Net - net - a GREAT day! 4:30 AM wake up for some breakfast (ensure and oatmeal - lots of it). Got a great nights sleep - which I attribute to the stress of my McGyver activity earlier and most importantly the massage I got the other night.
It was cool - mid to upper 50's at the race site at 5:30 - and the water was 74 - wetsuits baby! After getting set p in transition, body marked etc..and making chit chat with folks - met a couple guys from SC TnT teams - it was 7:20 - time to get this party started....or - get in the water anyways. With the overcast skies - we had ideal conditions for the race. No sun in our eyes on the swim - which can make sighting and swimming in general tricky, and no major threat of unbearable heat. Perfect.
We start at 7:34...and head out - good swim - although at one point I swore I must have made a wrong turn - as there were two extra turns on the swim. But I saw folks in front of me (not necessarily a good means of swimming as if the guy up front makes a wrong turn - we all make it.) But eventually make the final turn and head into home. Swim was really relaxed and I actually felt good the entire way. Except of course at one point when some guy - swimming up along side me managed to grab my head. Not touch it - GRAB it and kind of hold on...what am I a buoy? Dude - get off...so I push him off with my leg...and spend the rest of the swim pondering wtf? Seriously. Make it to the shore and up the boat ramp - promptly slip and almost do a face plant on the slimy concrete...but somehow right myself and get going to T1. For those of you who know me - I am not known for my grace - so not falling was a miracle in and of itself.
Quick change over. Strip off the wetsuit - pop on the riding gear and head out. Now - it's overcast and probably 60 - 65 degrees. But feel comfortable. Spin for awhile and start to pick it up after the first big hill.
The bike course map did NOT do the hills justice. They were much larger and more frequent than they appeared. Still - my McGyver gel flask is helping and the enhance water is really (or so it seems) doing just what it should. Good fuel and good ride. Chatted with a lot of folks on the ride (probably not the best use of energy but still) which helped make it move along. As we're going along I decided to chuck the ride, or break it into manageable pieces, 10 miles down, 20 miles down, 5 more, halfway...damn these hills. One woman and I kept switching position - until around 35 - when I pulled away. Also - right about this time I was thinking - hmmm - not too many have passed me - although the rest of my wave and the one before us was clearly ahead of us....and then....
One guy, 52, another 50, then three mid forties...then three women - 28 - 35 years old...well - there goes that. Oh well. Keep chugging along. Spin, spin, spin...as I try to stuff a fuel pack back in the pocket on my tri suit - a guy who is behind me goes "A little higher" telling me the pocket is up just a bit. so I thank him. We trade spaces a few times - me passing on hills - him on the flats....last hill when I see him - he says "$10 bucks you pass me on this hill" I credit the recent bike fitting to my improved cycling speed - so thanks again TrySports - and thanks for getting me over that hill.
Not one to pass up a bet, although I didn't think it would happen - I do...and then I don't see him again.
One guy - kept drafting off me - right after the marshalls passed (the folks who monitor this kind of thing) he'd speed up and get in my slipstream...I can hear him - so I try picking it up - he keeps pace - so I slow down - dude - just pass me - don't cheat...he does - and he's not even in my age group. The drafting rule is in effect for everyone - not just those in your age group...so I pass him again...jerk...as we get to mile 50 - I hear someone behind me - it's him AGAIN...fine - draft - I hope you get penalized or disqualified.
Make it into T2 - off the bike and now for the run - the part that has worried me almost as much as the swim due to my recent leg speed issues and the fact that my training has been - well - choppy.
Run starts out well - much better than White Lake last year when my knee flared up and made me walk by mile 2.
So - Mile one down - small bio break - due to all the fuel I took in during the ride - and then mile 2 - so far so good. Miles 3 (past the "wonderwomen" water stop - they were hilarious) 4 and 5....so I make a deal with myself.
Self - if necessary - you can walk water stops after mile 7 - a little gift to me for having done better and feeling good thus far. But AFTER mile 7 and only if necessary.
Mile 7 down - mile 8 water stop coming up - grab some water and gatorade - no stopping...up the hill and turn to the final turn around. Mile 9 and here comes 10...make it to ten and take in some water and electrolyte pills...those things were my saviour today...and turn to the second to last water stop. Pass a couple guys I had talked to in the morning, make it to the water stop - and walk through.
Now walking through a water stop in any race can be challenging....well - the getting going part is challenging. But I down the gatorade and water and get going again. A little less than 3 to go. The walk allowed me to get in what I needed versus dumping gatorade all over myself - which as it began to heat up - would have been sticky - and made the drive home less than ideal. My legs appreciated it too.
Mile 11, 2 more. Turn back into the park and start singing (in my head- I probably would have been disqualified or rushed to the medical tent if I sang out loud - what is that god awful noise he's making) random bits and pieces of songs, Beast of Burden, 500 miles, Start me up, White Wedding, Straight Up (yes - somehow Paula Abdul crept in there - not real sure)...walk a bit then get going again...
Make it to the finish area and make the final turn towards the finish line.
SC Half has a lovely hill at the end you have to run up to the finish...love to meet the masochist who decided that after swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 and running 13.1 that we should finish up this ridiculously steep - albeit short - hill.
Cross in a PR time compared to White Lake last year. At White Lake - the wheels fell off during the run, and my swim was slow... there is still room for improvement, but not this season - as tri season is over (for me) and I head into running events for the winter.
Oh - and the dude who was drafting off me on the bike - I made 100% certain I passed him on the run. Draft off this jerk...
This race - as noted in the previous post is dedicated to the memory and extraordinary lives of Bill and Alice Faisst. They're battles with blood cancers did not slow them down and they lived lives that continue to inspire their family and me, although I did not have the honor of knowing them, to this day. Thank you Justine for sharing their story with me.
