I grabbed my run bag and once more headed into the changing “tent”.  Off came the cycling shoes, and on went my Newtons.  I put on my Amphipod Belt, grabbed my visor and I was out the door! (I still ended up with a  10 minute transition..go figure)

I made it out of transition and  looked at my watch.  I was just a little over 8 hours of racing so far.  I began to use my phenomenal math skills (Ha!) and tried to calculate how long I had to run a marathon in order to finish in 13:30.  

I swear it took me about 2 miles of running before I finally figure out if I ran a 5:30 marathon I could finish in around 13 hrs and 30 mintues.  “Hummm,” I thought, “That’s the time I typically run in…so there IS a chance!  Holy shucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

You see, when I met with Coach Cary a few weeks before the race, she had me come up with a “stretch” goal.  A goal that if the stars perfectly aligned, and Mars was in the exact right spot, that MAYBE I could do.  She came up with the goal of 13:30.  My thought was “Yeah right. Not a chance in hell that’s going to happen.  I’ll be happy to finish in under 15 hrs”.  I think I even told her something along those lines.  So here I was calculating the possibility of actually finishing in 13:30. I was blown away!

The chase is on

The first few miles were packed with spectators yelling and cheering us on.  It’s always motivating when people are yelling “Go Doreen!”  and I knew that I needed to be aware of not getting carried away in the moment and starting my run too fast.  (not that too fast is really in my repertoire.)

Ironman Florida run course is pretty darn flat and meanders through neighbor hoods until you get to a state park.  At this point you do a loop of the park and head back out the way you came.  Repeat twice.

As I first started running I was absolutely starving.  There were aid stations about every 1/2 mile, one on each side.  For about the first 5 stations I was eating/drinking something.  First food I devoured was pretzels!  Yummylishish!!!  They were delightful and hit the spot!  By about the 6th aid station (remember I’ve only run about 3-4 miles by now) I thought “slow down sport…you might mess up your tummy taking in so much nutrition.”  From there on I made the decision to only take things from the aid station on the side I was running on.

Running in the Park

So with plenty of fuel on board I began to focus on my form and cadence.  Over this past season Coach Cary has had me increase my running cadence from oh…about 70…to 90.  This has helped my running incredibly.  One of the things I do to help me keep the correct cadence is I sing the song  ”Another one bites the dust….another one bites the dust”  The cadence in this song is 90 and the words are definitely motivating! 

As I ran and ran and ran I finished my first 13.1 miles.  I checked my watch and was still on target for finishing on a 13:30.  Bloody amazing!  I was so surprised that I might actually pull off a 13:30! 

As I headed back out on my second lap dusk began to descend.  I was concerned that I might get really cold, but the wind finally died down and I felt warmer than I had all day. It was about this time I began to get a sore throat.  I decided that I would start drinking the chicken broth they had at the aid stations.  I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone….get rid of the possible cold with good ol chicken broth and take care of some nutritional needs.  Throughout the whole run I fueled myself with Just Plain GU, pretzels and chicken broth.  Go figure!   

The run through the park is DARK!  Like there are sections when you can’t see the road in front of you.  I navigated this without any injuries or mishaps and finally ended up back on the streets of Panama City Beach.  By this time I was at mile 20ish.  I checked my watch and again had a “Holy $hit!” moment.  I may actually do a 13:30!  I still couldn’t believe it.  At this point I made the decision to pick up my pace a bit until mile 24, then I was going to run as fast as I could without blowing up.  I felt confident that 13:30 was in my grasp….I wanted to see how much time I could take off of that goal.

Up right, forefoot striking, quick cadence and my Newtons propelled me those last two miles!  I felt STRONG, STRONG, STRONG!  I was again channeling my inner Rinny.  I was picking people off as the athletes I passed where telling me “Go get em” or “You’re looking strong”.  These comments increased my confidence and just gave me more determination to keep pushing myself.  I wanted to see what I was capable of.  I think I actually ran 10 minute miles for those last two miles!  And for those of you that know me…I don’t run 10 minute miles unless I’m running a 5K.    But something happened to my running that night and I was flying!!

As I got closer and closer to the finish I had the urge to want to back off  but didn’t. I just kept pushing myself.  I turned the corner onto Thomas Drive and new I was within minutes of being done.  I entered the Finisher’s Chute and was greeted with screams and cheers!  It’s so surreal to have 100′s of people cheering for you.  I saw the Finish Line just seconds ahead and knew I was going to finish my second Ironman!  The excitement was overwhelming!  I crossed that Finish Line and once again heard those magic words……”Doreen, You Are An IRONMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” 

I am an IRONMAN!

