Race Report - Rumpus in Bumpass

Geez, I am so out of the loop with blogging. I remember finishing races, thinking about the highlights or blunders I'd post about.

But yes, I did race - and yes, I had a rumpusing time.

Race eve kicked off with a trip to Bumpass for packet pick-up with MollyMary. It was hot and windy - and Lake Anna looked more choppy than I'd ever seen it. We did one easy loop of the bike course and a transition run (which I complained about the entire time). Then, I jumped in the chilly water for a quick swim to test my new wetsuit and to try to remember what open water swimming felt like.

Back at home, the Traffic Connoisseur and Rainbow kindly stopped by to share a nutritious and delicious pre-race dinner (TC's yummy Roman Pasta). Rainbow made a wonderful salad - and TC brought the wine. We had a lovely meal, sitting outside, until poor Rainbow's allergies flared up.

Can I tell you how much I love a 10:00 race start? I slept well and woke up around 7:00 to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back up to Lake Anna.

Upon arrival, the water was still looking rough. I ran into MollyMary, MaryMolly and the Barracudas - who were also racing. Soon after, SuperAnnn and JenBo arrived. Their Super Sherpa duties started with magic candy to supplement my bento box and bottles filled with warm water to take the chill off the swim start.

I was very relaxed - and given my last few weeks of training - my goal was to have fun - and maybe push the bike.

With the horn sending my wave off, the race started. The choppiness was annoying. It seemed to take a long time to reach the first buoy. Things eased up after the first turn - and I felt like I was sighting well (unusual for me) and getting into a swimming grove. Given that my pool times have been improving and hearing the hoots and hollers coming from SuperAnnn and JenBo - I figured I must have had a great swim.

Until I got out of the water and saw my time - close to 35 minutes. Probably my worst Olympic distance time other than my first attempt at Naylor's! Really couldn't do anything besides chuckle.

Off on the bike, I circled the two loop course. Though windy in stretches, I still felt good (and checking in with my bike computer reassured me that I was actually having a solid ride). My Super Sherpas encouraged me with their huge cheers on both loops. Close to my best bike - I came in right around 1:15.

As always, I'd love to end my race (and blog post) here, but there's that dang run.

The day had heated up, but it was still nice run weather - the strong wind finally providing some relief. The rolling two loop course was what I remembered, with each of the out and back stretches on the main road (done twice) seeming way longer than 2.6 miles.

I stuck to my plan of having fun - meaning I didn't worry about my slow pace or walking a few hills. And 1:04 later, feeling better during that last 1/4 mile than I did for the entire run, I crossed the finish line - 14 seconds shy of a PR and just under 3 hours total.

And I'll take that.

SuperAnnn and JenBo had special surprises at the finish - a birthday tiara, cupcake and champagne. I can't thank them enough for all their kindness and support. Much thanks to Super Annn and her tri photographer Dad for my favorite race montage:

Post race, we spent a few hours relaxing in the fading sun on JenBo's beach. Then I headed back home to meet up with the Barracudas for an evening full of great wine, food and conservation.

All in all - a wonderful day, full of amazing friends, a fun race...

and the bestest birthday!

Rumpusing

As Rumpus Eve approaches, I find myself feeling incredibly lucky and grateful.

Healthwise, I am better. A co-worker mentioned to me today that she hadn't noticed me hacking up a lung the past day or so.

Ironwoman Canada called me about a few race details - and shared her confidence in my readiness - reaffirming my thoughts for a realistic bike and run, especially given the past few months.

Finally, the outpouring of kindness from my friends and family for thoughtful pre, during and post race activities, has reinforced my 2010 goal - of balancing work and fun - this race/birthday weekend.

You guys (and I hope you know who you are) totally rock!

Two Months

Yikes, it has been almost two months since my last blog post. Even my Dad, one of the most laid back people in the world, gave me a gentle nudge while visiting last week for Easter.

Since the Virginia is for Lovers 14K, workouts have picked up a bit. It hasn't been a great start to the season. My family lost a close relative a few weeks ago, shifting priorities during two visits to New York in ten days. I have also caught one stupid bug after the other. Bronchitis, serious sinus infection, stomach virus - and yesterday, after finishing a tour of the upcoming Kinetic Half course with a fellow Guppy, the sinus and chest congestion flared up with a new symptom, losing my voice.