So - once I figure out what I got penalized for...I may consider adjusting my time by 4 minutes, but at the end of the day
Swim: 38:04
Bike: 2:57:45
Run: 2:07:37
Total - including my penalty 5:52:48
Thank you everyone for your support and words of encouragement. I could not have done it without you - and we would not have raised $17,000 in seven months.
Thank you so much.
Go TEAM!
Showing posts with label Setup Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Setup Events. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Event #22 Cane Creek Sprint Tri Saturday September 19, 8AM
One word - DELUSIONAL: a fixed belief that is either false, fanciful, or derived from deception. as in - I was delusional thinking I had an awesome swim - and denial now....I DID NOT SWIM THAT SLOWLY...
Seriously - I swear I had an awesome swim today. but according to the powers that be in my race chip, their mats etc...it was something like 2+ minutes slower than my past races. BAH! no way...ok - maybe, but i want a recount...great googely moogely...that's not right.
anywho - the TrySports Development series - a series of races geared towards first timers - allows racers to EASE into the sport of Tri by starting at 8 AM vs oh my god early AM... and Cane Creek last year was where I started hatching the idea of the 40 in 40....
early into transition, down to the water and in and off we go - a GREAT SWIM...well - so I thought and up to T1 - swim to bike.
Of course I managed to fidget around in T1 - but got on the bike and got going. good course with some rollers upfront - and then flat and more downhill-ish on the back...kinda like a mullet - business up front, party in the back...
Word to the wise - on the bike - clif bars, no matter how small and delectable - are REALLY hard to eat, wash down and ingest...they are dense little buggers - that I have eaten before on the bike - but especially the "chocolate brownie" variety - egads...
had a good ride and as I was riding along - this 13 year old boy was really hammering and keeping up. i told him so - he was a REALLY strong rider - we'll be seeing him again someday. seriously - that good - he kept up with me going 20 MPH uphill...
T2 - bike to run - quick switch and out we go....my back - again was tight - so it started out slowly, but with a double loop for a 5K - and knowing the course - I knew it would loosen up - which it did around mile 1.
During the day - I saw fellow TnT Alums, Ruben, Lex, Holly and Jen....they all did awesome. And as always - I met a lot of very cool, awesome folks - all just down to earth, friendly and supportive. Try Sports and Setup Events - as always - did an awesome job and I would recommend this course to anyone. Especially if they're looking to have an AWESOME swim...ha ha
Regardless of what my time was - it was a great day for a race - and a lot of fun as always. And of course - another race down in the 40 in 40...22 down - 18 to go.
Got a few miles in (running) after the race - as SC Half is in a couple weeks and I needed the miles - and managed to really scuff up my shoes on the trails - but they still did me right and all the Karhu and Craft gear held up great.
Today's race is dedicated to Liza Bourg - Liza is Wayne Bourg's daughter. Wayne is a fellow TnT alum as well - who just rocked the course at Patriots Half IronMan last weekend. Liza is a great spirit and Wayne is an equally great man...who has accomplished much for his daughter and TnT. Liza was diagnosed with ALL several years ago and thanks to the work of the LLS and all TnT folks around the world, has been in improving health for the past year +. She also had an "extra" role in an American Girl movie. Despite what she has endured, she - when we had the pleasure of spending sometime with her - has such a glowing, powerful and amazing personality - such a great outlook and presence - it is infectious. I am proud to be able to help her and those like her who are battling blood cancers.
So - at the end of the day - total time 1:34:18
Swim - 19:38 (hmmmm)
Bike - 43:59
Run - 26:19
Go Team!
Seriously - I swear I had an awesome swim today. but according to the powers that be in my race chip, their mats etc...it was something like 2+ minutes slower than my past races. BAH! no way...ok - maybe, but i want a recount...great googely moogely...that's not right.
anywho - the TrySports Development series - a series of races geared towards first timers - allows racers to EASE into the sport of Tri by starting at 8 AM vs oh my god early AM... and Cane Creek last year was where I started hatching the idea of the 40 in 40....
early into transition, down to the water and in and off we go - a GREAT SWIM...well - so I thought and up to T1 - swim to bike.
Of course I managed to fidget around in T1 - but got on the bike and got going. good course with some rollers upfront - and then flat and more downhill-ish on the back...kinda like a mullet - business up front, party in the back...
Word to the wise - on the bike - clif bars, no matter how small and delectable - are REALLY hard to eat, wash down and ingest...they are dense little buggers - that I have eaten before on the bike - but especially the "chocolate brownie" variety - egads...
had a good ride and as I was riding along - this 13 year old boy was really hammering and keeping up. i told him so - he was a REALLY strong rider - we'll be seeing him again someday. seriously - that good - he kept up with me going 20 MPH uphill...
T2 - bike to run - quick switch and out we go....my back - again was tight - so it started out slowly, but with a double loop for a 5K - and knowing the course - I knew it would loosen up - which it did around mile 1.
During the day - I saw fellow TnT Alums, Ruben, Lex, Holly and Jen....they all did awesome. And as always - I met a lot of very cool, awesome folks - all just down to earth, friendly and supportive. Try Sports and Setup Events - as always - did an awesome job and I would recommend this course to anyone. Especially if they're looking to have an AWESOME swim...ha ha
Regardless of what my time was - it was a great day for a race - and a lot of fun as always. And of course - another race down in the 40 in 40...22 down - 18 to go.
Got a few miles in (running) after the race - as SC Half is in a couple weeks and I needed the miles - and managed to really scuff up my shoes on the trails - but they still did me right and all the Karhu and Craft gear held up great.
