Patriot

I love my new bike. I LOVE my new bike.

At the suggestion of Triathlonmom, because she is red, white and blue and because we will be doing the Patriot Half later this year and because it is so close to July 4th, Patriot will be either her first or middle name. Still need a wine related one, too, though.

Yeah, Patriot and I are getting to know each other, though our first outing went wonderfully. Not sure how she felt about her new Sip Away cup and Bento Box, but she tolerated it. Her seat is way too low (got in a great quad workout today) - and the aerobars need to come up and maybe in a bit, too. She is happy I not only adjusted to, but also love, the gear shifting on the aerobars, her responsive brakes and the way-cool clipless pedals that may actually need to be tightened. We are already making progress on flats and downhills, but I need to figure out how to work with her on the uphills.

Patriot and I have many miles ahead of us - and if she can deal with her less experienced rider, she may just have the satisfaction of seeing her new owner become a more confident and possibly faster bicyclist.

Signs

When all (or even almost all) the arguments are gone for something your really want - maybe you just have to take a deep breath, have trust and go for it.

A week or so ago, Triathlonmom posted an incredible deal about a locally advertised top notch time trial/triathlon bike. The kind of bike I could never imagine owning or being able to afford - except it was on sale for 1/3 of its value - close to what I paid less than a year ago for Amarone.

I emailed the seller, but around the same time, I noticed another TRIgirl must have called, too. She posted on our forum that she was going to see the bike. She had first dibs in my book - and I didn't even want to let her know I was interested in case it would pressure her. There was still my whole other list of reasons of why I shouldn't even pursue it.

She decided against the bike.

So the seller called me again to see if I was interested. I threw out the next obstacle - how big was the bike? Amarone is a size 54 - and as I later learned, too big for my just under 5'5" frame.

He is 5'4" - the bike was custom made for him - about a size 50. From what I've learned more recently, a 48 might be slightly better, but the bike was a size that was more in range.

Maybe the bike was a bunch of hype - so I went out this week to check it out. I told my husband, who made a comment about a car expense planned for next month, "I am just going to SEE the bike."

The 2006 bike looked brand spanking new. I swear I don't think there was any grease on the chain. I found out the seller put it on the market because of health conditions - he could ride, but no longer compete in races. He said he could sell all the components for more than what he was selling the bike - but really wanted the bike to go to someone who would appreciate it. He spoke with such affection and enthusiasm for the bike and his racing days - it was touching.

I took the bike out for a ride. Wow! So light - so light that I felt a little unsettled. So smooth. Everything just worked much better than anything I've ever riden - from the brakes that were quiet and extremely responsive to even the clipless pedals, which I clicked in and out of effortlessly. I rode around his neighborhood - the shifters were on the aero bars - which I would need to get used to - but have actually been thinking would be a great next step as I've started to really appreciate riding in an aero position. There would be a learning curve to get used to the bike, but hitting 18-19 mph with moderate effort (but less than I was used to on the flats) seemed promising.

I noted the components to see if they matched what had been posted in the ad. I Googled them and saw that they were high end and highly rated. Here are some of the specifics:

Custom Teschner FX Pro TT/Tri frame
Easton TaperWall 7005 Aluminum With:
- Aero Tapered Race Down & Seat Tube
- Aero Profile GX2 Scandium Top Tube
- Aero Ultralite Fast Back Seat Stays
- Ovalised and Tapered Scandium “S” Bend Chain Stays
- Internal Rear Brake & Rear Der. through top tube. Front Der. through down tube
- Integrated Headset Easton Carbon EC90Aero fork
- Oval Concepts full carbon aero bars
- Oval Concepts Stem Chris King Head Set
- 700c America Classic 420 wheels black with their special bladed spokes
- Titanium Quick Releases
- Groupo 9 Speed Dura Ace: Cassette 11-23 Dura Ace TT/Tri Chain Rings 56-44 Dura Ace Bottom Bracket, Dura Ace Front Derailleur, Dura Ace Crank Arms, Dura Ace Rear Derailleur, Dura Ace Brakes, Dura Ace Bar End Shifters, Dura Ace Look Carbon CX-6 Pedals

I thought about it for a day or so. I started to think how I could cover the costs. Maybe selling Vinho Verde and/or Amarone, a bit of stock I'd been holding onto for years that wasn't doing much - that would just about cover the price tag. A nagging part of me felt unworthy of such a high tech bike.

