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.

A Little Melancholy

Though I guess the official start to this journey to Ironman began last November, I've been wondering lately if the "twinkle in the eye" happened about a year ago, last September, when I signed up for Eagleman.

A lot has happened in the past eleven months. I've learned to not only swim in a wetsuit, but to also like it. I completed two half marathons. I've swum, biked and run the longest distances in my life. And, of course, I finished Eagleman!

This year, the Eagleman registration opened a month earlier - on August 1. With a little melancholy, I've observed the excitement of others as they have signed up for the race. My name will not be on the participant list.

As of now, I'm planning on two half IMs next year - White Lake and Mightyman. Then, if I survive Florida, maybe another IM in 2009 (I'm thinking somewhere very far away with amazing Sauvignon Blanc...).

Eagleman 2007 will always hold a special place in my heart - the excitement and trepidation after hitting the registration submit button, the fear and panic race morning, the happiness and satisfaction of crossing the finish line, and all the hard work in between.

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?

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.

Relativity and Reality

Recently, I checked out a few of my old blog entries, including one where I predicted an upcoming tough workout would seem less so a few weeks (months) out. I am not sure how much I believed it at the time, but yes, that workout would be a little less daunting now.

And sometimes I'll be hanging out with friends or neighbors who'll be asking me questions about my training - as if it is something special or as if I know what I am doing. Which I find so funny, because I am still such a fumbling back-packer most of the time - one who has, thankfully, learned a few tricks along the way.

But Eagleman is quickly approaching. I told myself, don't really worry until it is a month away. OK, so the counter shows a zero in the month slot, no biggie until the race is two weeks away. My latest rationalization is convincing myself that the race won't be close until we hit single digits in the days column (which will be, oh, tomorrow). I've got my back-up plan ready - one week will be the next procrastination marker before panicking.

My body is trained to do the distances. My mental outlook concerns me more. My competitive spirit will not carry me through this race, as I really don't have much of one. More likely, sheer determination will be the emotion that gets me through the tough moments. And remembering to breathe.

I'm focusing on the positive during these last two weeks of workouts. Like forcing myself to run 6 miles in the heat of the day Monday. While I can't say I enjoyed it - I wasn't quite as miserable as I normally would be. Today's Masters swim had a few encouraging moments. Longest distance completed to date in the hour class - 2600 meters. A few fastest 100s - somewhere between 1:45 and 1:47. I am still the slowest in my lane, but sometimes I am almost keeping up (until we go distances beyond 100s).

Relatively, I am still slow and not quite aggressive enough.
Reality, I will never place in my age group (unless I am doing triathlons at 90).

No wait, focus on the positives...

Relatively, I am going further, sometimes even faster, than I ever have in my life.
Reality, finishing Eagleman, hopefully with a few minutes to spare, is really my goal.

Things That Go Bump

Reoccurring themes. A few months ago, I struggled with taking two steps forward, one step back (or sometimes one step forward, two steps back) with training after a bout of stupid little ailments.

Those feelings are skulking back in, though they are more psychological rather than physical this time.

After Smith Mountain Lake, the doubts about Eagleman started to creep in. I was happy with my SML swim time, but was queasy thinking that the Eagleman swim would be about three times longer – a distance I can do easily in the pool, but in the open water with tons of people more aggressive than I am? I pictured myself pulling off to the side to let everyone pass. One step back.

Last Sunday, the Richmond Triathlon Club offered an open water swim clinic. The river was noticeably warmer than SML or the TRIgirl swim practice. The warmer water really made a difference in my comfort level. We practiced drafting, which reassured me about swimming in close proximity to other racers (in most races I look for a space cushion – and will swim away from other racers to stay in it – though drafting can save up to 30% in effort). I also tried out a long john wetsuit – liked the extra freedom around my shoulders. The clinic helped me gain some confidence for Eagleman – I can do this! One step forward.

Yesterday, Triathlonmom shared she’d found great tips on Desiree Flicker’s triathlon site. I dug around for awhile and found her 2006 Eagleman race report.

Jellyfish wrapping themselves around wrists.
A strong voice inside yelling get out of the water.
Punishing waves.
So glad to hit land.

Not exactly the account you want to read – from a pro no less.

As "girly" as it may sound, I'm freaking out more about the jellyfish than the rough conditions. Where I come from, you don’t have to deal with jellyfish until late July or August. Gross! I’m thinking carefully about the wetsuit deal. The full sleeve would protect me more from these blechy creatures.

One big step backward. Until I can find jellyfish repellant.

Numbers

When I added the Eagleman counter feature to my blog footer, the race was over 2 months away. Lately I’ve been avoiding looking at the happy stars bounding off the pink background. Right now it shows that the race is 1 month, 0 days, 14 hours, 30 minutes and 55 seconds away. Tomorrow the countdown will show a big fat 0 in the month slot.

Maybe I should switch it out for a new counter for Ironman – which is still about 6 months away. But I am not sure how much I want to I think about those numbers just yet. I recently watched a triathlon movie clip where the narrator mentioned that the 112 mile bike would seem long – in a car.

Wow, I’d never thought about that. I am going to be biking a distance that would take almost 2 hours by car.

Training and races involve many numbers - miles, meters, minutes, hours, ranks, averages, paces.

Numbers can be encouraging. The more I’ve thought about my SML swim time, the more I’ve realized I’ve made some gains through all this training. My last 750 open water swim race time was over 4 minutes longer – and that was without a wetsuit and with the timing mat right on the dock when stepping out of the water.

Other times, numbers can be humbling. In my first triathlon I finished dead last in my age group.

And sometimes, numbers can be downright confusing. Up until this weekend, I’ve been timing my mile swim based on 36 laps in the pool. Which is correct for yard pools. But, I’ve been swimming in meter pools – where 32 laps equal a mile. Doh, makes total sense now that I’ve thought through the math. At least I didn’t make that mistake the other way around.

So while I am excited for the Shady Grove Sprint race coming up in a little over 3 weeks, I know when it gets here, Eagleman will be just 7 days away.

And now, not that I am obsessing, there is 1 month, 0 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds till the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 (thanks Fave!) mile run. Numbers that get scarier by the minute.

Tick, tock, tick tock.