First Olympic Tri Race Report

Leading up to Saturday's race I was extremely nervous! It was going to be my first Olympic Triathlon. I wasn't worried about the individual sports, I knew independently I could do each of them, but together??!?!?! So I tried to remind myself that I had put in the training time so I would be fine (although I missed some workouts leading up to the race with all my travel).

But the trip to Vancouver was AWESOME!!!!! Above photos from our trip :)

Even still, on the morning I was super nervous, more than the usual pre race jitters!!!

I kept telling myself to not panic on the swim, and I was oddly calm when I entered the water… no panic attack!! My swim time wasn’t great (41:09), BUT it was about what I expected and I was really hoping I wasn’t the last one out, and I wasn’t. In future I think I need to re-evaluate my race swim strategy, because my mindset is not, swim fast or even swim hard, it’s usually just “get ‘er done” and don’t panic. I had to pee from the moment I got in the water...but I couldn't pee in my wetsuit... I know others do it, but seriously I tried (ewwww sorry) but I couldn't. One great thing was that there was a timing mat as we entered the water, so although it was a mass start, you could seed yourself without losing time.

My T1 was a bit slower than I’d liked, since my last race had wet suit strippers I hadn’t really practiced getting out of my wetsuit, so it was pretty awkward and I was still in “survival mode” and kind of cotton headed. I still had to pee, and there was a porta potty at T1, but I was wearing my 1 piece tri suit, with a cycling jersey on top... I determined it would take too long to go, a decision I'd have to live with for the rest of the race!

I don’t have any Garmin data because I forgot to upload my previous sets of data, so it was full and kept giving me an error message :( GRRR one day I’ll actually get it to do what I want it to during a race! Plus, my Garmin bike computer still isn't working after it fell apart during the Ride to Conquer Cancer (just needs a tiny screw).

Overall I was pretty happy with my bike time (1:27 it includes both T1 & T2), and at about 14 kms in I had some good competition with another racer, who passed me twice (on hills… figures!) but then I easily passed her on the flat outs, so I hammered down, and was determined to get way ahead so she couldn’t pass me again. I think that really helped me having a push since I am so competitive and I ended up a good few minutes ahead by the end of the bike and even passed a few others along the way.

T2, was average I guess, again I was tempted to visit the porta potty (ummmm nope TOO much time would be wasted, but just in case I asked a volunteer if there were more potties on the run route... they didn't know??!?!!), and the run was interesting. Usually in my brick workouts I have had a bit of calf “stress” but it goes away pretty quick, usually after 2 or 3 minutes. This time I’m pretty sure it lasted well into the 3^rd or 4^th km. But once I was going, I kept at it, and didn’t walk at all :) It was only until between km 8 & 9 that my lower back started to feel somewhat fatigued, but I didn’t really have the hip/back pain like I usually get (run time 1:10). I did a 10k race a few weekends ago, and finished in 1:01:30 (grrrr so close to breaking 60 minutes).

Of course I was happy to cross the finish line. 3:19…. s’okay, I was hoping for around 3:15, but I was happy to finish, and felt like except for the swim, I did what I could, and hey…there’s always next year :) I didn't beat myself up at all. I had a strange peacefulness, a calm knowing I had done it. Proved to myself I could do it. Like I'd acomplished something just for me :) I was tired, but it was a happy tired! Oh yeah and I had to PEE!!!!

I am going to do at least one more Sprint (Raymond is having one on August 7^th and I couldn’t resist!), and already I have a different thought process…because it seems so “short” in comparison. And in theory I could do a Sprint on the 14th and 21st.... I'll resist!

I have even planned myself some structured workouts on my own (think I'll miss the coaching), I felt "lost" without the structure. Plus at the pool, without a planned workout I run the risk of quitting too early.

I'm going to work toward the ½ marathon in October. No doubt I’ll be back at "triathloning" next year, and I think I’ll keep my goal to do a 1/2 IM sometime before I’m 40!

I'm thinking that I'll be excited to get back at some circuit & core training, and I'm going to work hard to knock off those last pesky 10 lbs, hoping that'll make a difference for my runbike times.

My Ride to Conquer Cancer

June 26 & 27, 2010 will be two days of my life that I will not soon forget.
(Warning... it's a bit of a long post)

The morning started off fairly typical for me, early up, and prepping for something new. I headed out to Spruce Meadows, only to be faced with a huge amount of traffic, but guess that's to be expected when 1888 riders are getting ready to head out on a two day, 220km ride. Erin met me at the opening ceremonies and it was great to have her there! There was a lot of excitement in the air and the opening ceremonies were incredibly emotional. I doubt there was a dry eye in the crowd, but there was a lot of cheering too, especially when they announced that collectively we'd raised $7.4 million dollars!!!

With that, we were off! It was odd to me, that even though I was surrounded by 1888 other riders with a common purpose, heading out all together, united as one.... I can't recall the last time in my life I had felt so deeply alone. It must have been that sudden realization that only I could get me and my road bike across those 220kms. It didn't last long, because as soon as we headed out I was focusing on a great big hill to climb.
















(photo above, pitstop at Okotoks)

Before I knew it I was at Okotoks, and then High River, and then Nanton. The pit stops were brilliant, with bike repair service, lots of food and porta potties.
I was lucky to have some family to greet me at lunch which was nice...





























After lunch I hit the road again, as we all headed west toward Chain Lakes Provincial Park. Really all I can say is .... YIKES! Check out the elevation











It was a slog to say the least, and I can't believe I managed a smile when I arrived at camp.
Things going through my mind during the "7 mile climb"

• there's no way on earth I could ever do a Half Ironman
• if I wipe out going down this hill it's going to hurt SO bad
• this hurts, but I won't quit on Heather (oh and I'm too stubborn)
  
• I could walk my bike up this hill, but that looks like too much effort

I can honestly say it was the mental battle of a lifetime!








The camp was a welcome relief, along with my little cheerleading crew that were literally parked at the finish line! Like an automaton, I waited in line for a shower and went to bed in "tent village" with my ear plugs firmly in place, and slept like a LOG.

I'll admit, I didn't have the same gusto behind me when I started out day two, and I seriously expected the day to be horrible. About 15kms into the day I regained my cellular service and heard the chime of text messages coming in (thanks everyone!!!!) that I knew I was going to be fine.

Day two was brilliant!!! I savoured the day and tried to enjoy every second knowing that it was going to go fairly quick. And as I came closer to the end I was overcome by periodic waves of emotion, and I had to choke back the tears. Crossing the finish line was a great moment, not just because I was done, but because it was a great feeling knowing that I was part of something so special, and for such a special purpose. Every person there, had someone they were carrying with them in their minds and hearts, for each and every kilometer. Heather, I can say this without a moments hesitation.... for you, I would do it again and again. It was a weekend I'll remember for FOREVER and I can only hope that it will make a difference.

Generally speaking...I had no mechanical issues which was surprising given the number of flats I had during training. I had a few hurts, mostly my feet because they kept falling asleep :( I've been asked about my backside... but honestly, that great seat I invested in was worth every penny. For the first time in my life, I have a bit of a tan (albeit a crazy form of a farmers tan) and that was with SPF 60 on!!! I had a few moments of "grrrrr" when people decided to pass on the right or ride 4 across up a hill.... I had to quelch my competitive spirit a number of times and remind myself it was a ride not a race :)

I can't begin to thank my donors for their support and of course my family... for being my cheerleaders, for putting up with my crazy training antics and for their general belief in me.