When In DC, What Do You Do On Oct 4th?

Well, if not running the Army 10 Miler, you go for a swim at Hains Point! Yes, that's right, I went for a swim at the outdoor 50 meter pool. So I called up Arin and we were off to the pool.

Okay, it was a bit cold - being October and all, but only took about a 200 to warm up. Just an easy 1700 and it felt pretty good.

The best part, the back managed to be okay as well, which I was really happy about. And I also didn't take any drugs today. Woot! Hopefully this will continue.

Dang Nab It!

I thought it was too good to be true.

I knew that I should have knocked on wood when I typed that I thought 2009 could have turned around.

Augusta was awesome, but I am not paying the price.

If you haven't figured out what I am talking about yet - the back spasms have returned and returned in a massively painful way.

I went to PT today and told my therapist about the past few months of travel, moving, and Augusta. She wasn't surprised about the spasms returning, and said she would have advised against doing the race - however was proud/impressed with how I did.

So, I am stretching, doing new/old exercises, sitting with a heating pad, wincing in pain.

Boo.

Very Long Race Report

The night before
It was a dark and stormy night... Really, it was! Brianna and I met up with Tony and Nicole for our pre race dinner at Fresh Market. Just a nice relaxing evening with a lot of funny stories. Brianna and I got back to the hotel, I finalized plans with Karen, and we started listening to the thunder. Poor Blain! All those bikes - just getting poured on...

Pre start
The alarm went off at 5, not that early, and Karen and I were off to transition. Now it was really wet, and dark, so parking in a large field with no one telling you where to go seemed a bit problematic for some. There was a white jeep/outback/bronco vehicle stuck in a large hole. NOT a good sign for things to come for that guy! But Marcus was great, we found a spot without a massive hole or mud and after I splashed some coffee in my eye, we were off to transition.

Still super crowded, not enough room, but made it work. We only had enough time to take 1 pic with our banner - and couldn't find anyone else. Oh well, it was the thought that counts, right? After a long port-o-pottie line, we were off to the swim start. It was still cloudy, but warm. The pros went off at 7:30, I started wetsuit shuffle, and Karen and I were off to wait with the other pink caps. I kept looking for Nicole (the wave after ours), Christina (in the very last wave) or Brianna (3??? waves behind us) but no luck. Before I knew it, we were heading down the ramp to jump into the Savanna river. I was really happy to be in the same wave with Karen - it definitely helped the nerves.

The swim
8:14 and we were off. E, a guy from the club we saw on Saturday, told us to go right to the middle of the river and ride the current down. So, I cut the angle towards the middle and rode the current down. I kept telling my self to relax, long and powerful strokes, and breath. There was so much gunk in that river! Yes, it was plant life, but still! Eww! At one point, I was convinced a baby alligator nipped my big toe and was taking a free ride! But realistically, I am sure it was just someone hitting my foot. Oh mind games!
I finished the swim looked at my watch, smiled (contrary to this picture), laughed, and walked the ramp up to T1.
28:50 (1:31/100M). Never will I ever go that fast again! Unless it's another point to point down river swim.

T1
I'm slow. I like to take my time. I decided to change tops and go for the bike jersey, as I was cold and it was still cloudy.

Bike
Ha! Within 5 minutes, Karen caught me, I shared our estimated swim time and she was on her way. About 10 minutes later, Brianna F.L.Y.S by me. I couldn't even get an "Woo-Hoo, go girl" before she was out of ear shot!
The first 17 miles were flatie flat flat flat. I kept telling my self to slow down, it's a long day, hills are coming, it's only the fisrt hour. I was planning on a full 4 hours so even though I was at mile 17, I told my self I was 1/4th of the way done. A good mental game for me. The hills came and went. There were a few downhills to right hand turns to uphills. A few twisty downhills I couldn't take full advantage of. And one never ending slow, long small percentage uphill. Those stink! But, there were my favorite downhills right into uphills where I can use all my speed to pass people going up and staying in my big ring. Love those!

The sun came out about 75 minutes into the ride and I started getting hot, but was manageable. The stinky part about the ride was the last 6 miles was supposed to be a downhill, and it was, except right into a head wind
:-( Boo!

Overall, I was really REALLY happy with my bike. I held back just enough to not bonk but don't think I would have done much different to go faster. I like that feeling. And 15.88 mph. Woo-Hoo to me!

T2
Stupid 1255! 1255, if you some how come across this blog, I would like an apology please for putting your stupid bike where Blain was supposed to go. That caused me AT LEAST a minute trying to figure out what to do and where Blain could fit. You're dumb!
Otherwise, it was fine. I changed (I really don't like running in biking shorts and I don't like biking in tri shorts - it's an issue I am okay with), grabbed some electrolyte tablets and luna moons, and I was off.

