Eastern Shore Weekend - The Same, But Different

We are back from the Eastern Shore! Another memorable weekend full of training and fun times. In some ways, similar to last year's - and in some ways, a bit different.

The same:

• TRIgirls SS and KB arranged our comfortable cabins at Kiptopeke State Park.
• Terrific weather - just like last year. We woke-up to a beautiful day - sunny and warm.
• Loved the bike route - though I reluctantly resigned myself to just 58 miles of it this year. And other than a nice little push to keep up with TRIgirls SK and KB for about 20 miles, took it easy for the rest of the ride. The IM Brazil folks all looked strong for their century ride.
• Huge, delicious, post workout meal (and celebratory drinks!).

And different:

• The hubby joined me this year for the trip. It was nice to share the weekend with him. I was grateful for his help with packing and unloading the car - and his grilling skills with the post workout protein for the sixteen of us. He happily squeezed in a round at the Bay Creek Golf Course with a few other spouses.
• A slightly different cast - missed a bunch of TRIgirls (and Coaches G, B and E) - but enjoyed spending time with several new friends.
• Explored a little more of the Eastern Shore by joining TRIgirl CS and her husband for a yummy dinner in Cape Charles on Friday.
• No drafting off of Coach E this year. I avoided drafting for the short push - and was by myself for most of the ride back in - into a lovely headwind.
• A post bike run.
• An awesome nap on the beach post bike/run! TRIgirl CS and I spotted dolphins out in the bay.
• No games or fire pit smores. TRIgirl CS and her husband did bring marshmallows and kindling - but the idea seemed to get lost in the shuffle.
• No open water swimming! I was a little bummed about this change in plans - though the bay was a bit chilly. Let's hope that since White Lake is 3-4 hours south, the water will be warmer next weekend!

The Taper

I first learned about “the taper” when joining TRIgirls a few years ago. After hearing the promises of reduced training, I remember being surprised to see workouts on the schedule during the days leading up to those initial sprint triathlons or 10Ks. My visions of lounging on the couch for two weeks with Ben & Jerry as my main training companions were quickly replaced with preperation planning, hydrating - and runs, bikes, swims.

Obviously, I didn’t “get it.”

For Eagleman, the taper was a little more noticeable – on paper anyway. But I was so worked up with nerves and excitement, that though I conceptually understood the idea, I still wasn't getting it.

IMFL gave me my first real taste of the taper. The week or two before the race, I felt energized. I wished for a few more longer workouts – but resisted because it was taper time. And it worked, I had a great race (for me).

With White Lake just a week and half-away, I am doing better recognizing the signs that the taper is near. I was pleased with how I did during Ironwoman Canada's last Masters class – 14 100s on tough intervals interspersed throughout the workout – and I actually hit them all. This past weekend’s long bike with TRIgirls SS, SD, MW and KB included a decent negative split for the last 38 of the 78 miles – and my legs felt strong afterwards (my shoulders and neck a little less so).

In the next few days, the workouts will begin easing off.

The only temptation causing me heartache is the Eastern Shore bike scheduled for this coming weekend. I loved this ride (other than the last 15-20 miles) last year and Saturday’s weather looks terrific. After this past weekend’s great ride, I can’t wait for the next longer excursion with Patriot Sangria. Some of my team mates training for Brazil will be cycling 100 miles. I’ve resigned myself to not being able to join them for the entire distance, but was really hoping for a 50 mile ride.

Unfortunately, a half century distance is not on my schedule and I’ve been hearing some “feedback” about my plans. I’m trying to figure out ways it could work (what if the last 25 miles were leisurely?).

But the verdict is still out.

Two Weeks

It is two weeks (and a few hours) till White Lake.

Buzzing around me, I can sense the charged atmosphere – the apprehension, anxiety and excitement - of some of my team mates.

I can so relate. As crazy as it may sound, I was more nervous for my first ½ IM than I was for IMFL.

Sometimes I think it was because IMFL was incomprehensible – that I just sunk into a “one stroke/pedal turn/step at a time” mode.

