I need suggestions on how to improve my T1. My T1 always seems to be REALLY slow. I don't know how else to improve it.
I can only think the reason it's so slow is because of swimmers fatigue. I mean, I have elastic shoe laces so I'm not spending my time tying my shoe laces. I have a tri suit, so it's not like I'm putting on clothes or anything.
I don't know what to do. My T1 is usually around 1:30-1:45 and I'm not happy with that time.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tsunami Triathlon
This latest triathlon that I did yesterday, it was a spur of the moment triathlon. I haven't done a triathlon since the end of May and my next triathlon isn't until July 9th, so I decided to sign up for the Tsunami Triathlon at the SDRC that I competed in yesterday.
I was really nervous about this triathlon because I hardly trained at all this week because I just got done doing the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay and I was EXHAUSTED from that, so I didn't train hardly at all.
Considering I trained maybe twice this last week, my triathlon wasn't too bad. My final time was 1:29:04. I came in 6th in my age division, so it wasn't too bad.
The swim was pretty good. I swam 350 yards in 8:30. Granted, I need to be able to knock that time down by about 1:30, but with no training this week, I'm pleased with 8:30. I killed 5 people in the swim, so that made me feel pretty good.
It was kind of cool. As I was walking in to the pool area before the swim started, I saw one of the swim coaches and he recognized me. We both said hi to each other & then he proceeded to tell people that I was going to kill it because he sees me at the pool every day and I'm doing really well.
Then during the swim about lap # 4, he got right down by the edge of the pool and was cheering me on "You're doing great! Hussle, hussle! Keep it up!". I don't know if he did that for anybody else, but it made me feel special. He did the same as I was getting out of the pool too.
While I was swimming I swallowed a lot of air, because as I was running to T1 I let out this HUGE belch! Then I was like "excuse me". It was kind of funny because then off to the side I heard someone say "Awesome! That's a true swimmer right there!". Every time I belched yesterday it made me think of that & I laughed.
The bike wasn't too bad. It took me about 43 minutes to ride 12 miles. It was a different route than what I'm used to, so that threw me off a little bit, but I did pretty good. It wasn't windy at all, so I was able to keep my speed up. I really need to get clips as pedals so I can just clip in & shave a little time off my T1 and go faster too.
The run was rough. I was just slow. It took me 35 minutes to run 3.1 miles. I'm not too happy with that, but I know it gives me room to improve. My legs were just tired because I really pushed myself on the bike, so I was just slow, but hey, I finished!
So, overall, this was a good race. I'm not disappointed with my time. It gives me room to improve.
What I really liked about this race is it shows me that after a race like the Ragnar, I can bounce back just fine and do a race the next week. I've been concerned about this because I'm doing the Epic Relay in August and the very next week I have my Olympic distance triathlon. This race yesterday proved to me that I know I'll be able to do that race and be ok.
I was really nervous about this triathlon because I hardly trained at all this week because I just got done doing the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay and I was EXHAUSTED from that, so I didn't train hardly at all.
Considering I trained maybe twice this last week, my triathlon wasn't too bad. My final time was 1:29:04. I came in 6th in my age division, so it wasn't too bad.
The swim was pretty good. I swam 350 yards in 8:30. Granted, I need to be able to knock that time down by about 1:30, but with no training this week, I'm pleased with 8:30. I killed 5 people in the swim, so that made me feel pretty good.
It was kind of cool. As I was walking in to the pool area before the swim started, I saw one of the swim coaches and he recognized me. We both said hi to each other & then he proceeded to tell people that I was going to kill it because he sees me at the pool every day and I'm doing really well.
Then during the swim about lap # 4, he got right down by the edge of the pool and was cheering me on "You're doing great! Hussle, hussle! Keep it up!". I don't know if he did that for anybody else, but it made me feel special. He did the same as I was getting out of the pool too.
While I was swimming I swallowed a lot of air, because as I was running to T1 I let out this HUGE belch! Then I was like "excuse me". It was kind of funny because then off to the side I heard someone say "Awesome! That's a true swimmer right there!". Every time I belched yesterday it made me think of that & I laughed.
The bike wasn't too bad. It took me about 43 minutes to ride 12 miles. It was a different route than what I'm used to, so that threw me off a little bit, but I did pretty good. It wasn't windy at all, so I was able to keep my speed up. I really need to get clips as pedals so I can just clip in & shave a little time off my T1 and go faster too.
The run was rough. I was just slow. It took me 35 minutes to run 3.1 miles. I'm not too happy with that, but I know it gives me room to improve. My legs were just tired because I really pushed myself on the bike, so I was just slow, but hey, I finished!
So, overall, this was a good race. I'm not disappointed with my time. It gives me room to improve.
What I really liked about this race is it shows me that after a race like the Ragnar, I can bounce back just fine and do a race the next week. I've been concerned about this because I'm doing the Epic Relay in August and the very next week I have my Olympic distance triathlon. This race yesterday proved to me that I know I'll be able to do that race and be ok.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Open Water Swimming
My first open water swim triathlon is rapidly approaching on August 20th and I'm scared out of my pants!!!
I don't know why, but ever since I was little I've been scared of open water. I even have a picture in one of my scrapbooks of me sitting on the beach in California just crying because I was scared of the ocean.
I signed up for my first open water swim clinic back in May and I had bought a wetsuit, but stupid me, I forgot to try the wetsuit on when I first bought it. The day of the clinic, I try on my wetsuit...yeah, it doesn't fit!!! Crap! So, I wasn't able to go to that clinic.
I then heard about a clinic that was going to be this last Wednesday at the lake that my triathlon is at. I thought sweet!!! The day before the clinic, I go and rent a wetsuit ($40) and I get 1/2 day off work the next day so I have time to get the rest of my workout in and then head up to the lake. The day of the clinic, I find out it's been cancelled!!!! Argh!!! I'm SUPER frustrated.
They said they're going to try & reschedule the clinic for this upcoming Saturday. Well that sucks! I've got a triathlon this Saturday.
I don't really feel like I can go open water swimming by myself. It's just not safe to do.
I get the feeling that my first experience with open water swimming is going to be the day of my triathlon. That does not do me good for my anxiety.