While none of these ailments have been that awful, they certainly have been draining and annoying. I haven't been this consecutively sick in a long time - probably since my first year of teaching in 1990. All the nose wiping, diaper changing and general little kid exposure tested my immune system to the limit. The silver lining was a super strong resistance that lasted quite awhile. It seems this natural vaccine was good for twenty years.

So, I've missed workouts here and there. And recovery days have been more about trying to knock these germs out of my system than rebuilding muscle and resting.

My first triathlon race of the year, Rumpus in Bumpass Olympic, is next week. On my birthday. This is a fun course and I know I can finish - and as long as my health stays where it is or gets better, I should have a reasonable race. Probably not a PR, but within range.

The May Kinetic Half worries me a bit more. But I have a few more weeks before taper, so we'll see how things go.

The Year of Fun Races Kick-Off

Last fall, the Traffic Connoisseur invited a few friends to race the Virginia is for Lovers 14K in memory of a good family friend, John Kainer, the namesake for her son.

And if you know the Traffic Connoisseur and her friends - you would have also immediately signed up for this race - it was bound to be great fun - in addition to being for a good cause.

So while unprecedented snowy weather interfered with many outdoor runs since Christmas, making the 14K my longest run since Placid, I was still looking forward to kicking off Valentine's weekend on Friday by getting together with the girls for some pre-race festivities. Several friends had driven down to the beach a little earlier, but the Traffic Connoisseur and I soon caught up with them at Abbey Road Pub, where I must say, some impressive carbo loading was underway.

Yep, this was my kind of run.

So we chowed down on some evil greasy pub fare, before heading to the hotel - SuperAnnn had found an amazing deal at an Oceanfront Marriot. The party continued at our suite, where we found that SuperAnnn had supplemented our race packets with cupid wings, halos, crowns, boas and heart tattoos - which we tried on instead of preparing our gear. We watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies as the Traffic Connoisseur and Pink's #1 Brunette Fan kept filling our glasses. The rumor of the race being cancelled due to snow wasn't sounding too bad.

The next morning, we woke up to something that looked like a PG scene from "The Hangover." We also found that JenBo was hit hard with a horrible stomach flu or food poisoning. As we somewhat reluctantly started to accept that the race would go on as scheduled since there were just a few flurries swirling around, we heard that Pink's #1 Blond Fan was also suffering from major stomach issues.

Those of us lucky enough to escape illness, quietly tucked in the patients, then snuck out to grab a quick cup of coffee. At 7:40, we realized we should head out to the 8:00 race. We barely made it in time - the race had kicked off as we were walking to the start line.

Patty Who Hits SuperAnnn was somewhere in the crowd, with the sweet son of her long term friend. Since the group had different goals for the race, we were all kind of on our own at the race start.

Wearing my cupid wings, crown, boa and heart tattoo, I loved seeing lots of other decorated racers - donning everything from Valentine antennae to boxer shorts. It felt different - but very fun - to be part of the silliness.

After the first few miles, I spotted another set of cupid wings out of the corner of my eye. The Traffic Connoisseur had caught me and kindly ran along with me for the next few miles. Between my huffing and puffing we admired the fun race signs. She ducked out for a bit during one of the loops, but we met up again to check out "Cupcake Curve," grabbing a frozen brownie bite to go.

The snow started to come down more heavily toward the end of the race - as we followed the route around the amphitheater. The course would have been pretty boring - but the race directors really did an impressive job keeping it interesting. The Traffic Connoisseur was a great pacer and had me moving during the last few miles. The group soon found each other and we shivered congratulatory hugs. We headed over to the beer tent to celebrate - though I gave Patty Who Hits Annn most of my beer. Now if only they served wine post race.

It seemed to be getting colder and colder - so we decided to forgo the second beer. Thankfully, both our sick friends were starting to feel at least a little bit better.

Oh, and yeah, this was a race right? I hadn't worn a watch (though I did happen to bring sneakers from two different sets, thankfully for different feet, too), so I didn't know my time until later in the day. Turns out I had a solid race - 9:44 pace - which is my fastest for anything over a 10K. I've never done a 14K before, so we can even call it a PR.

And more importantly - a super fun start to the 2010 season.

Naturally

With the discovery of my 2010 word, "True," I've also found a little more umph in my training. My guess is, without the worries of trying to just finish a race like IMUSA, I have gained some breathing room, allowing me to explore my limits.

For example, my rather bumpy history with running.

