First Rookie

The Rookie is an unusual race. Not because of the distance or the location- but because of the competitors. Although its short distance (300m swim, 11.2 mile bike and 2 mile run) is appealing to the novice triathlete, they seem to be far outnumbered by the elites. Truthfully, the event is a little early in the season for most beginners to get their feet wet (heh heh), but the tough ones are still out there. 

I wasn't even supposed to be at the Rookie. I had spent all day Saturday under the covers trying to get over either major allergies, the beginnings of a flu or a cold. Or all three. I have no idea but I knew I was miserable.

When the alarm went off, I snoozed for an extra 30 minutes then convinced myself that I should at least show up. thankful that I had laid everything out the night before so all I needed to do was feed the pooch, make a peanut butter pita sandwich and load up the vehicle.

Few things are as morale killing as driving in the rain to a race you aren't sure you'll be able to finish, let alone start- but there I was, driving through alternating patters of sprinkle and drizzle, drizzle and sprinkle. But somehow, I arrived at the Texas Ski Ranch and things began looking up.

I was greeted enthusiastically by the Red Licorice volunteer transition crew. I hung out with Buffy and her groggy but supportive husband Terry, Jennie from PAC, Angela from Rogue and Sally- a woman I met at the Champions Du/Tri. Then it hit me- I am truly part of the tri community. Boosted by this realization, I tucked my swim cap and goggles into the shoulder strap tri top and marched out to watch the first few waves.

And go to the bathroom about 10 times.

The Swim:

My swim wasn't perfect, but it went a lot better than many of the swimmers who immediately swam to the first jump dock and clung to it while they calmed down or caught their breath. I could have gone out harder but my head and shoulders felt so achy- I wasn't sure how hard to push it. Then I got boxed in by TWO breast-strokers. Uhg. I finally swam over the left arm of one of the ladies and tried as best I could not to kick (too hard) until I was sure my feet cleared her face. I didn't want to totally ruin anyone's experience but I needed to get moving!

As we crawled out of the water, everyone told us to wipe the sediment off our faces. Gross. But my head felt a lot more clear! Interesting. I guess the waters of the Ski swamp have healing powers- temporary ones at least.

The Bike:

Second time to use my clipless pedals in a race! My transition went smoothly and I trotted out to the mount line. Leilani and Joey were there to send me off with some encouragement and off I went to hunt down the mountain bikers- my favorite prey. 

The course was nice- a good ratio of hills to flats, horses, cows and sheep. All the volunteers had foam hands pointing us in the right direction - very cool!

Question: Is it wrong to be happy when you pass a 14 year old on the bike? (Answer: No, because she will pass you on the run).

I end my ride, averaging 15 miles per hour. A little slow for me but I'm okay with it. Leilani is on the megaphone announcing my arrival and telling me to "show 'em how it's [bike dismount] is done." As I struggle to clip out- but I make it in time, halt my bike, slip off just before the dismount line and head on in for the run.

The Run:

Two miles. Two little bitty miles. A warm up for most. The best thing I can say about my run performance is that its the first tri where I never stopped to walk. What made the run tolerable was that it was an out and back so we could cheer people on! I saw Buffy barreling towards me on her way back home and we slapped a high 5. I heard cheers of "nice job, Red Licorice!" and "looking good!" from the other runners and the volunteers and i gave it right back to them. It was like a mini-Danskin (sorry guys- you just wouldn't understand).

I finished well- not exactly strong but with a smile. At the finish line I reunited with my friends and we congratulated each other, some sipping beer, some sipping PureSport recovery drink but all wearing our Rookie medals. 

Then I went home and went to bed. 

The end.

And it never rained!

The 2010 Champions Duathlon (a.k.a. The Wake Up Call)

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a stunning revelation for you. In fact, have a seat because this is life changing information.

If you take more than two weeks off your steady training, your race will suffer.

Shocking, I know.

Having an active lifestyle requires a commitment to that lifestyle. When you are a person like myself who is struggling to make fitness a priority but has a life full of distractions, it is easy to fall off the wagon. And you cannot rely on the training you did a month ago to get you across the finish line successfully.

Which excuse do you want? Had to stay late at work? Had to go home let the dog out? Didn’t eat a good lunch so don’t feel like working out? I got a million of ‘em and not one of them is insurmountable. So why am I in this predicament? Why am I sabotaging myself?

