MightyMan - Finally (In More Ways Than One) The Conclusion

I tried to convince myself that the skies didn't look too dark - maybe the rain was just a passing shower.

But with every minute into the bike, the rain seemed to came down harder. Occasionally it would ease up for a few minutes - but then the pelting needles would return once again.

I couldn't help but think about Lake Placid this year - and watching all the racers brave downpours for 10, 12, 16, 17 hours.

I will say rain on the bike keeps you moving. Pretty scenery is much less distracting. The hills seem less intimidating. You just want to be done.

Heading out on the first loop, I noticed many racers dealing with flat tires.

Close to an hour in the race, I checked my watch - I was averaging over 18 miles per hour and felt pretty darn good. The worst hills of the first loop were over. I could push it a little harder on some of the flatter upcoming sections.

And a few moments later, I noticed a kaplunk (remember that game?) feeling and sound. I tried to convince myself it was the little tar strips on the shoulder of the road, but as I watched more closely, I knew something else was up.

It couldn't be...

I pulled over, got off the bike and tentatively touched my front tire. Solid. Then the back tire. My finger easily squished into TRIgirl BL's beautiful Zipp tire.

I had a flat.

No spare.

And no idea how to change a tubular even if I'd been carrying one.

I just stared at the tire for a few minutes, thinking to myself..."You are so screwed."

"Think," I said to myself. Then I remembered seeing a guy early on in the race holding up his wheel, signaling the SAG vehicle to help him.

"Yes! There is a SAG wagon somewhere out there."

I looked around and noticed a couple pulled over on the other side of the rode. I walked over and saw a Corvette parked nearby. Could that be the SAG?

Turned out the Corvette guy was a volunteer - but not SAG (of course, a two seater sports car would not make the best SAG). He was checking to see if the couple needed help. Fortunately, they were doing well with changing the tube - so Corvette guy said he would head out to find the SAG vehicle for me.

While a two seater sports car may not make a great SAG vehicle - it should be able to find one quickly, right?

The couple finished changing their flat and were off to finish their race. I crossed over to where I originally got the flat and waited.

And waited. And waited some more. I watched many, many people pass me. Every once in awhile someone would call out "Are you OK?" Part of me was tempted to ask for help - but I knew that was against the rules - and I wouldn't want to ruin another person's race. "I am fine, thanks," I called back.

15, 20, 25 minutes went by. And yep, it was still raining. I noticed my legs shivering. When my teeth began chattering after 35 minutes, I figured I better start walking. While there were about 9 miles left on the bike course's first loop, I was probably within 3-4 miles of transition. I hobbled along in my bike shoes for awhile, worrying about my family who were probably wondering where I was - the cheering point we discussed was another few miles away. Finally, a truck pulled over in front of me. SAG had finally arrived.

He didn't have a tubular tire either, but did have a few extra wheels. With my bike having a 9 speed cartridge on the back, my options were limited to one wheel. The tire was thick - and was from an old, beat-up looking bike. It even had reflectors, like a kid's bike wheels. But it fit - and the SAG dude switched it out quickly.

After losing a total of close to 46 minutes, I was able to resume riding. Not much earlier, I had been preparing to walk into transition and turn in my chip. I didn't have to DNF anymore, but didn't really love the thought of continuing the race, so far behind where I could have been.

Then I thought about the months of training I'd put in.

And I thought about my family just a few miles away who would be the best cheerleaders no matter how well or poorly my race was going.

If another flat was in my future, I'd have no choice but to quit, but I decided I had to try and finish the race.

Surprisingly the new wheel didn't seem too bad. The SAG dude had done a good job putting it on as my gears were shifting smoothly. A few miles later, I saw my family - my brother flashing his TRIgirl Support Crew shirt - and their big cheers made me feel so much better.

The rest of the bike went by more quickly than I thought it would. The spare held out - and though my mph went down a little, I was passing a bunch of people. My family positioned themselves on the crest of one of the toughest hills (in both directions of an out and back of the second loop). I was very, very grateful to have them out there. Overall bike split was 3:56:15. If someone could just put an asterisk next to it's posting with a big "Due to stupid not being able to fix her own flat tire," I'd feel a little better. My actual riding time was around 3:10.