The Run - or shall I say walk.
The first half mile I was just trying to adjust to the heat and being off the bike. I set my watch for a 1:1 run/walk to start. By mile 2, I knew that wasn't going to happen. I wanted to cut off my right foot because I thought I would have less pain with a bloody stump. I immediately altered my plan to cover 3 things -

1. Keep moving forward
2. Walk with a purpose
3. Run for the photographers


This helped a ton. Around mile 3 I started to run a block, walk a block. I was getting really hot and doing everything I could to keep the body temperature. Mile 5 I saw Karen's mom and sister napping on some chairs so instantly started to yell at them for not cheering for me. HA!
Around mile 7 I was trotting along when Brianna biked by (vs. me seeing her and start to run). She doubled backed and told me she went under 4:50 (ridiculously fast) and was waiting to hear about Clearwater (a sad no. I still don't know how you can be that fast and not get a spot...). She was so supportive, told me to keep going, and the end was near.
Mile 8 I stared to cool down - the sponges (I gave my first one away at mile 2 to a guy "littering" - he needed it way more than me) and ice in the bra (whoever gave me that tip years ago, THANK YOU!) helped a ton. I started to fade quickly. Mile 9, there was no more running. Mile 10, only a 5K left and I realized that I could finish under 8 hours. Mile 11 I saw Nicole across the street (about 7 blocks behind me) and she looked great!

I just kept moving forward, turned the corner, and crossed the finish line.

Post race
My name wasn't announced as the guy had to start giving out awards, but I received my finishers medal and was ecstatic. I saw Tony (who PR'ed) and Karen (also a PR) and was just happy. Sore and tired, but really happy. Until I learned they ran out of pizza. So, I settled for the next best thing, a beer. We relaxed, did get some pizza, and I FINALLY go to take off my shoes.

All things considered, I am really happy with the day.

Thanks to everyone who helped me decide to do the race (or not) - hearing all the options helped me determine what I really wanted to do. This race helped turn around my 2009 season, and year.

I Am A Half Ironman (again)!!!

Wow, what a day. I have to start out by saying that I am shocked. And I don't say this very often, but I am very proud of my self. I will do a full race report later, however I wanted to post and say that I finished!!

I am way sore, but really happy.

And the cliff notes -
Swim - WICKED fast (for me)! 28.50!! I was really happy
T1. Very slow, but I like taking my time
Bike - Shocked. 3:31:35 - 15.88 mph. My fastest bike split for a long course! It had some hills and ended with a head wind, but overall, not as bad as I expected. And I was really REALLY happy with how Blain handled the South Carolina roads. YAY!
T2. 1255 PUT HER BIKE IN MY SPOT! That is my excuse for having such a long T2. Not my costume change or general taking my time. It was 1255's fault.
"Run" - as expected. 3:25:18 (15:40 min/miles). Yup, walking. But, I knew that would happen, was okay with it, and just glad to finish.

Overall 7:39:33.
Everyone else
Brianna - smoken' time (4:45!!!), but no Clearwater :-(
Tony - PR!! And an amazing time. Just fast.
Nicole - First 70.3 and beat my time! So proud
Karen - Under 7 hours - a PR for her. Great Job!
Christina - First 70.3, finish, even though was in the last wave (i.e. very mentally tough). So happy for her - even if I missed seeing her finish - sorry!!!

Full race report later this week. Am driving back to DC tomorrow and the U2 concert (hopefully) on Tuesday.

70.3 Tomorrow!!!

I am as ready as I will ever be!!

Blain is checked in and ready to go. And yes, that is Blain's cousin Wayne, RIGHT next to him. I hope his owner doesn't get confused and try to take Blain! Oh, and 1 big negative on this race - 9, that's right NINE bikes to a rack. There is ZERO room for all my costume changes.

The swim is a point to point - down stream - aka UberFast!!! You could see the current and I am hoping all goes well. 1.2 miles looks far from standing on the dock, but I know that will be the easy part.

The bike is hilly - hopefully it will Blain will be okay and I won't be too dead.

The run - I will walk.

So, those are my goals. Oh, and of course to have fun.

Oh, and to have tonight's roomie, Brianna, qualify for Clearwater.

And to have Mother Nature cooperate. Okay, that one (or Brianna) I can't really control - but I and hope. Having fun - that I can control :-)

It Getting Hot In Here...

Augusta is HOT! Actually, as soon as I left Virginia (i.e. made it to North Carolina) I just watched the temperature gauge on Marcus go up and up and up. But, after a nice uneventful drive, I made it to Augusta.

Went to the race meeting and about 2/3's of the people had 140.6, 70.3, this race, that race, shirts. I don't know why, but it bothers me. There is no need to show your feathers!!

Anyway, I made I found Tony and Nicole and it was good to catch up with them. Saw Karen, was branded with a orange bracelet, 70.3 stamp, grabbed our packets and went to dinner with her and her mother and sister. Had a tasty dinner of baked spaghetti and a side salad and headed back to the hotel. Karen and her mom/sister are staying in my hotel room tonight - and as a thank you, they made me agoodie bag!!! HOW SWEET!!! Delicious snacks, the good hair ties, noise makers (and NOT a cow bell) and sweet smelling body wash. Remember the goodie bags my mom made for IM Moo?? LOVE IT!