When I approached the hubby a few days later - and sent him all the specifics about the bike, he told me to go for it - which was a wonderful sign of support and just what I needed to call the seller and tell him I was ready to make an offer. I'd exhausteded just about all the doubts and guilt. I wanted the bike, but felt a bit indulgent about buying something less than a year after Amarone. Maybe I should have done more research a year ago - or not trusted the bike store that told me that the Amarone looked great for me.

The part of me that, growing up, wanted to make sure every stuffed animal was equally loved - also made me feel a bit loyal to Amarone. She is a good bike - a good climber - and if I can find a way to keep her - I will.

Another part of me wondered about the seller - would he be riding 10-15-20 years from now? He seemed in good spirits and health - and it was beyond my comfort level to pry further.

But tomorrow, with residue worries of something that seems too good to be true, I will pick up my new ride - one that needs a new wine related name for her red, white and blue frame.

I am going for it - I am not fighting the signs.

Onward and Upward!

Did you notice?

At the foot of my blog.

There is a new counter.

One for Ironman Florida.

Seriously, right now, I'm feeling optimistic about IMFL. Eagleman went better than I hoped. Though I was quite tired after the race, I finished feeling like I had some "reserves" left. The soreness was gone within just a day or so - and after a week and half of modified workouts, I am looking forward to getting back to longer training sessions - like this weekend's 50 mile bike and 3 mile run. Even most of my race photos show a comfortable, happy participant.

Several of my Maramarc friends and training buddies (well, they were always way ahead of me during any workout, so I am not sure I can say we actually "trained" together) are doing Ironman Coeur d'Alene this weekend. My Eagleman high has been extended by an excitement for them - and looking forward to watching their progress online. They will do great and I can't wait to hear all the details.

So for now, I am going to enjoy this great feeling. Before the workouts begin dominating my life and challenge my spirits. Before November 3rd starts looking much closer on my calendar.

Any bets as to when I'll start panicking?

A Tri Tribute to Dad

I wonder if my Dad realizes he has been a key force in preparing me to do triathlons.

Growing up in Queens, New York, my parents put up a small backyard pool every summer for as long as I can remember. I think I was about five when Dad taught me to swim. While I wish I could remember exactly what happened, I kind of recollect him teaching me to float on my back – holding me at first, then gradually letting go. I also remember him telling me how to move my arms, and then to kick my legs, without a tube. A couple of years later, we were at a resort in the Poconos, my first overnight vacation – and with a “huge” in ground pool. I had been hanging around the shallow end with my mom and aunt for hours until my dad and uncle both encouraged me to jump into the deep end. I remember a feeling of cautious trust – as I leapt in and swam my first length across an in ground pool. I grew up being my Dad’s little fish, loving the water. And just like so many other things besides swimming, if Dad said I could do it, it seemed possible.

Around six or seven, it was time to take the training wheels off my bike. My Mom and Dad took me to my elementary school playground and Dad ran behind me as I struggled with my first pedal strokes to balance my bike on just two thin wheels. And Dad was right there, always within distance of catching me, always encouraging and always making me feel confident and special.

I pretty much figured how to run on my own. Though, when I was in my teens, Dad took up jogging. Nike and Adidas running sneakers were becoming popular – and it was all the craze to own a pair – even if you didn’t run. Dad would go for a run almost every day after work. There were no IPODs at the time, but Dad did have this rather bulky headset for listening to music. One day, I joined him for a run and he showed me the mile route he had planned out through our pretty and quiet neighborhood. I don’t even think I finished a mile the first time we went out, but we ran together a bunch of times and after a while, I was almost able to keep up with him for a few miles. When Dad signed up to do his first 5K in our neighborhood, it was my first exposure to local organized races. Dad was also somewhat of a back-packer in running, and his self-effacing ability to make fun of himself – like his light hearted comments about beating the fire truck – taught me that there was so much more to sports than being fast or winning a race.

So on this day, when I have many, many reasons to be thankful for my wonderful Dad - here are a few of the many ways he has been an inspirational and supportive part of my love for triathlon, and more importantly, my life.

Happy Father’s Day!

