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!!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
184 seconds in 10 years
In September 2003, I ran my first half marathon. It was the Adirondack Half-Marathon in Schroon Lake, NY. What a beautiful race! I remember being a bit anxious about the distance, but I really enjoyed the race. I finished in 2 hours, 21 seconds. Really? Twenty-one seconds?
After that, I did not race another half-marathon. Until today. It is ten years later (okay, nine and a half years) and I felt the same way I did before the Schroon Lake race. Nervous, particularly about the distance. But this time I was surprised by my anxiety. After all, I had run half-marathons within a half-ironman triathlon. I even "ran" the marathons in a full Ironman. Why was I anxious? I realized that I was hoping to go under that two hour mark and I was nervous that I wouldn't do it. After all, I had just started building my running base again, coming off an injury and I am ten years older than that last race! (Okay, nine and a half years older.) Why so nervous? Well, I really wanted to go under two hours. I mean, I really wanted it! I wanted to prove that, despite the running re-start and being nine and a half years older, I could get faster.
The race was the 50th running of the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon in Wilmington, Delaware. It's close to where Randy grew up and he has done the race several times, usually with me cheering him on. It's a great race and the atmosphere was very festive.
The race starts with a downhill. Very dangerous to have a smoking first mile. But, I didn't let it go to my head and decided that the extra 40 seconds for that mile would be banked for the uphills to come. But, I felt great all the way through the first half. My first four miles were under my goal pace of 9:00/mile. Then the hills started. The way the people around me were talking, you would have thought we were about the climb the Alps. Truth be told, I didn't think the hills were that bad. Either they weren't that bad, or I was so well prepared.... hills? what hills? I felt great. I slowed a bit, but nothing that set me off my goal pace. The race got flat(ish) again and ended with some nice downhills. Again, nothing too steep...just enough to boost my pace again. I always try to take advantage of that free speed! The last four miles were about the same pace as my first four!
My finish time is officially 1:57:17 which means I was holding a pace of 8:57 per mile! I am soooo happy with this result! It makes me feel like I'm back to being a runner again and that my goals for Lake Placid are realistic.
Of course, I could not have done this without Randy. As my coach, he has been great. Clearly his plan for me is working! As my husband, he is even greater. Even though he is a little faster than I am (okay, a LOT faster), he always lets me know that he is proud of me. Thank you, honey!
And, a shout out to our friend Keith. He had an amazing race today, taking 7 minutes off of last years' time! He was a great (and silent) running partner!
So, now I get a few days to recover. I pushed it today and that was the plan. But now I have to rest the legs to move on with my Lake Placid training...bring it!
After that, I did not race another half-marathon. Until today. It is ten years later (okay, nine and a half years) and I felt the same way I did before the Schroon Lake race. Nervous, particularly about the distance. But this time I was surprised by my anxiety. After all, I had run half-marathons within a half-ironman triathlon. I even "ran" the marathons in a full Ironman. Why was I anxious? I realized that I was hoping to go under that two hour mark and I was nervous that I wouldn't do it. After all, I had just started building my running base again, coming off an injury and I am ten years older than that last race! (Okay, nine and a half years older.) Why so nervous? Well, I really wanted to go under two hours. I mean, I really wanted it! I wanted to prove that, despite the running re-start and being nine and a half years older, I could get faster.
The race was the 50th running of the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon in Wilmington, Delaware. It's close to where Randy grew up and he has done the race several times, usually with me cheering him on. It's a great race and the atmosphere was very festive.
The race starts with a downhill. Very dangerous to have a smoking first mile. But, I didn't let it go to my head and decided that the extra 40 seconds for that mile would be banked for the uphills to come. But, I felt great all the way through the first half. My first four miles were under my goal pace of 9:00/mile. Then the hills started. The way the people around me were talking, you would have thought we were about the climb the Alps. Truth be told, I didn't think the hills were that bad. Either they weren't that bad, or I was so well prepared.... hills? what hills? I felt great. I slowed a bit, but nothing that set me off my goal pace. The race got flat(ish) again and ended with some nice downhills. Again, nothing too steep...just enough to boost my pace again. I always try to take advantage of that free speed! The last four miles were about the same pace as my first four!
My finish time is officially 1:57:17 which means I was holding a pace of 8:57 per mile! I am soooo happy with this result! It makes me feel like I'm back to being a runner again and that my goals for Lake Placid are realistic.
Of course, I could not have done this without Randy. As my coach, he has been great. Clearly his plan for me is working! As my husband, he is even greater. Even though he is a little faster than I am (okay, a LOT faster), he always lets me know that he is proud of me. Thank you, honey!
And, a shout out to our friend Keith. He had an amazing race today, taking 7 minutes off of last years' time! He was a great (and silent) running partner!
So, now I get a few days to recover. I pushed it today and that was the plan. But now I have to rest the legs to move on with my Lake Placid training...bring it!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Perpsective
So, I thought my haircut was important. Boy, was I wrong!
There are days during training for an Ironman that you just want to quit. There are times during a long ride that you wonder if you'll ever make it back home again. There are moments during a sprint set that you think, "there is no way I can do this any longer...it's too hard."
What simple problems we Ironman athletes face.
Two weeks ago, a colleague and friend learned that his 5-year-old daughter has stage 3 cancer. This kid is one of the toughest I've ever met. I remember a few years ago watching her face plant on a concrete patio. She got up - no tears - wiped her hands on her pants and said, "Brush it off!" Hearing about everything that they are going through has put the hard sprints and the tiring long rides into perspective. They have their own Ironman to get through and it will be infinitely more difficult than swimming, cycling, and running.