So, if you have any tips on open water swimming for me, I'd greatly appreciate it!
I don't know why, but ever since I was little I've been scared of open water. I even have a picture in one of my scrapbooks of me sitting on the beach in California just crying because I was scared of the ocean.
I signed up for my first open water swim clinic back in May and I had bought a wetsuit, but stupid me, I forgot to try the wetsuit on when I first bought it. The day of the clinic, I try on my wetsuit...yeah, it doesn't fit!!! Crap! So, I wasn't able to go to that clinic.
I then heard about a clinic that was going to be this last Wednesday at the lake that my triathlon is at. I thought sweet!!! The day before the clinic, I go and rent a wetsuit ($40) and I get 1/2 day off work the next day so I have time to get the rest of my workout in and then head up to the lake. The day of the clinic, I find out it's been cancelled!!!! Argh!!! I'm SUPER frustrated.
They said they're going to try & reschedule the clinic for this upcoming Saturday. Well that sucks! I've got a triathlon this Saturday.
I don't really feel like I can go open water swimming by myself. It's just not safe to do.
I get the feeling that my first experience with open water swimming is going to be the day of my triathlon. That does not do me good for my anxiety.
So, if you have any tips on open water swimming for me, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Dating Website
Now that I know what I want as far as a spouse goes, I decided to join a dating website. I joined http://www.fitness-singles.com. I even paid for it too.
I chose this particular dating website because the folks on this website are active people like my kind of active. I will find triathletes and marathoners on this website. I'm sure I'd find triathletes and marathoners on places like match.com, but I think they'd be harder to come by.
So, I've put my profile up and it'll be interesting to see what happens. I'm not necessarily out there to find a relationship. I'd be happy just finding a workout buddy. :)
I chose this particular dating website because the folks on this website are active people like my kind of active. I will find triathletes and marathoners on this website. I'm sure I'd find triathletes and marathoners on places like match.com, but I think they'd be harder to come by.
So, I've put my profile up and it'll be interesting to see what happens. I'm not necessarily out there to find a relationship. I'd be happy just finding a workout buddy. :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Marathon Training
I've decided that after my 1/2 marathon in July, I'm going to continue up'ing my mileage on my runs and attempt to train for a full marathon.
If it goes well, I will hopefully run my first full marathon in October. I think I can do it.
I guess we'll see how it goes.
If it goes well, I will hopefully run my first full marathon in October. I think I can do it.
I guess we'll see how it goes.
What I Want
This weekend while doing the Ragnar Relay, I figured out exactly what I want as far as a spouse, etc.
My personal trainer, B.J. and his wife Chrystel competed in the Ragnar. I saw them a couple of times throughout the race. They have an 8 year old son too and he was there. He didn't compete in the race, but he was there with them.
That is what I want. I want a spouse that enjoys doing 1/2 marathons, marathons, relays and triathlons with me.
I've always been afraid that if I were to get married and have a family that would be the end of triathlons and marathons, etc., but seeing B.J. and Chrystel competing in the Ragnar this weekend with friends and bringing their son along with them proved to me that you can have a family and still do triathlons etc.
The only problem is, I don't know how to go about finding that person. People have always said that a good place to meet someone is at the gym. Well, they've never been to the gym I go to. Because of the neighborhood and city I live in, alot of people are married. Every guy I've seen at the gym is married. :( Plus, alot of guys when they workout don't wear a wedding ring, so how do you know if they're married or not?
I just don't know how to go about finding someone who likes to do the same things I do. I guess that's why I'm still happily single.
My personal trainer, B.J. and his wife Chrystel competed in the Ragnar. I saw them a couple of times throughout the race. They have an 8 year old son too and he was there. He didn't compete in the race, but he was there with them.
That is what I want. I want a spouse that enjoys doing 1/2 marathons, marathons, relays and triathlons with me.
I've always been afraid that if I were to get married and have a family that would be the end of triathlons and marathons, etc., but seeing B.J. and Chrystel competing in the Ragnar this weekend with friends and bringing their son along with them proved to me that you can have a family and still do triathlons etc.
The only problem is, I don't know how to go about finding that person. People have always said that a good place to meet someone is at the gym. Well, they've never been to the gym I go to. Because of the neighborhood and city I live in, alot of people are married. Every guy I've seen at the gym is married. :( Plus, alot of guys when they workout don't wear a wedding ring, so how do you know if they're married or not?
I just don't know how to go about finding someone who likes to do the same things I do. I guess that's why I'm still happily single.
Decisions, Decisions
As I was doing the Ragnar Relay this last weekend, I was on Twitter and reading what everybody else posted about the Ragnar. I found someone else and we've kind of become Twitter Friends.
She is going down to Zion National Park to do the Red Rock Relay in September and is putting together a team! I wanna go and do it SO bad.
I've never been to Zion and I LOVE doing these relay's. The only question is...can I afford it. Hmmm...
It costs $100 to register, plus you help pay for food, gas, etc., plus we'd have a hotel for 1 night before coming back.
I'm desperately trying to get out of debt so I can move out of my mom and dad's house and this would push it back a couple of months. But, I'm also looking at this as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It's VERY hard to put together a team for these relay's, so if I could be on a team already I think that would be great! Plus, it would give me an opportunity to meet new people that enjoy doing the same thing I do. Plus, I've never been to Zion! I think it would be an absolutely gorgeous run!
I don't know what to do! I've got a big decision to make pretty quick.
She is going down to Zion National Park to do the Red Rock Relay in September and is putting together a team! I wanna go and do it SO bad.
I've never been to Zion and I LOVE doing these relay's. The only question is...can I afford it. Hmmm...
It costs $100 to register, plus you help pay for food, gas, etc., plus we'd have a hotel for 1 night before coming back.
I'm desperately trying to get out of debt so I can move out of my mom and dad's house and this would push it back a couple of months. But, I'm also looking at this as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
It's VERY hard to put together a team for these relay's, so if I could be on a team already I think that would be great! Plus, it would give me an opportunity to meet new people that enjoy doing the same thing I do. Plus, I've never been to Zion! I think it would be an absolutely gorgeous run!