It was still raining pretty heavily heading into T2. I took off my arm warmers and quickly put on my sneakers, fuel belt and race number. I also removed my watch - it been beeping annoyingly practically since the flat (something about not having memory to store the mile laps). Exiting transition, I saw my family again, including a sign they made with my name - and a picture of TRIgirl wine that would be waiting for me at the end of the race.

I hadn't seen the run course yet - and knew tar hill, murder hill and the pits were waiting for me.

The first part of each loop was around Fort Pond - the swim course from way earlier in the day. It was mostly flat for the first 2.5 miles. Then came the shoot off - right into a long steep climb. Followed by a short downhill - and then an even longer climb. And then a bunch of rollers into the pits. Coming out of the pits - I saw the camera man - and I wondered why they would put the camera man somewhere you could so easily look miserable. I tried to put on the happiest face I could muster while climbing the hill - and gradually worked my way back to Fort Pond for loop two.

My Dad was waiting at the first section of the second loop around Fort Pond - he cheered me on and said everyone would meet me at the finish. Seeing him before the second hill adventure began gave me a boost. Overall I plugged along, albiet at a very slow jog pace, more than I expected on the hills. Though I have to confess that I occasionally would conveniently schedule a nutrition break on the worst parts of the climbs.

I felt pretty good on the run - and a couple of volunteers commented on how strong I looked.

And I had to chuckle to myself - yeah - that is a benefit of a 46 minute break.

The second loop seemed to go by quickly. The rain turned to drizzle - with the sun coming out for the last few miles. The finish was in sight. The volunteers, like at full IM races, put up the race finish tape for each person who crossed.

There was my family - cheering and holding up the wine sign. (I swear that sign got me through some tough moments.)

My family rocks. They moved from one race point to the next through some lousy weather and for longer than expected. Total super sherpas! (And more than the sign, my family is what truly got me to the finish line.)

I found out later that my run time was 2:25 on the dot. My best run time for a half IM - and on the most challenging course I'd ever attempted. Official race time was 7:10:23. Deducting the flat tire time - I think I would have been within seconds of my White Lake time. Kind of funny.

But, the 7:10 time is the one I have to own-up to - part of triathlon is dealing with the conditions - and knowing how to take care of your equipment.

And for this race, I realized, once again, how lucky I am to have such a supportive family.

And to be thankful for an old fashioned wheel sporting a reflector.

MightyMan Race Report - Part II

...and so, onto race day.

Not my best sleep, nor my worst sleep, preceded MightyMan. I snoozed well for a few hours before I woke for good, even before the alarm or the back-up call from my mom.

This was probably the first triathlon I'd ever been completely alone during the early morning pre-race hours. Quietly and calmly, I ate a yummy New York bagel, uncrustables sandwich, half banana and some coffee. Part of me felt unsettled; I didn't know what to do with myself. My bags were ready and breakfast was done way before expected.

So, unlike the normal me, I loaded up the car to head out early to the race site. Walking outside, I thought, "Wow, it is not nearly so cold as last night."

Which should have sent up a red flag.

I drove the mile or so to the race site and found parking within a couple of hundred meters of the transition area. So close, that even though the skies were still dark, it was easy to grab my many bags, along with Patriot Sangria, to begin the process of setting up for the day.

Again, with no team mates or friends with me, set-up went by quickly. I was done by 5:30 am. An hour and 14 minutes before my race wave was to start. I listened as the girl next to me, a Nationals Champion, talked about how she hadn't trained for the race. I listened to a nearby guy as he questioned who was or wasn't positioned correctly on the racks. And I listened as another nearby racer shared that rain was now hitting "the city" and heading our way.

What? Sunny, crisp and dry weather had been predicted for the past ten days? This dude had to be wrong. Though the humid warm air quickly went from a welcome surprise to a foreboding warning.

After trying to amuse myself walking around and wasting time, the race director called us all down to the water. From then on, things went by quickly.

There was one wave scheduled before the yellow caps (the old ladies). It was still fairly dark and a bunch of us wondered what the race directors were thinking - sending the old ladies out before it was bright enough to see all the buoys.