Ohhh the sweet voice of Mike Riley! How can ya not get addicted to it???? 

I looked at my watch as I was scooped up by a volunteer ”catcher” who got me my finishers shirt, hat, medal and water.  I had finished my second Ironman in 13:16:18!  I was amazed! I was excited!  I was in disbelief!  I was so friggin PUMPED!!!!!!  I was telling my catcher “I can’t believe I just did a friggin Ironman in 13:16:18!  I can’t believe it!!!”   She congratulated me as I walked around  in a state of utter bewilderment and she escorted me to get  my Finishers Photo!

13:16:18 Something to Celebrate!

The day was over. I had completed my second Ironman, and I had a race I NEVER DREAM POSSIBLE!  I had raced in under 14:30!  Heck.  I had raced in under 13:30!!!!!!!  I had the kind of race I didn’t know I was capable of!  As I sit here writing this…I am still in disbelief that I was able to race that fast.  And I am so darn excited that I did!!!  

Here IS to GOING THE DISTANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-

So out of the water I came, greeted by the wetsuit strippers who stripped me of my wetsuit; a quick shower and I was off down the row to grab my Bike Bag. I had marked my Bike Bag with a purple duct tape cross which made it super easy to find!

My Purple Bike Bag

With bag in hand I quickly ran into the “changing tent”.  I was immediately greeted by a volunteer who assisted me in getting my stuff together to get on out the door.  I felt like I was moving fast and still ended up with a 11 min transition time. Granted I did have to run around the whole transition area to get to my bike…(Transition times are something I’ve decided I’d like to work on this coming year).

As I ran down the aisle near my bike I was yelling my number 638 as the volunteers where getting the athletes bikes so I just had to run by and grab it.  Once I had Betty I continued the long run out the chute to the bike mount line.

Go Betty!

As I got out onto the course I was freezing!  I had made the decision to forgo my vest and just use arm warmers.  I was rethinking that pretty quickly because the wind was  fierce!  As I got out of town and onto the rural roads I felt like I began to settle in a bit. 

Headin out of town for the day

I was riding harder than I have in the past but not to the point where I was breathing hard.  I’d come across patches of athletes as I rode along. It was the usual quagmire of groups of  triathletes trying/not trying to draft. 

 About 30 mins into the ride I went to pass some guy. Well he decided he didn’t want to get chicked so he sped up.  Ok…got it…drop back….and then the dude decides to slow down!  REALLY!!!!!  Well this is where I screwed up.  Being a little pissed off, I didn’t drop back quick enough AND the official was right behind me……Yeap, I got clobbered with a 4 minute penalty.  The official even commented that the dude had  been kinda a jerk….but it was all my penalty. 

About an hour later is when I got to visit the yellow penalty tent to “do” my 4 minutes.  I have to tell you…it was the longest 4 minutes EVA!  Longer than the hardest 3 minute interval I’ve ever done!  I did take advantage of the down time though by fueling and such. 

After that little break it was ON!  I mean I was ON!  I just jammed the bike.  I was whipping along with a 95-103 cadence passing lots of people.  Headwind be damned!  Sidewind- give me your best shot.  I pretty much had my head down and cranked for 80+ miles.  I got in the groove and just went.  I loved it! I was at one with Betty and we had ourselves a good ole’ time out there!

In the GROOVE

That is until the last 10 mile stretch headed back along the ocean front, through Hurricane Alley!  OMG!  This last few miles where horrible.  I was riding into a full on headwind.  And to make matters worse the course has hotels on one side and parking structures on the other. This ends up creating an actual wind tunnel.  There were times when I had to shift into my little front ring just so I could move!  Horrible!   I just kept thinking “Really.  I’ve done over 100 miles already and now you’re throwing me this?!!!!”

But that’s how an Ironman goes isn’t it?  You never know what you’re going to get or when you’re going to get it.  The one thing you can count on though is- You’re Going To Get IT!

I finally found myself in the long chute.  It kinda came up on me by surprise.  I thought I had farther to go.  Either way I was Glad to be out of that Horrible wind!   I jumped off Betty, continued to run into transition and handed her off to the nice volunteer who caught my bike!

Running for T2

 I was then off to find my run bag and head into the changing tent again.

See if you can spot my Run Bag

Next up, I was onto The RUN!!!!!!