I don't know what to do! I've got a big decision to make pretty quick.
Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay Recap!
Ok, so from my previous post, you found out how I got to be the driver of one of the vans for my company's team for the Ragnar Relay.
I showed up Friday morning to get ready to leave and the Suburban that was promised to us hadn't showed up yet. That's not a good sign. I found out the Suburban was my co-worker Carolina's boyfriend's parents. When they went to bring the "burb" to us, they noticed antifreeze leaking from it, so they took it to the mechanic and thought they just needed to replace the hose. They put the car up on the lift and found out it needed a completely new radiator! Eeeeek! So far, the Ragnar Relay wasn't starting out too good for us. So, instead of having 1 suburban for 7 people, we ended up with 2 compact cars:
Because we had to cram everything in to 2 compact cars, I was told my sleeping bag was too big and there wouldn't be enough room, so I left my sleeping bag and pillow behind. I was fine with that because I thought if all else fails I could ball up my sweatshirt and use that as a pillow and crash on one of the benches in the "burb" if it was too cold outside.
So, we pile in to the two cars and head up to Logan. Good thing I decided to drive because I was the only person that knew how to get up to Logan, let alone getting up to Utah State University! Haha!
We finally made it up to Logan and we're still trying to stay in contact with the owners of the "burb" so we can hopefully not have two compact cars the entire race.
The race started and we decided that the first 3 runners and I would stay in the Ford Fiesta and met up with the other 3 runners at Exchange 3 and hopefully by then we will have the "burb".
By the time we get to exchange 3, we're making good time, but we still don't have the "burb". I switch cars and go with runners 4, 5 & 6 in the Toyota Corolla and while the first 3 runners take off to Snow Basin where runner 1 will be running next.
Still we don't have the suburban. We've basically given up on the suburban. Come to find out, they got the radiator fixed and were headed up to Logan to bring it to us and it kept overheating. There was something majorly mechanically wrong with the suburban. So, we ended up using 2 compact cars as our Van #1 in the race. It wasn't too comfortable, but it worked.
One of the next runs was for runner 5 to run up Avon Pass. Natalie was runner # 5. I'd never been to Avon Pass, I had just heard about it. It was 7 miles uphill. Ugh! It was a rough run, but Natalie did awesome with it!
While we were waiting at the top of Avon Pass for Natalie though, I saw Chrystel Christenson and she was getting ready to run down Avon Pass. I saw a bunch of other people too. One guy I saw, he was AMAZING! He was with Backcountry.com and he did the whole race wearing snowshoes!!!
Surprisingly our little car did pretty well going up Avon Pass. Coming down Avon Pass was a different story. Haha! I swear we bottomed out so many times, I couldn't tell you a count. It was a very bumpy ride. I felt bad because there was a whole line of cars behind us trying to get down the Pass and trying to get their runners water.
Because we had to go so slow down Avon Pass, we fell behind with our time. Van #2 kept calling us asking us where we were, but because we were on the Pass, we had NO cell phone reception. They were very glad to see us at the major exchange.
So, we finally got to Eden/Huntsville area and passed off to Brenda who was runner #1 in Van #2. After Brenda took off and we were headed back to our car, a guy came up to us and apologized for passing us on Avon Pass, but he was in a hurry to get to his runner to give his runner water. Lol. I thought it was nice of him. I told him I don't blame him for passing us I was just going so slow because of our car.
While we were in Huntsville I got a call from Jonathan, who was one of the runners in car #1. They were at Snow Basin and Eric's knee was hurting him and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to run his second and third legs. By the time we get to Snow Basin, he will make a decision and if he doesn't think he can run it, I will run his second and third legs for him.
So, we got directions on how to get to Snow Basin and headed off. We got to drive past Pineview Reservoir. I'd never been there or seen it. It is beautiful. Here are a couple of pictures of Pineview and of Avon Pass.
Cute little sheep on Avon Pass:
Gorgeous view coming down Avon pass:
Pineview Reservoir:
We got to Snow Basin & met up with Eric, Maria and Jonathan. Eric has somehow sprained his IT Band (in his knee) and can't run the rest of his legs, so I am now running the rest of his legs. I felt bad that Eric got hurt and couldn't run, but I was kind of excited to be an actual runner at Ragnar too. Eric kind of turned sour though once he got hurt. My first run will be starting at Snow Basin when Sylvia comes in.
All I could think was thank God I dressed appropriately. As I was getting dressed that morning I thought that since I was just driving I would wear jeans and a pair of Keds shoes, but then I decided I'd be more comfortable in my workout capri's and my running shoes. I was just wearing a t-shirt and a sports bra too; however, not the best sports bra, but it did it's job!
I wasn't planning on eating dinner at Snow Basin, but I decided I better carb up, so I bought a plate of pasta and chowed down on that. It cost me $15 and SO wasn't worth it money wise, but it did it's job as far as carbs went.
About 10:30 p.m. Sylvia came running in and I took off. I was super nervous because I didn't know where I was running, I just knew I was running 8.3 miles and there were gonna be some serious hills. Thank God Natalie let me borrow her music, or I'd be in a world of hurt.
I started out running on a dirt trail (not my favorite) and then I came to some snow and a volunteer. He said to run across the snow (about 6 inches deep) until I come to the road and then head off on the road. It was 10:30 p.m. and the only light I had was the headlamp on my forehead. I had NO clue where I was going. I couldn't see a freakin' road!!! So, I'm running across the snow and can't see a road anywhere. I can just hear water. I look behind me and see two other runners coming. I decided to wait for them and we explored and finally found the road.
Once I got to the road and started running, I was ok. There were some serious hills, but I knew that for every hill I had to run up, I had a hill I got to run down! Yay!
I felt like I had been running forever and then finally I saw the sign that said "1 mile to go"! I LOVED that sign! Surprisingly I wasn't winded or anything. Right around 12:12 a.m., I came running in to the exchange. It was just at the intersection somewhere. I know there was a gas station on the side of the road, but I'm not sure where we were. It wasn't my best time, but for not being prepared to run, I thought I did pretty good.
I passed off to Jonathan who only had to run like 3 miles or so and then Jonathan passed off to Maria who didn't have to run very far either. Maria ran in to Morgan.