Other times I wonder if my nerves were somewhat calmed before Florida because I had an inkling of what to expect from doing two ½ IMs.

A bit of a paradox, eh?

I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been a few twinges of uncertainty as the clock ticks down to White Lake. Didn’t I swim harder, bike further, run more for Eagleman? After a couple of deep breaths – and checking my logs – I am reassured. If anything, I’ve actually trained a little more this time. Barring extreme or unforeseen circumstances, physically, I should be ready. I am…for the most part…calm.

When it comes down to it, I can’t pinpoint why I was so stressed for my first half IM. And I don’t know what, if anything, could have calmed me. Seeing the questions and worries surrounding my totally trained, strong and ready training buddies, I wish I had the right words to quell their fears and doubts – (Check out some great nuggets of wisdom, though, from TRIgirl CD).

In retrospect, I can say that my Eagleman fears had little to do with the physical – my body was trained.

As it is now – along with those of about thirty other girls ready to turn White Lake pink.

TRIgirl...41?

Yeah, when selecting my Blogger username, I briefly wondered if TRIgirl 40 was a bad choice because it would only be accurate for a year.

For the next 12 months, I should technically be TRIgirl 41.

But being TRIgirl 40 was wonderful - full of many great dreams fulfilled, special moments and lasting memories.

And since TRIgirl 40 has done me well this year...

I don't think I'll be changing it anytime soon.

Well That Makes Things Harder

You know, I occasionally wondered about the purpose of assigning an interval to one set of whatever when swimming. I just assumed the goal was to try to finish said whatever set within the posted time.

With the announcement earlier this week that Ironwoman Canada was moving Masters to Thursday, the pool was a little less crowded tonight. It was just Dr. Joe and me sharing a lane. After our warm-up, we had a fast 200 and then a couple of 150s. After trying to draft off him for the 200, I noticed he was watching the clock - when it clicked.

The interval posted for the 200 meant that we were supposed to finish the 200, enjoy any remaining rest time - and start the next set on the interval listed.

Oooooh.

Monument 10K Race Report

Prologue...

Sitting down to write this race report, I realized I haven't blogged much about my running lately.

Between a few changes in perspective, some encouraging training sessions - and the cooler weather, the past six months were scattered with new pace goals and PRs.

Reflecting back, I think I've been afraid to jinx it. Maybe these were fluke training sessions. It seemed premature to put it out there in black and white. My running was improving?

Now, before any ridiculous ideas start crossing your mind, please know, I am still slow.

But possibly a little less slow.

The Report...

Starting the season with a running race was a relief. The night before, even with packing my bag with numerous options for the weather, getting ready wasn't a big deal. I filled two bottles with Gatorade, picked out my running clothes and clipped my number to my fuel belt.

The day before included an early morning long swim and a late evening bike. I slept well (except for waking up a few times to loud, torrential downpours that I hoped would be gone by morning) and woke feeling fairly rested.

Thankfully, the worst of the rain did pass. Race morning was cloudy, humid, drizzly, damp, but no thunderstorms.

I drove to TRIgirl BL's house. She and her husband drove us to TRIgirl SJG's house. We grabbed garbage bags to keep us dry for the mile-ish walk to the race start.

We ran into a bunch of TRIgirls (over 60 TRIgirls were participating) - and went through the usual last minute search for port-o-potties. Then it was off to find our wave, where tons of women in pink were already clustered together.

TRIgirl BL and I had been discussing our race plan for a few days. We'd settled on aiming for 9:30 for mile 1, then taking off five seconds per mile for the next 4 miles, then one final pick-up for the last 1.2 miles.

Given my running history - and that last year's 10K was a 1:01:26 - a smidgen under a 10 minute mile pace - this was an ambitious plan. I dropped my prediction to 58:30 from 59:00 for the TRIgirl contest to see which team could come closest to their estimates.

Our wave gradually made its way to the start. We hit the mats and TRIgirl BL and I began weaving through the crowd for the first half mile, looking for openings. Once we found a decent place to settle in, we noticed TRIgirl LD was right there with us.