This normal childhood milestone seems to have alluded me. I've always been comfortable swimming in the water - no matter how slow. I've jumped crazy waves, barely panicking in riptides. And, in the past few years, I've learned that there is this amazing biking groove - where pedal stroke and power synchronize to meet happiness (as long as it isn't too hilly anyway).

But I have very few recollections of feeling "natural" when running. Glimpses of playing tag or other schoolyard games cross my mind, but are quickly replaced with the lumbering, breathless images that dominate my memories.

During this off-season - and my year of doing races that bring me joy -I've been revisiting running. In some ways - I am trying to relearn to run.

To do this, I've been spending lots of time on the treadmill. I don't really like running on the treadmill, but it has allowed me to set challenging paces while removing the thinking.

Yes, I have to "think" when I run, especially if I am trying to run fast (which really isn't very fast at all).

For quite a few recent workouts, I've let the treadmill think for me. I've set a pace and concentrated on form and relaxing my body.

So far it is working - at least on the treadmill. I've run my fastest 2 miler and 3K - and have come within seconds of my 10K PR.

I know that running outside is different, just like bicycling on the trainer doesn't compare to being on the open road.

But, I am hoping that my mind is working with my body to create a new imprint - one that will result in a very late bloomer learning to run -

...naturally.

It's a Boy!!!!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Monty (named after Inigo Montoya)!

Our newest addition has already brought much joy - he is a sweet, little, soft ball of happiness - and Fezzy is a wonderful, caring, helpful older brother.

We've loved watching the last few days unfold - though they have seemed too easy.

But another reason why we should all try to be a bit more like our dogs...

Latest Gear Purchase

Bike, wetsuit, sneakers?

Guess again.

My latest triathlon purchase is (drum roll please)...

A new car!

A 2010 Honda CR-V - glacier blue - that reminds me of pretty winter skies and crystal clear lakes.

The (almost) 10 year old, 2 door Honda Accord has been sold to our neighbor's 16 year old daughter. It was a great, reliable car - and served as a pretty locker room these last few seasons.

The SUV thing is a big step for me. For years, I would never consider anything other than a sporty coupe. But the CR-V is a small SUV - not a whole lot bigger than the Accord - and gets around the same gas mileage.

I love it! I owe many friends rides to destination workouts and races. I intend to pay them back as soon as the hitch and 4 bike rack is installed.

True

I've been a bit neglectful posting over these past few holiday weeks. Just like my training, my blogging may have needed some down time.

The break has been a good thing. It has given me a chance to wonder if even back packers need a reality check. Eight hours of exercise a week is still probably more than the average American. At what point are everyday triathletes sucked into thinking that this level of activity isn't enough?

I just spent an amazing Christmas with family and childhood friends - and a fantastic New Year's weekend with more recent favorite buddies. The first day of 2010 included a fun, new adventure planned by Karen's Shawn and Shawn's Karen for Barricuda BL, The Should be Sponsored Wife and me - a trail run to find a letterbox in the beautiful, quiet and remote Nags Head Nature Reserve.

And now, while a wicked wind whips through the beach on this cold, but sunny, second day of January, I've had some time to think about the upcoming year. A word to encapsulate my hopes for 2010 has escaped me, but if I could share the objective in a phrase - it would be "Finding my place - being the best I can be doing what I love.

Meaning the :

• peace of the water
• thrill of the ride
• challenges of the run
• love of the outdoors
• quest of new adventures
• joy of friends, family and training mates.

I do not have the athletic gifts to excel at triathlon, but I am grateful to have the desire, drive and determination to be a part of this unique community.

After typing these last few sentences - a word started to make sense.

"True."

In 2010 I am going to be OK with being true to who I am and what I want to do.

Happy New Year everyone!

Gym Cast

I always enjoy when my favorite bloggers post about the characters they find in their gyms - it is kind of like virtual people watching.

I belong to a local YMCA - and the branch I usually go to is frequented by fairly serious athletes and triathletes - a higher percentage than you might find at most Ys.

But, there are a few interesting regulars, like Yogaman - a budda like, very flexible, older gentleman who can spend hours on the side of the pool going through Tai Chi poses and standing on his head.

The other day, I ran into two others. I'd just finished swimming a few laps with Guppy SW and was getting ready for weight torture with Ironwoman Canada. Hence, my hair was wet. A woman walked into the locker room, heading my way. She leaned over and stared into my face, with a perplexed look of disgust, saying "How did you get THAT sweaty?"