Ahhh, Race Recovery

Post race recovery time is sweet!

TRIgirls AM, CH and I stayed the night in Maryland after Eagleman. We were starving - and as TRIgirl CH's folks had unsuccessfully battled traffic to try and see the race, it was great to spend some time with them at a local restaurant before they had to turn right back around and head home. We had a wonderful, indulgent meal then scoped out a nearby hotel, which, lucky for us, had a (chilly) pool and a (very hot) hot tub. After lounging around for a bit, we took showers and realized we were hungry again. We went in search of our second dinner (and some dessert) for the evening. Then crashed!

The next morning, I woke up feeling very stiff and sore. Thanks to some pain relievers, I felt better by the end of the day - but still a bit weak. Though, by Tuesday morning, most of the race after-effects were gone.

It's been great reliving the race - between the wonderful messages from friends and family and sharing stories and photos. Thank you, all!

Our first scheduled post Eagleman workout from Coach G was to get in the water on Tuesday or Wednesday, float around a bit, preferrably in a tube.

Which made me smile.

Seriously, we're supposed to do some light swimming and a short run this week - and spin around on the bike one day if we get the chance. And Saturday's workout is to sleep in - probably our last official Saturday "off" for awhile. So, I've followed orders and resumed a few light workouts.

And haven't felt half bad.

But I think my tube will be seeing the most activity this weekend.

The Thrill of Victory (or Just Finishing) - The Eagleman Race Report

Before going into the race report, let’s pick up where we last left off...

When the TRIgirls were about to leave their lovely waterfront rental to bring their bikes to the transition area and check out the course…

During packet pick-up on Friday, the race venue was fairly empty. When we arrived on Saturday, it was like no race we’d ever seen. About 90% of the bikes were high end – Zipp tires, carbon, suspension frames, stuff I couldn’t even identify. I felt like I had “dumb newbie” stamped across my forehead. Maybe my first half-Ironman (or 70.3 as TRIgirls CH and AM decided it should always be called) shouldn’t have been a Kona qualifier.

We walked over to check out the swim. I’m usually more comfortable in the water than some of the other TRIgirls, so I kept what I was really thinking to myself, “We’re supposed to swim in that???” Millions of rough looking white cap waves were barreling across the Choptank. A few racers trying out the swim course were pulling into the exit ramp, which looked calmer, but not much.

I decided to stick with my plan to get in the water. I wanted to know what would hopefully be the worst to expect. We walked over to the swim start. The water also appeared calmer at the entry point, so I was relieved. A few other TRIgirls decided to swim out to the first buoy with me. Good news – the water was warm - no undertow (nor jellyfish!). The less than good news, there was definitely some sloshing around going on, which worsened by the first buoy. I worried a bit about what that might mean as the turn around was quite a bit further into the river. The swim seemed doable. Though I can’t say I was entirely comfortable with the idea of swimming 1.2 miles in the Choptank.

We drove the bike course. Flat. Some scenic views. Some boring miles. But did I say FLAT? No concerns there.

We had just enough time to make it to our pre-race dinner, where we even celebrated Coach M’s birthday. Then we went home, finished up our transition bag packing and went to bed. I thought about the words of wisdom from the TRIgirl Coaches and Ironwoman Canada. I checked out my “Going Long” book and shared a few tips with the TRIgirl racers. I actually, sort of, had a race plan.

Now on to the actual race report…

Six hours, and, maybe, three hours of disrupted sleep later, it was time to get out of bed. Eagleman Race Day had arrived. The weather was promising. Cool and very overcast.

Thanks to TRIgirl KO’s friend’s connection, we lucked out with valet parking and a few tips from an experienced volunteer and racer.

Even with dropping off the bike the day before, I felt there was just enough time to set up my transition area. Irongirl AM and I tried to juggle one last porto-potty stop, braiding her hair and leaving the transition area before it closed.

Then the worst part of the day. Waiting to actually begin. I’ve never cried before a race, until Eagleman - between an encouraging TRIgirl cheer, the stress from the previous few days – and my own fears and doubts. Thank you, TRIgirl SL, my fellow 40-44 racer Eagleman morning, for the perfect amount of support and distraction.