With the warmer air temperature, Fort Pond seemed much colder than expected. I swam a few strokes and tried to adjust to the chilliness. And then, we, the old ladies, were off to battle the dark, chilly water (thank goodness it was calm).

In most races, I've positioned myself near the back, Though, with this race and Ironwoman Canada's encouragement, I decided to place myself more in the middle.

For me, there was a notable difference trying to hang "with the pack," even though it was a wave start and there was an 800 cap for the number of racers. Fort Pond was small, so the start resembled an IM race - with folks desperately trying to find an advantage by swimming over each other. It was a good experience, as I tried to balance letting the stronger swimmers go ahead, with holding my own against the rest of the crowd.

I think I positioned myself well, not many yellow caps passed me. I finished the swim feeling strong. I looked at my watch, which said I swam my first sub 40 minute half. Though my swim split was higher, with the timing mat at transition vs. the swim exist. I am not sure if my watch was accurate or if the run to T1 was longer than I thought. T1 seemed to take forever. I wasn't freezing, but worried about the weather predictions. Pulling-up arm warmers on wet limbs was not easy.

Finally, I was heading out of T1. I crossed the mount line. And within minutes of being on the bike course, the rain began to fall.

MightyMan Race Report - Part I

Where to begin?

What started with three other friends joining me to race MightyMan, dwindled down to just me driving up to Long Island on Thursday afternoon. I missed having TRIgirl company, but also knew a big part of my decision to do MightyMan was being close to my roots - and, more importantly, knowing that my family would be cheering me on.

With a stop at my brother and sister-in-law's for a couple of nights before heading off to the race site, I was able to spend quality time with my wonderful family. On Friday morning, we learned that my mom's aunt had a serious health issue, leaving her in very critical condition.

Somehow, between tough phones calls and shared memories, my family, especially my mom, managed to still be encouraging and supportive of the upcoming race weekend. My sister-in-law's mom even made her famous Filipino egg rolls. And my sister-in-law whipped up a dish of the most delicious sea bass I've ever had.

Saturday morning, we headed off to Montauk - my brother offering to drive, allowing me to relish a car nap (which is often the best sleep I ever get!). Our first stop was the race site to pick up my registration packet. The process was easy - and I loved the MightyMan sweatshirt included in the SWAG. I checked out the water. It was chilly, but warmer than I expected. Then someone reminded me it wouldn't be quite so comfortable at 6:45 in the morning.

We stopped by our condos. I unpacked and began sorting my gear for the next day. My family was going to chill out for a few hours as I fit in an easy workout and drove the bike course.

Patriot Sangria, decked out in TRIgirl BL's awesome Zipp wheels, was eager to escape the Honda as we hit about 12 miles of the bike course. I was relieved that the hilly route was not as crazy as the Blue Ridge - the worst parts were similar to the Patterson Avenue climbs out in Goochland - challenging (the most difficult half IM I'd attempted so far), but reasonable. I loved the warm-up ride - the cerulean blue skies framed ocean views and the famous Montauk lighthouse. I drove the rest of the bike course. There were a few more notable ascents and some rolling hills, but the worst seemed to be the first 12 miles I'd already experienced. The rest of the two loop course included glimpses of the Long Island Sound, vineyards, docks - and quaint New England beach homes.

With race day weather predicted to be sunny, dry and in the 50s and 60s, I was psyched for an awesome ride.

The day was quickly ticking by - I squeezed in a short run, but never made it to check out the water. My mom had researched and reserved dinner for 5:00 at the Harvest On Fort Pond (the same body of water for MightyMan!). We shared fabulous appetizers and main dishes - and noted several serious looking athletes.

Going to bed, I was grateful and happy. All the pieces seemed to be in place for a perfect race day...

It Is What It Is

Coach M has uttered these words many times.

And I've thought I understood.

You can't change who you are.

Your abilities.

Your talents.

Your training.

What you've done.

What you haven't done.

Recently these words have been rattling around in my brain.

A month ago, I felt strong - I was having some awesome workouts.

Since then, I've been putting in the hours.

The last few weeks have been a struggle.

Sometimes more mentally than physically.

