The Flying Pig Marathon had it all: an interesting (yet hilly) course, great volunteers, a cute name, fun theme, good swag, and nice bling at the "Finish Swine." Of course, you can't do The Pig in regular old running attire....so I decided to jazz up my race day ensemble with a pink hula skirt, hot pink shirt, and pink body glitter.
My strategy was to start strong and finish slow and steady. I know, I know--you're supposed to start slow and finish fast, but I worried that I would slow down toward the end regardless of how slow I went in the beginning.
It was the hilliest marathon I've done yet somehow I managed to PR (that was a shocker). The worst hill was about 3 miles long and everyone was dreading it. But I think all those annoying hills in my neighborhood really paid off because it wasn't that bad. Coach Melissa told me before the race to just keep my cadence up on the hills, so I focused on that going uphill and tried to make up time on the downhills.
Melissa also had me bump up my nutrition during the race so I would be taking in more calories. I had to force myself to eat toward the end, but I think that made a big difference.
Now about the PR: my previous PR of 5:27:55 was last year at Shamrock. The 'Rock was flat, the Pig was hilly, so I figured I would be lucky to come in under 5:30. But somehow I managed to push it on the hills and take very few walk breaks. Finish time: 5:22:07.
I've now set a new PR 5 marathons in a row-- I should probably quit while I'm ahead!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rumpusing in the Rain
Rumpus in Bumpass: our first triathlon of the season! Woohooo, I was pumped! Well, sort of.
The forecast called for 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms, winds gusting to 20 mph or so, air temps in the 50's. Perfect race weather for sure. My race wave started at 10:25 and it would take me about 4 hours to finish. The storms were expected to get pretty wicked in the afternoon, so I would use that as my incentive to go fast, real fast, to beat the bad stuff. Or...at least I would tell myself that I would go fast and see how well that worked.
I was as prepared as one could be for the weather challenges. I had plastic bags galore to stuff my clothes, shoes, and socks into in transition. I had multiple grocery bags and two different sizes of trash bags-- so many bags, in fact, that I spent way too much time contemplating my bag situation. I kept switching bags, rearranging bags, speculating about whether my bags were adequately waterproof, properly organized, and on and on.
Finally I decided to just let it be. Step away from the bags, Sally. Just accept it as is and walk away.
I was dreading the swim in the frigid water. I mean, how crazy is it to get into the water when it's rainy, windy, and cold?! The water temp was in the 60's. It would be one thing to stand outside in that weather barefoot with no umbrella or jacket, but it's quite something else to hop in the water and swim almost a mile in it! But that's what you do when you're hardcore, right? (or trying to be) Had Janet and Tracey not been there, I'm not sure I would've gotten in the water! Misery loves company.....or needs company, I should say.
My mantra for the race was this:
Confident - because I thought reciting this word over and over might help alleviate the usual anxiety and low-key dread I feel leading up to every race.Say it enough and maybe it will be true.
Strong - to remind myself of all that strength training I did over the winter and convince myself it all worked.
Fast - because I have to get faster.
The first leg of the swim was relatively okay, all things considered. I was glad Tracey and I were in the same wave and thrilled to see her at the first buoy. I decided I would try to keep up with her and see how it goes. But a few strokes later the wind and waves picked up. I started blowing off course and zig zagging my way along. I inadvertantly got a mouth full of water twice and yes, started choking due to the gross out factor. I reminded myself to focus on what was going right, not all that was going wrong. At least my goggles weren't leaking!
My hands started getting numb and I couldn't close my fingers together to get a good pull. Then my right foot started going numb. Great. I'll finally arrive onshore and not be able to stand up. I'll be hopping to transition because my foot is numb! And of course I became preoccupied with the question of why my right foot was numb but my left foot wasn't. What did that mean? Is my blood circulation better on my left side? Is my technique causing this lopsided effect? Crazy, I know, but I guess it was a way to kill time as I floundered toward the beach.
I finally made it out of the water after 49 minutes, my slowest Oly swim yet! Then it was on to transition where I fumbled around for way too long trying to get my wetsuit off. My hands were so cold that they just weren't working! I couldn't grasp anything. I finally got my extra layers on, socks, and helmet and headed out through the mud to the mount line. T1 time: 7 minutes
The first thing I noticed on the bike was that my computer wasn't working. It really threw me off my game because I'm so used to looking at my speed to make sure I'm not slacking. Without that, I had no idea how fast/slow I was going. I pulled over and jiggled the sensors, to no avail. I finally got into the groove on the second lap. It was windy, but at least it wasn't pouring rain. Still, I came in slower than last year's Rumpus at 1:51.
