Fly By Night Duathlon Race Report

                        (Watkins Glen Race track watching the race)

What a perfect day for a race! Couldn't ask for Better! The race took place at Watkins Glen Speedway on May 29, 2010. Racing at 6pm was a change from the 8am start we usually have for races. My brother in law was doing the race with me so we decided on meeting at the race track, watch some of the Porsches go by and then get ready to race the night away.

Registration went smoothly even though I had to go back to the car to get my ID and USAT card. I wasn't too happy that I didn't receive my arm warmers at the registration tent, but I could pick them up after the race as my size medium wasn't available yet.

Onto the race. We still had to pick up our chip timer so the race had to start later than expected. They were also still cleaning up the track for us to race on it.

Transition Area- Pit Area

                                                                    Waiting for our chip timer

After we got our chip timer, the track was cleaned and we were encouraged to do a warm-up lap on our bikes. My brother in law and I went out counter-clockwise on the track. (I am still getting used to riding a triathlon specific bike this year. I am really comfortable and used to my rode bike.) The Course was great until we reached the back side of the course which was pretty steep. I needed to get out of aero position to

get up the hill.                                                                                                                                          

We were fooling around after that, showing my muscles off, laughing, the usual. Then the gun went off and the race was on! I have to say I was proud of my race as this is the first race I did without any cramps in the legs at all!! I made sure I ate a well balanced meal the night before, a great balanced breakfast, a light lunch, and hydrated well the day before and the whole race day. An hour before the race I took a chocolate Ensure which I swear has been helping me ward off the cramps, 10 min before the race I took more water with my Hammer Anti-fatigue tabs,  then every 20 minutes During the race I drank my Power Bar Endurance Fruit Punch drink. I have never felt better in a race as I felt in this one. Even though I thought my bike could've been alot better, I felt good!! Here are the results:

Overall Time: 2:06:05

135/190 overall

18/44 Female

4th in Age Group

                             Second 1.8 mile Run                             

                                                                                                                          

                        Second 10.1 mile Bike Leg                                

Finishing as the Sun is Setting!!

Nutrition

I Have been Reading Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook for the last couple of days and have gained some insight into eating right and properly fueling.

I am currently on Chapter 13: Assessing your Body: FAT, FIT or FINE?? I thought great! Im going to find out if I am Fit. (Of course I think I am)One of the topics is Body fat and exercise, which is talking about myths and misconceptions. I loved reading that my cellulite, which I have been obsessing over on my thighs and butt this year, Is not from my yo-yo dieting over the years but from me (as a women) having thinner skin, a child (which makes fat deposits more on the hips to help feed our babies), and my Mother (a genetic predisposition).

Next Sub topic I read, BODY IMAGE. I have a visual disturbance when it comes to this. I find myself comparing my body to my other friends who are athletes as well as other women my age. Of course our bodies are genetically predetermined, (I can thank my parents for my body), I need to accept that I come from a family with large thighs and be realistic in my expectations. Rather than obsess over my flaw, I am going to let go of my dissatisfaction and accept myself for the caring, strong, sincere person I am. I am appreciating that my body has taken me this far and beauty comes from inside. (Not that I didn't know that already)

I loved reading that men Have distorted body images as well, feeling the pressure to be lean and muscular in todays world. BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) is so common believing everyone around then is seeing their flaws and judging their appearance.

So in closing, I DECLARE from this day forward, I will live by the following tenets.

- I will accept my body in its natural size and shape

- I will celebrate all my body can do for me each day

- I will treat my body with respect, give it enough rest, fuel it with a variety of food, exercise it as my schedule says, and listen to what it needs.

-I will not use food to mask my emotions

- I will not avoid participating in activities I enjoy simply because I am self conscious about the way my body looks. I have the right to enjoy any activity regardless of the way my body looks

- I WILL believe that my self-esteem and Identity come from within!!!!

NANCY CLARK, you hit the nail on the head with this book!!!

