEDED THAT TORQUE.  It got so frustrating that I was actually swearing out loud.  I was pissed.  I know 100% I could have made up at least 5-8 minutes on the bike.  And that is frustrating to know, just because!

Second is that I needed water. Desperately. I hadn’t had any after the swim and it was our first truly hot (way over 80 degrees) day in months. And while I have a water bottle and it was full, I was terrified to reach down and grab it for fear of falling.  I could feel that I was totally dry and knew I still had a run, albeit short, coming up.

The third thing is that my girl parts hurt.  Road bikes are not the easiest thing for some girls, me included.  And I Googled on the way home, being in some pretty serious pain, that while on upright bikes (like cyclocross, mountain bikes, etc.), you are supposed to sit on your butt bones, road bikes like mine, you sit forward, right on, well.. yea, you get it.  So, I’m going to try a few things and hopefully figure out a way to alleviate this. I can work through pain, but I don’t want to.

12 miles done, it was a downhill dismount… and I dismounted well!  If you have read, you know my hate-hate relationship with my clips, so this was big.  But WOW!  What crazy legs I had when I got off my bike.  I actually said, “WHOA!”, making the volunteer laugh.  But I “ran” (said lightly) down into the Transition Area, my family cheering, to start T2. 

 

And, I made it through the bike.  Again, HUGE learning experience.  All in all, I really enjoyed the bike and know I can really kick it up where I can do damage to my own time with some pretty simple corrections and things to work on.  

The Swim - Race Day

The swim portion of this triathlon was an in-water start.  Some start on the bank/beach where athletes run in and then dive, but this one, we stood in the water in our group (gray swim caps – last group) until the group ahead of us went and then waded out to the start area, treaded water for a few minutes and then the horn.  Being in the water for a few minutes before heading to the start got me used to the 66 degree temperature of the lake.  It really didn’t feel that bad to me – a combo of the wetsuit and adrenalin – and good ‘ole Yankee blood, I’m sure.  Then we headed out to the start!

I was having fun at this point.  The announcer gave us props for being first timers, and I yelled, “WAIT!  This is a TRIATHLON!?!?! What the hell?” which gave everyone a good laugh. As always, when I get nervous, I have to laugh.  I looked back to shore and saw my whole loving family, yelling and screaming, and I gave them a HUGE wave. I searched and searched for Matt, but couldn’t find him.  My wonderful husband was searching for the perfect photo op spot! HA!  Then, just a second before the horn went, I yelled, “GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!” and everyone in the water cheered. I do love being an extrovert sometimes. :-D

And we were off… and for the first maybe 2 minutes I felt great.  Like, “All RIGHT! I’ve got this!” Yea, I was kicked in the head and the body.  And I was running over people. But I felt ok.

And then it went downhill. Fast.  I couldn’t see where I was going.  There were no lines on the bottom.  It was dark.  It was cold.  There were no people on either side of me. And my heart rate started to sky rocket. And my breaths started coming WAY to quickly.  So – I did what my friends had told me to do – I flipped over on my back and started to kick…

And for about 65% of the 750 meters, I stayed JUST like that. L

I’m telling you what – the open water kicked my ass. Hard.  Every time I flipped over, my heart started to race and my breath started to come too quickly.  I know I have a strong stroke and I could have made up SO much time, but I really started to have to tell myself, “this is not going as you planned.  Finish this any way you can. Just finish.”  So I did.  I would flip over occasionally and swim. But as soon as I felt uncomfortable, I would go back on my back and kick hard.

Soon enough, the end was near.  I took the last turn and swam with everything I had left.  I started to hear the wonderfully LOUD booming voice of the love of my life and then the sounds of the rest of my family screaming, yelling me in.  And I was soon running up the stairs (wobbly legs, wobbly legs…), on the grass mats to T1. 

Frigging A.  It may not have been pretty, but I did the swim

It's RACE DAY - Roundup

Pulling into the race area was intimidating.  While the night before there weren’t many people there, by 9:10am on race day, there were thousands.  Cars everywhere, people of all shapes in sizes, wearing all sorts of fitness gear walking with bikes and backpacks.  I was trying to act cool… like I knew what I was doing.  I was determined to be like Chrissie Wellington – I was going to smile, always.  I was feeling calm and relaxed for the most part.  The sun was shining, I felt good… and that was really all I could ask for.