The run was the highlight of the race for me. I LOVE to run and I was ready to let it rip. However....
My calves were really tight--- something that usually doesn't happen. I just kept telling myself that they would loosen up and sure enough, after 3 miles, they did. It was fun high-fiving other Zs on the course.
On the second lap I glanced behind me and saw a guy on a bike. When I stopped for water and Gu, he stopped. When I started again, he followed. When I slowed, he slowed; sped up, he sped up. Pretty soon I realized that he was following me because I was the last runner! (I was actually second to last, but they weren't going to let the last runner finish because of the 4 hour time limit). The fact that he was there---following me like a vulture, waiting for me to start walking so he could cut me from the race-- only propelled me forward faster! From out of nowhere came this burst of energy! I was cruising along like I had just started a 5k. I had to make it to the cutoff by 4 hours or I was sure he would pull my chip.
There were 3 people not too far ahead of me and I decided to try to catch the woman ahead of me. This took some work, but eventually I passed her. Ha! Now the bike guy won't be following me anymore! But as soon as I got to the final turn off the road, the woman passed me and kicked it into gear. The bike guy was behind me again. So I powered up as much as I could and decided I would try to lose him on the muddy trail that led to the final stretch. He eventually turned off and let me be. One more curve, then downhill and the finish line was in sight! I was happy it was over with.
Total time: 4:08....one of my slower races. I could blame the weather, but I know I just need to train harder!
The forecast called for 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms, winds gusting to 20 mph or so, air temps in the 50's. Perfect race weather for sure. My race wave started at 10:25 and it would take me about 4 hours to finish. The storms were expected to get pretty wicked in the afternoon, so I would use that as my incentive to go fast, real fast, to beat the bad stuff. Or...at least I would tell myself that I would go fast and see how well that worked.
I was as prepared as one could be for the weather challenges. I had plastic bags galore to stuff my clothes, shoes, and socks into in transition. I had multiple grocery bags and two different sizes of trash bags-- so many bags, in fact, that I spent way too much time contemplating my bag situation. I kept switching bags, rearranging bags, speculating about whether my bags were adequately waterproof, properly organized, and on and on.
Finally I decided to just let it be. Step away from the bags, Sally. Just accept it as is and walk away.
I was dreading the swim in the frigid water. I mean, how crazy is it to get into the water when it's rainy, windy, and cold?! The water temp was in the 60's. It would be one thing to stand outside in that weather barefoot with no umbrella or jacket, but it's quite something else to hop in the water and swim almost a mile in it! But that's what you do when you're hardcore, right? (or trying to be) Had Janet and Tracey not been there, I'm not sure I would've gotten in the water! Misery loves company.....or needs company, I should say.
My mantra for the race was this:
Confident - because I thought reciting this word over and over might help alleviate the usual anxiety and low-key dread I feel leading up to every race.Say it enough and maybe it will be true.
Strong - to remind myself of all that strength training I did over the winter and convince myself it all worked.
Fast - because I have to get faster.
The first leg of the swim was relatively okay, all things considered. I was glad Tracey and I were in the same wave and thrilled to see her at the first buoy. I decided I would try to keep up with her and see how it goes. But a few strokes later the wind and waves picked up. I started blowing off course and zig zagging my way along. I inadvertantly got a mouth full of water twice and yes, started choking due to the gross out factor. I reminded myself to focus on what was going right, not all that was going wrong. At least my goggles weren't leaking!
My hands started getting numb and I couldn't close my fingers together to get a good pull. Then my right foot started going numb. Great. I'll finally arrive onshore and not be able to stand up. I'll be hopping to transition because my foot is numb! And of course I became preoccupied with the question of why my right foot was numb but my left foot wasn't. What did that mean? Is my blood circulation better on my left side? Is my technique causing this lopsided effect? Crazy, I know, but I guess it was a way to kill time as I floundered toward the beach.