So here’s what happened:

I’ve run a few times since my half marathon in February- including the most awesome Texas Independence Relay at the beginning of the month, but I’ve done nothing longer than 5-6 miles and only a few runs at a pace faster than 11 minute miles. Cycling? Just a little since getting my new pedals. Swimming? Don’t get me started on the list of excuses there.

I signed up for the Red Licorice Events Champions duathlon (run-bike-run) because I didn’t want to rent a wetsuit and I haven’t so much as dipped my toes in a pool since September. I knew something was off at packet pick up. I didn’t have the same pre-race “high” that I normally get. In fact, it felt a little more like dread. Like I knew I wasn’t really ready but the roller coaster ride had started and there was no stopping it now.

When the alarm went off, I snoozed for 45 minutes- resulting in a harried exit from the house and complete lack of parking once I arrived at the race site at Lake Pflugerville. I was able to greet my friends and set up my transition with plenty of time, however. I was excited to try my first timed transition with bike shoes!

The Sprint distance duathletes waiting in the chilly air at the top of the dam trail until 9:30 for our mass start. When the horn sounded we all took off- except me. My legs would not move. Each step I took felt like I was trying to drag anchors across the sand with my feet. My breath wouldn’t settle in. Everyone was leaving me behind.

Before I go any further I need to tell you about the kind of person who attempts to race this early in the season. The Champions Sprint/Olympic Du and Tri was limited to 325 participants (I think). Most of these athletes train year round and have goals of Irons and half Irons. I think about 6 people including myself carried extra body fat. So I expected to be towards the back of the pack versus somewhere in the middle. But I didn’t expect to be THE back.

Okay- so by now I’ve gone maybe 200 meters and nothing feels right. I try to distract myself by watching the swimmers. They were struggling, too. The wind was causing the normally serene Lake Pflugerville to be alive with small choppy waves. My situation is clearly better on land. All I had to do was run .75 miles out and .75 miles back. But my body was not having it.

I could see the runners ahead of me turning around and coming back my way. This feeling is a little like the walk of shame. The first few runners who cruise by are so focused on their run that they don’t look up. A few may give a curt nod, but that’s about all. Several gave a word of encouragement- which was pretty cool- but they can all see you as “the last person.”

I finally rounded the turnaround cone to the cheers of the volunteers and trudged back toward transition. I really looked forward to not running anymore and the bike is my strongest event. I reached transition and reached down to swap my running shoes for my new biking shoes. My next big test was coming up. How would I do with my clipless pedals.

Well, my first three miles were outstanding. I clipped in pretty easily and zipped off. I glanced down at my speedometer and saw that I was cruising at 24 MPH. And I was hardly working! Wow! Maybe things would be okay! Then I took a right turn and slammed into the wind that had been helping me out. Crap. The rest of the bike was tough. The wind always seemed to be at my chest, as if I needed more resistance. The course was nice- come country roads with some nice hills- all were manageable but there were lots of them. I did a good job of getting my much needed water, thanks to nuun and I tried out the vanilla Hammer gel (great flavor- tastes like pudding!)

I passed a few cyclists and that made me feel better. After just over 12 miles, it was time for the second run. I wheeled towards the dismount line and easily clipped out. I passed my first test with clipless pedals, woo! I ambled back to my transition spot, swapped out my shoes and stiffly trotted to the run out.

The second run wasn’t much better than the first. I felt like I couldn’t get any extension in my legs but I vowed that I would finish and that I would not walk. Seriously- six weeks before I ran 13.1 miles and I was struggling with a mile and a half.

As I ran toward the finish line, I knew my friends and teammates would be keeping an eye out for me so I tried to pick it up. Lindsay H. saw me and directed me to take a hard left turn and into the finish chute I went- over the timing mat and under the arch. I accepted my medal and a Jack & Adams water bottle but all the while my wake up call was ringing off the hook.

So I’ve answered. If I am to have a better season than last year, I’ve got to make training more of a priority. Add in morning workouts. Get to work early so I can leave in time to make my workouts. Eat better. Reach out to friends and teammates for motivation.

It’s time to do this.