I briefly considered breaking out the blow dryer and hair spray before repulsing the rest of the Tuckahoe Y members. Though being late for Ironwoman Canada seemed a worse wrath, so I walked over to the weight room, while adjusting my wet bangs.

Soon, Ironwoman Canada had D2 and me really sweating (so I kept on alert for the locker room woman). We were stationed near the back of the gym, on like the 100th alternating lunge, when an older woman barrelled toward me, barking out "Class coming through!" It was obvious she wasn't stopping or rerouting her path for me - so I jumped out of her way - letting her pass before resuming my lunges. Within seconds, the rest of the geriatric posse followed - making it clear that we were in the way of the route they've traveled from their 7 am class through the 10,000 square foot gym since retirement.

On the bright side, they did get me out of a few lunges.

Off Season

My newest Splish swimsuit features a cute little penguin family huddled among snowflakes on the front - and the words "off season" spread to the limit across my not so petite bottom.

Off season - with Ironwoman Canada's help, I've been working on "getting it" a bit more this year.

After IMFL in 2007, my endorphins were running so high that I continued training as if another Ironman race was on the immediate schedule.

2008 ended with training efforts focused on late season half IMs and marathons.

My 2009 "A" race was IMUSA in July - followed by my final "B" race - the Giant Acorn Olympic race - in early October. Meaning that off season started earlier this year - and on a bit of an "off" note.

Alas, as well as the 2-5 pound weight gain fluctuation.

Even with a little extra pudge, I've been striving to understand and trust the benefits of off season. I'm still training 6-10 hours per week, but trying to make all those hours enjoyable.

I look forward to swim and bike workouts - without the pressure of upcoming races. I've been incredibly annoyed by rainy weekend weather forecasts. I've been itching to bike on beautiful days - but have cut workouts short - or even skipped workouts - if the weather was crappy.

But those nice bike riding days...have made my heart flutter. I've relished moments casually cruising through beautiful scenery or pushing harder speeds.

These past few weeks, I've started to feel a twinge bit more comfortable about running. I've headed out without my Garmin and enjoyed the cooler temperatures, the fall leaves - and lately - the Christmas lights. I've tried to focus on technique, no matter what the distance - hoping to create a new and better imprint.

Trust and acceptance - maybe a few months of physical and mental rest and rejuvination will actually be beneficial vs. detrimental for next season.

We'll see.

Watch Out For Gravel

With the start of "off season," several of my training buddies have been bitten by the mountain biking bug.

I tried mountain bike riding a few years back. Like 10 to put it in perspective. I can't remember where we rode, but I do remember being so proud of myself after rolling over a few small log piles. I also recall thinking it was fun - like a day of hiking - though I hopped off the bike for a few more scary sections of the trail.

Well, my friends are on a whole 'nother level with their excursions. I've heard about the crazy falls and seen the impressive hematomas.

They've been gradually wearing me down, though, with promises of becoming a better bicyclist. When my company sent out the ten year work anniversary "pick your award" email, I noticed there was a mountain bike.

This must be a sign, right?

So I cut and paste the details and forwarded to the mountain bike goddesses.

Who promptly wrote back (kindly not making fun of me in the response)...

"No - that is a cruising mountain bike - meant for nice rides on sidewalks!"

Given I can't even pick out a mountain bike, let alone have the daredevil coordination to stay on the thing - I am thinking this may actually be a sign -

To stay on paved surfaces!

Ironman Arizona

Wishing a great race to several friends doing Ironman Arizona today. According to the athlete tracker, everyone is having a solid race - and though I wish I could be watching on the live feed, for some mysterious reason it won't download on either my desktop or laptop.

Pretty annoying.

But from the pictures, it looks like a beautiful day to race - and become an Ironman (a special shout-out to FAVE!)!

Putting it Out There

First - much congrats to all the Richmond IMFL finishers! You were exciting and inspiring to follow yesterday through the IM website and online feed (which thankfully worked most of the time) as well as sherpa texts, FB posts and phone calls. I can't wait to hear everyone's stories - and hope you all are basking in post race activities right now!

Seems I was one of many remembering the magic of Panama City. Over the past few days, a rumor has started and seems to be gaining momentum - a return to IMFL in 2011?

Hmmmm. What a happy thought!

And a shout out to Guppy TVR - who completed the iron distance Beach to Battleship - in 9:50!

All this race excitement has motivated me to put my 2010 race plans out there.