Today's race is dedicated to Liza Bourg - Liza is Wayne Bourg's daughter. Wayne is a fellow TnT alum as well - who just rocked the course at Patriots Half IronMan last weekend. Liza is a great spirit and Wayne is an equally great man...who has accomplished much for his daughter and TnT. Liza was diagnosed with ALL several years ago and thanks to the work of the LLS and all TnT folks around the world, has been in improving health for the past year +. She also had an "extra" role in an American Girl movie. Despite what she has endured, she - when we had the pleasure of spending sometime with her - has such a glowing, powerful and amazing personality - such a great outlook and presence - it is infectious. I am proud to be able to help her and those like her who are battling blood cancers.
So - at the end of the day - total time 1:34:18
Swim - 19:38 (hmmmm)
Bike - 43:59
Run - 26:19
Go Team!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Race # 12 Kure (pron Curry) Beach Double Sprint Tri Sunday June 28
1st double sprint, 1st ocean swim tri, 1st time consuming approximately 1/2 gallon of ocean water...well maybe not QUITE that much.
Another great event run by Setup Events. This one, down just south of Wilmington, NC was a double sprint. The race format was as follows:
375 M swim
1.55 mile run
12.4 mile bike (2 consecutive 6.2 mile rides)
1.55 mile run back to the swim
375 M swim
As noted, there is a reason - especially for folks like me - why the swim is first. But more on that in a bit.
It was a beautiful day - 6AM wake up to get to the two transition spots and get ready. Sheila got herself set up on a primo spot on the beach between the finish line and the swim start. One thing I noticed early on...man there is a lot of sand on the beach (DUH!?!?!) ...I'm gonna have a lot of sand on my feet for the run and ride...
Note to self, there is a reason experienced folks bring buckets to fill with water, so you can clean your feet off effectively. Scrubbing them with a dry towel is like a serious pedicure exfoliation - and not at all effective..but at least I thought to bring the towel.
The ocean was angry on this day, but not as angry as it reportedly had been in the past. And - no jellyfish. One of the guys from Setup Events provided that little bit of commentary as I made my way to the beach to set up my swim to Run 1 transition. That's reassuring.
Big waves, but only about a 65-70 M swim against the tide to the first turn buoy. I had done a prep swim on Saturday to get used to the water (salty, murky, angry) and to make sure I didn't try to breathe underwater like I have been known to do. Just past the first turn was a Coast Guard cutter...more for photo ops purposes than for anything else I suppose. Make the 1st turn and 250M to the next turn which is in to shore. The tide helped keep me relatively straight - as I tend to stray to my right when I swim, so there was that. Seemed like it was fairly quick, but - hard to tell actual time.
Jog to transition and to get ready for the run, scrub my feet - no dead skin left that's for certain - and strap on the shoes. Make my way out and rinse out what little salt water is left in my mouth. Good, easy to follow flat course 1.55 miles to the bike...great support and awesome folks out there for 8:30 AM on a Sunday.
Get to the bike and notice - there aren't a lot of bikes left on my rack...hmmm apparently my swim was slower than I thought. Oh well - the bike is flat and only 12.4 miles - good transition and I am off. Use the first mile + to spin out the "run" from my legs and then shift into the big ring. Thanks TrySports - it shifts perfectly, smoothly and I pick up the pace. My legs took longer to get up to "speed" but I get going indeed. Do the two laps and head back in for run, part deux.
Changeover again - bike shoes off, run shoes on and head out to run. Course seems flatter, and familiar - well of course it is - I just ran it the other way...so it goes by quickly. Get to the run to swim transition, change up - take off the garmin (it is NOT waterproof and I would be so unhappy if I dove in with it on) and make my way over the beach 250 M to the swim start again
Running on sand, in any situation is more difficult than on pavement or packed gravel, doing so after running 3.1 miles and biking 12.4 (and having swum 375M before that) well...it was interesting. I almost fell down more than once due to my grace and coordination.
As we near the start of the swim area a volunteer says, "go past the start buoy before you head out to sea"...out to sea? I'm not going out to sea, nor do I intend to go out to sea I'm going out to that turn buoy - or at least I hope - turning left and swimming to the next turn buoy - no out to sea! What's with the out to sea?!?!!
So - interestingly enough, it is quite possible I should have paid a little more attention during my "Oceanography" class sophomore year of college. While the tide was "going out" as we hit the water the second time, the waves were bigger, steeper, breaking earlier and more often and seemingly saltier. I SWEAR the first turn buoy was moving away from me, but it wasn't, the arms were tired and I was a little bit as well.
Make it to turn one and sight the next buoy - 250M, 5 laps in the pool is what I tell myself - a technique called "chunking" breaking the race into manageable "chunks" - and I make my way across to the final turn, in towards shore...woo hoo!!! as I turn, I take a couple strokes and turn to breathe. Apparently I ordered one mouthful of Atlantic Ocean water with that breath - which due to the volume and unexpectedness of it, I swallowed...sputtering and coughing, I flip over to catch my breath...as I do - I notice a lifeguard to my right...STANDING IN THE WATER...not treading water, not on a surfboard....STANDING. The water is about 4-5 feet deep (tide was going out remember) but running through the water is a waste of time (slower and much more draining) so I regain my breath and get swimming. I wish I had the wherewithal to time my swimming with the waves a bit better, a little body surfing right about now would be great.
Make it in to 2 feet of water - yes I was swimming in 2 feet of water - and stand to run in the final bit to the finish - well slog through the water and then start running.
What a great event! Seriously. This will go on the permanent list of races to do - just need to not drink ocean water - or at least a little less.