I've worried about missing some key training - due to work, travel and hurricanes.

I felt stale and cranky in the water yesterday after not swimming for a week.

Not exactly what you want before your taper begins.

Today's bike and run felt better.

Not my strongest.

But stronger.

Am I ready for MightyMan?

I hope so.

Ironwoman Canada says I am.

I trust her.

And also realize.

With a new appreciation.

It is what it is.

Snapshots of LA

Los Angeles, that is.

Ideally, my first trip to California would have been to the places I’ve been drooling over for years. San Francisco, Sonoma, Carmel…

But you take what you can get. And I was able to get a great opportunity to combine a work trip with a few extra days tacked on to explore the west coast – in the heart of Hollywood.

LAX – let’s just skip that part.

Hollywood – Our hotel was literally .1 miles from Hollywood Boulevard. Why do I know this? Because my husband sent me the Mapquest directions from the hotel’s lobby to Regis Philbin’s star.

Patriot Sangria, who's been keeping busy with a little make-over at 3-Sports while we’ve been traveling, has been jealously pouting because Steve McQueen has a star, but she does not.

And other than that – and a few good restaurants – Hollywood was, kind of, boring.

Beverly Hills – Yes Beverly Hills was quaintly posh. The homes were lovely. Not terribly big, but still impressive – and ridiculously expensive. We shopped along Rodeo Drive with a few friends who came down from central California during our visit. Actually, we didn’t really shop as the only affordable item was Starbucks water.

I made a separate trip to Beverly Hills to fit in my long run. There was no way I could handle two hours on the treadmill – and Hollywood is not exactly conducive to street runs. I woke up early on Sunday morning – to DRIZZLE – chilly, drizzle - which, though slightly ironic, was refreshing as I followed the 6 mile loop cue sheet I found online. Running goes by much more quickly when you are trying to keep track of directions on unfamiliar streets.

Malibu – My husband and I rented a car for our stay and spent part of one morning cruising. We stumbled upon Malibu – my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean – with the high cliffs and hills bordering the Pacific Coast Highway. The water was calm, though plenty of surfers were out trying to catch some waves. We even drove by the triathlon site for the infamous “JLo” race which was set-up for the weekend’s events. I couldn’t help but wish I had registered for the race – the course would have been awesome!

Venice Beach – Uh, how could such a lovely beach also boast the most bizarre combination of boardwalk vendors? Crap and more crap being sold by quite the eclectic crowd.

Laguna Beach – We visited my husband’s cousins in Orange Hills and scored a tour of Laguna Beach. We walked down the shoreline on a gorgeous afternoon. Photographers posed their clients among breathtaking rock formations. The waves pounded the shore – and I could not understand how such an amazing beach was not more crowded.

And now, we are back home - happy to see the furkids - and ready for the last workouts before MightyMan!

Whoops

Yes, I know it has been almost two weeks since my last post.

Life has been busy, but blogs have been floating around in my brain.

Here are their headlines, some of which may actually become future entries:

• My Little Ironman Shopping Spree Finds
• Coach B Fights Bears and RVs for TRIgirls
• Twinges of Jealousy: While Many Team Mates Taper, MightyMan Training Kicks it Up a Notch
• Progress? Feeling Stronger When You Feel Weaker?
• Blackbirds Rock
• The Blue Ridge Triple Threat Ends on a Positive Note
• "You Look Like You Are Actually Moving" - and other Swimming Highlights

What Should TRIgirl 40 Do?

Oh my, I have a dilemma.

Coach G posted the following on our forum the other day:

ChesapeakeMan Aquavelo
Saturday September 27
2.4 mile swim
112 mile bike https://www.tricolumbia.org/ChesapeakeMan/

Sweet! Tempting! After preparing for the Chesapeake Bay swim, the swim training will seem like a breeze. I wanted to do a bunch of centuries on the bike this summer, anyway. How fun would it be to participate with the TRIgirls using this race as IMFL training?

And, oh happy day, no run!

The problem. It is one week before MightyMan.

I don't think I can do both (though folks, who shall remain nameless, but have done a marathon the week after Ironman, may disagree). I'll be taking this to friends, training buddies, coaches and family members for their thoughts...

