I Want My Mojo Back

I haven't posted in awhile.

I've wanted to write about swimming. The pool and I have been spending lots of time together.

I've wanted to send big congrats to all the Richmonders who raced IM Brazil. They are awesome and so inspiring.

I've wanted to express my honor for being asked to be a TRIgirl Team Leader.

I've wanted to share preparations for this weekend's races. Yep, there are two coming up.

But I am sooo drained.

Too mentally spent to even try to explain why, other than to say, the causes are mostly related to work and a crammed schedule. In the big scheme of things - nothing life threatening or really that important.

With any luck, things will be on a smoother road soon.

Maybe in enough time to get my mojo going for this weekend.

A Happy Day - By Patriot Sangria

I seem to be spending more time in the garage lately.

Through the winter, for 3-4 days a week, I proudly stood in my trainer and was visited regularly. While my back tire was worn to the core for countless hours, I was able to watch many TV programs and movies. In between, I cozily rested, sun streaming through the bedroom windows, as I dreamed of weekend outings through the West End and Ashland.

With the arrival of the warmer weather, I've braved the back of many cars for fun and diverse adventures that enabled me to revisit the Eastern Shore, speed through White Lake and casually explore Central Richmond. More outdoor rides has equaled less time on the trainer.

But more time in the garage.

Today, though, brought a surprise.

Very early in the morning, I was startled awake to the garage door opening. Soon we were traveling the familiar roads to West Creek. Many other friends of all styles, sizes, shapes and colors greeted me as we waited in the parking lot and watched the most unusual display - of a red friend propped on a trainer - though we were outside! I heard the topic being discussed.

Hills. I wasn't sure how well that was going to go over.

Finally, we were out on the nub. It was a chilly, bright and clear morning. We rode about 3/4 of the loop.

And then the unthinkable happened.

We circled the same two hills 5, 6, 7 times - I am not sure, I lost count from the dizziness. My gears were played with a bit more, helping me keep a more even pace as we glided round and round the Farmers Bureau.

The outing ended soon after and we headed home. I did not understand why I was left on the back of the car, but fell asleep for a few hours anyway.

Then - there was the sound of the garage door opening - again.

We were off to visit a few more friends. I was transferred to a different SUV rack to join them as we headed down Patterson Avenue. I told my buddies that I thought we might be on our way to the Osborne route.

We were taken off the car by the familiar 7-11.

By this time, the day was perfect. The chill was gone and the sun was shining in the bluest sky.

We rode.

We cruised down Osborne
and into Battlefield Park
and near the boat landings
and through the tree lined stretches
and past the amazing stone cottage
and on new streets when revisiting the Park
and by an awesome house for sale
and, eventually, back to the 7-11.

Two rides in one day.

I'm resting in the garage.

And I am happy.

Recovery Week

My White Lake recovery week included:

• Big yummy dinners on Saturday and Sunday.
• A wonderful massage.
• Over 8 miles of swimming (there is the upcoming 4.4 mile swim on the race calendar).
• 100+ mile bike ride (we took a few wrong turns) - the Cap to Cap century! Really enjoyed spending time with my riding buddies, TRIgirl CD, her hubby, TRIgirls KG, MW, SD, CM (and her husband) - and TRIgirl SJG and her husband - who rode the whole 103 miles with me. And guest appearances by Coach S at most of the rest stops! No Garmin, no pacing goals - just crusing along for pure fun (other than the 20-30 minutes of cold rain and the 10ish miles of "I just want to be off this bike.").

BTW, I think the Cap to Cap should be a monthly event. What a great route!

Take That!

It was not terribly hard to circumnavigate around the "share" or "not so much" feature.

Here's a picture from White Lake that I like - and that shows happiness on a decent bike - and a way cool vibrant background.



Yeah, the "stealth" techniques made it harder to share other pictures (that were fairly awful anyway - but may have been great for a few laughs).

Maybe Some Better Instructions Were Needed

So I go to look at my White Lake photos - how cool - the have a "share" gadget so I can post them to my blog! I come up with silly names for the pictures and go to take a peek.

ACCESS DENIED, ACCESS DENIED, ACCESS DENIED

WTF?

Seems there is a hidden clause somewhere in the fine print that you have to "pay" for the share feature.

White Lake - Race Report

"...Even the birds were chirping nervously," observed TRIsherpa GG as he recorded the White Lake morning preparations on his digital camera.

After four-five hours of sleep (I think a group of triathlon volunteers were partying it up outside my window till midnight), race morning dawned bright and clear. Our Lake Shore Condo group was organized, efficient and fairly calm. We were only a half mile or so from the start - an easy warm-up as we pedaled our bikes to the transition area. TRIsherpa GG followed in his car with our gear in tow.

I wasn't feeling 100% - there was a heaviness in my chest and sinuses - but the sore throat/cold/allergy attack was better than it had been for the previous few days. Thankfully, my pre-race stomach was fairly calm - only one or two trips to the port-o-potties.

Pre-race, I ran into Guppy KB and many TRIgirls. I am not sure what percentage of women racers were with our crew, but everywhere I turned, there were friendly and familiar faces. Words can't describe how awesome it was to see so many of my team mates in wave 11.