Also important to note, we saw Sandra and Matt Clancy at the race - they both had an awesome race - Matt who was in my age category crushed it and did awesome - even after having to run and get a spare set of goggles - Sandra - I believe this was her first tri after giving birth to their first child last year did awesome as well...always good to see familiar and friendly faces.
Time was 1:23:17...both swims took me almost twice as long as I expected them to - but the run(s) and the bike were right on track. It was a blast. Will add some pics to this blog over the next day or so.
12 down - 28 left, nearly $9K raised for LLS.
Another great event run by Setup Events. This one, down just south of Wilmington, NC was a double sprint. The race format was as follows:
375 M swim
1.55 mile run
12.4 mile bike (2 consecutive 6.2 mile rides)
1.55 mile run back to the swim
375 M swim
As noted, there is a reason - especially for folks like me - why the swim is first. But more on that in a bit.
It was a beautiful day - 6AM wake up to get to the two transition spots and get ready. Sheila got herself set up on a primo spot on the beach between the finish line and the swim start. One thing I noticed early on...man there is a lot of sand on the beach (DUH!?!?!) ...I'm gonna have a lot of sand on my feet for the run and ride...
Note to self, there is a reason experienced folks bring buckets to fill with water, so you can clean your feet off effectively. Scrubbing them with a dry towel is like a serious pedicure exfoliation - and not at all effective..but at least I thought to bring the towel.
The ocean was angry on this day, but not as angry as it reportedly had been in the past. And - no jellyfish. One of the guys from Setup Events provided that little bit of commentary as I made my way to the beach to set up my swim to Run 1 transition. That's reassuring.
Big waves, but only about a 65-70 M swim against the tide to the first turn buoy. I had done a prep swim on Saturday to get used to the water (salty, murky, angry) and to make sure I didn't try to breathe underwater like I have been known to do. Just past the first turn was a Coast Guard cutter...more for photo ops purposes than for anything else I suppose. Make the 1st turn and 250M to the next turn which is in to shore. The tide helped keep me relatively straight - as I tend to stray to my right when I swim, so there was that. Seemed like it was fairly quick, but - hard to tell actual time.
Jog to transition and to get ready for the run, scrub my feet - no dead skin left that's for certain - and strap on the shoes. Make my way out and rinse out what little salt water is left in my mouth. Good, easy to follow flat course 1.55 miles to the bike...great support and awesome folks out there for 8:30 AM on a Sunday.
Get to the bike and notice - there aren't a lot of bikes left on my rack...hmmm apparently my swim was slower than I thought. Oh well - the bike is flat and only 12.4 miles - good transition and I am off. Use the first mile + to spin out the "run" from my legs and then shift into the big ring. Thanks TrySports - it shifts perfectly, smoothly and I pick up the pace. My legs took longer to get up to "speed" but I get going indeed. Do the two laps and head back in for run, part deux.
Changeover again - bike shoes off, run shoes on and head out to run. Course seems flatter, and familiar - well of course it is - I just ran it the other way...so it goes by quickly. Get to the run to swim transition, change up - take off the garmin (it is NOT waterproof and I would be so unhappy if I dove in with it on) and make my way over the beach 250 M to the swim start again
Running on sand, in any situation is more difficult than on pavement or packed gravel, doing so after running 3.1 miles and biking 12.4 (and having swum 375M before that) well...it was interesting. I almost fell down more than once due to my grace and coordination.
As we near the start of the swim area a volunteer says, "go past the start buoy before you head out to sea"...out to sea? I'm not going out to sea, nor do I intend to go out to sea I'm going out to that turn buoy - or at least I hope - turning left and swimming to the next turn buoy - no out to sea! What's with the out to sea?!?!!
So - interestingly enough, it is quite possible I should have paid a little more attention during my "Oceanography" class sophomore year of college. While the tide was "going out" as we hit the water the second time, the waves were bigger, steeper, breaking earlier and more often and seemingly saltier. I SWEAR the first turn buoy was moving away from me, but it wasn't, the arms were tired and I was a little bit as well.
Make it to turn one and sight the next buoy - 250M, 5 laps in the pool is what I tell myself - a technique called "chunking" breaking the race into manageable "chunks" - and I make my way across to the final turn, in towards shore...woo hoo!!! as I turn, I take a couple strokes and turn to breathe. Apparently I ordered one mouthful of Atlantic Ocean water with that breath - which due to the volume and unexpectedness of it, I swallowed...sputtering and coughing, I flip over to catch my breath...as I do - I notice a lifeguard to my right...STANDING IN THE WATER...not treading water, not on a surfboard....STANDING. The water is about 4-5 feet deep (tide was going out remember) but running through the water is a waste of time (slower and much more draining) so I regain my breath and get swimming. I wish I had the wherewithal to time my swimming with the waves a bit better, a little body surfing right about now would be great.
Make it in to 2 feet of water - yes I was swimming in 2 feet of water - and stand to run in the final bit to the finish - well slog through the water and then start running.
What a great event! Seriously. This will go on the permanent list of races to do - just need to not drink ocean water - or at least a little less.
Also important to note, we saw Sandra and Matt Clancy at the race - they both had an awesome race - Matt who was in my age category crushed it and did awesome - even after having to run and get a spare set of goggles - Sandra - I believe this was her first tri after giving birth to their first child last year did awesome as well...always good to see familiar and friendly faces.
Time was 1:23:17...both swims took me almost twice as long as I expected them to - but the run(s) and the bike were right on track. It was a blast. Will add some pics to this blog over the next day or so.