First thing I did was rack my bike and get my gear out in my area.  I knew the fundamentals of my transition area, but didn’t know how THE TRANSITION AREA worked.  What I found out is that you are racked based on your number.  So, I had to find where my number was in this huge area of bike racks and that was my little space.  And then unpack how I see fit without crowding anyone.  Six bikes per rack – and my little space.  I didn’t even know how to get my bike ON! But, I learned by watching, got my gear out and I was good to go. I think I did okay, too.

Walked over to get my timing chip (goes on your left ankle with a special strap and stays on the whole time) and to get marked (permanent marker – your number on both arms and front of both legs above your knees, then your division/age group on your left calf).  Then, I went on a little jog.  Nothing fast, more to get my legs moving and the blood flowing.  It felt GREAT to move – and it was probably good to run on the trail a bit to get used to it.  I was probably only running 5 minutes, but in the process completely lost Matt.  I got really frustrated – nerves.

But, in the meantime, my brother and his girlfriend (who I was meeting for the first time – and who is wonderful – thank God because it would have sucked had I not liked her on THAT day of all days, right??) showed up.  My brother is my inspiration in a lot of things and having him there to keep me calm and basically tell me to grow a pair and shut up was helpful.  He is pretty much the only person in the world that can, or will, do that.  And I love that about us. 

After seeing them both, and yet another visit to the bathroom (er, porta potty), it was time for me to go get into my wetsuit. After one mishap (um – I put it on backwards.  THAT would be nerves, folks), I was in.   And… the rest of the family showed up!  Three little girlies and my mom and dad!  Initially I hadn’t wanted them there, but as soon as my huge cheering section showed up, I was so very happy they were there.  I knew seeing and hearing them was really, really going to be wonderful.

And, after munching down a mini Cliff bar (if you haven’t had these, you should – 100 calories, they are the perfect size for me before and during workouts), we headed down to the start!  It was about a 5 minute walk from the Transition Area to the lake start and I was calm and joking, which I thought was good.  By the time we got there, music was playing and the announcer was just about to start instructions.  So, I took a few pictures with everyone (we joked that nobody looks good in wetsuits) and then had to walk away.  I really had to start focusing. 

 

Because I was swimming “Novice” – the designation for those of us that are total newbies – I was in the last start group of 6.  That was good for me because the first horn went off at 10am and I had a full 15 minutes to get my breath, cheer a bit, and see what was doing!

So…. A lot of big hugs and kisses, and I sent people away!  HERE WE GO!

Pre-Tri Roundup

Well, in case you haven’t heard (heh), I finished my triathlon yesterday. And I am happy to say that I went into it and came out of it with exactly the right frame of mind.  I finished.  I didn’t go in trying to race a clock or anyone else.  I didn’t come out angry that I didn’t do well or my best on certain event.  I am really happy that I finished.  And I really had a great time!  It was fun.  I didn’t expect to come out saying that, but it was!

I’m going to take this post to just give a little overview of the weekend before leading up to race day, then race day, and then am going to dissect each event in later posts.  Those are more for me to remember and learn… they may bore the hell out of you (sorry!).  I know that’s a lot, but I want to remember certain things about each event.

Saturday was a whirlwind day – First soccer game of the year for #1, running here and there.  Being, well… mom!  When we finally got home, Hubs ran out to find the perfect bike rack for our cars.  It is the first time we were traveling and he wanted to get one for mine (which we were planning on bringing, a sedan) and then one for his – our family SUV. But, due to the fact my bike is made of carbon fiber, they don’t recommend putting one on the back of a car… who knew?  So – my car was out and UP it goes on top of the SUV.  I love that my man is a researcher; I trust that whatever he gets is the right thing.  By the time he got home to install the rack, I had the baby down for her nap and had packed my transition bag.  While I had seen checklists and had been purchasing things for months, actually having everything together in one spot, in one bag was CUHRAZY.  There is so much you need for actual race day to go into one bag.  I mean, seriously!  I am so glad I had done my research, and even happier I decided to buy a transition bag at the last minute.   It was very smart to have everything in one place, easy to reach, where I knew where I had packed it.  Took some anxiety out while I was setting up.