-

Race morning dawned and I was up at 4:30.  For all the nervousness I did not experience in the days leading up to Ironman Florida, I woke up with a SERIOUS case of nerves.

I made my tea and got down some breakfast of Cream of Rice with almond butter and honey (Chrissie W told me this is what she eats so I’ve been trying it…and it works for me too!)  It was all I could do to swallow, I was that nervous!

I got my water bottles, and swim gear ready, put on my TriBella race kit and was out the door at 5:15 to meet Bine in the lobby.   We walked over to transition and first stopped at Betty so I could add the finishing touches to her and then it was over to Bine’s bike.  All tires were inflated and water bottles holstered!

We made our way over to the Morning Clothes Bag drop-off and wormed our ways into our wetsuits.  By this time my nerves where off the chart!  I seriously felt like I was going to throw up.  I’d been feeling like this for an hour already and by the time my wetsuit was on, I didn’t know how I was NOT going to barf!  I stuck to my nutrition plan and had a JUST PLAIN GU even though I wasn’t sure  how it would go down.  And this totally surprised the heck out of me, but the minute I finished the GU my tummy and nerves just melted away!  For real!  It was as if my body was comforted by having the Just Plain GU making its way down my system.  After all the miles and hours I’ve spent eating Just Plain GU my body responded with a sigh and an “Ahhhhhhh”.  The nerves were gone and I WAS READY TO RACE!

From here Bine and I grabbed each others hands and held tight as we made our way down to the beach.  I hadn’t seen the water yet and I knew it was windy as all get out, so I was relieved when I saw the water was calm.  Phew!

On the beach we met up with Kay, Carla  and my Mom and friend Kelli1.  I was so glad to see my Mom before the race started!

Bine, Carla, Kay and Me- Anyone up for a little swim?

My biggest supporter- MOM!!!

The Pros started and then they announced it was time for us Age Groupers to enter the coral. Athletes started entering the water to warm up, while Bine and I found our spot in the middle front of the group.

Before the Canon

10 minutes went by like it was nothing. The countdown started  and then the cannon went off!  Everyone started running into the water and slowly began swimming.  To say it was a mobfest is an understatement.  2700 athletes starting in the same area is nothing short of a moshpit.

As Athletes enter the water from the beach start

And we're off!

Notice the little white empty box in the crowd of ants!

These shots were taken from our condo

Bine and I entered the water together and as we began to swim I  hoped she was able to stay on my feet.  I felt hands tapping my feet for about 50 meters and then they were gone.   I found out after the race that Bine had kicked some man in the face, then he grabbed her foot and pulled her underwater!  REALLY!  What an a-hole!  She ended up swallowing water and getting sick on the second lap.

That is just one example of how the swim was.  It was brutal!  The men where just so aggressive.  It was an all out battle not to get beat up and drown!  I kept trying to find someone who’s feet I could get on so that they could just plow through the masses.  Whenever I did this I was able to stay away from getting hit as much.  And mind you, I am absolutely fine with someone swimming on my feet!  It’s the intentional hitting you and kicking you as hard as possible that I didn’t tolerate so well.  But I must say that it increased my GRRRRR and made me swim hard!

The Brutal Swim

Finally I finished the first lap, got up on shore, took a swig of GU and water, and headed back in for my next 1.2 mile swim.

This lap was a bit less aggressive as people began to spread out.  It still was a full on, swim for you life kinda thing though.  On this lap I really ended up noticing the jelly fish.  Luckily they seemed to be about 2 feet below me and I never swam right into any (Other athletes weren’t as lucky!).

By the time I rounded the second buoy and was headed back to shore the crowd was significantly less.  One of the mistakes I made on this last bit was I didn’t swim hard enough to keep me in line with the buoys.  The current is pushing you to the right and I ended up being a good 100 feet outside the buoy line.  I am sure I added at least 5 minutes to the swim because I had to swim back left to get to the swim exit.  Lesson learned on that one!

With the SWIM EXIT arch in sight I was glad to be getting out of the water!  I LOVE to swim but this time it was just about surviving.  And not surviving the water, but the other athletes!  Brutal!  But I made it!  And as I came out of the water I heard my name, looked right and there was my Mom in her green baseball cap (she wore it intentionally so I could spot her!) and Kelli.  I was relieved and happy AND ready for the BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm the pink cap (right in the middle) of the green caps

-

This past Sunday was my last race before Ironman Florida. I came into the race without a taper as this was the end of a big training block.

