Okay, that title is not quite how I see myself, but I thought it was fitting.
This morning was the Saratoga Lions Club duathlon. For the past few years, I have volunteered to be the course marshal. I got to ride on a motorcycle (wheee!) and yell at people who were drafting. I was feared.
This year, I decided to race. I'm pretty sure I was no longer feared, but I must say that I had a great race.
Before the race started, I ran into an old high school friend, Cortney, who was racing. It was so great to see her and her parents (her dad is my favorite former music teacher). Cortney is doing her first Ironman this fall and just finished her first marathon. We ran the first 5K together. The run is two loops, which I thought would be annoying for a 5K, but it was kind of cool. You get to see everyone and mentally it felt shorter since you were never more than a half mile from the transition area. I must admit that it helped. I'm sure I would not have pushed myself if I had been on my own! Of course, my sister Lisa was just in front of us and I didn't want to let her out of my sight! I clocked a 24:07 which is a new 5K PR for me (by one second!).
We came into transition about 20 seconds behind my sister. Now, I am most definitely not known for my fast transitions, but I can't figure out what was taking Lisa so long. As I was running out with my bike, I think she was still taking off her running shoes. I lost sight of Cortney too.
The bike course is a lollipop with three loops. My plan was to hammer the bike and see what happens. Since I don't ever really hammer the bike, I knew I would have enough for the next run. But, I worked hard and felt great. I was able to spin up the hills and I passed many people and only got passed by about five men. My bike time, which includes my super fast (ha!) first transition, is officially 1:02:12. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to reset my bike computer before heading out. I think I was still basking in my Lake Placid ride from last week.
Back in transition, I had to sit down to change my shoes. I think it was just easier and faster than trying to change standing up. Off to run #2...
Hmmm.... I had no one to pace me this time around. But, I had the Garmin, so I could keep an eye on the pace. I really didn't know how to attack this run other than to just keep going. I managed to maintain an 8:16 pace with my last mile at 7:50 (fastest running mile of the day for me). My second 5K, which includes my second transition, is 26:31, for an overall time of 1:52:49.
I was fifth in my age group (who are these seriously fast women???), but I'll take it. Next year, I'll have them all trembling in fear...
Thank you to the Lions Club (including my mom and dad) for putting on another spectacular event! It was so well run and everyone is so friendly and helpful!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
The Big Training Weekend
Every year, Randy and I spend a weekend in Lake Placid with some of our triathlon friends for a big training weekend. This year was no exception.
Friday night, Randy loaded the bikes into the Black Pearl (our awesome Ford Flex named for the Pirates of the Caribbean ship). We packed all our gear and food and clothes and got up early Saturday morning to make the trip up to the Adirondack High Peaks. Of course, we were sure to stop at our favorite rest area just before getting off the highway.
Upon our arrival, there was the usual busy-ness of getting ready and deciding what to wear. If you are wearing too much, you'll be sweating on the climbs (which are everywhere) and if you don't have enough, you'll be freezing on the descent into Keene. At the last minute, I took off the knee warmers, but decided to keep the arm warmers. Once we were all ready (all except Jen, who was smart to get up there Friday night and start an hour earlier), we rolled out of town.
My plan was to keep it easy for the first loop. In fact, I have some rules - always do one gear easier than I think I can do and do not use the big chain ring until I get to the Cascades (about two miles before the big descent). Our friend Dan rode with me and I was feeling pretty good. At about mile 40, we stopped for water, but noticed that our usual pit stop was closed! We've always stopped at Wilson farms to refill the bottles. It's funny how things like that can throw you off a little. This weekend, and this bike course, are like a tradition for us (hence the necessary stop at the rest area on the highway). But, we found another place to fill up. This place had more beer than water, but they were really friendly and we went back out.
If you've ever been to Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, you would know how crappy the roads usually are. For ten years, we've been dodging potholes and torn pavement as we ride the long 12 miles uphill from Wilmington to LP. But, the sadness (?) from the loss of our beloved Wilson Farms quickly turned to pure joy at the sight of a newly paved highway! Not that the ride is any easier, but it is far more comfortable!
After the first loop, I was delighted by my time of 3:25. I had no idea what to expect, so I was just hoping that I didn't put too much out there on the first loop only to struggle through the second. As we rolled out of town again (after refilling the bottles and food bags), I was starting to push some bigger gears. Of course, Randy took off and there was no way I was going to try to keep up with him, but I really felt good. All the while, I was hoping that the good feeling would last. It was starting to get warm and there are parts of that course that are in the open sun for long stretches. I rode most of the second loop alone, which was okay (good mental training) and I even passed some people. I handled the climbs well (over 5000 feet of climbing) and when I finished, I saw that I had a total time of 6:49! That meant that I had an even split, which is very cool. Even better, that was five minutes faster than my race in 2006!
