This Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for all that I am blessed with. My husband, family, friends and health all rank right up there. It helps to put the Ironman training in perspective. How fortunate I am to be able to have the experience of training and racing an Ironman triathlon!
Yes, the training has officially started. And my husband is my coach! This will either show how awesome we are together or what a bad idea it is to change the husband/wife relationship in such a way. My bet is on the former.
Actually, I love having a coach. I trained myself for my first two Ironman races and that wasn't so bad. But, it's nice to have someone else planning my workouts for me. And, I don't even have to pay him (well, not with money)!
I have a time goal for this Ironman, but I'm not sure if I want to share it yet. Maybe I'll wait until after the race.
Today, we completed our 11th straight Turkey Trot. After all these years, there are now over 3500 athletes who participate. I am so thankful that I have the ability to be one of those athletes. It's so easy to get caught up in race times, training, the number on the scale, that we forget that we are so blessed to have a body that allows us to do what we do.
The race is a difficult 5K, uphill for 2+ miles, with a nice downhill at the end. The problem is that the first two miles are so tough, it's hard to enjoy that last downhill! However, my 5K PR is on this course - 24:08 in 2003. Randy said he'd pace me to try to go under 24 today, but it just wasn't in the cards for me. However, I was secretly hoping to go under 25 minutes, and I clocked a 24:55! This is my post-surgery PR (imagine what I could do on a flat course!). Randy tried to keep the pace up for me, and I love him for that. As my husband, he is proud of me and as my coach, he now has some data to plan my training.
After finishing, we ran back to find my mom and brother, who were walking. My mom has done it every year too and when I was unable to run, I walked with her. We found them when they had about a half mile to go. Man, my mom walks fast! I had to jog to keep up with her. Her time was 42 minutes - walking!!
So, now it's time to make the guhuggafuggah (Randy's name for my cranberry/apple concoction) and head to the parents' house for dinner. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Du-ing it for the Lions
This morning, Randy and I raced the Glens Falls Lions Club Duathlon. It's the first year they've had the race and they wanted it to be the autumn counterpart to the Saratoga Lions Duathlon in May. First of all, well done! The race was well-organized with plenty of volunteers. The course was beautiful too. A couple things I'd like them to adjust for next year... mile markers! There was only one at the 10-mile point on the bike. None on the run. Now, that's not always a bad thing, but since I don't have a computer on my tri bike, I had no idea where I was on the course. They should also rethink the bike/run in/out area. It was a bit confusing. However, it was all worth it in the end since they were serving up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Yum!!!
Now, for my race. One thing stuck out more than anything. I have to start running faster!! The races was a 3-mile run, 18-mile bike, and a 3-mile run and I was hoping to go under 2 hours.
Run #1 - I like triathlons. Way better than duathlons! I love to swim and I'm pretty good at it. I'm not a great runner and I am not great at executing the first run of a duathlon. I stayed back, which was good. I didn't want to get caught up in the excitement of the beginning of the race, particularly when I knew that I wasn't just going to be running. I stayed within my comfort zone and ran a 25:53, which is an 8:38 pace. Not too bad for me! Out of 62 athletes, I had the 56th fastest time. I was officially at the back of the pack!
Bike - I love to bike. Especially on my way cool Parlee TT! The bike course was beautiful, with some nice views of the fall colors. I cranked the bike course, passing people and not getting passed. I felt really good, feeling especially strong on the climbs. I managed a 1:03:27, which includes my T1 time. I would have liked to go a bit faster, but I'm pretty happy with it. Out of 62 athletes, I had the 29th fastest bike time. I was no longer at the back of the pack!
Run #2 - Seriously, I need to start running faster. I actually felt better on this run than the first. I wasn't fast, but I think I'm just used to running after riding so it's easier mentally. I ran a 27:45, which includes my T2 time. I think I was closer to 26:50 (based on my own calculations), so somewhere around a 9:00 pace. Out of 62 athletes, I had the 51st fastest run time. It was enough to make me 39th overall and 3rd in my age group (which was 36-40, not the usual 35-39...?). And, my overall time was 1:57:05, so I am happy with that!
It was cold, but definitely a fun race that I'd do again. The best part, of course, is spending time with friends. And, it was the only multisport race that Randy and I have done together this year! He did great, placing 8th overall!
So, for the next couple of weeks, it'll be some relaxing, but also some speedwork for running. I'd like to get my pace closer to 8:00. If I had been able to do that, I'd have won my age group. Oh well, I kicked butt on the bike!
Now, for my race. One thing stuck out more than anything. I have to start running faster!! The races was a 3-mile run, 18-mile bike, and a 3-mile run and I was hoping to go under 2 hours.