So – we had seriously JUST decided on Friday night to go down on Saturday.  Because the race didn’t start until 10am, I had always just assumed we’d get up early and go… but as it got closer, I started to get a teeny bit anxious.  And it ended up being a great move.  The directions they gave us were bad, so off the highway, where it should have been 25 minutes, it took us on Saturday afternoon, almost an hour to get to the race site.  I would have been PANIC CITY!  Not what I would have needed.  Plus, it obviously let me sleep and not worry about getting up early (not that I’m not used to it) and drive for 2.5 hours before the race.  So, all in all, a good move.

Got to the race site on Saturday at about 5:30 and checked in.  While Matt called around to find us a hotel room, I got my number (the West Virginia area code, obviously the first thing Hubs pointed out) and looked  around a bit.  There was a pre-race meeting, mostly attended by us newbies and I learned QUITE a bit.  The biggest thing was that… um, OH – the run was all trail running!  This was a big thing for me because I don’t run off road, I am a road runner.  And, as I have mentioned, I was counting on the run to help me.  Ugh.  But, not getting disheartened.  Everything else seemed like I had learned looking at maps, and after the meeting, Matt and I walked down to the lake…. To just peer at my nemesis ;-).

To the hotel he found, threw our bags and my bike in, and off to “the steakhouse.” See, we were basically in the middle of nowhere.  The town we ended up staying in is a trucker town – caters to truck drivers. So, we asked the lady at the front desk of our hotel for somewhere to eat, she said, “there’s a steak place or a pasta place.”  A steak and baked potato sounded perfect to me… so off we went. Um, well… so… We pulled up to a $9.99 for a 16 oz. steak place.  And let me just say, I know I am spoiled now for living in Washington, DC, but wow.  I ate MAYBE a 1/8 of it and the potato.  It was the absolute worst.  But it was hilarious.  We laughed the whole way through. 

Back to the room, a bit of prep for the morning, and off to sleep.  Okay, I won’t lie… I took some nighttime cold medicine to help me sleep.  Antsy-pants.  And My Man was there all night to hug me back to sleep when I rolled over.  I seriously have the best husband in the world, hands down.  He was there to anticipate, to do, to be.  He had no idea WHAT I needed or WHAT to expect… but he sure tried.

Morning came, up and at ‘em!  And off to… Denny’s. No, seriously.  Denny’s had the healthiest food in the area.  Oatmeal with apples, raisins and honey. Which, coincidently, is what I eat most mornings (but, after I workout).  The whole timing of this race had me a bit anxious.  As you know, I workout super early, then eat.  Of course I would have SOMETHING on my stomach before any race, but having to eat a full meal, then wait around for hours?  Eh… not cool.

After a shower (yes, I shaved my legs… um, hello?), packed up the car and off to the race site.  We got there earlier than I had to, so one of the best things I did was ask Hubs to drive the bike course.  VERY smart move because it let me feel it out a bit.  While no huge hills (Thank you Lord Jesus), there were some ups and some crazy turns.  Also a lot of gravel that it was good to know about.  Plus, being a first timer, I didn’t know what “chalk lines” actually looked like.  Seeing them on the road was helpful.

So – then into the area!... and time to post this beast! (if you’re still here… thanks for being a trooper).

It's TRI TIME!

Well… it’s here.  So funny because I know I’m only doing a Sprint, but my heart is racing a mile a minute.  I didn’t get some of the last minute training – or training in general – done I really wanted to do.  I still don’t know how to transition into the bike (T1).  I just ran out of time!  I am still not uber convinced I am not going to sink to the bottom of the lake during the swim.  I have been warned that I may panic during water entry, I have been told so many times that I will be kicked and punched and swam over and, when I do the same, I can’t stop and say I’m sorry, because it is expected. 

I feel fairly confidant in my physical ability, in my conditioning.  I have really been working hard.  Have I done everything I have wanted? No.  I have time limitations that I came to grips with early on.  But I am in better shape in many ways than I have been in in a very long time. 