Author’s note: So far this week I’m 2 for 2: I’ve made my run workout with Rogue and my spin workout with P.A.C. 

I wasn't actually last either. But I wasn't far from it.

The First 13.1

The morning was chilly and crisp. I hopped out of bed without the weekday morning dread and glanced over at the clothes I’d layed out the night before. Today was Austin Half Marathon Day! In five hours I’d be crossing the finish line on Congress Avenue!

While I’ve never had any doubts about finishing, I did have concerns about the weather. I haven’t had much experience running in cold weather and finding the right combination of clothes to wear for a 13.1 mile run is a challenge! Fortunately, I had a good luck charm.

Three weeks earlier I cheered for my friends running the 3M Half marathon. At some point, a woman shed her blue fleece jacket right in front of me and tossed it on the ground. Knowing I had my half coming up, I picked it up and it was just my size! So I wore it to the Austin Half and planned to “pay it forward” so someone else could have a chance to wear it, too.

So there I was- running up Congress Avenue with my borrowed fleece for miles one through three. Things felt good. I dropped off my fleece somewhere around Bird’s Barbershop. The air felt good. The Austin Half is special because at nearly every mile, a non-profit team is there to cheer you on and a live band is not far away. There is something to look forward to at each mile!

I knew I was going to have a great race when I rounded the turn from Ben White to South 1^st Street and I could hear “Sweet Caroline” coming from the LIVESTRONG water stop. The volunteers gave me some extra cheers when they read my name on my bib. “There she goes!” yelled one of them.

I walked the water stop at mile 6 and ate a few shot bloks. I was still feeling pretty fresh after the long South 1^st downhill and was ready to being the second half of the race. “The Question” came up for me around mile 7.5. What ever made me think I could do this? What was I thinking? I cleared my head of the negative thoughts and attempted to appreciate the fact that the weather was amazing and that I was fulfilling a goal I never even knew I had. The doubt quickly evaporated. When you push your boundaries, you in effect, remove them.

I also began to truly appreciate my friends who were racing, volunteering and simply there to cheer me on. How wonderful it is to see friendly familiar faces and hear encouraging voices when you’re in a tough spot. They were my witnesses.

The back side of the race, the rolling hills of Enfield, was the real challenge. Not only did I have to stop to take my first potty break ever, but I also walked for about a minute. I didn’t want to walk, but I started to feel really frustrated and I needed to collect myself. It was a good decision. I resumed my run and climbed up the second-to-last hill under Mopac. I had to really dig but I knew the BIG challenge was coming.

When Enfield changes to 15^th Street, it might as well turn into Mt. Shasta. But its all mental. The hill is just a hill. I considered walking it for a brief moment, but it was actually easier to run up than walk. About ¾ of the way up I could hear my friends cheering for me and that fueled me enough to finish strong.

When I topped that hill, I kicked into gear and I ran my last mile with just about everything I had left. Counting down the streets: Guadalupe, Lavaca, Colorado and Congress! I ran down the West side of the Capitol and into the finish line alley- the cheers were incredible! Then, across the finish line and it was over. My first 13.1!

My final time was 2:59:41. My goal time for a half marathon is 2:15, so I have some work to do. But considering that two years ago I could not run ½ mile without stopping, this is pretty impressive. It hit me on my way home from the course. I think I was listening to “Hard Sun” as sung by Eddie Vedder and I began laughing. Laughing then crying. Even as I write this, I reach out to touch my finisher’s medal and I get a little lump in my throat.

Komen Race for the Cure - Second Race for Second Base

This is actually my eighth Race for the Cure- my first in Austin. But this is my second race in less than a month that benefits the boobies.

The morning started off a little atypical for me:

1. I didn't visit packet pick up prior to the race, so I had to get my bib number and timing chip that morning instead of having it all prepped the night before.
2. I was running late- even with the extra hour.
3. I didn't rest the day before- I ran 8 miles for my long run (my longest distance without stopping to walk so far).

Given this, I was a little frazzled when I arrived and didn't have enough time to take my race shirt back to the car before the race started. So, I ran with it :-).
I warmed up by trotting from my car to the race site and I could tell that my legs were t-i-r-e-d. They felt heavy and uncoordinated.