Recovery week

My first Recovery week of Training for the Syracuse 70.3 is almost complete. I never thought it would be so hard to back off training. I had to push myself to stop when I was done and not do anymore than my plan called for this last week. Thats mental toughness!

I have been doing great these last couple weeks and now I finally get to do my first "true" race of the season!! I will be in Watkins Glen doing a formula 1 duathlon which consists of 1.8mi run, 10mi bike, 1.8mi run, 10mi bike and 1.8mi run.

Nervous and anxious but ready to take this challenge on!!

Swimming

When I first started this triathlon business I was a backyard swimmer. A swimmer that swam for fun with my daughter, not getting too serious.

I decided to take up triathlons. My first swim I felt like a fish flopping out of the water. What was I thinking trying to do a triathlon?? I kept at it swimming every chance I got. I liked swimming like I liked a toothache.

I got to the point where I was going to give up an just do duathlons. Then I took a swim clinic and watched other good swimmers swim, analyzing their strokes, trying to copy the rythmic movements that looked so effortless.

I had a revelation today..I felt effortless and so calm in the water. I kept telling myself what one of the swim coaches taught me. Patient leading hand, patient leading hand..(oh wait breathe!!) Yes..I finally feel zen-like in the water and am looking forward to all my summer activities that include swimming!!! :)

Sunshine Ride

Yesterday was a perfect day for a nice ride. No clouds, sunshine and 80 degree weather. What more could you ask for?! I had the day off from work so my significant other, my friend Kelly and I went out to Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville, NY to ride a 41 mile loop which turned out to be only 35 miles due to conflicting schedules.

I decided to ride my rode bike, not my triathlon bike. With all these stories floating around out there about Triathletes getting hit. I was scared, for once, to ride my tri bike. I know I really need to train on it, but didn't want to today.

Kelly rode there from her house which is about 8 miles away so she got a little more than us in! She had planned on doing a 3 hour ride and then a run. I had planned on running with her, but my other half had to go to work, smashing my hopes for a run in the lake trails which are so peaceful. I love running at Beaver Lake. I ran there a few days ago in the ran and it felt so peaceful. I don't get that feeling very often when I run but when I do, my times are unreal! LOL!

I had a meltdown at the beginning of our ride, don't know why, but I missed a turn, got off my bike and walked up the hill. This is totally out of my character as I LOVE riding my bike. I was trying to make excuses as I had it in a hard gear, yada yada, but I could've done it. After that I apologized to the group for having to wait for me and we continued on to have a wonderful ride full of sunshine, talks and laughs, dogs barking and a puppy chasing us (So cute). If it were any other dog I'd be doing a time trial at that point!!

I felt I wasn't even working hard for the 1st 20 miles, then the hills came leaving my legs feeling like they were in a vise grip. Rolling hills, steeper hills came at the end of this ride. I was concerned that I wouldn't make it up the hills as I started hearing some skipping of my chain on the steeper hills. I definately need to get it looked at. But we all made it back safe and sound to the car for a group ride of 35 miles.


Kelly and me After the Ride

I am proud to say I finally have my cycler tan!!! :

3 Ironman women killed, 3 more injured

I was saddened when I read Ironmoms post about 3 women triathletes were struck and killed by a pick up truck Yesterday in Montreal. They don't know fully what happened yet, an investigation into this is ongoing.

My heart goes out to all the families of these triathletes. They were Training for the Lake Placid Ironman taking place in the Next couple months here in New York.

I am very fearful of cars. I think all the time, do they see me, will they stop. If they don't stop, do I have enough time to clip out and stop myself?? Some people have even swerved at me. I don't get the need to feel like you own the road when you are behind a wheel?? Your car is bigger than me and Im not trying to piss you off when Im out there. I am simply abiding the road laws and training for something dear to my heart.

This brings me to another note as to why I always wear my Road ID. I don't run or cycle without it. You never know what can happen to you out on the road.