Once Maria got done running, we pulled out the GPS and found directions to Kamas. It was over an hour away, but it was super close to our next big exchange where I would have to run again. We drove to Kamas and slept in South Summit High School.
Well, some people slept. I sure didn't. Why? I was cold, my socks were wet from running through the snow, and I didn't have a sleeping bag or pillow. I would've taken off my sweatshirt and used that as a pillow, but I was cold. :( I had to take off my socks to let them dry out a little bit, so I was running around barefoot. I would've put different socks on, but I didn't pack any because I didn't think I'd be running! I was wearing a sweaty shirt and I couldn't take that off either because I didn't pack anything because I didn't think I'd be running! :)
It was kind of cool staying at South Summit High School though because that is where my friend Kendrick went to high school. It was a very small high school. I couldn't believe how small the cafeteria was or how small the common area was. It was teeny.
We fell asleep in the gym of the high school. I wanted to take a picture of how many people were sleeping in there, but a flash would've gone off and that probably would've pissed off a lot of people, so I didn't. The next morning, I took a picture of the people sleeping in the halls though:
We ate breakfast and headed off to where our next exchange would be. It was at the Oakley Rodeo Grounds. I would be running 4.9 miles in to Kamas. On the map it looked like it would be a fairly flat run.
This is where I got kind of pissed. When it came time for the exchange, none of my teammates were there from van #1 to cheer me on. At all the other exchanges, I didn't always want to get out of the car. I was uncomfortable, I was tired, I was hungry, it was hot, etc., but I got out of the car and cheered everyone on at the exchange. The only people that were at the exchange when Sylvia came in and I left were 2 people from Sylvia's van. They cheered me on, but that was it.
That was a rough run. First off, I had NO music to listen to. Listening to music while I run helps me keep my cadence and it helps keep my mind from wandering and wondering how long until this run is over. Plus, I was running in to the wind. For some reason I had a really hard time with my breathing on this run and I couldn't keep my cadence for the life of me.
Plus, the run was all uphill!!! It wasn't a steep hill, it was a gradual uphill the entire way. I would rather have one quick steep hill than a long gradual uphill. I think one long uphill is alot harder. Plus, it was hot. I was disappointed in myself because I ended up stopping to walk twice. :( Oh well, it's over. Not much I can do about it.
I finally got to the exchange and was glad I was done. It was a hard run for me. I ended up running a total of 13.1 miles total. My teammates were there to greet me, but it didn't seem like they had too many words of encouragement for me. I had said that I was disappointed in myself for having to stop and walk, but nobody said anything to me. Thank God it was a major exchange point and there were HUGE jugs of cold water for me to down.
We ended up sticking together (the two cars) the rest of the day. It didn't seem to take us too long to finish our runs. We did fall behind though. As we were waiting for Maria to run in to the exchange up by Jordanelle, one of the race people came to us and let us know that we could have van #2 start now if they wanted, so we opted for that. By the time Erik (runner #6, and yes, we had 2 Erik's in our group) finished his 3.1 mile run in Heber, there was only 1 runner left and behind us and they were behind us by 15 minutes.
Once Erik finished his run, we all drove to Park City to have dinner and wait for van #2 to finish. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then headed over to Park City High School for the finish.
Eric said he didn't want us to park at Park City High School where the finish line was because there was going to be too many people and it would be hard to find a parking spot. So, we left our cars at the Mexican restaurant we ate it, which wasn't too far away.
We got done with dinner and walked over to the high school. As we're walking over to the high school, we see Eric drive by in his car and move his car over to the high school!!! What the crap?!?! He didn't want to park there in the first place.
So, I ended up walking back to the Mexican restaurant and moving Carolina's car closer to the high school.
By this time, I was really getting pissed because I was catching on to Eric and he was going to take credit for running all 3 legs and everything was going to be his way or the highway. :( I thought it would be nice to at least get a t-shirt for being a runner, but I got nothing.
I was getting more mad by the second. I was going to buy my own shirt, but I saw that they were $30! I wasn't going to spend $30 on a shirt that I felt I should've either got for free for running in the race.
It was kind of funny because while I was debating whether to leave or not, I got a text from Sylvia in Van #2 and she said that their van overheated and died coming down Guardsman's Pass (a helluva hill that David had to run up). I asked if we needed to drive up and rescue the team, but she said she was going to hitch a ride with another team down Guardsman's pass to the last exchange so they wouldn't fall behind.
I finally got pissed and called my dad and told him to come get me. I got my stuff (not very much) from Carolina's car, gave her the car keys and left.
Come to find out, Eric crossed the finish line and everybody got the feeling that he was taking credit for all of his runs!!! That's just not right. It's not morally or ethically right.
Now, it's not that I want credit or proof for running the 13.1 miles. I know I ran them, my family knows I ran them and so do my friends.
I think the thing I'm most upset about is that I didn't get a finishers medal and I didn't get a t-shirt. I don't even have any pictures of me running in the race. This race is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I just want some "souvenirs" from the race. I'm not going to get that. Instead, Eric has a t-shirt and a finishers medal.
I find it interesting that when I got home, my dad took me to my work to pick up my car, but before I went home, I walked down the street to my favorite bar to say hi to them really quick. When I left the bar and walked back to my car, everybody else was finally getting back from the Ragnar.
My boss, Sylvia, asked me what was wrong and I told her and everybody in her van said "yeah, you should've got the finishers medal". I just think nobody said anything to Eric because they felt like they couldn't.
Oh well, I'll get over it. In the meantime, I'm trying to put together my own team for the Ragnar next year and when I do the Epic Relay later this year, I'll make sure I'm not in Eric's van.
Otherwise, it was a great race. It is a very well organized race. I hope I get to do it next year. I really want to do it next year. It is one of the hardest races I've ever done, but so mentally and physically rewarding.
I feel like I can now say "I've done the Wasatch Back, I can do anything now!"