Although I was on the Texas Hospital Association team (Protectors of the Holy Girls) I wore my Red Licorice gear. It stood out in the sea of black and pink. I looked around but couldn't find any of the other "Protectors" but I saw lots of clever t-shirts. "I'm With Survivor," "Protect Second Base," "The Rack Pack." I was amused because I just finished Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk where the protagonist learns many colorful euphemisms for breasts (several more colorful than others) and this was like a PG rated extension of that theme.

The run itself felt alright- not my best feeling race, but I reached two milestones. First, I set a new PR for non-triathlon 5k (36:38 - 11:44 minute miles) beating my last timed effort by 2:26! Secondly, this was the first 5k where I never stopped to walk. I ran the whole way! For many of my athletic friends, this is an everyday occurrence, but for me, it represents a goal that has taken two years to reach. Sure, I have been running over three miles without stopping for the last few months in my training program- but I'd never run a full timed race until today.

The race allowed the timed racers (about 1700 people) to leave a half hour before the majority of the participants (thousands- in the past as many as 20,000). This was wonderful! We didn't have to battle our way through the crowds to maintain a pace. Another first for a Komen Race- hills! I was not really expecting hills... These weren't killers by any stretch but my already achy legs protested grumpily.

A little after Mile 2, Marion and Jen, two of my Rogue training buddies, caught up to me. They were looking very strong. We chatted for a bit and they continued on at a clip that was just a little faster than I wanted to go. A little ways from the top of the last hill, Adam, one of my Red Licorice teammates, gave me a cheer and let me know the finish was just a half a mile away. I checked in with my legs- were they ready to kick it in yet?
Mmmmm.. not just yet.
I hit the top of the hill- now? Eh... not yet.
I rounded the corner and could see the finish line and the 3 Mile sign just ahead and my legs said- Do it!
Now, it wasn't an out and out sprint- it wasn't even a stride pace, but my legs kicked in and I finished strong.

The finish line funneled runners around to the food vendors where we loaded up on Yoplait and Lara bars. With each stop at each vendor booth, our schwag bags become heavier and heavier. Light up key chain, water bottle, magnetic picture frame- I became a consumer zombie. MUST TAKE FREE STUFF EVEN THOUGH I DON'T NEED ANY OF IT.

Finally, after the race, the Protectors of the Holy Girls regrouped at Mighty Fine Burgers for cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes. And I must give props to Jen for drinking a milkshake in record time without suffering from brain freeze. Seriously- it never had a chance.

As I write this, I realize that the last time I participated in the Race I was still living in Sacramento.
My Mom was diagnosed in February 2006 with breast cancer and I did the Race that May- and so did she! In the middle of treatment she and my Dad walked the gentle loop around the Cal Expo Fairgrounds.

So again, today, I raced in her honor- and for my friend Marion who continues to kick my butt during our runs.

The Inaugural Mamma Jamma Ride Against Breast Cancer

The day finally arrived for the Mamma Jamma Ride against breast cancer and it was time to make good on my commitment of 65 miles. Except it wasn't going to be 65 miles. A few extra miles were added to the final approved route making it closer to 70.

It was still dark when Skippy (yes, my bike is named Skippy- after the great grey racehorse Skip Away) and I arrived at Reunion Ranch- a good half hour drive from my house. I was surprised by how cold it was and was thankful I'd brought along a warm jacket and hat. But the sun was supposed to come out later. It would be okay. Famous last words...

I met with the other riders for Team Survivor for our team picture and then cheered on the century (100 mile) riders. They left an hour before the rest of us "slackers".

The "now 70 mile" riders and the rest of the riders rolled out at 8:30. I teamed up with two other Team Survivor riders who would be my companions for the whole ride. Jenny, Joanna and I were all about at the same pace until we hit the bigger hills and Jenny became a little red blip motoring off into the horizon.

The ride took us though some lovely rural areas and some longhorn pastures. I'm still awed when I see longhorn cattle. Not only are their horns magnificent, but their coloring is so unlike any other breed of cattle. Like the mustangs of the cow world, they epitomize the Wild West.

We cycled past a huge yard with a giant Great Dane loping along the fence like a pony and another field that had two fluffy Anatolian shepherds barking at us - warning us to keep away from the sheep in their care. I don't mind dogs barking at me when they are doing their job. And they stay on their side of the street. And they don't really bark too much. Or at all.