I finally made it out of the water after 49 minutes, my slowest Oly swim yet! Then it was on to transition where I fumbled around for way too long trying to get my wetsuit off. My hands were so cold that they just weren't working! I couldn't grasp anything. I finally got my extra layers on, socks, and helmet and headed out through the mud to the mount line. T1 time: 7 minutes
The first thing I noticed on the bike was that my computer wasn't working. It really threw me off my game because I'm so used to looking at my speed to make sure I'm not slacking. Without that, I had no idea how fast/slow I was going. I pulled over and jiggled the sensors, to no avail. I finally got into the groove on the second lap. It was windy, but at least it wasn't pouring rain. Still, I came in slower than last year's Rumpus at 1:51.
The run was the highlight of the race for me. I LOVE to run and I was ready to let it rip. However....
My calves were really tight--- something that usually doesn't happen. I just kept telling myself that they would loosen up and sure enough, after 3 miles, they did. It was fun high-fiving other Zs on the course.
On the second lap I glanced behind me and saw a guy on a bike. When I stopped for water and Gu, he stopped. When I started again, he followed. When I slowed, he slowed; sped up, he sped up. Pretty soon I realized that he was following me because I was the last runner! (I was actually second to last, but they weren't going to let the last runner finish because of the 4 hour time limit). The fact that he was there---following me like a vulture, waiting for me to start walking so he could cut me from the race-- only propelled me forward faster! From out of nowhere came this burst of energy! I was cruising along like I had just started a 5k. I had to make it to the cutoff by 4 hours or I was sure he would pull my chip.
There were 3 people not too far ahead of me and I decided to try to catch the woman ahead of me. This took some work, but eventually I passed her. Ha! Now the bike guy won't be following me anymore! But as soon as I got to the final turn off the road, the woman passed me and kicked it into gear. The bike guy was behind me again. So I powered up as much as I could and decided I would try to lose him on the muddy trail that led to the final stretch. He eventually turned off and let me be. One more curve, then downhill and the finish line was in sight! I was happy it was over with.
Total time: 4:08....one of my slower races. I could blame the weather, but I know I just need to train harder!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Back In The Swim of Things
Finally! The cast is off and I was back at swim practice this week for the first time in months. I was actually a tad sore after the first day---a sure sign that I have a lot of work to do. It's time to get down to bizness! Rumpus is a month away, followed by Kinetic 70.3 AquaBike in May, and before you know it, Musselman will be here. My goal is to get faster so that come Musselmania, I won't have to be so worried about that bike cutoff time. Now that I'm moving up an age group (though my birthday isn't until December =S ) I will have less time to make the cutoff.....and even less time if the race starts a few minutes late (like last year).
Coach says to get faster, I need to pull harder. So that's what I'm going to work on. But I hate to admit that I can only do two laps of "pulling harder" before my arms get tired. Tired arms, but I don't get winded. It's a familiar situation. On the bike, I have a hard time working myself up into Zone 2 (apparently I do a lot of riding in Zone 1...ugh)....and once I get to Zone 2, my legs will tire out before I get winded.
Bottomline: strength training will be extremely important this year!
Coach says to get faster, I need to pull harder. So that's what I'm going to work on. But I hate to admit that I can only do two laps of "pulling harder" before my arms get tired. Tired arms, but I don't get winded. It's a familiar situation. On the bike, I have a hard time working myself up into Zone 2 (apparently I do a lot of riding in Zone 1...ugh)....and once I get to Zone 2, my legs will tire out before I get winded.
Bottomline: strength training will be extremely important this year!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Biking Brrrrrrrr
This was my first non-trainer bike ride of the year and it was great to be outside!! Temps were in the 30's, so I put on 4 layers and broke out the hand and toe warmers. This was the Davidsonville ride--one of the team's "flat" rides with some hills thrown in at the end to keep it interesting. Riding with a cast on is pretty annoying, making it a bit tricky to shift with my left hand. Two more weeks and I can take this thing off -finally!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My "Waterproof" Cast, Ha Ha
Did I mention that I fractured my arm two days before Christmas? Yeah. Nice. And I told the doc that I needed a "waterproof" cast so that I could still get my swims in. And it had to be a cast that would give me no problems biking and running either. Sure, he said, like he had heard that one before.