There is a ride of Silence taking place next week that honors all the fallen cyclers. I will be riding.

Happy training and be safe.

New TT helmet

Today I had a package waiting for me when I got home from work!! Finally my own Louis Garneau TT Helmet!!! Woot!! I was so eager to open that box to see my shiny black and white helmet that I just had to try it on right then and there!!





I felt like I was a true triathlete at this moment in time! I just had my bike fixed with new triathlon bars so I said to myself what the heck. Ill go outside and try the new bars and helmet out! I absolutely love the way I feel on my bike!!




A guy stopped me and said, "Man you look fast on that bike. Look at that helmet!!! Good luck to you!!" That boosted my spirits. Then the neighbors said,"Man she is zooming on that bike!!" Loved it again!! I hope my bike and helmet hold up on their bargain to make me go fast in my race in 2 weeks!!!

Reflections on the First Week of Syracuse 70.3 training

The First week of Half Iron Man training is now under my belt!!

Its started off as a slow week, but I was needing it coming off a 10 mile hilly road race on my feet.

I have had some meltdowns already in the pool as well as on the bike. I have tried to think mental toughness is what this is all about. Im getting there. Keeping my spirits up.

I was talking to my boyfriend today who is my rock and also is a triathlete. I told him I've already had moments. He looked at me and said you are a good swimmer, biker and runner. Who cares how slow you are as long as you make it to the finish line. Remember, this is your first IM and you are just trying to make it to the finish line standing up.

After this conversation I felt better and was able to do my 20 mile nice and easy ride on my Giant Aeryn Tri Bike (I love this bike)

Training in numbers:

Swim- 3600 meters Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Bike- 50 miles Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Run- 7 miles Total Time: 66 minutes

Tomorrow will be focused on Brick training..25 mile ride, 50 minute run...cannot wait!!

Mountain Goat 10 Mile Race Report

Well yesterday was the 32nd Annual Mountain Goat Run. This is 10 mile course Created back in 1979 by YMCA director Walt Price. He wanted this course to be a demanding course, which tested runners and provided a true sense of accomplishment for all those who finished.

The morning didn't start off to well for me. I tripped coming down the stairs in the morning, almost taking out my ankle in the process. (How does one trip down the stairs?!!) I couldn't get my Garmin to work. My Ipod Nano gave up working on me. What a morning. I said to myself I did a marathon without music, I don't need it today. I was also thinking about forgoing my Garmin but "BAM" it started working. I think I almost shed a tear.

I decided I was going to skip wearing my Lake Effect Run Club shirt and opt to wear a tank top as I knew the weatherman said 80 degrees. I get very hot and sticky when I run. I want to wear the coolest possible items. I also decided to wear my new Mizuno Wave Riders which I wore for some speed work and a 5 miler prior to this run.


I loaded up the Body glide to the feet, ate 2 small wheat bagels, 2 eggs and a banana and we were off..

The race was to start at 10:15 AM. I got to the race venue about 8AM as my Boyfriend was volunteering at the food tent. It was nice and warm by 8 AM. I was glad that I chose to wear my Tank top as to not overheat in the run. I caught up with some friends that I met through a mutual running club, we all talked about the weather and our expectations for the day. Then pictures of our smiling faces before the race began. By 10 AM the heat and humidity had started. As I was lining up in the start line, I looked down at my watch, my heartrate crept up to the 100s..I was getting nervous about the run...Then the National Anthem by trumpet. How beautiful the sound.

The Gun went off and I set out on my 10 mile journey..

Mile 1...feeling great, not too hot, not feeling pressured by the runners around me..keeping my pace nice and relaxed- 9:06 pace- Great!!

Mile 2..1st Hill, 2nd Hill, I was starting to feel it in my legs already 10:14 pace. Ok I said to myself. Its very hot and humid, make the best of this run. Took my first shot of Hammer Gel and a glass of water and was on my way.