I was in the first women’s wave – pink caps. There were beautiful sun rays streaming out of the heavy cloud cover. A kind woman next to me must have sensed my panic and told me not to worry, she was a slow swimmer. I took both these events as positive signs.

I positioned myself toward the back and far side of the course. I did not want to be swam over. 30 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, it was time to go!

I started swimming. About a third of the pack took off like lightening. Before the second buoy, I’d worked my way to my own space, closer to the buoys. The water was calmer than my pre-race trial. By the third buoy, I started to enjoy the Choptank. I knew I would finish the swim.

I remembered part of my plan. To swim at a relaxed pace that would not leave me tired. And it worked. Sometimes, I thought about my form. I struggled a few times to stay on the course. I sighed when a bunch of orange caps from the wave behind mine passed me like I wasn’t even there. I had hoped to finish the swim in 45-50 minutes, but after seeing all those swimmers kick my butt, I figured it was too ambitious. The exit was a little harder to find than I expected – and included about 100 yards of some black grunge that was absolutely disgusting. Exiting the swim, I looked down at my watch. 40 minutes and a few seconds. Out loud, I said “Wow, that’s not bad!” TRIgirl DL’s husband was right there, heard me and cheered me on.

(PG moment) In the transition area, I thought about all the debate about peeing on the bike, - I still didn’t know if I wanted to ruin my expensive seat or bike shoes, but I did “relieve myself” next to Amarone, in a very conservative way.

With the fear part of the race over, I was looking forward to the bike. The course was so flat, I was psyched. I remember more of my plan; push on the bike only when overcoming the swim.

Check! Except that, when I accomplished my “check” point and felt like I could push the bike a little, everyone was still passing me. For the first half of the bike, I occasionally peeked at Garmin, seeing 18-20 mile per hour paces. But bike after bike was passing me. All I could do was be a “polite passee”.

Who were these aliens and how did they bike so fast?

I remembered more of my plan. Hydrate, eat and save those legs for the run. The sun was growing stronger. Heat is not usually a factor for my bikes, but it can hurt my runs.

Thanks to my “Sip Away” cup and few “girly” stops to refill, I was keeping hydrated (I pulled over, came to a complete spot, fumbled with my bottles, then resumed bicycling (true competitors grabbed their hydration of choice and gracefully placed it in their aerobar bottle or water cages)).

I was not doing well with my nutrition plan of 200 calories per hour. The broken-up Powerbar was way too heavy. The PBJ sandwich was marginally better. I ate 1/3 of what I packed, then, focused on a few sports beans every 5 miles. I had a slight headache; I figured it was either calorie or hydration related.

Halfway through the bike, some serious, famous Eagleman wind kicked in – my pace was more in the 14-15 mph range. Toward the end of the bike, I found a few similar cyclists. We all kind of hung in our bike positions for the last quarter of the ride. I wanted to finish the bike in 3:30, my 3:17ish time made me happy, though I still wondered how all those racers passed me!

I dismounted the bike and remembered how I felt after the Crackhead Invitational. Tired legs can still run. Ignoring my desire to plow through as many miles I could, as fast as I could (now, now, don’t laugh), I remembered the TRIgirl coaches and Ironwoman Canada's advice – walk through the water stations.

This tidbit saved my run. As anyone who knows me can confirm, I truly suck at running. While I think just about every Eagleman racer passed me on the bike (when I thought was holding a decent pace) I was able to hang with my group of fellow backpack runners. I walked every water stop, asking for two waters, dumping one and a half on my head and drinking the leftover, supplementing Accelerade and GUs from my geeky fuel belt. After seeing the unexpected cheering squad of Ironfolk KB and SS, around mile two, it was another confirmation, no matter how much I might have to walk, I would finish this race.

The weather gods were kind. The sun during the bike was mostly gone for the run. Other than some mild humidity, the run was cloudy and temperatures were in the upper 70s. I held a consistent running pace - around 10:30-11:00 minutes per mile from start to end. Walking the water stops put my average around 11:40.

Even in a race as big as Eagleman, TRIgirl force is still powerful. During the run, I think I saw every TRIgirl racer and the Maramarc folks. One man and I kept pace. He was running more of the course, but I would pass him between “water dumps and walks.” Around mile 10, I passed him. “OK, [TRIgirl 40] – you really do look great.” He’d heard all the TRIgirl racers and support crew’s words of encouragement for many a-mile.