My only concern that day was that I wasn't prepared for the weather. It was probably in the 50's and my only source of warmth were my arm warmers and the 16 pink bracelets I wore to honor the 23 women who have fought breast cancer. Each time I felt like grumbling, I'd look at my arms and be reminded as to why I was riding in the first place.

There were signs all along the ride. Some counting us down to the next pit stop, others giving encouragement and still others simply stating the names of those with breast cancer. I was surprised by how some of the messages really moved me- just words on a sign. "You have no idea how strong you are."

Our first stop was the (joy!) Milk & Honey Day Spa pit stop at the 21 mile mark. We loaded up on Nutter Butter cookies and PB&J sandwiches, took a few pictures and stretched. My muscles were already stiffening from the cold.

We stopped at the Mellow Johnny's stop next. While we were grabbing some more water and snacks, a bunch of the SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles drove up. Valkyries! Lifeguards! Air Mamma Jamma! They were all decked out like parade floats- with the SAG members dressed in costume! Seriously- blond braids and viking helmets! Brilliant!

Our third stop was lunch. I'm not sure where along the route it was, I'm guessing we were close to mile 50 at that point. Galaxy Cafe provided some yummy sandwiches and cookies. They also had some carnival games like a ring toss and bean bag tossing- but we were still just too cold to be able to hang out for too long.

It was becoming a bit of a predicament- the faster we pedaled, the more the wind just blew through us, but we wanted to get through the ride! My thigh muscles were starting to wear out, in part, because I couldn't get them properly warmed up. But one glance down at my bracelets and I pedaled on.

Overall, the ride was a perfect blend of hills and flats for my first big ride. I had to drop into the granny gear on 2-3 hills but for the most part I stayed in the middle chain. On the flats we probably averaged 18-20 MPH or so.

We finally began to see signs counting down our distance to the finish "5 more miles!" Then, up one final hill, around one final left turn and down into the finish line crowded with volunteers, riders and supporters! David Smith, the Race Director hugged each of us and gave us our finisher's medal. It was a very emotional moment. I was tired and cold and I could have ridden another 50 miles, easily.

This ride was exceptionally well organized. There was never a doubt as to if we were on course or not. The volunteers, who were as cold as we were, were unfailingly enthusiastic and helpful.

Thanks to all who supported me for the ride- financially, emotionally and gastronomically (Nutter Butters are my new favorite cycling treat!). It was unforgettable and I am truly pleased with my accomplishment. I can't wait to do it again next year!

Here's a pic of my final mileage and my bracelets:

Jenny and Joanna, my partners in crime with our medals:

The Austin Triathlon Race Report

It was somewhere along the second loop of the run course as I turned off the path from Butler Park and back onto Barton Springs when this thought occurred to me: Thank goodness U2 has been around for about 30 years! I could hear the U2 cover band, Mysterious Ways, playing at the finish line carnival. I knew they had at least 10 albums worth of music to play before running out of material- and with my run pace, I would need them to make it through at least "Achtung Baby" before I rolled in.

It took me 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete my first Olympic distance triathlon. Yes, that's a long time- but when I break the race up into its separate components, I was actually quite close to my expected times for each event.

Swim goal time under 40 minutes
Swim actual time 42 minutes

The water felt great and I only occasionally thought about all the turtles who were in for a rude awakening. The course didn't require me to sight every 3-5 strokes. Instead I could work on keeping my head down and sight less frequently. That is, until I tried to find the last buoy. The sun was right behind the last buoy making it nearly impossible to see. Fortunately the kayak volunteers pointed me in the right direction and I continued on my way. I realized on my way in to the swim exit that I could have given just a little more but no time to fret about that now- it was on to the bike!

I allowed myself some extra time in transition to grab a few SHOTBLOKS and water. My legs were still a little wobbly from the swim and weren't fully cooperative when I attempted to put on my shoes, but I finally got it. Then I trotted my by out to the mount line.