12 down - 28 left, nearly $9K raised for LLS.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Race # 10, Tri Latta Sprint Triathlon Sunday June 14 - Back to where it all began
Tri Latta, as mentioned before is the first TnT event I did. 2 years ago, after 5+ months of training, going from not being able to swim 1/5th the required distance, I completed the event with my TnT teammates, many of whom I am still friends with today and my wife Sheila. While there were other events along the way that inspired me to take on and create the 40 in 40 challenge, this clearly was the starting point.
This too was a weekend full of events, so get comfy...
Saturday June 13 Inspiration dinner
While I was busy training for Tahoe, my 34 other teammates and I raised nearly $80,000 for the LLS for this event.
Our honored speaker was Matt Torkildsen. Matt recounted his story about his battle with Leukemia, being diagnosed at 18, a few months before he was to graduate high school and go to college on a basketball scholarship. His life, as so many others, changed drastically that day. Went to the Hutchinson center in WA. Like TnT, Leukemia can create families out of strangers due to the bond that exists and grows stronger with each passing day. When Matt checked into Hutchinson, there were 8 other families there. While there he received a bone marrow transplant, from his brother, and after 100 days "post-transplant", he was able to leave. His family and one other left. The rest had lost their battle with Leukemia. Matt's story is a positive one. One that got better, as when he left, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart.
After the inspiration dinner, Sheila and I went to the Man and Woman of the year fundraising grand finale for the LLS. This is a fundraising competition amongst candidates designated by the LLS and / or nominated by friends and families. While I do not have all the specifics, this year, while a difficult one, had 8 stellar candidates who raised substantial funds to help the fight against blood cancers. I will post more details on this, once I get them.
Sunday June 14 RACE DAY
The race officially stars at 6:30 AM. Sheila and I - as well as Maggie and Dobhen, were up at 4 AM, to get things together and get to the race course. I finished by multiple bag checks the night before. Now, the race course is only 12 miles from our house, but, Sheila offered to volunteer for the event, and I still had to pick up my timing chip (they don't give you those until race day in case you lose it...like THAT would ever happen), get set up in transition, get body marked and chill out a bit.
We arrive in darkness. Not a little darkness, but it is just plain dark. The stars are out, and yet there are a lot of people milling around. I run into John McLean, fellow TnT'er who is also doing Latta today, and is training for a Full IronMan in the fall. John and I did Latta together 2 years ago as well. We set up our stuff in transition, actually John's is already set up, four spaces down from me, apparently he got there REALLY early, and go pick up our chips and go get body marked. Sheila has been assigned body marking as one of her volunteer duties, so I not only got to have her write my numbers on my arms and legs, but I also got a good luck kiss...the volunteer coordinator raised an eyebrow at that one as she was standing right next to us at the time. Sheila limited the good luck kisses to me (I think - either that or she had the most popular body marking line EVER! kidding). Also - was pleasantly surprised to see my Tahoe cycle-mate Cheryl Ryan there - she came up to watch - even though she had to be there by 6 AM..wow. Also saw Laurie Pryor, who did Latta with us 2 years ago as well. It's like a reunion tour :-)
Anywho, so it's all of 5:30 now. An hour + to go.
Break out the iPod, drink some more water, stretch a bit...pass the time. Sun comes up. The day is turning into a spectacular day to go for a swim, a bike ride and a run...with some wardrobe changes in between.
I decide it is time to go check out the lake....
As I approach the lake, there are several young kids who will be doing the race, seemingly a bit anxious about the swim "you can't see the bottom", " wait, there are fish in there"...I calmly reassure them that the sharks sleep in on Sundays..nice of me - no?
So - unlike the previous Tri - which was a pool swim - they send the swimmers off in waves. On this day, it is men, in two groups alphabetically (A-L then M-Z) , then women in two groups, alphabetically, then the mens and womens "master" categories, which are racers 40 years and older, then relay teams.
Wave one goes off at 6:30 AM, wearing white swim caps...they're the white caps and they're churning up the water, appropriate. I missed this little tid bit but heard about it from another blog, apparently there was a water snake sliding through the water - right behind the first wave of swimmers. Nice.
I am in wave two - John is right there beside me - always friendly and making jokes, nervous energy or just who he is? It's just who he is..he's not nervous.
So at 6:34 - the horn sounds and off we go.
So - my impromptu, self designed open water swim (OWS)the other day was a good idea. The water is murky, warm, and I probably would have had a harder time settling in if I hadn't done it - and yet...I still have this dysfunction about OWS...I swear my legs are dragging behind me, not kicking...I didn't try and breathe with my face in the water this time, but still...sheesh.
So we head outwards, out towards the turn buoy (regular marker buoys are usually orange cylinders, turn buoys are usually a different shape, such as a triangle/cone, or a different color) and I notice - guys from the first wave are headed right towards me.
See when you swim in open water, there are no lane markers to tell you your going straight-ish...so you're supposed to "sight" every couple of strokes to make sure you're headed in the right direction. Sighting is when you pop your head up and look forward to find the next buoy and adjust accordingly.
It appeared that the first few guys in the first wave were sighting off the wrong buoy and headed back the way we came, or were going - depending on where you were in the swim. And - one wrong turn, and a little follow the leader, and you have a half dozen guys off course.
I try to wave them in the right direction but they blow past me...someone will get them turned around as there are course marshalls on the swim - in kayaks and motor boats in the event of a missed turn, or swimmer in trouble...
I make it to the turn and head back in towards shore - five words I love to say to myself as I am swimming...head back in towards shore... pass one buoy, then the next, then the last one. I almost get run over by some guy going hell bent for leather directly across my "bow" headed out towards the open lake - parallel towards shore - try to tell him "You're going the wrong way"...but a face full of foot and some lake water and it's lost...All I can think of at this point is of course, Planes, Trains and Automobiles...maybe his response was "How does he know where I'm going, yeah, right - ahh he's drunk"...but in fact I did know where he wanted to go...