And so the TRIgirls and I finished…

The “end” was beautiful. I felt strong enough to pick up the pace as TRIgirl racers and supporters cheered me in. I didn’t know or care if my name was announced at the finish, I just wanted to find the amazing crew who either had completed the race or who had driven over three or four hours to support us. (In addition to TRIgirls KB and SS, TRIgirls SG, Jones and Fave, made the long trek from Richmond to cheer us in. TRIgirl JR and her son, helped set up the RTC tent with beverages and food.

I wanted to finish under 8 hours. I thought, if the moons aligned, I might hit somewhere between 7 – 7:30. My time was around 6:41:48. I knew the generous weather gods and the quieted Choptank were big factors.

But it still felt great.

Many TRIgirls’ times were within minutes of mine – but more importantly we all crossed the finish line. So many women, all beating their own demons, self doubt and physical exhaustion – conquered Eagleman. On one fine day in June 2007.

Postscript…

There are just so many people who helped me finish this race.

Coaches – your ability to challenge and propose training regimes I never thought I could do helped me believe I was capable of more than I ever hoped.

Teammates – thank you for being there for the training and the race – whether providing encouragment, sharing a happy face or being a pace Nazi!

Supporters – thanks to all who drove miles, shared tears, took pictures – and just “understood” the importance of this accomplishment to the competing TRIgirls.

Family – my parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, step-siblings, husband and furkids – somehow, I’ve hit the jackpot with having an amazing family.

We're Here!

The TRIgirl caravan landed in MD yesterday afternoon around 5:00. Thanks to TRIgirl CD, we even have a "TRIchick Parking Only - All Others Will Be Towed Away and Crushed" sign hanging in the rental driveway.

We headed out to the expo and picked up our race packets. Everyone had way fancy bikes. At least no one laughed out loud at mine.

The river was like glass when we arrived. Not so much today after a major thunderstorm.

Weather predictions look good for race day - high of 79, partly cloudy and winds 5-10 miles per hour.

We're hydrating and eating (some more than others). And we are about to head out to check out the bike course and see just how choppy the Choptank is after a storm.

Huge thanks for all the calls and emails of support - especially Mom and Dad - and my sister-in-law - who sent me a timely article about the increase in Ironman popularity!

So If I Don't Finish...

...Eagleman, will it be because I did not get in my 12 mile bike workout this week as part of our taper?

Illogical, I know, but it is bothering me. I could do it Friday morning, but I think it would be better to take the day off.

Thank goodness (?) it has been an incredibly stressful and busy week at work, distracting me from panicking too much about Eagleman.

Until Friday, when I am supposed to be off for traveling to Cambridge with the TRIgirl caravan.

A PR (Tiny) in a Hurricane (Almost) - or the Powersprint Race Report

Saturday afternoon, I packed my bag for a hot and humid Powersprint Triathlon. I was starting to chill out for the evening when my husband announced the weather conditions for Sunday - rain all day, heavy at times in the afternoon. Hurricane Barry was acomin' and about to leave us some miserable tropical depression weather as a gift.

No! That is not what I was expecting! I even packed electrolytes, a visor and sunglasses!

I went to bed a little after 9:00 pm Saturday evening and slept fairly well until the alarm went off at 5:10 am. I took the Butt and Fezzy for their morning out - humid and warmer than I anticipated, but not bad. I threw my light windbreaker into my race bag and drove the five miles to the Powersprint.

I arrived a few minutes earlier than past years' races - to a very empty parking lot - wondering if the weather scared off a few participants. Since no numbers were on the bike racks, several early TRIgirl racers marked TRIgirl "alley" with a duck helium balloon.

Seeing TRIgirl volunteers was encouraging. TRIgirl JH welcomed me to the race and TRIgirl CH magic markered the numbers on my limbs - and even added a "Go TRIgirls!" inspirational message to my left calf (and TRIgirl Fave's, too!).

At this point, the rain was alternating between a drizzle and downpour. I noticed that most racers had not set up their transition area. So, basically, I just tried to organize my gear bag with what I would need for the bike on top and for the run below. Then zipped it up the best I could to keep things dry.