Do I want to be a ChesapeakeMan or a MightyMan?

How crazy would it be to become a MightyChesapeakeMan?

A Hill Treaty

I have to be honest. This week included my first “hill” workout since Ironman training. (Shhh, don't tell the coaches.)

Even before IMFL, I justified running the rolling sections of my neighborhood or West Creek for most of my hill workouts because Florida was a flat race.

It has been awhile since I repeatedly pushed myself up a good, long climb. Because, as many of you have heard me whine, hills and I haven't had a very copasetic relationship in the past. Just running up the slight incline at the VITA course would leave me hacking and sputtering. The few times I attempted the Nickel Bridge or the pit of despair were pure torture. I chugged like a freight train and nearly collapsed when reaching the top. My quads would burn, but not as much as my poor, confused lungs.

Mightyman has hills – for both the bike and run. Facing my nemesis was long overdue. It was time to tackle a real hill workout.

Just outside the University of Richmond campus is a looong climb – probably somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 mile. Parts are steep, parts level off to fake flat - but a continued upward gradient the whole way.

Four times. The plan was to run up (and then down) this monster four times.

First attempt, I thought to myself, “Good Gosh, I'm only like one minute into this hill and there is still so much ahead." Then a minute or so later, "OK, this seems doable, but remember it is just the first time.”

Second attempt, “Ow, ow, a little side cramp issue, but legs feel good. There are some pretty houses around here. Two more times. I am halfway done.”

Third attempt, “Whew, cramp seems to have eased off during the downhill, legs are getting a little tired. Breathing heavier. Concentrate!”

Fourth time, “Yeah, legs are tired. Slowing down a little. Pull out the word. Believe you can do this. See, you can speed-up a little. Wait, I’m almost done. This workout was not just not bad. I may have even…

LIKED

THE

HILLS!”

Sometime over these past few months, my body has figured out how to deal better with hills. But like a friend's kid who you haven't seen in years, and you are shocked to find out said kid is taller than your friend, it hit me with surprise. All the IM training - mental and physical - tiny gains building over time - led to my perception of a significant improvement from my memories of previous similar hill workouts.

There is a chance I may have finally overcome my hill phobia, when running anyway. We've made a new pact that goes beyond resigned tolerance.

Alas, a major peace summit still seems to be needed for the biking. Just ask TRIDi, Popsrcr and REB60 - they smoked me during the last hill in today's bike ride!

The Decision

The coaches pretty much agreed either Mightyman or Naylor's would work with the IMFL training schedule. But I've decided to stick with Naylor's this year, mostly because it will be cheaper for both the registration and travel fees.

And as Ironwoman Canada told me this morning - it will be great speed work for me.

An Olympic distance race as speed work? Naylor's, no less, with its rip tide swim, challenging bike and demoralizing run course? I just shook my head.

Next year - though - I am in for Mightyman - and have already heard that several TRIgirls may be joining me!

So Tempting!

I was just paging through the Triathlon Life magazine that arrived the other day and I what did I find?

Mightyman!

A Half-Ironman back "home" and through the beautiful, picturesque Montauk.

Close to family and friends who I could either try to tempt to race with me or who may travel just a couple of hours to be cheerleaders.

Problem 1 - Naylor's Beach is on my calendar for that day. I was actually looking forward to doing Naylor's again - between hoping for some improvements, the new September date and racing with other TRIgirls. I haven't registered yet, so depending on Problems 2 and 3...

Problem 2 - I'm doing the Patriot Half three weeks earlier. Will I have recovered enough? Then again, we are not tapering for the Patriot in preparation for IMFL - so I doubt I'll be resting much after.

Problem 3 - Which race would be better for IMFL training - an Olympic or another half???

Problem 4 - If I do Mightyman, there won't be an Olympic distance race on my calendar. Therefore, no fourth TRIgirl pint glass to add to my collection.

The decision rests in the hands of my coaches - based upon their recommendation of which would be better for IMFL training.

If not this year, Mightyman (and maybe some other LI Event Power races) WILL be on next year's schedule! And you betcha I'll be trying to convince my triathlon friends to join me!