So, whenever I start to feel like it's too hard, I think of my friends and their beautiful daughter. If they can do that, I can do this. It's the least I can do. And when the going gets tough, the tough "brush it off."
There are days during training for an Ironman that you just want to quit. There are times during a long ride that you wonder if you'll ever make it back home again. There are moments during a sprint set that you think, "there is no way I can do this any longer...it's too hard."
What simple problems we Ironman athletes face.
Two weeks ago, a colleague and friend learned that his 5-year-old daughter has stage 3 cancer. This kid is one of the toughest I've ever met. I remember a few years ago watching her face plant on a concrete patio. She got up - no tears - wiped her hands on her pants and said, "Brush it off!" Hearing about everything that they are going through has put the hard sprints and the tiring long rides into perspective. They have their own Ironman to get through and it will be infinitely more difficult than swimming, cycling, and running.
So, whenever I start to feel like it's too hard, I think of my friends and their beautiful daughter. If they can do that, I can do this. It's the least I can do. And when the going gets tough, the tough "brush it off."
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Priorities
One of my Ironman goals this year is to do the training. I guess that goes without saying, but what I mean is I want to do the training right. I am trying to do everything my husband-coach gives me to do. I am sticking to the workouts and I'm not missing any.
Until yesterday...
I have very curly hair. I love my curly hair and throughout my life, everyone has commented on my curly hair. It's a part of who I am. However, every couple of months, when I get my hair cut, my wonderful hair stylist blows it dry and it is straight. No curls, but no frizz. I have tried doing this at home and it never looks half as good as when she does it for me. Because it is such a different look for me, Randy calls me his girlfriend when it's done.
Yesterday, I had a hair appointment. But, I also had an afternoon/evening run scheduled. That run was going to ruin my beautiful hair style! So, I skipped the run.
That's right.... I skipped the run. For my hair.
I could have done the run afterwards, but the shower would result in my usual curly hair. Randy pretty much rolled his eyes and I knew what he was thinking... At some point, every athlete skips or changes a workout. I'm sure this is the first time that someone has skipped a workout for a hair style.
That's when the guilt started creeping in. No, guilt, no!! I pushed it away as I heard my friend Peg's voice saying, "Guilt is a worthless emotion." So, I ended my hair appointment (looking great, by the way), not with guilt, but with a compromise.
I did the run this morning. Because, while Ironman is my ultimate priority in this case, there is something to be said for enjoying my straight hair for one evening.
It should be noted, that Randy's girlfriend got taken out to dinner last night. I guess he didn't mind so much after all!
Until yesterday...
I have very curly hair. I love my curly hair and throughout my life, everyone has commented on my curly hair. It's a part of who I am. However, every couple of months, when I get my hair cut, my wonderful hair stylist blows it dry and it is straight. No curls, but no frizz. I have tried doing this at home and it never looks half as good as when she does it for me. Because it is such a different look for me, Randy calls me his girlfriend when it's done.
Yesterday, I had a hair appointment. But, I also had an afternoon/evening run scheduled. That run was going to ruin my beautiful hair style! So, I skipped the run.
That's right.... I skipped the run. For my hair.
I could have done the run afterwards, but the shower would result in my usual curly hair. Randy pretty much rolled his eyes and I knew what he was thinking... At some point, every athlete skips or changes a workout. I'm sure this is the first time that someone has skipped a workout for a hair style.
That's when the guilt started creeping in. No, guilt, no!! I pushed it away as I heard my friend Peg's voice saying, "Guilt is a worthless emotion." So, I ended my hair appointment (looking great, by the way), not with guilt, but with a compromise.
I did the run this morning. Because, while Ironman is my ultimate priority in this case, there is something to be said for enjoying my straight hair for one evening.
It should be noted, that Randy's girlfriend got taken out to dinner last night. I guess he didn't mind so much after all!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The training is under way!
When the calendar changes from one year to the next, it puts that Ironman in a different perspective. Although I still have 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days (but who's counting?), the fact that it is now 2013 makes it feel like the race is tomorrow. I am feeling really good about the next 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days though. I am actually excited about doing the training. I love the feeling of accomplishment after a long, hard workout. I love the comeraderie of those group rides and training weekends with friends. I love the confidence I get when I'm training - like I can do anything.
However, training for a July race in the dead of winter is difficult. It's tough to maintain focus and excitement. Music helps on those treadmill runs (If Today was Your Last Day by Nickelback gets me going every single time). Action TV shows and movies help on those long trainer rides. I love how the cadence and power increase when Sydney Bristow is kicking someone's ass on an episode of Alias. (And, yes, I own all the Alias seasons on DVD because the show completely rocks!) My motivation in the pool? Trying to beat Randy!
Being a numbers person, I'm trying to keep track of my total time, yards, and miles. So far, I've gone 33,250 yards in the pool, spent 27 hours, 45 minutes on the bike trainer, and ran 83 miles. And I still have 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days...
However, training for a July race in the dead of winter is difficult. It's tough to maintain focus and excitement. Music helps on those treadmill runs (If Today was Your Last Day by Nickelback gets me going every single time). Action TV shows and movies help on those long trainer rides. I love how the cadence and power increase when Sydney Bristow is kicking someone's ass on an episode of Alias. (And, yes, I own all the Alias seasons on DVD because the show completely rocks!) My motivation in the pool? Trying to beat Randy!
Being a numbers person, I'm trying to keep track of my total time, yards, and miles. So far, I've gone 33,250 yards in the pool, spent 27 hours, 45 minutes on the bike trainer, and ran 83 miles. And I still have 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days...
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving
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!
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!
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