But I am nervous.  Very nervous.  And I know it is because it is my first triathlon since I decided to take this on seriously.  I made a commitment to this 4 months ago and it is here.  And my heart is racing and my mind is racing.  I need to calm myself and remember that so much of this me being able to focus.

I need to remind myself that tomorrow is not about time.  I am racing Novice, not in my age group.  I did that so that I won’t focus on time or standings.  I gave myself ONE race where it doesn’t count officially towards anything.  So that I can take a deep breath and ENJOY THIS!  Be proud of the fact I’m a mom of three that, just 15 months ago weighed 110 pounds more than I do now and could barely walk up my stairs without breathing heavy – and now I’m going to run in with a smile on my face after 2 other events.  I am going to be proud of myself that I am going to get on this frigging bike that I LOATHED when I bought it just a few months ago and now race it.  And I AM going to finish this half mile swim, dammit!  I really do want to enjoy this.

So, my transition bag is packed (HOLY CRAP you need a lot of shit for race day!!), I’m about to pack my bag for our stay in some crappy hotel down near the race site,  and… we’re off! 

To everyone that has sent me texts, emails, commented here or on Facebook, sent a prayer or positive thought my way, I want to thank you.  I am a person that really does better when I have people cheering me on, questioning me, being there and letting me know I’m not alone.  And you all are helping me along the way.

Pray I don’t sink tomorrow!

4.5 days and counting... Leading the Tri-Life

It has been a rough week and a half for me, health wise. Which obviously couldn’t have come at a worse time because my first triathlon is this Sunday.  It seems these things are cropping up right before an event ~ but this time, I’ll be there!  Despite the antibiotics I have been on for my strep which I found out I had at 4am on Wednesday, I developed a nasty head cold that went into my chest. Nothing too bad, but uncomfortable and sapped my energy.  A whole week without swimming, days without running, and very little energy.  A bike ride on Saturday aborted because I didn’t dress for the weather (froze – literally – after 10 miles)… a minor car accident, issues at work ~ seriously, it was just not a good week.

But, I’m breathing better now, I’m sleeping better now, and I’m eating better now. It is only Tuesday and I’m committed to being at 100% by this weekend.  I was really unhappy with how I did at swimming today ~ my stroke felt great, but my endurance was horrible, mostly due to my low energy.  I need to get out after work and practice my transition from swim to bike.  And I need to make sure I keep drinking my water and eating well, which I’ve been pretty good with so far.

These are my commitments this week.  Because I have less than 4.5 days left!

I’ve been talking to other people who lead this crazy life that I have started to lead.  Those of us that work and have families, but that also live the “Tri Life.”  Someone told me that a triathlete has a natural ability to endure challenges and setbacks, to push through pain, and to achieve their goals.  This isn’t just physical, this is a life ability. Some tap into this better physically, some mentally and some emotionally.  But once it is on, it is ON and they are unstoppable.  We (almost “we!”) are a “I CAN” people because that is who we are.  “I can’t” isn’t in our vocabulary.

Being in triathlons means being very purposeful about your existence, especially when you have a job and family.  There is no time to waste and every second means something.  Even down time is important ~ and scheduled.  But this is the life we want to live.  Getting up early to and working out twice a day, living this lifestyle, and asking those we love to help us – this is an intentional existence that I love so far and I’m trying to share with those that I love the most.

And living this life means you have to maintain a strong balance of body, mind and spirit.  There is so much that is mental about endurance activities – triathlons and marathons – that goes far beyond the physical.  Even those athletes in the best physical condition can have bad days because their mind isn’t in it.  It is creating balance and knowing you are feeding your soul and your body and creating peace in your life which is going to let you achieve top physical shape.  Triathletes have to focus so much on balance – this is why some are the most fit people on the planet (um… not me.  Just to let you know.)

I’m all about creating balance in my life.  If I have learned one thing in the past three years, it is that I am a worker bee, a mom, a wife, a friend, but also I am Rebecca.  And Rebecca is a girl that gets a lot out of all of this.  It keeps me sane (well… sane-ish).  I’m not doing this to win any medals or be the top of any field.  I’m doing it because it is there.  And for me.  And that feels pretty great.