Bike goal time under 90 minutes
Bike actual time 94 minutes

As I pedaled away I could hear Lindsey C. yell my name over the bull horn, "Go Carol!"
The Congress Ave hill up to Mary Street came a little too early for my legs. Its not even a real hill-hill. Its more like a long bump but I was already feeling it. I knew, however, that between the return trip downhill and the flat route out to Austin High School, I'd find my groove. And I'll share a little secret with you: I hate being passed by anyone on a mountain bike. The way they sit upright and pedal along in too low a gear, elbows cocked out to the sides. Who do they think they are with their knobby tires? Find a single track, will ya?

I stayed a little conservative on the bike because I was concerned about my run. I've only run over 5 miles 3 times before this race. I've never run a 10k race so my first timed 10k would be this tri.

Run goal time: not last
Run actual time 1:23

It turns out that my 10k pace for this races was a full minute faster than my 5k pace at both the Danskin and Sweet & Twisted this year. Hmm. The first two miles were tough, really tough. Partly because it started on a dirt path, but more likely because I have not been incorporating enough brick workouts into my training. MUST ADD MORE BIKE-RUN bricks.
Then I heard Amy and Brnadon yelling my name and I knew I had to step it up. There was only one way to get to he end, and the faster I went, the sooner I'd be able to rest.

One of my favorite parts of the run is you can really see how hard people are working. You can give them an "atta girl" or a "looking good" and watch their stride pick up just a little. Second best part about the run: cold sponges! These dreamy foam squares were a key to keeping me comfortable during the run. Unlike Sweet & Twisted, I never felt dehydrated or overheated.

This run was a heartbreaker because I had to run PAST the finish line carnival and run for three more miles before I was done! I could hear the names of other racers being called, the music of U2 in the background and I beers being poured. Yes, really. I could hear that. Each frothy amber drop.

So around I went again, squeezing sponges over my head at the J&A rest stop, clomping over the dirt paths to Barton Springs Drive and ever so slightly picking up my pace. I wish I had timed the laps because I know my second lap was faster than my first. I hit the gas as soon as I turned back onto Barton Springs from S. 1st street. And the best part- truly, was breaking the finish line ribbon at the end of the race. I've never done that before and it was as good as I imagined it.

Despite what they say, triathlon for me is not an individual sport because it it weren't for these people (and many others) I would not have had the great experience I did:

Thanks to my Rogue coaches and Amy Marsh for preparing me for this race and cheering me on!
Ruth, Jen HB, Laura and Brandon

To my Red Licorice teammates and training buddies for cheering me on and witnessing my biggest race to date!
Stacey, Jen R., Jennie, Amber, Rebecca, Ron, Penny, Rachel, Leilani, Lindsey, Ron (I still do my side lying leg lifts!), Erin and Michele

Countdown to Austin Tri

Yeah yeah, I know I owe you a race report from the Sweet and Twisted. Maybe I'll write more later but suffice to say that I enjoyed seeing all my friends but the race kicked my butt and really made me doubt my fitness for the Austin Tri.

Sweet & Twisted Results
Overall time - 02:14:20
500 meter swim - 00:13:41
15 mile bike - 01:07:10
5k run - 00:43:26
Overall Place - 354/495
Age Group Place - 94/125 (So many bad ass triathletes in my age group!)

However, those same friends plus a few others talked me into keeping my Olympic distance spot and not switching to the shorter, sprint distance. My last few workouts have given me some more confidence, too.

First, I ran a full 6 miles last Saturday and 7 miles yesterday and felt pretty darn good. The run course for Austin is flat and even- particularly when compared to the off road trails of Danskin and the races at Pace bend (Champions tri and Sweet & Twisted).

I know I can do the bike distance- I've been riding 25 miles consistently on my Sunday rides- and again, this ride only has two hills to speak of- three if you count the easy rise toward the Capitol.

Now for the swim- I know I can do this distance. I guess I'm most anxious about this because my wave starts so late that I'll be in the water with the Sprinters- which means I'll be on the course will a lot of Sprinters. And I'll be finishing after a lot of Sprinters. I don't want to be last. Uhg.

But the Olympic is important to me. It's been my goal race all year and if I chickened out and did the sprint, I don't think I'd have the same satisfaction. And I will have set a baseline for Olympics for next year. And I will have fun my first timed 10k.

So for this week its hydrate hydrate hydrate, responsible eating and (relatively) early bedtimes.

I know. I'm outta control.

Austin Triathlon Info
Sweet & Twisted Triathlon Info