Run #1 - I like triathlons. Way better than duathlons! I love to swim and I'm pretty good at it. I'm not a great runner and I am not great at executing the first run of a duathlon. I stayed back, which was good. I didn't want to get caught up in the excitement of the beginning of the race, particularly when I knew that I wasn't just going to be running. I stayed within my comfort zone and ran a 25:53, which is an 8:38 pace. Not too bad for me! Out of 62 athletes, I had the 56th fastest time. I was officially at the back of the pack!
Bike - I love to bike. Especially on my way cool Parlee TT! The bike course was beautiful, with some nice views of the fall colors. I cranked the bike course, passing people and not getting passed. I felt really good, feeling especially strong on the climbs. I managed a 1:03:27, which includes my T1 time. I would have liked to go a bit faster, but I'm pretty happy with it. Out of 62 athletes, I had the 29th fastest bike time. I was no longer at the back of the pack!
Run #2 - Seriously, I need to start running faster. I actually felt better on this run than the first. I wasn't fast, but I think I'm just used to running after riding so it's easier mentally. I ran a 27:45, which includes my T2 time. I think I was closer to 26:50 (based on my own calculations), so somewhere around a 9:00 pace. Out of 62 athletes, I had the 51st fastest run time. It was enough to make me 39th overall and 3rd in my age group (which was 36-40, not the usual 35-39...?). And, my overall time was 1:57:05, so I am happy with that!
It was cold, but definitely a fun race that I'd do again. The best part, of course, is spending time with friends. And, it was the only multisport race that Randy and I have done together this year! He did great, placing 8th overall!
So, for the next couple of weeks, it'll be some relaxing, but also some speedwork for running. I'd like to get my pace closer to 8:00. If I had been able to do that, I'd have won my age group. Oh well, I kicked butt on the bike!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
It's been three weeks...
since that Vegas race and I'm feeling like a slug! Things at work have been so crazy that I haven't really had time to train, except on the weekends. Then again, it's nice to have some nonstructured time. Once November hits, I'll be back to a full schedule training for IMLP.
I got a new Garmin! Randy bought it for my birthday. I've played around with Randy's, but now it'll be a much bigger part of my training.
I got a new Garmin! Randy bought it for my birthday. I've played around with Randy's, but now it'll be a much bigger part of my training.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Vegas, baby!
We arrived in Las Vegas late Thursday night. After picking up my bike, picking up the rental car, driving to and checking in to the hotel, and putting the bike together, it was almost 2:00am. That's 5:00am EST, which is about when I wake up in the morning. Needless to say, we were tired! We got a good night's sleep and spent Friday getting ready for this race.
We were traveling with my mom, who decided to join us at the last minute. It was the best surprise! I was so happy to have her there! We were also with our friend, John, who was also racing. Randy's job was to shuttle everyone around and make sure I didn't cave in to the anxiety I was starting to feel.
On Friday, we went to check in, pick up our goody bags and check out the expo. It was about 100 degrees, but it didn't seem too stifling. I rented race wheels and picked those up too. Then, we headed to the race start to check out the beginning of the bike course. John and I rode for about half an hour and I quickly learned that I would have to take it easy when I get out of T1. The bike course starts with a 2-mile uphill. After our ride, we went back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for the opening banquet. The banquet was nice, but subdued. The best part was watching this artist paint a mural for the race right on stage - amazing!!
Saturday morning brought a swim in Lake Las Vegas. Warm water, but definitely not clean! I could barely see my hands in front of my face. However, it was nice to get in. I think it helped to calm my nerves. We brought our bikes and run gear to T1 and T2 and went out to dinner. My nerves were really on edge at this point. I'd never been that nervous for a race! I think I was completely intimidated by the other athletes there. After all, they're the best in the world and I got a roll-down roll-down spot! Then, Randy reminded me that I'm not the only one who got a roll-down and that helped for a while. But, I did not sleep well on Saturday night.
Sunday morning, we rolled out at 5:00am. The pros started at 6:30, John's wave was at 6:45 and I had to wait until 7:30. Ugh!! More time to get nervous! And, nervous I was! Right until I got into the water. When my wave finally got into the water, I felt much better. I love to swim, even in the gross water.
I stayed in the back of my group. I didn't really know how I would compare to these other women, but it turns out I could hold my own. I had a great swim, even passing several people! My time was 37:30 and I was thrilled with that! I came out in the middle of my age group.