Oh, and I am number 1252!! Karen is 1377 - which in a strange twist was her same number at Eagleman. A sign she will kick some butt!

And Taper Means...

Via my favorite and most reliable source, Wikipedia

"Tapering, in the context of "Sports", refers to the practice of reducing, or tapering off, exercise in the days just before an important competition"

Great in theory. It's hard to go from really intense weeks, long hours in the pool, on the bike, around a track - to very little, but it's needed. You must trust the taper. Be one with the taper. See how nice that is in theory?!?!

Here is what I realized today. I have worked out more this week than the past two weeks combined. HAHAHAHA!!! Okay, not total time or distance - but close. And definitely more quantity of 'workouts' - even if they were shorter.

Oh well - I am still not going to "race" Augusta. I am going to participate, have fun, and (hopefullly) not die. And if I may quote my friend Tammy (who I didn't ask if I could quote her so hopefully she doesn't mind) who just finished her first 70.3 (Woot!) and will be doing IM Flordia with - along with Sandy (i.e. will blog about them a lot in the coming year)

• I injured my hip while running and was still experiencing problems in the weeks leading up to race. I wisely decided not to race against the clock. My revised goal was simple - to cross both the start and the finish lines, and hopefully not need crutches after the race. I think this new attitude liberated me. I did not have my usual pre-race jitters or mini-mental meltdowns in the days and weeks leading up to Patriots.

Such a wise woman that Tammy.

I am driving down tomorrow. My plan is to bring my laptop so I can keep you 9 (yes, up to 9 now that I know the S. King is reading my blog again) readers up to date.

Sunrise to Sunset

That was my workout schedule for today.

A bit silly to get up at 5:40 am, meet at Hains Point at 6:30 for only a 30 minute ride (via the training schedule I have been so *cough* diligently *cough* following...) but I went anyway. Partly because I told Travis I would go if it wasn't raining. Partly because I told Karen I would go if it wasn't raining. Partly because I went out for ciders and a (delicious) burger last night with Mary Elizabeth - and said I would go if it wasn't raining. So of course when I woke up, it wasn't raining, and I went. But also because I knew I needed at least one more ride before Augusta.

Another beautiful sky morning with all the pretty colors followed by amazing sunrise (must have been the really high humidity...) And another good ride. Mary Elizabeth and I started out. Karen got there a tad later. Travis flew by - which Karen and I thought it would be 'fun' to try and draft off of him - the 500 meters just about killed me. He is really fast. But it was a good 40 minutes.

I got home and decided my couch looked lonely. So, I laid down for about 5 minutes - which turned into an hour - which turned into me being a tad late for work. Oops.

After a full day at the office, I headed the new Wilson Aquatic Center. I have to say, it's pretty sweet. Mayor Fenty - nice job with my tax dollars!!

A quick and easy 1800 meters and I was on my way home.

Short workouts, but I am on my taper so, it's allowed. I mean, you are allowed to taper even if you didn't have the high intensity workouts - right???

Umm... That's not a good sign

Today was a run day. That would make my 3rd run since August 2nd... I stopped by Charles's cube to see if he was heading out today. He was so we headed out together at lunch in non-matchie match outfits. As we started, I quickly realized that my 2 strides to his 1 (he has really long legs) wore me down much faster than before (once again, yes, this was only my 3rd run since August and probably 5th run since June...).

I needed to walk sooner than I would have liked, and Charles stuck with me. We avoided the police/secret service/Capitol police (and whatever else was going on) and made it to The Mall. After a bit more run/walking I sent Charles on his way. It's what we do - he goes off, I turn around and his goal is to catch back up with me. And he always does.

But, bless his heart, he said I was much further than he expected me to be. Not sure if it was a lie, but it's what I needed to hear and made me feel better about the wog.

So, yup - I am a bit frightened for Sunday. In 5 days. 70.3 miles is a long way.

BUT, I think I am ready - or as ready as I can be at this point. Even though the wog was tough, when I walked my heart rate dropped quickly and I felt I recovered nicely. Knowing I am going to walk more than half the 13.1 definitely helps. And I am in this for fun, and I think it will be fun.

Why So Tired?

Um, I am a bit confused.

There is a 3 hour time difference between San Diego and DC. So when I went to bed last night around 11 (or 8 pm San Diego time), I thought I would be okay to wake up naturally at a decent time. Nope, I woke up, rolled over, and it was 10. Wow, I don't remember the last time I slept until 10.

So I rolled out of bed, got dressed and took Blain out for a ride. An okay 25 miles but I was dragging. After a shower and some lunch - it was nap time. I headed to the grocery store, unpacked my stuff, and took another nap. I made some breakfasts and lunches for the next few days, and I am exhausted.

Not sure why - if it's all the travel, actually trying to workout again... who knows but I am off to bed for hopefully another blissful night's sleep on my wonderful bed.