Mile 3.. Short flat break..Water from the sprinkler got me and soaked my shoes..darn it! More hills. 10:42 pace

Mile 4.. By this point my feet were hurting..why did I wear new shoes I thought to myself.. 10:07 pace. Not too shabby I thought. Doing well, keeping HR low on such a humid day.

Mile 5.. No more Cups to give you water with at the water stop. I said to the lady pour it in my mouth! More HAmmer Gel from my flask I carried with me..More water to my sogging shoes...10:42 pace

Mile 6...Colvin Street Hill. The torture hill. I was grasping to finish the hill without stopping. My thighs were killing me from the day before hill climbing on my bike. Just Push I kept telling myself. 11:43 pace...least I made it!! I heard a girl behind me say she couldn't do the run anymore and hit the pavement hard. I couldn't turn back...I kept going..(feel bad for this)

Mile 7..Thordon Park Hill..No water, just Ice..took some and placed it in my shirt to stay cool..11:39 pace...Feet are excrutiating at this point

Mile 8..2 more miles to go I thought to myself..just 2 more miles. My friend had to stop running, but I had to keep going...fighting until the finish. Seeing two more people in ambulances. 12:00 pace...oh god!!

Mile 9..I yelled "YES!!! 1 more mile!!!" A girl named Molly came up beside me...I talked for a bit and then let her go a little ahead of me. 10:43 pace..legs are cramping...feeling very nauseated. Molly stopped running. I yelled at her to not stop and that we were almost done!! She started to run with me...

Mile 10...DONE 10:47 pace...I didn't do my best but Yesterday but there was a true sense of accomplishment. 2750 runners were expected to run the course yesterday, but only 2,056 finished. I was one of them who finished. I knew I wasn't going to PR, just wanted to finish with my feet still on the ground.

Total Run time per Garmin 1:47:31 10:46 pace
Total Run time per net pace from bib- 1:49:11 10:56 pace 1608/2056 runners. 106/158 in age group.

I didn't feel well after the race..very nauseated. Im wondering if it was my Hammer Gel without enough water to dilute it. I sustained a few blisters on my feet also forgot to put sunscreen to my back!! But, all in all, I finished and I will set this one aside and try to aim for better my next race...Fly by Night Duathlon!!

Finally A Sunny Day!!

Well, the sun was shining today with clear skies and warm weather!! I cannot believe it hit 88 degrees!! I was so excited that it was finally going to be nice out. Today was the day I was supposed to help lead a Women on Wheels Ride.

Women on Wheels is a new program by Onondaga Cycling Club and CNY Tri that is supposed to help women who have been cycling a chance to learn how to race and get faster. There is also one geared for the beginners as well.

The ride was a Figure 8 ride in Marcellus. You could do 19 or 35 miles, your choice. I opted for the 19 miler as I am Running the Mountain Goat tomorrow which is a 10 mile run in the hilliest portions of Syracuse, NY. The ride started beautifully with all of us fighting for a spot to tuck in to. As I was passing people I heard someone say hey Kristin!! Im S from work..I was like hey how are you! Then I took off and found my way into the front of the pack.

Rolling Hills to Steep Hills took us on our journey out on country roads to Skaneateles and back to Marcellus. With a few steep hills that I was trying to catch my breath at the top of the hill. All in all I felt great on my only 2nd ride outside of the season.

As I was finishing, I remembered that I was supposed to be showing these women how to race. I was the first woman back. How rude of me to let these women fend for themselves. I was so caught up in race mode and felt great that I didn't pay attention to any of the other women out there!!!! I hope they don't think bad of me and will forgive me in the future. I can excuse myself somewhat as I asked at the beginning of the ride if anyone was here for Women on wheels and only a handful said yes. They all wanted to ride 15 mph...thats not racing to me!!!! Does that make me a horrible person??

Now on to my roller to help these tired muscles gear up for the 10 mile run tomorrow!!