I showed up Friday morning to get ready to leave and the Suburban that was promised to us hadn't showed up yet. That's not a good sign. I found out the Suburban was my co-worker Carolina's boyfriend's parents. When they went to bring the "burb" to us, they noticed antifreeze leaking from it, so they took it to the mechanic and thought they just needed to replace the hose. They put the car up on the lift and found out it needed a completely new radiator! Eeeeek! So far, the Ragnar Relay wasn't starting out too good for us. So, instead of having 1 suburban for 7 people, we ended up with 2 compact cars:
Because we had to cram everything in to 2 compact cars, I was told my sleeping bag was too big and there wouldn't be enough room, so I left my sleeping bag and pillow behind. I was fine with that because I thought if all else fails I could ball up my sweatshirt and use that as a pillow and crash on one of the benches in the "burb" if it was too cold outside.
So, we pile in to the two cars and head up to Logan. Good thing I decided to drive because I was the only person that knew how to get up to Logan, let alone getting up to Utah State University! Haha!
We finally made it up to Logan and we're still trying to stay in contact with the owners of the "burb" so we can hopefully not have two compact cars the entire race.
The race started and we decided that the first 3 runners and I would stay in the Ford Fiesta and met up with the other 3 runners at Exchange 3 and hopefully by then we will have the "burb".
By the time we get to exchange 3, we're making good time, but we still don't have the "burb". I switch cars and go with runners 4, 5 & 6 in the Toyota Corolla and while the first 3 runners take off to Snow Basin where runner 1 will be running next.
Still we don't have the suburban. We've basically given up on the suburban. Come to find out, they got the radiator fixed and were headed up to Logan to bring it to us and it kept overheating. There was something majorly mechanically wrong with the suburban. So, we ended up using 2 compact cars as our Van #1 in the race. It wasn't too comfortable, but it worked.
One of the next runs was for runner 5 to run up Avon Pass. Natalie was runner # 5. I'd never been to Avon Pass, I had just heard about it. It was 7 miles uphill. Ugh! It was a rough run, but Natalie did awesome with it!
While we were waiting at the top of Avon Pass for Natalie though, I saw Chrystel Christenson and she was getting ready to run down Avon Pass. I saw a bunch of other people too. One guy I saw, he was AMAZING! He was with Backcountry.com and he did the whole race wearing snowshoes!!!
Surprisingly our little car did pretty well going up Avon Pass. Coming down Avon Pass was a different story. Haha! I swear we bottomed out so many times, I couldn't tell you a count. It was a very bumpy ride. I felt bad because there was a whole line of cars behind us trying to get down the Pass and trying to get their runners water.
Because we had to go so slow down Avon Pass, we fell behind with our time. Van #2 kept calling us asking us where we were, but because we were on the Pass, we had NO cell phone reception. They were very glad to see us at the major exchange.
So, we finally got to Eden/Huntsville area and passed off to Brenda who was runner #1 in Van #2. After Brenda took off and we were headed back to our car, a guy came up to us and apologized for passing us on Avon Pass, but he was in a hurry to get to his runner to give his runner water. Lol. I thought it was nice of him. I told him I don't blame him for passing us I was just going so slow because of our car.
While we were in Huntsville I got a call from Jonathan, who was one of the runners in car #1. They were at Snow Basin and Eric's knee was hurting him and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to run his second and third legs. By the time we get to Snow Basin, he will make a decision and if he doesn't think he can run it, I will run his second and third legs for him.
So, we got directions on how to get to Snow Basin and headed off. We got to drive past Pineview Reservoir. I'd never been there or seen it. It is beautiful. Here are a couple of pictures of Pineview and of Avon Pass.
Cute little sheep on Avon Pass:
Gorgeous view coming down Avon pass:
Pineview Reservoir:
We got to Snow Basin & met up with Eric, Maria and Jonathan. Eric has somehow sprained his IT Band (in his knee) and can't run the rest of his legs, so I am now running the rest of his legs. I felt bad that Eric got hurt and couldn't run, but I was kind of excited to be an actual runner at Ragnar too. Eric kind of turned sour though once he got hurt. My first run will be starting at Snow Basin when Sylvia comes in.
All I could think was thank God I dressed appropriately. As I was getting dressed that morning I thought that since I was just driving I would wear jeans and a pair of Keds shoes, but then I decided I'd be more comfortable in my workout capri's and my running shoes. I was just wearing a t-shirt and a sports bra too; however, not the best sports bra, but it did it's job!
I wasn't planning on eating dinner at Snow Basin, but I decided I better carb up, so I bought a plate of pasta and chowed down on that. It cost me $15 and SO wasn't worth it money wise, but it did it's job as far as carbs went.
About 10:30 p.m. Sylvia came running in and I took off. I was super nervous because I didn't know where I was running, I just knew I was running 8.3 miles and there were gonna be some serious hills. Thank God Natalie let me borrow her music, or I'd be in a world of hurt.
I started out running on a dirt trail (not my favorite) and then I came to some snow and a volunteer. He said to run across the snow (about 6 inches deep) until I come to the road and then head off on the road. It was 10:30 p.m. and the only light I had was the headlamp on my forehead. I had NO clue where I was going. I couldn't see a freakin' road!!! So, I'm running across the snow and can't see a road anywhere. I can just hear water. I look behind me and see two other runners coming. I decided to wait for them and we explored and finally found the road.
Once I got to the road and started running, I was ok. There were some serious hills, but I knew that for every hill I had to run up, I had a hill I got to run down! Yay!
I felt like I had been running forever and then finally I saw the sign that said "1 mile to go"! I LOVED that sign! Surprisingly I wasn't winded or anything. Right around 12:12 a.m., I came running in to the exchange. It was just at the intersection somewhere. I know there was a gas station on the side of the road, but I'm not sure where we were. It wasn't my best time, but for not being prepared to run, I thought I did pretty good.
I passed off to Jonathan who only had to run like 3 miles or so and then Jonathan passed off to Maria who didn't have to run very far either. Maria ran in to Morgan.
Once Maria got done running, we pulled out the GPS and found directions to Kamas. It was over an hour away, but it was super close to our next big exchange where I would have to run again. We drove to Kamas and slept in South Summit High School.