The theme for next year is "cheap, within driving distance - and fun." No worrisome travel or intimidating courses:

• Virginia is for Lovers 14 K - a tribute to John Kainer with some of the most fun peeps around
• Rumpass in Bumpass Olympic - my favorite local race
• Monument 10K - my best run ever - a goal to try to hit again
• Florida 70.3 - not definite - but hoping it works out
• MightyMan - somebody owes me a beautiful day for this gorgeous hometown race course
• Beach to Battleship IM Distance - for some reason, this race really appeals to me

And the best part - each of these races makes me...

Smile.

IMFL 2009

Goooooo strong, wonderful and fabulous IMFL girls (and boys)!!!!!

(I think I am more excited about friends doing IMFL this year than I was about IMUSA.)

They have trained hard and through obstacles. They deserve the beautiful weather forecasted - and the wonderful onsite super sherpa treatment. A few of us are left behind to cheer from afar - but we'll be doing so with gusto!

So excited for you inspiring women - and can't wait to hear your stories!

Feeling Better

2009 has been an interesting year so far.

The moments when things fell into place seemed to be outnumbered by those when things felt off - sometimes due to the physical, sometimes to the mental. IMUSA and the Giant Acorn being obvious examples.

After IMUSA, Ironwoman Canada told me that I needed to cut back. To allow myself to get worse before I could better again.

I did well with getting worse.

And the past week or so, I am finding that I am starting to feel better.

I am not failing as miserably at running. I even had my best 400 about a week and a half ago thanks to some individual attention from Ironwoman Canada. Then, at last week's track workout, Cupcake KO was a wonderful running buddy and pacer. Yesterday, Barracuda BL, the Should Be Sponsored Wife and I went for an easy run. Except none of us seemed to remember the easy part. Great weather and good company had us pushing the pace - maybe to enjoy the coffee reward at the finish.

Less time in the lap lane has been good for my shoulder. Today I had an encouraging Guppy workout. I may have even surprised Ironwoman Canada - she remarked a few times that I looked really good in the water. I almost kept up with one of my Guppy swimming heroes, Sharona, during a 50 sprint. Let's just forget the kicking drills for the moment...

Then there is the bike. I am grateful for a good bike year. This weekend's Seagull metric century ride (kudos to the Peddalin' SQ for completing the full century and achieving impressive TNT fundraising efforts) started off with a discouraging downpour (during which, Barracuda BL, the Should Be Sponsored Wife and I sat in the car and debated bagging the ride to shop instead). Alas, we braved the storm clouds and headed off for a fun day. I would love to do the ride in the future on a beautiful sunny day - but still enjoyed the smooth roads and pretty course. The first 17ish miles were casual. The next 23 included some tough pace line work. And after a decadent rest stop (picture: great band, river view, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and apple pie), we completed the last 23 miles battling crazy cross and head winds.

While part of me would like to say I did the mile century, it was great to finish the ride feeling strong - those last 20 miles of a century can be brutal.

Then today, thanks to Columbus, I was able to join the Should Be Sponsored Wife and the RABA folks for Mondays with Mary. Though chilly, I loved the 35 mile route from Powhatan to Cartersville. Scenic foliage, fast flats, tough hills, challenging rollers and smooth roads - it was great. The Should Be Sponsored Wife was donning her new Fuji - which looked marvelous on her! We warmed up with soup and half-sandwiches afterwards - and I drove home feeling content, sleepy and...

happy.

Giant Acorn Olympic - Race Report

Did you ever have a moment of true greatness or absolute failure in a race?

Well, this weekend's Giant Acorn had both for me.

Saturday's weather turned out to be better than expected. While heavy rains woke me the night before, race day started out overcast and warmer than predicted. The clouds were gradually clearing as I drove to the Lake Anna Marina and set up transition. I met a high school friend, whose husband was doing his first Olympic. I caught up with a few Guppies, who impressed me with their detailed preparations. I also ran into two TRIgirls, gearing up for their latest challenges - one preparing with family support for her first Oly tri - and the other giving valuable advice to other racers on the porto-potty line.

Yet, without the posse' I typically train or race with, I was kind of on my own.