I will admit that I'm feeling pretty good about that. I have a time goal for IM this year, and I'm starting to feel like it is reachable.
Last night was the best part of the weekend, though. Eating good food and hanging with friends, sharing stories of the day's ride and past rides and races is what the sport is all about.
This morning, we ran half the run course and I was again feeling pretty good. I wasn't blazing fast, just trying to maintain my e-pace (10:30 miles). My legs were (are) tired, but I didn't feel the need to walk. And, my IT band was able to handle the downhills and the crowned roads. At least during the race, I won't have to run on the side of the road (can't avoid those hills though). Seems like surgery was a good move for me!
I must also give a shout out to my amazing husband and coach! Without him, I don't know how this would be. Thanks, babe!
And thank you to Ray for setting us up in the great house. We missed you!
Of course, after the run, we visited the Lake Placid Brew Pub, where I scarfed down a mushroom and swiss burger...mmmmm.........
All in all, a great weekend of training with good friends and great weather! I am starting to get excited for race day! Bring it on!!
Friday night, Randy loaded the bikes into the Black Pearl (our awesome Ford Flex named for the Pirates of the Caribbean ship). We packed all our gear and food and clothes and got up early Saturday morning to make the trip up to the Adirondack High Peaks. Of course, we were sure to stop at our favorite rest area just before getting off the highway.
Upon our arrival, there was the usual busy-ness of getting ready and deciding what to wear. If you are wearing too much, you'll be sweating on the climbs (which are everywhere) and if you don't have enough, you'll be freezing on the descent into Keene. At the last minute, I took off the knee warmers, but decided to keep the arm warmers. Once we were all ready (all except Jen, who was smart to get up there Friday night and start an hour earlier), we rolled out of town.
My plan was to keep it easy for the first loop. In fact, I have some rules - always do one gear easier than I think I can do and do not use the big chain ring until I get to the Cascades (about two miles before the big descent). Our friend Dan rode with me and I was feeling pretty good. At about mile 40, we stopped for water, but noticed that our usual pit stop was closed! We've always stopped at Wilson farms to refill the bottles. It's funny how things like that can throw you off a little. This weekend, and this bike course, are like a tradition for us (hence the necessary stop at the rest area on the highway). But, we found another place to fill up. This place had more beer than water, but they were really friendly and we went back out.
If you've ever been to Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, you would know how crappy the roads usually are. For ten years, we've been dodging potholes and torn pavement as we ride the long 12 miles uphill from Wilmington to LP. But, the sadness (?) from the loss of our beloved Wilson Farms quickly turned to pure joy at the sight of a newly paved highway! Not that the ride is any easier, but it is far more comfortable!
After the first loop, I was delighted by my time of 3:25. I had no idea what to expect, so I was just hoping that I didn't put too much out there on the first loop only to struggle through the second. As we rolled out of town again (after refilling the bottles and food bags), I was starting to push some bigger gears. Of course, Randy took off and there was no way I was going to try to keep up with him, but I really felt good. All the while, I was hoping that the good feeling would last. It was starting to get warm and there are parts of that course that are in the open sun for long stretches. I rode most of the second loop alone, which was okay (good mental training) and I even passed some people. I handled the climbs well (over 5000 feet of climbing) and when I finished, I saw that I had a total time of 6:49! That meant that I had an even split, which is very cool. Even better, that was five minutes faster than my race in 2006!
I will admit that I'm feeling pretty good about that. I have a time goal for IM this year, and I'm starting to feel like it is reachable.
Last night was the best part of the weekend, though. Eating good food and hanging with friends, sharing stories of the day's ride and past rides and races is what the sport is all about.
This morning, we ran half the run course and I was again feeling pretty good. I wasn't blazing fast, just trying to maintain my e-pace (10:30 miles). My legs were (are) tired, but I didn't feel the need to walk. And, my IT band was able to handle the downhills and the crowned roads. At least during the race, I won't have to run on the side of the road (can't avoid those hills though). Seems like surgery was a good move for me!
I must also give a shout out to my amazing husband and coach! Without him, I don't know how this would be. Thanks, babe!
And thank you to Ray for setting us up in the great house. We missed you!
Of course, after the run, we visited the Lake Placid Brew Pub, where I scarfed down a mushroom and swiss burger...mmmmm.........
All in all, a great weekend of training with good friends and great weather! I am starting to get excited for race day! Bring it on!!
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