I woke up at about my normal time (4am), got down some oatmeal and headed out the door to Aurora Resevor.  As I’ve said before I’m one of those “A” type athletes so I ended up being like the 5th car in line waiting for the gates to open.  The good news about that is I got a stellar spot for Black Betty and I!

I wasn’t particularly nervous for this race. I haven’t been feeling like I’m in that great of shape, so I kinda don’t expect much from myself.

As 7:30 rolled around I headed to the swim start. I lucked out and started in the first wave. As we got closer to the start time the wind seemed to decide to pick up its intensity. One of the bouys actualy floated away!

After a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11 and the National Anthem (I always tear up), the count down began and the mosh pit began! 

The beginning of this swim was the first time I’ve ever experienced that cluster and flailing arms that so many people have talked about. I don’t know how many gallons of water I sucked down!!  I can really say that I never got into my grove as the whole 1.2 miles felt like a struggle. Once I made it to shore I attempted to run up the hill to transition and the most I could get was a messley shuffle. I still did well enough to come out of the water 3rd in my age group.

Once in T1 I geared up and jumped on Black Betty for the HILLY 56 miles of riding. I began the ride shoving some food into my mouth and drinking libations. By the time I hit Quincy Road I was ready to tackle the hills…or so I thought.

I spent the first 45 mins on the bike wondering how the “f” I would ever get through 56 miles! Seriously!  I struggled until around mile 25 and then I was in my groove! That is until I hit the run………

Yeap- I hit T2, grabbed my run gear and headed out the other end to start my run.  And that’s when it hit me. The how the “f” am I ever going to run 13.1 miles? I once again struggled.  To be honest…the thought did cross my mind “if I end up throwing up I would have an excuse for DNFing” I’ve never thought about that in a race.

I passed the aide station at mile 3 and had the thought..”I can do anything for 10 miles” and with that I commenced to stay positive and run run run! By mile 6 I was finally warmed up and hit my stride.  I swear that course felt uphill on the way out an downhill on the way back. My Garmin says differently though.

I ran my way to a 7th place AG finish with a slip and slide ending!

This was one of the toughest times I’ve ever had racing. I’m glad I’ve finally had the experience of stuggling to stay in the game. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go within and change the tape rolling in my head. The good thing is my time was only 2 minutes longer than 3 years ago (much to my surprise)!

Now I’m headed into the final stretch to IMFL. I’ve got a recovery week followed by 3 weeks of some kick butt training…and then it’ll be the final taper.

IMFL here I come!!!

-

I have gotten through my first half-iron distance race of the season post Adrenal Fatigue.  I was nervous as all get out about what my ability would be.  In my head I was hoping for a 7 hour finish time, knowing that pre-AF I finished in about 6 and 1/2 hours. 

Barb’s Race is an all womens 70.3 that takes place in the Napa/Sanoma Valley.  It occurs  in conjunction with the full Vineman.  The race is a point to point with the start 30 minutes from the finish.  The swim is on the Russian River and the bike course meanders on rolling terrain through vineyards.

Saturday morning came and I was up at 4am.  Even though my wave didn’t go off until 8:17.. I have this thing about getting to a race real early.  See I love getting a good spot in transition near an end where it’s easy to find and get to my bike.

Black Betty hangin and me in the purple jacket

I set up…sociallized with all the wonderful women around me…and within no time they were calling us down to the water for the start of Barb’s Race. 

Pre-Race Game Face

I made my way into the river and got right in the front row.  The countdown started and the horn went off.  I was on my way!  The current of the river was barely noticeable. I felt strong and fluid as I swam and swam and swam upstream.  I finally reached the turn around, looked up to sight, and saw all these people walking!  Yeap, WALKING!  The river was shallow enough that many participants decided to walk.  The thought crossed my mind…and was quickly replaced with…”this race is training for Ironman Florida”.  So shallow strokes I took as I made my way around the bouy. 

As I began take my breaths and looked at the evergreens that lined the river I realized how dang FAST I was going with the current!  It felt like it took 10 mins to get back to T1. 

Blue Cap getting out of the water

Next it was the long run through T1 and then out the other end with Black Betty!  It’d been over a year since Betty and I had become one and raced out hearts out.  And on this day, that’s exactly what we did!!!!!