Make it out of the swim - to the cheers of our coaches, friends, other spectators and head up the hill to transition quick smile for the camera and I get to the bike.
Now - one adage we are told time and again, and one I live by is "nothing new on race day" that means, don't wear brand new shoes, don't eat food you haven't eaten while training, don't decide to not wear socks while riding...and don't try to use different gadgets on your watch that you've not used previously on race day..
I violated this rule and fidgeted with my watch...for probably 30 - 40 seconds. Waste of time - but I came to my senses eventually and hit the road.
Clean mount (you have to get on the bike at or just past the "mount" line) and away we go. Knowing the bike course is always very helpful - so one can make sure they are in the right gears and pushing it appropriately for hills, flats, downhills, sharp turns etc. It helped knowing the course Sunday - I had a great ride and was really enjoying it - then as I shifted around mile 12...dropped my chain (I KNOW Cat - can you believe it?). The chain popped off the small ring, and while I can usually pick it back up in mid pedal stroke...it was too far off. So - I dismount and put it back on...grumble, grumble, grumble...and get going again. 5 more miles
Make the final turn into Latta and head for the transition and a 5K run.
As I near the dismount line, I recall the race 2 years ago...I had fun then - and am having just as much fun this year. Knowing that I will have completed 10 races out of the 40. Knowing I am making a difference - and hearing the coaches, friends, Sheila cheering...gave me goosebumps.
Dismount, I do not fall over, or trip over myself, or crash into anyone...which is good. Jog into transition, presto change-o into my running shoes, put on my running number (it's the same as the rest of the numbers, just more visible for ID when you cross the finish line, and if you don't have it - it is a two minute penalty...and one more thing to worry about in transition) ditch the bike helmet and gloves and I'm off.
I head towards the woods along the trail...I see Coach Steve AKA Scuba Steve, Kevin and Cheryl as I leave transition, then Sandra, Sheila, Stacey as I make the turn into the woods. Nice trail run - although a bit harder course than a couple years ago. There is this one kid, a young boy of probably 9 or 10...maybe older but its hard to tell because he is running so fast and getting FURTHER and FURTHER away from me...holy cow. How does he run that fast? His legs are half the length of mine. He looks like Speedy Gonzales...eepah, eepah, andale, andale...
Anywho - back to the run - we make our way out and back, and I come back to where I saw Sheila and company...climb the last little hill and turn towards the finish.
Make the last turn and pick it up a bit. I know my run was slower than I would have liked, but in reality - the competition is to raise awareness of blood cancers, the ongoing research and much needed support, not my overall time in an event, or segment of an event....but I am competitive by nature. So - note to self.
At the end of the day - all 35 TnT'ers finished all with smiles on their faces. We accomplished something pretty great that day - and will continue to work towards even greater things. Setup Events as always - did an awesome job with this race. The TnT coaches did an amazing job training us all for the event. The TnT Team - did and continues to do amazing things, raising awareness, funds and support for the battle the LLS takes on each day.
Thank you all for your support thus far. Keep the comments coming. I look forward to hearing from you.
1:40:35
10 down 30 to go, with over $7,000 raised and recorded thus far
This too was a weekend full of events, so get comfy...
Saturday June 13 Inspiration dinner
While I was busy training for Tahoe, my 34 other teammates and I raised nearly $80,000 for the LLS for this event.
Our honored speaker was Matt Torkildsen. Matt recounted his story about his battle with Leukemia, being diagnosed at 18, a few months before he was to graduate high school and go to college on a basketball scholarship. His life, as so many others, changed drastically that day. Went to the Hutchinson center in WA. Like TnT, Leukemia can create families out of strangers due to the bond that exists and grows stronger with each passing day. When Matt checked into Hutchinson, there were 8 other families there. While there he received a bone marrow transplant, from his brother, and after 100 days "post-transplant", he was able to leave. His family and one other left. The rest had lost their battle with Leukemia. Matt's story is a positive one. One that got better, as when he left, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart.
After the inspiration dinner, Sheila and I went to the Man and Woman of the year fundraising grand finale for the LLS. This is a fundraising competition amongst candidates designated by the LLS and / or nominated by friends and families. While I do not have all the specifics, this year, while a difficult one, had 8 stellar candidates who raised substantial funds to help the fight against blood cancers. I will post more details on this, once I get them.
Sunday June 14 RACE DAY
The race officially stars at 6:30 AM. Sheila and I - as well as Maggie and Dobhen, were up at 4 AM, to get things together and get to the race course. I finished by multiple bag checks the night before. Now, the race course is only 12 miles from our house, but, Sheila offered to volunteer for the event, and I still had to pick up my timing chip (they don't give you those until race day in case you lose it...like THAT would ever happen), get set up in transition, get body marked and chill out a bit.
We arrive in darkness. Not a little darkness, but it is just plain dark. The stars are out, and yet there are a lot of people milling around. I run into John McLean, fellow TnT'er who is also doing Latta today, and is training for a Full IronMan in the fall. John and I did Latta together 2 years ago as well. We set up our stuff in transition, actually John's is already set up, four spaces down from me, apparently he got there REALLY early, and go pick up our chips and go get body marked. Sheila has been assigned body marking as one of her volunteer duties, so I not only got to have her write my numbers on my arms and legs, but I also got a good luck kiss...the volunteer coordinator raised an eyebrow at that one as she was standing right next to us at the time. Sheila limited the good luck kisses to me (I think - either that or she had the most popular body marking line EVER! kidding). Also - was pleasantly surprised to see my Tahoe cycle-mate Cheryl Ryan there - she came up to watch - even though she had to be there by 6 AM..wow. Also saw Laurie Pryor, who did Latta with us 2 years ago as well. It's like a reunion tour :-)
Anywho, so it's all of 5:30 now. An hour + to go.