Of course, that position did not last on the bike course! I was hoping to go around 3:30, but I knew that may be a stretch given the heat and the course. I took it easy on the initial uphill before settling in. Once I hit Lake Mead Park, I was feeling pretty good. I stayed in the small chain ring for all the uphills, which weren't too steep but were always long. Luckily they were followed by some nice downhills! I was passed by countless people, but I passed a few myself. One guy actually bumped into me but I was able to keep the rubber side down. Just before the turnaround, I thought that the course had been mostly uphill which would mean that it would be more downhill on the way out. But, it was 100 degrees and I could have been delirious. Turns out I was right! There was more downhill on the way out of the park, which was great until about mile 40. That's when the steepest uphill was and it was getting hot!! The last 16 miles were tough. That's about all I can say. While some of the course was downhill, it was definitely more up, especially the last few miles into T2. I was happy to be done with it! And, my time was 3:29 so I was really happy with that!
Then came the run. Normally, I try to go into the run with the tank at least half full. Not this time. I was nearly depleted. I had no interest in running and I just wanted to lay down and go to sleep. My core temperature was up and my heartrate was up and I couldn't bring either one down. But, I didn't want to quit, so I headed out onto the run course and immediately saw Randy and my mom. I walked over and said I wasn't feeling great. I knew I hadn't taken in enough calories on the bike (probably because my heartrate was constantly elevated) and I was worried about bonking. However, Randy said to just get moving and see what happens. So, I did. I even started running, but that didn't last long. Eventually I settled into a run/walk - run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute. Unless I was at an aid station. I walked through those, downing water, sports drink and ice. I would dump ice down my shirt, put it in my hat, and just carry it in my hands. It worked. I wasn't the only one walking. Most people were having trouble, so I didn't feel so alone. I had the slowest half-marathon in my life (3:04ish), but I finished! I was even able to run across the finish line!
My first goal was to not cave in to heat exhaustion. While the heat definitely hurt, I did not make it into the medical tent! My second goal was to finish. Check! My third goal was a time goal, but that didn't happen, although I met my time goals on the swim and bike, so I really cannot complain. I was dead last in my age group, but I was ahead of all those who didn't finish!
That was by far the most difficult race I have EVER done! That includes Ironman Lake Placid in the pouring rain! I don't know that I'd do it again, but I'm glad I did it.
Thanks to all of my friends and family for their texts and emails and Facebook messages. I cannot tell you how amazing it is to have such a wonderful support system!
Next on the docket is to take it easy this week and get settled into the school year. My legs are still a bit sore and my mouth is still dry, but I'm functioning and I've been showing everyone my awesome finisher's medal.
We were traveling with my mom, who decided to join us at the last minute. It was the best surprise! I was so happy to have her there! We were also with our friend, John, who was also racing. Randy's job was to shuttle everyone around and make sure I didn't cave in to the anxiety I was starting to feel.
On Friday, we went to check in, pick up our goody bags and check out the expo. It was about 100 degrees, but it didn't seem too stifling. I rented race wheels and picked those up too. Then, we headed to the race start to check out the beginning of the bike course. John and I rode for about half an hour and I quickly learned that I would have to take it easy when I get out of T1. The bike course starts with a 2-mile uphill. After our ride, we went back to the hotel to clean up and get ready for the opening banquet. The banquet was nice, but subdued. The best part was watching this artist paint a mural for the race right on stage - amazing!!
Saturday morning brought a swim in Lake Las Vegas. Warm water, but definitely not clean! I could barely see my hands in front of my face. However, it was nice to get in. I think it helped to calm my nerves. We brought our bikes and run gear to T1 and T2 and went out to dinner. My nerves were really on edge at this point. I'd never been that nervous for a race! I think I was completely intimidated by the other athletes there. After all, they're the best in the world and I got a roll-down roll-down spot! Then, Randy reminded me that I'm not the only one who got a roll-down and that helped for a while. But, I did not sleep well on Saturday night.
I stayed in the back of my group. I didn't really know how I would compare to these other women, but it turns out I could hold my own. I had a great swim, even passing several people! My time was 37:30 and I was thrilled with that! I came out in the middle of my age group.
Of course, that position did not last on the bike course! I was hoping to go around 3:30, but I knew that may be a stretch given the heat and the course. I took it easy on the initial uphill before settling in. Once I hit Lake Mead Park, I was feeling pretty good. I stayed in the small chain ring for all the uphills, which weren't too steep but were always long. Luckily they were followed by some nice downhills! I was passed by countless people, but I passed a few myself. One guy actually bumped into me but I was able to keep the rubber side down. Just before the turnaround, I thought that the course had been mostly uphill which would mean that it would be more downhill on the way out. But, it was 100 degrees and I could have been delirious. Turns out I was right! There was more downhill on the way out of the park, which was great until about mile 40. That's when the steepest uphill was and it was getting hot!! The last 16 miles were tough. That's about all I can say. While some of the course was downhill, it was definitely more up, especially the last few miles into T2. I was happy to be done with it! And, my time was 3:29 so I was really happy with that!