Entering the LONG T2

After a stellar ride and in good time I might add…I hit T2 in the town of Windsor after 56 miles of rolling wine country.  Now this transition was the absolute longest T2 I’ve ever experienced! It went on for eva!  I have decided I may want to learn how to get out of my shoes before transition after running for what seemed like miles in my bike shoes….but I did make it; racked Betty threw on my Newtons, and I was OFF!  (ok, after a pit stop).  Then I was off 

This weekend I ventured into the relm of Olympic distance triathlon.  Double the distance of the sprint I did two weeks ago.  To say I was nervous is an bit of an understatement.  It seems on my road back to being a triathlete I have lost some of the confidence I had before the dreaded Adrenal Fatigue.  I go into each event wondering….will I have it in me? 

Now this is my third time doing Lake to Lake so I knew what I was getting myself into.  I knew the swim seems hella long, and the bike course has some kick butt hills.  The run is nice a flat and I was hoping I could pull it off.  I actually wondered if I would be able to cycle up some of the bigger hills on the bike course..with visions of having to walk. 

I got up early on Sat and headed to the race with my friend Stacey.  I had the best time in transition chatting with friends and making new ones.  Race time came and down to the water I went.  I warmed up for a bit and then it was our turn (as the announcer put it “time for the old folks”). 

I must say the swim went great.  For some reason, and I don’t want to tempt the swim gods here, but I have never had one of those crowded thrashy, mosh-pit type of swims in all the triathlons I’ve ever done.  I always seems to find my “piece of heaven” in all the mess and swim without a crowd around me.  And I’m not swimming off course either     

As I rounded the last buoy and headed back to shore I started to tell my self that my time on the swim would be 45 minutes.  I think I was doing this so I wouldn’t be disappointed if it actually was that long.  I was setting myself up so I wouldn’t be thinking what I failure I was…..and was I delighted when I looked down at my watch as I came out of the water and saw 31!  I was stoked!  “Not bad time” I said to myself.

Then it was onto the bike.  I was starving as I got out of transition and decided I needed to begin to fuel immediately.  I had a peanut butter clif bar which I promptly ate within the first few miles of the bike.  I knew I needed to get calories on board and the sooner I did eat the better chance I had of it not bothering me later on.  (I was right about this). 

 I rode and rode and rode and rode. The course is 30+miles and mostly climbing. 

As I approached the ”monster climb” I thought, ”self, just get on up it and take your time.  NO need to go anaerobic!”  And that is just what I did.  I cruised up it, keeping my heart rate at a decent level and pedaled on pass a few folks to boot!  And, I didn’t even come close to having to walk!!!!  I knew there was one more “big” hill and when I approached it, I felt confident and strong!  Again, I just cruised right up it! 

And then it was time for the descending dream!  I love descending.  For some reason I get all Mario Andretti and start acting like some kinda race car driver.  I LOVE banking the turns and getting all tucked and using my body to dance the corners.  What I lack in climbing I definitely make up for in the descent. 

I rolled back into transition after an hour and 40 something minutes (my slowest time on this bike course) and headed out for the run.  I was feeling strong, well hydrated and well nourished.  The run was fun and I never once struggled or wondered if I could make it.  I ran at a comfortably hard  pace and finished my race within the time I had “allowed” myself. 

The day was a good one for me!  I raced well, accomplished everything in a better time than I thought I might, and had a blast doing it!  Having raced Olympic distance it’s helped boost my confidence.  I am starting to believe in myself again and in my athletic abilities.   Next up is Barbs Race Long Course (half ironman).  That will be my next confidence booster  besides the next 2 weekends of 5+ hours  each of riding in the mountains 

Oh yeah… and did I mention that after the race and some food,  I got back home and went out for a 2 hr bike ride???  Yeah…it’s comin back…that Ironman fitness! YeeeHawww!

~

I made it through my first triathlon of the season and the first tri in a year.  To say I was nervous leading up to the race is an understatement.  I was really nervous!  There were so many unknowns…how would I be swimming in open water again.  How hard would I be able to push myself.  Would I come in last and be much much slower than before getting Adrenal Fatigue….the questions and doubts went on and on!

And then, my coach sends me an email saying that I would do great, I was well trained for the sprint and judging by the Colfax Half my times where probably around where they were last year…and to relax and have fun!!!!  With that little message the nerves just went away…and almost completely!

Saturday morning arrived and I think I was the 5th car to arrive at the race.  Yeah, I’m one of those anal, rather be early than late kinda athletes. As I arrived to transition I was greeted by my TriBella Teammates who where volunteering at the event.  Nothing like having a good friend do the body marking.