Break out the iPod, drink some more water, stretch a bit...pass the time. Sun comes up. The day is turning into a spectacular day to go for a swim, a bike ride and a run...with some wardrobe changes in between.
I decide it is time to go check out the lake....
As I approach the lake, there are several young kids who will be doing the race, seemingly a bit anxious about the swim "you can't see the bottom", " wait, there are fish in there"...I calmly reassure them that the sharks sleep in on Sundays..nice of me - no?
So - unlike the previous Tri - which was a pool swim - they send the swimmers off in waves. On this day, it is men, in two groups alphabetically (A-L then M-Z) , then women in two groups, alphabetically, then the mens and womens "master" categories, which are racers 40 years and older, then relay teams.
Wave one goes off at 6:30 AM, wearing white swim caps...they're the white caps and they're churning up the water, appropriate. I missed this little tid bit but heard about it from another blog, apparently there was a water snake sliding through the water - right behind the first wave of swimmers. Nice.
I am in wave two - John is right there beside me - always friendly and making jokes, nervous energy or just who he is? It's just who he is..he's not nervous.
So at 6:34 - the horn sounds and off we go.
So - my impromptu, self designed open water swim (OWS)the other day was a good idea. The water is murky, warm, and I probably would have had a harder time settling in if I hadn't done it - and yet...I still have this dysfunction about OWS...I swear my legs are dragging behind me, not kicking...I didn't try and breathe with my face in the water this time, but still...sheesh.
So we head outwards, out towards the turn buoy (regular marker buoys are usually orange cylinders, turn buoys are usually a different shape, such as a triangle/cone, or a different color) and I notice - guys from the first wave are headed right towards me.
See when you swim in open water, there are no lane markers to tell you your going straight-ish...so you're supposed to "sight" every couple of strokes to make sure you're headed in the right direction. Sighting is when you pop your head up and look forward to find the next buoy and adjust accordingly.
It appeared that the first few guys in the first wave were sighting off the wrong buoy and headed back the way we came, or were going - depending on where you were in the swim. And - one wrong turn, and a little follow the leader, and you have a half dozen guys off course.
I try to wave them in the right direction but they blow past me...someone will get them turned around as there are course marshalls on the swim - in kayaks and motor boats in the event of a missed turn, or swimmer in trouble...
I make it to the turn and head back in towards shore - five words I love to say to myself as I am swimming...head back in towards shore... pass one buoy, then the next, then the last one. I almost get run over by some guy going hell bent for leather directly across my "bow" headed out towards the open lake - parallel towards shore - try to tell him "You're going the wrong way"...but a face full of foot and some lake water and it's lost...All I can think of at this point is of course, Planes, Trains and Automobiles...maybe his response was "How does he know where I'm going, yeah, right - ahh he's drunk"...but in fact I did know where he wanted to go...
Make it out of the swim - to the cheers of our coaches, friends, other spectators and head up the hill to transition quick smile for the camera and I get to the bike.
Now - one adage we are told time and again, and one I live by is "nothing new on race day" that means, don't wear brand new shoes, don't eat food you haven't eaten while training, don't decide to not wear socks while riding...and don't try to use different gadgets on your watch that you've not used previously on race day..
I violated this rule and fidgeted with my watch...for probably 30 - 40 seconds. Waste of time - but I came to my senses eventually and hit the road.
Clean mount (you have to get on the bike at or just past the "mount" line) and away we go. Knowing the bike course is always very helpful - so one can make sure they are in the right gears and pushing it appropriately for hills, flats, downhills, sharp turns etc. It helped knowing the course Sunday - I had a great ride and was really enjoying it - then as I shifted around mile 12...dropped my chain (I KNOW Cat - can you believe it?). The chain popped off the small ring, and while I can usually pick it back up in mid pedal stroke...it was too far off. So - I dismount and put it back on...grumble, grumble, grumble...and get going again. 5 more miles
Make the final turn into Latta and head for the transition and a 5K run.
As I near the dismount line, I recall the race 2 years ago...I had fun then - and am having just as much fun this year. Knowing that I will have completed 10 races out of the 40. Knowing I am making a difference - and hearing the coaches, friends, Sheila cheering...gave me goosebumps.
Dismount, I do not fall over, or trip over myself, or crash into anyone...which is good. Jog into transition, presto change-o into my running shoes, put on my running number (it's the same as the rest of the numbers, just more visible for ID when you cross the finish line, and if you don't have it - it is a two minute penalty...and one more thing to worry about in transition) ditch the bike helmet and gloves and I'm off.
I head towards the woods along the trail...I see Coach Steve AKA Scuba Steve, Kevin and Cheryl as I leave transition, then Sandra, Sheila, Stacey as I make the turn into the woods. Nice trail run - although a bit harder course than a couple years ago. There is this one kid, a young boy of probably 9 or 10...maybe older but its hard to tell because he is running so fast and getting FURTHER and FURTHER away from me...holy cow. How does he run that fast? His legs are half the length of mine. He looks like Speedy Gonzales...eepah, eepah, andale, andale...
Anywho - back to the run - we make our way out and back, and I come back to where I saw Sheila and company...climb the last little hill and turn towards the finish.
Make the last turn and pick it up a bit. I know my run was slower than I would have liked, but in reality - the competition is to raise awareness of blood cancers, the ongoing research and much needed support, not my overall time in an event, or segment of an event....but I am competitive by nature. So - note to self.
