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.

So Here It Is

I am leaving tomorrow.

To volunteer for IMUSA 2008. For the privilege of early registration opportunities for IMUSA 2009.

Did I just say that?

Uh, have you seen the bike and run elevation profiles?

For some reason, my friends and teammates are also going for it.

We have gorgeous places to stay near the race venue.

And the possibility of the most amazing experiences to share with family, friends and teammates.

As well as promises of attempting one of the most beautiful courses anywhere in North America.

And, for some reason, my coaches, especially Coach B and Ironwoman Canada, have basically said "You are doing this race."

Patriot Sangria is shivering in the corner.

I am just the blubbering idiot in another.

New Challenges

Lately, I've been wondering why I seem to be on a path to try new extremes in swimming, biking, running vs. just working to get better with what I had been doing.

Like choosing to swim 4.4 miles in some crazy current. (OK, I wasn't expecting this one.)

Like struggling with overcoming my fears and ineptitude with biking hills by riding the Blue Ridge Parkway - not just once a few weeks back, but again this coming weekend.

Like agreeing to take my clumsy self on a trail run this week.

Like watching my arms, legs and butt swell up with the burden of these new efforts. And not in a pretty way (which really pisses me off).

Like considering - and putting all the pieces in place - to sign up for a race that, once again, I'll just be happy to finish.

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.

Tag, I'm It!

Alas my slow running has caught up with me once again. I was tagged on my blog by Ironmom with the following game of Tri Blogger Tag. I'm going to tag some of the people in my favorite blogs list:

Triathonmom, TriJinx, TriDi, I’m TRI-ing, Florida-Bound and Nancy Toby.

If you've been tagged, answer these six questions, then tag six more folks.

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

My answers:

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever
My first triathlon was in 2000 – I registered for an open water sprint in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Doing a triathlon was a life goal – and I trained on my own and with a friend – without a real coach, group – or even reading a book. I had no idea what to expect. I remember not sleeping much the night before. I remember thinking how cool it was to receive a race packet with a swim cap. I remember being surprised about having my race number magic markered on my arms and legs. I remember that I had never practiced a transition – and just kind of strolled through them, smiling the whole time. Most of all, I remember the feelings of accomplishment, exhilaration – and exhaustion – after finishing.

2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
My most recent triathlon was the ACAC Sprint in Richmond last October. Overall it was a great race – my best performance in my age group. But I can still feel the cold – it was a bitterly chilly morning. I remember the swim to bike transition, so grateful for a towel wrapped around my shoulders, kindly provided by TRIgirl LD who had volunteered during the race. I remember the hill from Hades that soon warmed up my frigid bones. And I remember finishing the race, with an amazing sense of support and encouragement from the other TRIgirls and Coach G – and joining them to cheer in the others who crossed the finish line after me. Oh yeah – there was an awesome and delicious celebratory, pig-out brunch that followed at Hondo’s – uh waiter, another mimosa, please.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
Ah – my unsuccessful wetsuit experience from the Very Big Nut triathlon. Please see my blog entry if you want to hear the gory details as it is too embarrassing to have to relive again!

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
There are usually points during the swim and bike, where I overcome the worry about finishing – and begin to get into a groove - enjoying the experience of feeling one with the water or noticing the beautiful scenery around me. I start appreciating the race – and concentrate on thanking all the volunteers – or at least giving them a big smile of gratitude. I’ll try to commiserate, in an encouraging way, with other participants who may be struggling worse than I am.

But, if I had to pick one moment – it would be crossing the finish line at Naylor’s Beach with TRIgirl Devil Face. We had both had a tough race – from the grueling heat and humidity to an unplanned change in the race course. Running those last few hundred yards together recharged my spirit, as well as my very tired and dehydrated body.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
I’ve learned that this asthmatic, approaching middle-age, non-athlete has the willingness, drive and determination to accomplish tough physical (and mental challenges). While many of the natural athletes from my childhood have grown inactive or out of shape, this “tortoise” from their past may actually finish the race ahead of those “hares” – or at least will be in the race as they lounge about on their couches.

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?
Ah, an easy one to answer – Ironman Florida! The absolute biggest and scariest goal I’ve ever set for myself.