Once I got my transition set up I took my bike out for a little spin to warm up followed by a 10 minute run.  It was time to hit the potties before worming into my wetsuit (yeah it fits again!!!!).  Then it was down to the lake for the race start.  (The race started 30 minutes late because they were waiting for the paramedics to arrive)

So, at about 8am, I found myself nearing the swim start for the final wave.  As I made my way into the water I positioned myself right in front on the left side.  I have decided in my last few races that I swim well enough now to be out in front and am able to mostly hold my spot there.  The gun went off and I went for it!  No warming up slowly…I just straight out hit that close to the red-line right from the beginning of the swim. 

As I came out of the swim and into transition I noticed that all the bikes where still in transition and guessed that I might be first out of the water.  And wouldn’t you know it…my wet suit would not come sliding off my feet!  As I tried to pull my foot out of my suit my leg would cramp so then I’d try the other and that would cramp…so finally I bent down and just took the darn thing off with my hands!  Precious seconds wasted!

I grabbed Black Betty and bolted out of transition and onto the bike course.  Here I had a little bit of trouble getting warmed up and feeling some juice in my legs… and while I was warming up some woman in my age group goes pedaling by me all fast and $hit.  “OK” I say to myself, “you’re warming up and you can catch her later, just don’t let her get too far ahead of you!” 

And that’s just what I did.  I kept her in sight and when we got to this nice downhill  I flew past her and left her in my dust.  I hit such a nice pace and cadence that I was cruising and felt as if I was flying.  The riding felt effortless.  I was close to threshold but not too close.  I remember thinking at one point “maybe I should back off a bit and save some for the run.”  This was immediately followed by “Nah!  Keep going, she’s right behind you!  I’ll see what I have left on the run itself.”

I made it back to transition and was greeted by my TriBella Teammates and given a nice spank on the butt and told to “go get em!”.  Which is exactly what I did.  I was the first back to T2 and quickly changed into my Newton Running Shoes and out onto the race course I went.  I hadn’t seen “the woman” yet and thought I might be in first place so far….

And then there was the run.  I have never run so hard all through the 5k.  I knew she was chasing me and I wanted so badly to be able to place 1st in my first race back.  I was dancing that fine line between anaerobic and just below for the full 3.1 miles.  I could feel her, sense her, making her way closer and closer to me.  Now I have to admit that time and time again, the run is where I will lose my place in a race.  And I was so determined not to have that happen!

At the turn around I finally say “the woman” and knew a had a bit of a lead on her.  I just kept running and running and trying to find that sweat spot where movement just happens.  Right before the 3 mile marker I heard someone hanging off my left shoulder breathing hard.  I didn’t even have to turn around to see who it was, I just knew.  I asked her “Is it you” to which she replied “Yes” and then proceeded to pass me with .1 miles to go.  “Dang’ I said to myself, ” Come on!  Pick it  up!  Catch her!  Dig Down!  Move your legs faster! Lean forward more!  Come ON!!!!!”  Well non of that work and I crossed the finish line 10 seconds behind her. 

I immediately found “her” “the woman” and put my hand out and said “Nice Race!  Thanks for giving me such a run for my money.  I loved racing you!”   We chatted about the race, about passing each other, and quickly became friends!  We spent the rest of the time together eating and waiting for the awards ceremony.  I had made a new friend and her name is Betsy! 

All in all this was absolutely the best race I’ve ever raced.  Actually racing against Betsy made for an experience I’ve never had before.  This was the first time I actually raced someone!  It heightened the experience and made me dig down inside myself even more.  I had to strategize more and think about what I was doing more so than normal.  Having Betsy out there, chasing my heels, made for a spectacular race and day!

Me and "the woman' Betsy!

-

I did it!

I finished my first event of the 2011 season yesterday!!!!

I ran the Colfax Half Marathon and had a blast!  It felt so darn good to be participating in an event again.

There I was, at 6 am, lined up with all the other thousands of people…waiting for the line to move toward the start.  My fingers where gently hoovering over my Garmin.  I was dressed in my full winter garb and was ready to see where my fitness was at.  It had been close to one full year since I ran as far as 13.2 miles and today was going to be my litmus test.  I was ready….teacher…give me the exam!

I started off toward the very back of the pack (my friends decided on one last potty break…).  I took my time running at my slow, warm up speed.  As the miles went by and the time went by, next thing I new I was half way through.  I was feeling warmed up (despite a cold wind and freezing drizzle) and noticed I was picking up my pace.

As we began to head back to City Park for the final 6 miles I really began to get into a groove.  I started to pick up my pace, minding my cadence.  I began to pass person after person.  I think only about 3 people passed me for the whole 6 miles.  I was just having a blast and feeling that groove.  That easy, effortless run.