A few minutes before the race, I ventured into Lake Anna - the water was a little chilly at first, but warmed up quickly. Calmly, I waited for the purple caps to begin. When the gun for our wave sounded, I saw a bunch of folks take off - and was impressed by the super speedy swimmers. Still not able to push the start, I just tried to settle in - and not fall too far behind. The first turn went well - I was gradually catching up to the lead group and falling into a groove. But after the second turn, I lost my bearings. I couldn't find the buoys - nor a clustered group to follow. When I finally caught sight of a buoy, I realized I was a bit off the course. Overall, though, it felt like a good swim. With volunteers to help pull racers out of the water - I was optimistic for a decent swim time. And though not a PR - my swim was around 31 minutes.

Going into transition, I felt pretty good. I was excited to get on the bike.

And what a bike it was.

With a solid, consistent effort, I finished the first loop close to my dream goal - to finish at a 20 mph pace. Then I settled in for the second loop - which was a little faster - but felt a little easier than the first. I passed many women - and don't recall being passed by any women (other than a little leap frog with one girl near the end that luckily left me at the front of the game) - to end up with a 20.1 mph ride. While I didn't know the exact split at the time, I knew I was close enough to be psyched.

Getting off my bike, I was happy that my legs felt good. The weather had continued to heat up, but didn't seem too bad. I put on my sneakers and headed out. A five minute PR seemed possible if I could have an average run.

Except I didn't. As I posted on Facebook, it was dismal.

Within the first half mile, my heart was racing and I couldn't catch my breath. Which continued for the rest of the run, as I watched so many of the bikers I passed (and others I didn't), whiz by me on the run. Occasionally I wondered if I should have brought my inhaler. I wasn't wheezing heavily, but I wasn't breathing normally. And I am sure my frustration wasn't helping the situation.

I ended up walking a good chunk of the course. More than any race I could recall (percentage wise). Including IMs.

I finished the race at 3:04. A five minute PR had turned into a 5 minute not PR. The slowest run I can remember for a 10K.

And I couldn't figure it out why right away. Going into the porto potties after the race, I could hear that my breathing was a bit wheezy. Driving home, I started sneezing and gradually noticed that my sinuses were clogged. Later in the evening, I was dealing with some impressive green phlegm.

At best, a delayed onset head cold contributed to a very lackluster run.

At worst, I am just continuing to deteriorate in my running capabilities.

So for now, I'm torn between throwing myself into becoming a better runner -

Or just signing up for aqua bikes!

Times Change

When signing up for the Giant Acorn, I figured I'd be psyched for a fall Olympic race after IMUSA - remembering how I felt post IMFL.

Instead, I'm feeling unprepared. IMUSA left me drained vs. charged. Training has taken a backseat to a bunch or work related travel, problems and deadlines. In the midst of which, I decided that the "Big Nut" would need to be about fun. If I woke up and the weather looked bad - or I felt crappy - I'd roll right back over for some more zzzzzs.

As of this morning, the weather forecast included showers for Saturday.

And in my heart - I am just wishing for it to change into an amazing, beautiful fall day.

Because I have a feeling, even if it doesn't...

I won't be able to let myself back out without guilt and disappointment.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Or a few days of it anyway since Lake Placid...

I rode my bike in beautiful settings.

Sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

Sometimes not even thinking about the pace.

Sometimes on flats that seemed effortless.

Sometimes on hills that are still daunting.

Sometimes without a care in the world.

Sometimes thinking about a friend waiting with a flat.

Sometimes planning marina buying schemes.

Sometimes silently with my own thoughts.

Sometimes grossed out by roadkill.

Sometimes in amazement of deer bounding across the road.

Sometimes followed by a decadent brunch, yummy picnic or river chillin'.

Most times with friends who just love to bike.

What a great way to start the fall...

Reflections

Over a month has passed since IMUSA.

The race report took forever to write - unlike Florida's.

And "unlike Florida" is what I've found myself saying many times this past month as I've reflected on IMUSA and IMFL.

Leaving me wondering if IMFL was a fluke.

I loved so much about IMFL. The training, the start, the swim, the weather, most of the bike, most of the run, the crowds, the finish. Other than a few miles on the bike and run - I felt pretty darn great the whole race.

IMUSA, on the other hand, seemed like a struggle from the start.

Like the apprehension before signing up.

Like an injury that affected my spirit and confidence about running maybe more than my physical capabilities.

Like bike rides that helped my hill climbing, but also made me realize how much still needed to improve.

Like the complications from a switch in asthma meds that took weeks to notice.

Like race day challenges, from cramps to broken toes to weird nutrition issues.