Well, some people slept. I sure didn't. Why? I was cold, my socks were wet from running through the snow, and I didn't have a sleeping bag or pillow. I would've taken off my sweatshirt and used that as a pillow, but I was cold. :( I had to take off my socks to let them dry out a little bit, so I was running around barefoot. I would've put different socks on, but I didn't pack any because I didn't think I'd be running! I was wearing a sweaty shirt and I couldn't take that off either because I didn't pack anything because I didn't think I'd be running! :)
It was kind of cool staying at South Summit High School though because that is where my friend Kendrick went to high school. It was a very small high school. I couldn't believe how small the cafeteria was or how small the common area was. It was teeny.
We fell asleep in the gym of the high school. I wanted to take a picture of how many people were sleeping in there, but a flash would've gone off and that probably would've pissed off a lot of people, so I didn't. The next morning, I took a picture of the people sleeping in the halls though:
We ate breakfast and headed off to where our next exchange would be. It was at the Oakley Rodeo Grounds. I would be running 4.9 miles in to Kamas. On the map it looked like it would be a fairly flat run.
This is where I got kind of pissed. When it came time for the exchange, none of my teammates were there from van #1 to cheer me on. At all the other exchanges, I didn't always want to get out of the car. I was uncomfortable, I was tired, I was hungry, it was hot, etc., but I got out of the car and cheered everyone on at the exchange. The only people that were at the exchange when Sylvia came in and I left were 2 people from Sylvia's van. They cheered me on, but that was it.
That was a rough run. First off, I had NO music to listen to. Listening to music while I run helps me keep my cadence and it helps keep my mind from wandering and wondering how long until this run is over. Plus, I was running in to the wind. For some reason I had a really hard time with my breathing on this run and I couldn't keep my cadence for the life of me.
Plus, the run was all uphill!!! It wasn't a steep hill, it was a gradual uphill the entire way. I would rather have one quick steep hill than a long gradual uphill. I think one long uphill is alot harder. Plus, it was hot. I was disappointed in myself because I ended up stopping to walk twice. :( Oh well, it's over. Not much I can do about it.
I finally got to the exchange and was glad I was done. It was a hard run for me. I ended up running a total of 13.1 miles total. My teammates were there to greet me, but it didn't seem like they had too many words of encouragement for me. I had said that I was disappointed in myself for having to stop and walk, but nobody said anything to me. Thank God it was a major exchange point and there were HUGE jugs of cold water for me to down.
We ended up sticking together (the two cars) the rest of the day. It didn't seem to take us too long to finish our runs. We did fall behind though. As we were waiting for Maria to run in to the exchange up by Jordanelle, one of the race people came to us and let us know that we could have van #2 start now if they wanted, so we opted for that. By the time Erik (runner #6, and yes, we had 2 Erik's in our group) finished his 3.1 mile run in Heber, there was only 1 runner left and behind us and they were behind us by 15 minutes.
Once Erik finished his run, we all drove to Park City to have dinner and wait for van #2 to finish. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and then headed over to Park City High School for the finish.
Eric said he didn't want us to park at Park City High School where the finish line was because there was going to be too many people and it would be hard to find a parking spot. So, we left our cars at the Mexican restaurant we ate it, which wasn't too far away.
We got done with dinner and walked over to the high school. As we're walking over to the high school, we see Eric drive by in his car and move his car over to the high school!!! What the crap?!?! He didn't want to park there in the first place.
So, I ended up walking back to the Mexican restaurant and moving Carolina's car closer to the high school.
By this time, I was really getting pissed because I was catching on to Eric and he was going to take credit for running all 3 legs and everything was going to be his way or the highway. :( I thought it would be nice to at least get a t-shirt for being a runner, but I got nothing.
I was getting more mad by the second. I was going to buy my own shirt, but I saw that they were $30! I wasn't going to spend $30 on a shirt that I felt I should've either got for free for running in the race.
It was kind of funny because while I was debating whether to leave or not, I got a text from Sylvia in Van #2 and she said that their van overheated and died coming down Guardsman's Pass (a helluva hill that David had to run up). I asked if we needed to drive up and rescue the team, but she said she was going to hitch a ride with another team down Guardsman's pass to the last exchange so they wouldn't fall behind.
I finally got pissed and called my dad and told him to come get me. I got my stuff (not very much) from Carolina's car, gave her the car keys and left.
Come to find out, Eric crossed the finish line and everybody got the feeling that he was taking credit for all of his runs!!! That's just not right. It's not morally or ethically right.
Now, it's not that I want credit or proof for running the 13.1 miles. I know I ran them, my family knows I ran them and so do my friends.
I think the thing I'm most upset about is that I didn't get a finishers medal and I didn't get a t-shirt. I don't even have any pictures of me running in the race. This race is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I just want some "souvenirs" from the race. I'm not going to get that. Instead, Eric has a t-shirt and a finishers medal.
I find it interesting that when I got home, my dad took me to my work to pick up my car, but before I went home, I walked down the street to my favorite bar to say hi to them really quick. When I left the bar and walked back to my car, everybody else was finally getting back from the Ragnar.
My boss, Sylvia, asked me what was wrong and I told her and everybody in her van said "yeah, you should've got the finishers medal". I just think nobody said anything to Eric because they felt like they couldn't.
Oh well, I'll get over it. In the meantime, I'm trying to put together my own team for the Ragnar next year and when I do the Epic Relay later this year, I'll make sure I'm not in Eric's van.
Otherwise, it was a great race. It is a very well organized race. I hope I get to do it next year. I really want to do it next year. It is one of the hardest races I've ever done, but so mentally and physically rewarding.
I feel like I can now say "I've done the Wasatch Back, I can do anything now!"
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Opportunity of a Lifetime
I had to make a really tough decision this week. I literally had to sleep on my decision and make sure I was making the best decision before I told them I would do it.
A group of people from my work every year do the Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay. I was asked if I wanted to do it this year, but I had already registered for a race that weekend, so I told them no.
Well, two weeks ago, my manager told me that someone just had to back out of the race & I should cancel my triathlon that I was going to do and do the Ragnar with them. I decided it would save me money to do the Ragnar than to do the triathlon I was going to do, so I said I would.
I emailed the coordinator and they already got someone to fill the spot. :( I was kind of bummed. But then the coordinator came to me the other day & asked if I would be the driver for one of the vans. I told him no because I didn't want to cancel my race just to be a driver.