Just a side note here- I recently tried running in some K-Swiss shoes for a few runs…and went back to my tried and true Newtons.  I so love my Newtons!  They really do make running effortless!

So, there I was running through an Aurora Fire Dept Station, loving life and the day.  As I cruised down 17th Ave I continued to pick up my pace, leaning forward, quick cadence, arms back…etc.

As I crossed Colorado Blvd and ran into City Park I saw the sign for mile 12.  I made it!  Only 1.1 miles to go!!!!  And that’s when I really let it all go!  Up until this point I had never really gotten near my lactic threshold.  With 1 mile left to go, I began to flirt with it.  I began that dance of, how fast can I go, how long can I hold this????

I held back mostly because I was afraid I would blow up and not finish strong.  When I got within about 1/4 mile of the finish I really went for it.  I stopped being afraid (I was close enough now) and just hit my LT.  I was breathing hard! I cruised into the finish shoot, feeling good and strong.

I’m very pleased with my performance. I had absolutely NO idea what my fitness was like, how I would feel, how I would do….It’s been almost one year since I quit training due to Adrenal Fatigue….and today, without a doubt….I can say that I’m BACK!!!!!!!!   I just finished my first half marathon since being diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue and I am very pleased!

Holy cow.  This past Sunday was Ironman Louisville and boy am I tired  (hahahah). 

Let me tell ya how it went!

The Swim was interesting.  A total of 800 yrds on Thursday started off this Ironman …..

The Big Swim!

Followed by a total of 60 mins Friday on my bike while sitting on the trainer.  My average heart rate was a whopping 84 bpm!! 

Fat Bottomed....yeap!

 Next I was off for the final leg…a walk with the dog!  After all that swimming, biking, I had to get the walk in!  How was I going to finish 30 mins of walking the dog????

In all seriousness……Who would have thought that I would be sitting out my second Ironman?  I never would have.  This was a kinda hard week…knowing that Wed I would have been leaving, Sunday I would have been racing. 

But that is how life goes isn’t it?  Instead I had a spectacular strength training workout and a lovely restorative yoga class. 

Yeap, I’m back to “training”.  Although not in the way we triathletes are use to.  My “program” looks like this

Monday: 30 min easy walk in the morning, Restorative Yoga in the pm.  Tuesday: Rest   Wednesday: 30 min easy walk in the AM, Strength Training during lunch. Thursday: 30 min swim at lunch; Friday: Rest; Saturday: Restorative Yoga; Sunday: Strength Training  and a 1 hr spin on the trainer.                                                                                                                                                                    

I must say it feels nice to be following a program again.  Oh ya, and with that…I’ve hired a new coach!!!  Her name is Cary Kinross-Wright with Endurance Performance Coaching! 

There where some things that I felt I needed and was on the hunt for a new coach that incorporated strength training and recovery into their training plans.    I also wanted a coach who has worked with athletes coming back from Adrenal Fatigue.  So when I met with Cary and she told me she was also diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue and know a lot about it…first hand.  I knew it would be a perfect match!  I’m looking forward to a new perspective on training and getting healthy again and feel I’m in the right hands to make a great comeback for next season.

Ironmans come and go.  Hopefully this will be the last one I have to sit out.  In the mean time, I’m becoming addicted to Restorative Yoga and who knows what more I’ll learn about myself.

All I can say is- Boise sure knows how to roll out the red carpet and has great hospitality!  And they put on a darn good race!!!

Where to start? The whole weekend was fantastic! We stayed at the Hampton Inn which was right in the middle of everything…literally.  I mean T2 was right next to the building!  On the other side was the finish line…..You can’t get any closer to a race venue than that!

Friday we went to the expo early to attend the Athlete meeting and buy shuttle tickets to the race start followed by some grub.  We then drove the race course with our new found friend Richard (who had a car) and then of course, some more grub.  When we got back it was off to packet pick up and then started the task of waiting for Black Betty to arrive in the back of Keith’s truck. 

Early Morning at the Expo

Betty and Keith rolled into town around 3pm and we went right up to the swim start/T1 to drop off our bikes.  I walked into transition and looked for the row with my number (#183) and low and behold it was right on the end of the LONG rack just yards away from the pros!!!!  Betty was going to be getting some pointers over nite! 

I couldn

We racked our bikes and walked DOWN to the swim start.  Water temps were rumored to be 58-60 degrees….burrrr…we had to put our toes in the water of course!