The temperature seemed to be dropping steadily as I waited with many TRIgirls and Powersprint racers for the swim to begin. My predicted start time put me just after the top third of the swimmers and I was never so happy to step into the steam room like pool conditions. I had a decent swim - took over 30 seconds off last year's race time for the 300 meters, though I was secretly hoping for another 10 seconds more. Still, I ended up finishing in the top 25% for my age group and gender with the swim.

Supposedly, my lackadaisical transition, including finding my pink flip-flops before running across the muddy terrain to get my bike, amused the TRIgirls and Coach B - who I later found out jokingly commented to a few TRIgirls - "What is she doing?" - and "She will not be doing that next week." My T1 was slower than last year - but at least I had the excuse of not having anything laid out!

With the wet weather, I resigned myself to a slower than originally hoped bike. I was not going to risk skidding out and hurting myself one week before Eagleman. Hearing TRIgirl CD remind me that this was not my "A" race and to be safe as I started out of T1 made me feel better about the decision.

The first two-thirds of the bike were wet, but not miserable, as there were occasional breaks in the rain. I even was able to push it at a decent pace on a few flat straights. I was very cautious, slowing down at anything resembling a hill or turn. The last third, though, was smack into some serious headwind. Worse than my blustery day experience, as sheets of rain were also pouring down. TRIgirl Patty whizzed by me like a demon at one point about halfway through, but other than that, I think I was holding my own on the bike, passing as many riders as those who passed me. Overall, I shaved off about two minutes on the bike - which I won't sneeze at given the conditions.

I was so relieved to dismount at T2, with a Guppy volunteer cheering me in. I rummaged around in my very wet bag to find my running gear and headed out onto my least favorite and weakest part of the triathlon.

The rain just continued to get heavier and heavier. Though I have to say, when it comes to running, I'll still take a tropical depression over 90 degree temperatures and high humidity. I took off about a minute and a half on the run, ending up with a 5K race PR - and not just triathlon 5Ks. Ironically, my run pace was a 9:39 - 1 second faster than my training tempo pace.

I ended up having an overall race PR by about 3 minutes - and as we all joked - in a "hurricane!" I would have ideally liked another two minutes off - but I'll take what I can get. I finished exactly at the 50% percentile for all women. While several new TRIgirls did better (sometimes way better!) than me (after two years of training) - I remembered where I started - and was truly happy for all (including myself) who competed the day Hurricane Barry rocked Richmond.

Because my estimated swim time was on the shorter side and it was a pool swim, I was able to catch quite a bit of the remaining race. Thank goodness TRIgirl MM and her boyfriend shared warm wool blankets with the cheering squad - including TRIgirl TB and Coach B's cute niece (we did a great impersonation of an Emperor Penguin with our littlest fan). It was so much fun to watch the TRIgirl racers and several coworkers - almost all turning out for the race (including many newbies) - cross that finish line, tears, smiles, exhaustion and all!

Powerkids!

This morning, I headed out to watch the Powerkids Triathlon.

I had to smile when I arrived and saw all the young competitors lined up, some with fancier tri-clothes than mine and all of them "raced" up with magic marker numbers on their arms and legs. I even heard a few giving transition tips to their friends.

The race started off with a pool swim. The kids jumped in the water, some on alert in "race position" waiting for the "Ready, Set, Go!" I watched the swimmers for awhile. Some obviously were on a swim team. Some struggled to finish the one or two laps, grabbing onto the ropes and pulling themselves along. None gave up. A few looked dazed getting out of the water. A couple were serious - whipping off their swim caps and goggles with a look of fierce determination as they sprinted to the bikes. I saw myself in some, too - the little chubby girls smiling and trudging along.

The race coordinators and volunteers were wonderful (including TRIgirl JRo). They waited for a racer who lost her timing chip and helped place it back on. They cheered on a swimmer finishing a lap alone as the rest of the wave was long gone. They announced the finishers over a loudspeaker with individualized comments.

It was great to see TRIgirls JR, DS and RW's kids race. TRIgirl JR's son had a fabulous swim and I could tell Mom was proud - and Irondad, too. TRIgirl DS ran by later, pointing to the cutest little girl on the run and calling out - "that's my daughter." I swear she had her Mom's form, speed and grace.

I think I may have found my biggest inspiration for tomorrow's PowerSprint from these young racers.

Go, Powerkids, Go!