THEN...he came back to me later that day & said if I would cancel my race and be the driver for the Ragnar, then I could do the Epic Cache-Teton race for free! It costs $120 to do the Epic Cache-Teton race.
Just a side-note. The Epic Cache-Teton race is an identical race to the Ragnar, but it is done by a different company and you run from Logan, UT to The Teton Village in Jackson Hole, WY.
I really had to think about whether I wanted to cancel my race this weekend and do the Epic Cache-Teton because it is sandwiched between two triathlons that I'm going to do. First is the Bountiful Triathlon, which is just a Sprint, then I would have to do the Epic Cache-Teton, and then the very next weekend I'll be doing my first Olympic Distance open water triathlon! Eeeekk!!! I just didn't know if I could do it.
I thought about it and slept on it and decided this is too good of an opportunity to pass up, so I'm going to do it!!!!
I am SUPER excited to be a driver for the Ragnar this weekend. It is so inspiring to me to be a spectator. Granted, I'll be driving for basically 36 hours straight. At one point we'll be able to stop and rest for about 5 hours in the gym of a high school. It ought to be interesting. But it should be fun.
Last year I went and cheered the team on when they were running in Heber, and it was so inspiring to me. I can't explain it. So, it should be even more inspiring being a driver.
Then, I'll be able to mark off my bucket list the Epic Cache-Teton Relay. Can you imagine how beautiful that run is going to be? Running through the Grand Teton's? It's going to be breath taking! I can't wait!
I mean, I'm really super nervous about doing my Olympic Distance Triathlon, but I think I'll be able to do it. As soon as we finish the Epic Relay, I plan on taking an ice bath to help my legs get back in good shape. If I feel like I can't do the Olympic, I know I can always pay a few $$$ and go down to a Sprint distance triathlon.
Either way, I'm super excited.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I Didn't Think I Could Do It...
I didn't think I could do it, but I did! Yesterday I went outside and ran 8 miles! Because I've had shin splints a couple of times this season, I've really just been doing the eliptical trainer at the gym and then running on the weekends.
It had been 2 weeks since I had actually run. I'd done alot of miles on the eliptical trainer, but nothing on the treadmill, nothing on the indoor track or on the treadmill.
I was very scared and nervous as got up bright and early to get my 8 miles in before heading in to work. But, I made sure I had enough water, my music (gotta have music) and I mapped out a good route before heading out.
The route I decided to run had a few hills, but they weren't too steep. I got out there and wasn't even winded while running. I even got to run through some sprinklers at a park I had to run around. :)
I thought I was going to run a 10 minute mile. Before I got shin splints, I was getting to the point where I could run a 9:30 mile. But, after I got done with the run this last Saturday, I looked at my watch and it took me 1:21:00. I do have to take in to consideration I was stopped by 3 red lights, so technically I ran it faster than 1:21:00.
I'm so excited!! I have faith in myself that I'll be able to do this 1/2 marathon that I'm signed up for in 5 weeks! Yay!
It had been 2 weeks since I had actually run. I'd done alot of miles on the eliptical trainer, but nothing on the treadmill, nothing on the indoor track or on the treadmill.
I was very scared and nervous as got up bright and early to get my 8 miles in before heading in to work. But, I made sure I had enough water, my music (gotta have music) and I mapped out a good route before heading out.
The route I decided to run had a few hills, but they weren't too steep. I got out there and wasn't even winded while running. I even got to run through some sprinklers at a park I had to run around. :)
I thought I was going to run a 10 minute mile. Before I got shin splints, I was getting to the point where I could run a 9:30 mile. But, after I got done with the run this last Saturday, I looked at my watch and it took me 1:21:00. I do have to take in to consideration I was stopped by 3 red lights, so technically I ran it faster than 1:21:00.
I'm so excited!! I have faith in myself that I'll be able to do this 1/2 marathon that I'm signed up for in 5 weeks! Yay!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
More Changes
As this week has been going on, I've been doing really good with my workouts, until today. My legs were just like jello. I couldn't do the bike. I just couldn't.
This is normally what my workout is that my personal trainer has scheduled for me:
Monday:
Swim and run (4 miles). Also do weights.
Tuesday
Bike (60 minutes) and run (3 miles).
Wednesday:
Swim & run (4 miles). Also do weights.
Thursday:
Bike (60 minutes) and run (3 miles).
Friday:
Swim
Saturday:
Run (6 miles)
Sunday:
Bike (90 minutes)
Now, with what I've listed in my previous post, I'm obviously over doing it. It's not that I don't trust B.J., because I do. I mean, he's an amazing athlete and he's an Ironman. He knows what it takes. It's just that I'm so scared to death of gaining my weight back that I workout constantly. I hope I haven't offended him by doing more than what he has scheduled me.
But, it has finally occured to me that at this point in my training, I just physically can't do what I posted in my last post. My body will start to rebel.
So, I'm going to try really hard to stick to the schedule above, except for I will continue to swim every morning because that's where I feel I need to most work, and on Saturday's I will run more because I'm training for a 1/2 marathon.
I will continue to eat more protein like I talked about in my last post, but hopefully this will help in my quest to lose the rest of my weight.
This is normally what my workout is that my personal trainer has scheduled for me:
Monday:
Swim and run (4 miles). Also do weights.
Tuesday
Bike (60 minutes) and run (3 miles).
Wednesday:
Swim & run (4 miles). Also do weights.
Thursday:
Bike (60 minutes) and run (3 miles).
Friday:
Swim
Saturday:
Run (6 miles)
Sunday:
Bike (90 minutes)
Now, with what I've listed in my previous post, I'm obviously over doing it. It's not that I don't trust B.J., because I do. I mean, he's an amazing athlete and he's an Ironman. He knows what it takes. It's just that I'm so scared to death of gaining my weight back that I workout constantly. I hope I haven't offended him by doing more than what he has scheduled me.
But, it has finally occured to me that at this point in my training, I just physically can't do what I posted in my last post. My body will start to rebel.