Swim Start w/Andrea, Steve, and Keith

The water levels in Boise have been really high and they were releasing tons of water from the dam.  We had to stop on our way out and smell, feel and see the majesty of so much water moving!  It was amazing, the raw power of that much water.  You know how fresh the air smells when your standing near a water fall?  Well times that by 1000 and you have what this was like.

Water being released from the dam.

We were done with our chores and it was off to…..more grub! (Imagine that!!!)  And here’s the weird thing.  Boise 70.3 is a 2pm start time.  So that meant we didn’t have to be all anal about getting enough sleep and having everything in order before going to bed.  It was kinda cool, and really strange at the same time.

Race day arrived and we went downstairs for some morning grub (the Hampton has an awesome spread!) Then it was back upstairs to put the run and bike gear bags together and drop them off. Here’s the tough part about a 2pm start…the waiting around. But the time finally arrived to get on the shuttle and we were finally race bound.

T2 in Downtown Boise

That's me!!!

Run Gear is Ready to Go

So what about the race!! You’re probably thinking. Enough with all the pre race stuff!!

Well… I started in the 1st wave after the Pros- 2:05 to be exact! I put myself in the front of the pack as we got into the water. I’ve learned now that my swimming is good enough to be comfortable right in front. We waited, waited, and……the gun went off!!! 50+ women swimming their hearts out!

I had an awesome swim, especially since I’ve barely swum since February due to my shoulder. I had a lot of open water and swam the buoy line. I only had to swim over 1 woman and only got one hand to the head. Not bad really!!!

The swim felt Long, not because I was tired but every time I sighted the bouy line seemed so flippin far to the next turn! I was thinking “Dang! When we turning” and finally we did right back to shore.

I ran up the hill to transition and when I arrived realized only a couple of bikes where gone from my age group. “NICE!” I thought! It was onto Black Betty and on down, down the hill from T1. 

You’re probably imagining me getting all tucked down in my bars and screamin down this really cool hill…and you’re partially right.  The hill was awesome, only problem there was such a head wind that there was no tuckin and goin!  It was tuffjust to keep the bike under you and not get tossed around too much.  And to be perfectly honest….that is pretty much how it went the whole ride!!!!  The winds were FIERCE!  35 mph with bigger gusts. 

The bike course is great and relatively flat for those of us from Colorado…but any time we had a down hill it was in a headwind, so never once did we get the benefit of screamin down!  I cranked on the bike course.   A few times I thought I might puke…but didn’t.  I picked off a bunch of people which was fun!  I PRedon the bike, even with the nasty winds!  (BTW- Crowie’s finish time this year was 13 mins longer than last….the wind folks).

The 11 miles of head wind into town and to T2 was tough.  I just keep my legs going and new I had the juice to keep strong…heck, I’m an Ironman…… Rolling into town and seeing the capital building was a welcome relief from the wind.  I got into transition, made my way to my run gear, a quick change and I was out the other end running.

The run is awesome and takes place on “the Greenbelt”, which is  along the river.  The course was two loops and is shaded the whole way.  I learned a lot on the run.  I came to realize after the run that I am a stronger runner than I think I am.  I began with the pace I have been running for the last two years, thinking that is what I “have” to run. 

Well I discovered around mile 8 that I had a ton more in the tank.  I began running faster than I ever had in a half.  I felt good.  I felt strong.  I felt like I was becoming a “runner” and not just a “trodder” any more!  This was a big breakthrough for me!  Huge! 

I finally passed the 12 mile mark and picked up my pace even more.  I  made it back onto the street with the finish line is sight.  And this is why I know I had way more in the tank…I pretty much sprinted the last 4/10ths of a mile.  I passed so many people and when I made it into the shoot and across the finish line I was not totally spent. 

Crossing the finish!!!!

Good thing/Bad thing.  Good because I finished strong/bad because I didn’t leave it all out there on the course.  But then that’s what racing is about sometimes…learning what you have and seeing what you don’t have.  I learned  I could crank harder on the bike now, and I have more to give on the run.  I was really pleased with my race!  I placed 8th in my Age Group- 6th on the swim, 6th on the bike, and 8th on the run…..Not bad!  I’m ok with that…for now.  I’m looking forward to seeing how I continue to improve and get stronger. Every Time I race, I get the “bug” to workout harder and see how much better I can do in my next race….

So, if anyone is looking for a great 70.3 to do, I really recommend  Boise.  It was a awesome experience and a great venue….plus the crowds rocked!!!