The three of us ran almost the whole race together. First mile, felt good, pace was fast - 9:18. Revised our plan - hold 9:15ish for the next few miles. Mile 2, still felt good, 9:11. Mile 3, going along fine, 9:16. Mile 4, not bad, 9:02. Mile 5, 9:16. It was time to pick-up the pace and my race started to get hard. TRIgirl BL encouraged me as I fell back a few feet (thank you, TRIgirl BL). Having to go to the bathroom did not help. I was soon keeping up again, but barely. Mile 6, 8:56. Last .2, TRIgirl LD sprinted ahead. TRIgirl BL and I crossed the finish line, I was one second behind her - at an 8:24 pace.

Overall race time - 57:05 according to the official results.

A PR of about 4 minutes and 20 seconds since last year and 2 minutes from any runs this year.


Epilogue...

The rest of the day was a blur of TRIgirl activity. We found the rest of our teammates and heard others' stories of great races and PRs. We had a champagne toast at TRIgirl Annn's (with perfect post race nutrition - chocolate covered marshmallows and bananas - YUMMM). Then it was off to TRIgirl AM's housewarming party. The evening wrapped up with our half IM dinner - which was fun and very informative.

It was a great race - and a great day. I owe much to TRIgirls, Ironwoman Canada (who called me after the race and said next year would be 55:00!) and my teammates.

Thanks to them...

I am still not fast.

But possibly a little faster.

The Season Starts!

Tomorrow, with the Monument Avenue 10K!

Even though the weather predictions are gloomy (scattered thunderstorms), I am antsy for the first race of the season.

I am happy to be one of many Richmond ladies who'll be fortunate enough to debut new TRIgirl SkirtSports.


I am hoping to keep pace with my training buddy, TRIgirl BL, and our ambitious goals.

I am looking forward to sharing the race with my TRIgirl Team, the Pink Panthers.

Gem dealer 1: As in every stone of this size, there is a flaw.
Sultan: A flaw?
Gem dealer 2: The slightest flaw, your excellency.
Gem dealer 1: If you look deep into the stone, you will perceive the tiniest discoloration. It resembles an animal.
Sultan: An animal?
Gem dealer 1: A little panther.
Sultan: Yes! A pink panther. Come here, Dala. A gift to your father from his grateful people. Some day it will be yours.

So tomorrow, to my Pink Panthers (and all TRIgirls), Shine on like the fabulous gems you are!

A Confession

Generally speaking, I really do enjoy training.

The stress dissolving from my body during a long run. The joy of cruising rural roads with Patriot Sangria and my riding buddies. The glide through the pool as my arms and legs cut through the water.

But, every once in awhile, the real reason that motivates me to squeeze in a long scheduled workout is less about adrenalin, endorphins or even an approaching race...

and more about calorie burning.

For as long as I can remember, food and I have had a tenuous relationship. You know those kids – the lanky, skinny ones that can eat a three course dinner and then find themselves hungry for their first dessert an hour later?

Well, that was never me. I was the chubby third grader, the calorie counting sixth grader, the skip breakfast and lunch teenager. Along the way, there have been a few relative “thinner” stages, which always involved strict dieting and a moderate exercise plan. The last one occurred about two years ago when I lost 17 pounds. Still not skinny (nor close), but achieving a degree of acceptance with the scale and my body.

Imagine my joy during last year’s training for two half IMs and IMFL – when I could actually EAT with freedom, without guilt – and maintain my weight. Wow, three solid meals a day, sometimes second helpings, sometimes, even, gasp, dessert! Ooooh, a weekend party after a mega workout session? Awesome! Make room as I park myself at that buffet table!

In the back of my mind, I fear how easily it could all slip away. If the workouts slow down, either the pounds will creep on or the calorie nazi will need to be resuscitated.

So for now, if the consequence of skipping a workout is forgoing that bleu cheese topped filet, crusty bread and cabernet...

I’m grabbing my gym bag and heading out the door.