Like losing your furkid two days after the race - and knowing your husband bore the brunt of some really tough conversations.

And while there were also many wonderful moments, too - new milestones, awesome coaching, great workout buddies, challenging and fun training camps, stretches on the bike and run course, amazing family and friend sherpas, the beautiful house we stayed in, a great IM gift from my folks...

I've concluded that Florida...

was magical.

But maybe the challenges of Lake Placid were more....

Ironman.

IMUSA - Race Report - The Run

While for both IMs I haven't been able to find volunteers for T1s - I've been lucky enough to have amazing ones for T2s.

We started going through my bag - and I tried to just settle down and prepare for the run. Taking the bike shoe off my left foot was painful. I peeled off my sock and saw it - a very swollen and black toe.

I wasn't exactly stable before noticing this - and hearing the volunteer recommend I go to the medical tent made the tears that I'd been fighting, start to stream down my face. I remembered how Ironboy JW had finished an IM with a broken toe - and how crazy I thought that was.

Knowing that running is my weakest sport, I doubted my ability to complete a marathon with a broken toe - in addition to the weird hydration/nutrition issues that were going on. Having broken toes in the past, I knew there was nothing the medical tent could do. I tried to be grateful for not having broken a big toe. So I changed clothes and tied my sneakers, figuring I'd come this far and was going to continue for as long as I could.

Through the majority of T2, TRIgirl CD was in the tent with me. Even after a tough and painful bike, she was chipper and upbeat though she knew she'd be taking the run easy and walking most of it due to a much more serious injury than a broken toe. We hugged before she headed out - with me following soon after.

I was still a mess for awhile. I stopped at the porto-potty at the first aid station - hmmm, still nothing going on. I tried walking with TRIgirl CD but soon realized her walking pace was faster than I could handle. So I experiemented with run/walk combinations that might work. Early on, I ran into TRIgirl KB (finishing her first loop!) - who convinced me to take a Tylenol.

And after that, surprisingly, things fell into place for the rest of my race. I could jog the downhills and the flats - and walk the uphills to keep my toe from having to deal with the extra bend. While my nutrition was messed up - I forgot to even Gu for the first 4 miles - I took in whatever appealed to me at each aid station. Most of the time that consisted of water, cola and oranges. The sweat continued to pour out of me, even when the temperature cooled off as the sun began to set. I saw many fellow Richmond racers. When the timing worked out, I could spend a few minutes trekking along with some of them - TRIgirls KO, SK, CD, and Coach MB, Others, I'd see in passing during the loops - TRIgirls KB, AM, LM, SS, the Barricudas, Coach BB and TRIboy MR, Some I never saw - like the super speedy boys TVR, MC, AS and GM.

The Richmond cheerleaders had spread themselves across the miles in town. My husband, mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law and house neighbors were at the out and back of the end of each loop - so I was able to see, high five and hug them twice before starting loop two. I can't remember exactly who said what - but remember feeling supported and encouraged. Seeing Ironwoman Canada and the Real Deal on the stretch through town was motivating, too.

The second loop was more of the same, with the addition of some chicken broth. A few times I started to feel light headed - probably from being low on calories - and I tried to take in something at the next aid station to help me get through. I'd given up on Gus, though, so the calories were limited to oranges, gatorade and cola.

During the last six miles, I was relieved and happy that finishing seemed to be possible and I started to relax and smile more. Ironwoman Canada and the Real Deal were waiting on one of the tough climbs back into town - they helped me powerwalk up the hill. Hearing Ironwoman Canada tell me how proud she was of me - and that I was much tougher than she realized (also mentioning that she would remember this for future workouts) gave me the last shot of adrenlin I needed to try to follow her directions to walk the uphill, but push the downhill into the Olympic oval. My husband, family and housemates were once again on the out and back. They are the best sherpas ever.

I swear the last two miles felt like four, but finally I was entering the Olympic oval. The course only really included about half of it, but it was an amazing feeling to be on grounds that have seen some of the best athletes in the world.

I finally crossed the finish line. At 15:03:12.

My husband and family soon found me - and gave all kinds of sweet and wonderful congratulations. They made feel like a winner vs. a backpacker.

I watched some of the Richmond crew finish, squeezed in a massage and headed back home (and finally peed around 11:30). Sitting around our kitchen table, I caught up with the Barricudas and both our sherpa crews, icing my toe.

One of the longest and hardest triathlon days I'd ever experienced was done.