At the end of the day - all 35 TnT'ers finished all with smiles on their faces. We accomplished something pretty great that day - and will continue to work towards even greater things. Setup Events as always - did an awesome job with this race. The TnT coaches did an amazing job training us all for the event. The TnT Team - did and continues to do amazing things, raising awareness, funds and support for the battle the LLS takes on each day.
Thank you all for your support thus far. Keep the comments coming. I look forward to hearing from you.
1:40:35
10 down 30 to go, with over $7,000 raised and recorded thus far
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Race 7 - in the books, Statesville Sprint Tri May 16, 2009
Great day and a good race. Setup Events and TrySports always do such a good job.
Early morning wake up - 5:45 - for a little breakfast, coffee, water - walk the dog - re-check the bag (did I mention I check that thing a million times?) and off we go.
Get to the venue, set up the bike and running gear in transition - the area you go from swim, to bike, then bike to run. Wayne's already there - so we start chatting a bit, more folks show up - they put us in the WAAAAY back of transition, but it's closer to the run start so that's good.
Have about an hour to kill before the my swim starts - so off to get body marked - where they write your number on both arms, both thighs right above the knee and your age on the back of your leg....in indelible marker. So in case your arms get separated from your legs, they can put you back together. :-)
Get in the pool area - they're lining folks up - we have about 35 minutes before we start swimming. Just like last year, there are some folks who over estimated their swimming capabilities and are walking in the shallow end, or doing the backstroke after two laps - so we have to pass them as we go if possible.
Good swim about 7 minutes (hard to read the clock with goggles on) - out to transition - put on the bike gear, sunglasses, helmet, watch/gps, gloves, socks and shoes. Jog to the bike start - which in cycling shoes on pavement can always be tricky. Hop on and off we go - route was as I remembered, couple of really good hills, lots of little ring cycling. Passed my fair share of folks - and only got passed once - had a good ride - just under 39 minutes.
Great transition - see transition - the time you go from one sport to the next can always be tricky. For example - my first tri - I had a 6+ minute transition (swim to bike) because my shoes were messed up, and a 2+ minute bike to run - because I was messed up. But today - I set up my gear properly for me, and had good transitions, both under 2 minutes each time. Defintely room for improvement...it's like I'm fixing my hair or something out there...wait
Off to the run - which after biking is always entertaining. Your legs because you just got off the bike feel like they have bricks in them, because of the blood in the larger muscles of the legs and they're fully engorged...so you have to kind of work on that during training...teach your legs "OK, your off the bike, get ready to run"
Got going on the run and started out at a good pace, and picked it up as I went along. Two loops through residential 'hoods and a finish downhill (YEAH!) into a park. The run was a bit slower than I wanted, 23:30, but still - by 9:35 this morning I had swam 300M, biked 12 miles and run 3.1 miles...in an hour and 12 minutes. - please note I checked actual results and it was 1 hour and 12 minutes...my original post said an hour and 2 minutes....
Wayne had a great first tri and had fun doing it. Ran into some guys I met last year at the same Race, Shawn Powell and his friends Rod and Darren. They've gotten the tri bug too and have done a bunch.
Good day, good race - now 60 miles tomorrow on the bike - just pray for good weather.
Early morning wake up - 5:45 - for a little breakfast, coffee, water - walk the dog - re-check the bag (did I mention I check that thing a million times?) and off we go.
Get to the venue, set up the bike and running gear in transition - the area you go from swim, to bike, then bike to run. Wayne's already there - so we start chatting a bit, more folks show up - they put us in the WAAAAY back of transition, but it's closer to the run start so that's good.
Have about an hour to kill before the my swim starts - so off to get body marked - where they write your number on both arms, both thighs right above the knee and your age on the back of your leg....in indelible marker. So in case your arms get separated from your legs, they can put you back together. :-)
Get in the pool area - they're lining folks up - we have about 35 minutes before we start swimming. Just like last year, there are some folks who over estimated their swimming capabilities and are walking in the shallow end, or doing the backstroke after two laps - so we have to pass them as we go if possible.
Good swim about 7 minutes (hard to read the clock with goggles on) - out to transition - put on the bike gear, sunglasses, helmet, watch/gps, gloves, socks and shoes. Jog to the bike start - which in cycling shoes on pavement can always be tricky. Hop on and off we go - route was as I remembered, couple of really good hills, lots of little ring cycling. Passed my fair share of folks - and only got passed once - had a good ride - just under 39 minutes.
Great transition - see transition - the time you go from one sport to the next can always be tricky. For example - my first tri - I had a 6+ minute transition (swim to bike) because my shoes were messed up, and a 2+ minute bike to run - because I was messed up. But today - I set up my gear properly for me, and had good transitions, both under 2 minutes each time. Defintely room for improvement...it's like I'm fixing my hair or something out there...wait
Off to the run - which after biking is always entertaining. Your legs because you just got off the bike feel like they have bricks in them, because of the blood in the larger muscles of the legs and they're fully engorged...so you have to kind of work on that during training...teach your legs "OK, your off the bike, get ready to run"
Got going on the run and started out at a good pace, and picked it up as I went along. Two loops through residential 'hoods and a finish downhill (YEAH!) into a park. The run was a bit slower than I wanted, 23:30, but still - by 9:35 this morning I had swam 300M, biked 12 miles and run 3.1 miles...in an hour and 12 minutes. - please note I checked actual results and it was 1 hour and 12 minutes...my original post said an hour and 2 minutes....
Wayne had a great first tri and had fun doing it. Ran into some guys I met last year at the same Race, Shawn Powell and his friends Rod and Darren. They've gotten the tri bug too and have done a bunch.
Good day, good race - now 60 miles tomorrow on the bike - just pray for good weather.
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