So tonight, I took the cast for a spin in the pool. Let's just say that the "waterproofness" of the cast is in question. In fact, it got quite waterlogged and the velcro straps kept coming loose. Velcro and water don't mix. Nevertheless I was hell bent on getting back in the swim of things and proceeded with my laps, velcro straps flying in the air and all.
The "waterproof" cast is now in the dryer....
So tonight, I took the cast for a spin in the pool. Let's just say that the "waterproofness" of the cast is in question. In fact, it got quite waterlogged and the velcro straps kept coming loose. Velcro and water don't mix. Nevertheless I was hell bent on getting back in the swim of things and proceeded with my laps, velcro straps flying in the air and all.
The "waterproof" cast is now in the dryer....
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Coach Melissa
I have a coach! Yes, I'm on Team Z and we have awesome coaches on the team....but given that I'm trying for two major goals this year --Kili and Ironman, both firsts for me-- it seemed like bringing in some extra help was in order. Yep, I need all the help I can get!
So today was my first "in person" visit with Coach Melissa (who, by the way, is an exercise physiologist and a US Tri Champ, not to mention just all around awesome). She put me on the treadmill for a VO2 Max test and a running gait analysis, then went over a few strength workout exercises I've been doing at the gym to make sure I have proper form, etc. Strength training is a huge focus for me now so I can develop more power on the bike.
It's great to have someone who is focused on my progress (because it's all about me, right? :) and on figuring out what it will take to get me to the summit and the finish line. Between Melissa and Team Z, how can I possibly fail?!
I need to get a 20 pound vest to wear for hiking; Melissa says it will help simulate hiking at high altitudes where the thin air makes the going extra tough. That should be interesting.And by the way, when am I supposed to have time for hiking? IM training is time consuming enough. Perhaps on recovery weekends....
So today was my first "in person" visit with Coach Melissa (who, by the way, is an exercise physiologist and a US Tri Champ, not to mention just all around awesome). She put me on the treadmill for a VO2 Max test and a running gait analysis, then went over a few strength workout exercises I've been doing at the gym to make sure I have proper form, etc. Strength training is a huge focus for me now so I can develop more power on the bike.
It's great to have someone who is focused on my progress (because it's all about me, right? :) and on figuring out what it will take to get me to the summit and the finish line. Between Melissa and Team Z, how can I possibly fail?!
I need to get a 20 pound vest to wear for hiking; Melissa says it will help simulate hiking at high altitudes where the thin air makes the going extra tough. That should be interesting.And by the way, when am I supposed to have time for hiking? IM training is time consuming enough. Perhaps on recovery weekends....
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Big Year Ahead
My 2011 calendar is packed with adventure, challenge, and change. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement. This is the year I will climb Kilimanjaro and take on Ironman Arizona -- two huge undertakings that will require many grueling hours of training and mental preparation. And it's also the year I hope to make a major career transition.
As I sit here on January 1st, the big question is: can I do it? Will I make it to the top of the mountain? Will I cross the finish line in AZ? One year from today I will no doubt take a look back at 2011 and have the answer.
Having never hiked above 7,000 feet I have no idea how I'll respond to the high altitude on Kilimanjaro. I know I'll be physically and mentally prepared, but altitude? That's the wild card, a big unknown. Barring any major problem with altitude sickness, I'm confident I'll make it to the top.
Ironman AZ, while only one day of suffering instead of a week's worth, will be tougher. Going the distance is one thing, making all the cutoff times and crossing the finish line in 17 hours is quite another...and it's a long shot for me. Believe me, my expectations are firmly rooted in reality.
I'm certain of this much: I'm going to give it my all. Let the training commence!!
As I sit here on January 1st, the big question is: can I do it? Will I make it to the top of the mountain? Will I cross the finish line in AZ? One year from today I will no doubt take a look back at 2011 and have the answer.
Having never hiked above 7,000 feet I have no idea how I'll respond to the high altitude on Kilimanjaro. I know I'll be physically and mentally prepared, but altitude? That's the wild card, a big unknown. Barring any major problem with altitude sickness, I'm confident I'll make it to the top.
Ironman AZ, while only one day of suffering instead of a week's worth, will be tougher. Going the distance is one thing, making all the cutoff times and crossing the finish line in 17 hours is quite another...and it's a long shot for me. Believe me, my expectations are firmly rooted in reality.
I'm certain of this much: I'm going to give it my all. Let the training commence!!
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