Then came the run. Normally, I try to go into the run with the tank at least half full. Not this time. I was nearly depleted. I had no interest in running and I just wanted to lay down and go to sleep. My core temperature was up and my heartrate was up and I couldn't bring either one down. But, I didn't want to quit, so I headed out onto the run course and immediately saw Randy and my mom. I walked over and said I wasn't feeling great. I knew I hadn't taken in enough calories on the bike (probably because my heartrate was constantly elevated) and I was worried about bonking. However, Randy said to just get moving and see what happens. So, I did. I even started running, but that didn't last long. Eventually I settled into a run/walk - run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute. Unless I was at an aid station. I walked through those, downing water, sports drink and ice. I would dump ice down my shirt, put it in my hat, and just carry it in my hands. It worked. I wasn't the only one walking. Most people were having trouble, so I didn't feel so alone. I had the slowest half-marathon in my life (3:04ish), but I finished! I was even able to run across the finish line!
My first goal was to not cave in to heat exhaustion. While the heat definitely hurt, I did not make it into the medical tent! My second goal was to finish. Check! My third goal was a time goal, but that didn't happen, although I met my time goals on the swim and bike, so I really cannot complain. I was dead last in my age group, but I was ahead of all those who didn't finish!
That was by far the most difficult race I have EVER done! That includes Ironman Lake Placid in the pouring rain! I don't know that I'd do it again, but I'm glad I did it.
Thanks to all of my friends and family for their texts and emails and Facebook messages. I cannot tell you how amazing it is to have such a wonderful support system!
Next on the docket is to take it easy this week and get settled into the school year. My legs are still a bit sore and my mouth is still dry, but I'm functioning and I've been showing everyone my awesome finisher's medal.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Countdown to Vegas
According to the countdown clock on the race website, I have 5 days, 15 hours, and 37ish minutes until the 70.3 World Championship. Yikes!!! I'm a little nervous, mostly about the heat, but I'm more excited about the trip. I just wish it wasn't the first weekend of school! Not only do I have to get ready for the race, but also for the first few days of school, including two days of sub plans!
Randy has been great. He's been coaching me, even riding and running with me the past couple of days. And, last night he spent a few hours packing up my bike. He's all ready to cheer me on and take care of me next weekend. Best husband I could ever ask for!
If anyone wants to follow me next weekend, you can go to www.ironman.com and track an athlete. My race number is 1295.
Randy has been great. He's been coaching me, even riding and running with me the past couple of days. And, last night he spent a few hours packing up my bike. He's all ready to cheer me on and take care of me next weekend. Best husband I could ever ask for!
If anyone wants to follow me next weekend, you can go to www.ironman.com and track an athlete. My race number is 1295.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Why I Have this Blog
I don't know that anyone is really interested in or cares about what I have to say, but the reality is that I care. I like being able to get my thoughts written out, even though I am not the most talented writer. So, I decided to start this blog. It'll be good for me and if others read it, that's good too! And, if they actually enjoy reading it, well...that's icing on the cake!
My purpose for the blog is to keep a sort of journal while training for my third Ironman triathlon. I have already completed two in Lake Placid, NY, in 2006 and 2008. Since then, I stopped running (and therefore, racing) due to IT band problems. I eventually had surgery on the IT band in January of 2011 and started racing again. That summer, I did some shorter races, but I've had my eye on doing another Ironman.
This summer, I did the Ironman 70.3 in Providence, Rhode Island. I was really happy with that race overall and I even got a spot to the 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas!! Woohoo!!
I have two weeks until Vegas and my husband, Randy, has been coaching me. He will also be coaching me for IMLP.
I titled the blog "I Took the First Step" because that's what it's all about...taking the first step. Getting to the finish line at an Ironman is exciting and all, but getting to the start line is what takes the most work, the most dedication. This blog is my journey to that start line.
My purpose for the blog is to keep a sort of journal while training for my third Ironman triathlon. I have already completed two in Lake Placid, NY, in 2006 and 2008. Since then, I stopped running (and therefore, racing) due to IT band problems. I eventually had surgery on the IT band in January of 2011 and started racing again. That summer, I did some shorter races, but I've had my eye on doing another Ironman.
This summer, I did the Ironman 70.3 in Providence, Rhode Island. I was really happy with that race overall and I even got a spot to the 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas!! Woohoo!!
I have two weeks until Vegas and my husband, Randy, has been coaching me. He will also be coaching me for IMLP.
I titled the blog "I Took the First Step" because that's what it's all about...taking the first step. Getting to the finish line at an Ironman is exciting and all, but getting to the start line is what takes the most work, the most dedication. This blog is my journey to that start line.
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