The gun sounded. Since drafting has become less foreign, I was hoping to catch the feet of someone slightly faster than me. Unfortunately, it seemed like the fast group took off quickly, with only a few other women and me straggling along in the middle. Even though I couldn't catch a draft, the first two-thirds of the swim went well. I think I zig-zagged a bit for the last 750. Overall, with a kind current, the swim felt smooth.

Climbing the ladder to exit the water, both calves hinted at cramps, which probably should have signaled a red flag. I looked at my watch and realized Garmin was completely screwed. Jogging to transition, I saw a few strong TRIgirl swimmers preparing for the bike, so I figured my swim was decent.

Since Garmin was not behaving reliably, I was on my own for the rest of the race. I tried not to dawdle too much in TI. Heading off on the bike, I was happy. The course was flat, though the wind was stronger than predicted - up to 20 mph gusts. I pushed a bit when the wind was behind me and cruised along more conservatively during the course's long consecutive stretches with 15-20 mph winds. Yeah, a bunch of guys passed me, but not many women (Okay, I was in the second to last wave, so that may have been a factor). TRIgirl CD DID pass me - like a female Lance, she whizzed by, and all I could do was smile.

Getting off the bike, I was happy, my legs FELT GOOD.

I started the run, the first 3-4 miles seemed fine. Unfortunately, the next 8ish miles were a bit of a cluster. Looking back now, I realize I was trying to hydrate from the outside in vs. the inside out. Historically, nutrition while biking has been more of an issue for me, adjusting during a tough, hot run became an unexpected challenge.

During the White Lake run, I threw towels over my neck, dumped water on my head and consumed half a Gu every two miles. It was hot. And I wasn't handling it well. Though I'd been taught to deal with heat and knew better, my head was not in the game. Why didn't I drink more of the sports drink waiting in my fuel belt bottles - or take in electrolyte tablets? TRIgirl LD was one of the few that had a strong run, dealing with the tough conditions.

Since the splits have not yet been posted, I am guessing that a better than hoped swim, T1, bike or T2 carried me through a 17-18 minute PR - 6:24 overall race time. For this, I am most grateful. My run should have been better. Its lackluster results have taught me a few lessons.

But White Lake's most memorable moments transcended my race.

Did I mention 25ish TRIgirls and Guppy friends were participating in White Lake? Including my awe inspiring travel buddies, TRIgirls BL and SJG?

Or that, for many of my team mates, this was their first half IM?

Can I relate how encouraging it was to see all these fabulous, strong women on the course? High fives and encouraging words more frequent then the aid stations?

How my allergy woes were quickly put into perspective by the battles TRIgirls KB, KG, CD and Annnn confronted?

What about the brave, determined TRIgirl who persevered through her fears during a swim that would have left me handing over my chip at T1? Who may have not officially finished the 70.3 within the allotted time, but whose spirit deserved the biggest medal of all?

These were the moments that truly turned White Lake Pink.

Countdown to White Lake

Little by little, the stars are aligning for incredible race conditions this weekend.
I drove down with TRIgirls SJG and BL Wednesday afternoon. After remembering some of the "rustic" accommodation choices we saw on the web, our first bit of luck occurred when unlocking the door to the nicely decorated, waterfront, comfy condo TRIgirl BL secured for us.

The weather forecast has changed for the better - from scattered thunderstorms - to partly cloudy, high of 81 degrees and winds up to 11 mph during the race.
We squeezed in a short workout after our arrival and checked out the run course. A flat two-loop out and back with sections that traverse an upscale lakefront neighborhood.

Chatting with a few locals, everyone seemed excited about the race, whether volunteering or spectating. They shared recommendations for a nice Italian restaurant - Giorgios - in Elizabethtown, which we hit up on Wednesday night for kicking-off our carbo loading.

Speaking of food, TRIgirls BL and SJG are taking great care of me - they've covered purchasing lots of nutritious pre-race food and meals.

Yesterday morning, we drove the bike course. I think it may be the flattest route I've ever ridden. The biggest obstacle - fighting to keep my bike on the course instead of visiting a few of the vineyards we'll be passing.

Ah - and about the Lake - it is beautiful! After our bike course excursion, we lounged around for a couple hours on our own personal pier, surrounded by breathtaking cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss.

Then we headed out for a test swim. Walking past a very fit woman who must have been intimated by our stark competitive stares and amazing wetsuit donning abilities, we heard the pro call out, "I am not going to save you if you drown, maybe your friends will." Sigh, I guess some people will look to get rid of their competition anyway they can.

But the water was beautiful. A little burst of coldness at first. After a few strokes our bodies adjusted and we were able to appreciate the crystal clear water which was like swimming through liquid glass. We swam for about a half hour, catching up here and there to practice TRIgirl BL's helpful sighting and drafting tips. BTW - Ask Ms. SJG for her whale and Little Mermaid impersonations some time...

More resting and eating followed as TRIgirls BL and SJG's husbands arrived in time for TRIgirl SJG's yummy lasagna.

Yes, White Lake is looking very promising - now if only I can knock the allergies/cold that have been lurking around in the back of my sinuses...