So, I'm going to try really hard to stick to the schedule above, except for I will continue to swim every morning because that's where I feel I need to most work, and on Saturday's I will run more because I'm training for a 1/2 marathon.
I will continue to eat more protein like I talked about in my last post, but hopefully this will help in my quest to lose the rest of my weight.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Big Changes on the Way
This week, things are going to change. Drastically. I'm EXTREMELY nervous, but I'm excited too.
First off, I need to get serious about my working out again. I've been kind of relaxed about it, and I need to not be. I've found that I've been using excuses lately and I need to not use excuses. If I want to be an Ironman (one day it'll happen), I can't not take my workouts seriously.
So, my workouts this week are going to be:
Monday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 4 x 200 swim with 100 pull).
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Tuesday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 4 x 200 swim with 100 pull).
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Wednesday - Swim (200 swim/kick, 4 x 100 drills, 4 x 100 swim, 200 pull, 4 x 100
swim, 200 pull)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Thursday - Swim (200 swim/kick, 4 x 100 drills, 4 x 100 swim, 200 pull, 4 x 100
swim, 200 pull)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Friday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 1000 swim, 4 x 100 drills)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Saturday - Run (9 miles)
Now, I'm going to put a disclaimer in here that some of the running might be done on the eliptical trainer just because I'm just getting over shin splints and I don't want to get them again.
The other thing that is changing this week that I am SUPER nervous about is my eating habits.
I have a dear friend that is a dietician. I went and saw her yesterday and we sat down and consulted about my food, etc., and I've got to make some major changes. This is probably why I'm having such a hard time losing any additional weight.
With the amount that I workout, I haven't been eating enough. This could contribute to my lack of energy as well.
My normal eating schedule Monday through Friday is:
Breakfast - Grits, lowfat yogurt, and a piece of fruit.
Lunch - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and a home made salad and maybe a piece of fruit.
Dinner - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals).
If I'm lucky, I'm consuming 1200 calories a day. Just on the bike, when I ride it for 90 minutes, I burn 1400+ calories.
I told Maria that I'm really nervous about eating more because I'm not used to it. For the past 3 years since I started training for triathlons, and losing weight, it's always been eat smaller portions and workout.
Well, Maria said that for starters, I need more protein in my diet. I'm not getting near enough protein. This will help with my hypoglycemia too.
So, my new eating schedule is going to be:
Breakfast - Grits, lowfat yogurt, and a piece of fruit.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Lunch - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and a home made salad and maybe a piece of fruit. My salad that I used to make was using iceberg lettuce. She wants me to start using darker lettuce.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Dinner - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and 1 cup of vegetables.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Hopefully this will help with my weight loss and it will help with my energy. I'm just super nervous because to me, that sounds like a TON of food.
I will keep you all posted this week on how it goes.
First off, I need to get serious about my working out again. I've been kind of relaxed about it, and I need to not be. I've found that I've been using excuses lately and I need to not use excuses. If I want to be an Ironman (one day it'll happen), I can't not take my workouts seriously.
So, my workouts this week are going to be:
Monday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 4 x 200 swim with 100 pull).
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Tuesday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 4 x 200 swim with 100 pull).
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Wednesday - Swim (200 swim/kick, 4 x 100 drills, 4 x 100 swim, 200 pull, 4 x 100
swim, 200 pull)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Thursday - Swim (200 swim/kick, 4 x 100 drills, 4 x 100 swim, 200 pull, 4 x 100
swim, 200 pull)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Friday - Swim (200 swim/kick/pull, 1000 swim, 4 x 100 drills)
Bike (90 minutes)
Run (4 miles)
Weights
Saturday - Run (9 miles)
Now, I'm going to put a disclaimer in here that some of the running might be done on the eliptical trainer just because I'm just getting over shin splints and I don't want to get them again.
The other thing that is changing this week that I am SUPER nervous about is my eating habits.
I have a dear friend that is a dietician. I went and saw her yesterday and we sat down and consulted about my food, etc., and I've got to make some major changes. This is probably why I'm having such a hard time losing any additional weight.
With the amount that I workout, I haven't been eating enough. This could contribute to my lack of energy as well.
My normal eating schedule Monday through Friday is:
Breakfast - Grits, lowfat yogurt, and a piece of fruit.
Lunch - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and a home made salad and maybe a piece of fruit.
Dinner - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals).
If I'm lucky, I'm consuming 1200 calories a day. Just on the bike, when I ride it for 90 minutes, I burn 1400+ calories.
I told Maria that I'm really nervous about eating more because I'm not used to it. For the past 3 years since I started training for triathlons, and losing weight, it's always been eat smaller portions and workout.
Well, Maria said that for starters, I need more protein in my diet. I'm not getting near enough protein. This will help with my hypoglycemia too.
So, my new eating schedule is going to be:
Breakfast - Grits, lowfat yogurt, and a piece of fruit.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Lunch - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and a home made salad and maybe a piece of fruit. My salad that I used to make was using iceberg lettuce. She wants me to start using darker lettuce.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Dinner - A Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine Frozen meal (less than 300 cals) and 1 cup of vegetables.
Snack - A piece of fruit or a veggie and some sort of protein, whether it be cottage cheese, string cheese, vegetable and hummus, crackers, etc.
Hopefully this will help with my weight loss and it will help with my energy. I'm just super nervous because to me, that sounds like a TON of food.
I will keep you all posted this week on how it goes.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Olympic or Not?
Ok, so as you can tell by the little countdown thing I have on my blog, I have my first Olympic distance triathlon on August 20, 2011. I've already registered for the race, but I am have serious doubts as to whether I should do the Olympic distance or not. I can pay a small fee and down grade to the Sprint distance, I just need other's opinions.
I know I can do the distances, I just don't know if I'm ready to do the distances. My goal for every race I do is to finish the race AND not come in last. I'm afraid if I do the Olympic distance I will come in last.
So far in my 3 years of doing triathlons, I've only "placed" in one of my races and that was this year. Granted, I've made pretty big strides, at least I think, from my races last year to my races this year. BUT...do I need to wait until I start placing in more sprint distance races before I move on to Olympic distance races?
I think the one part of the race I'm most concerned about is the swim. I don't know why, but open water scares the bejesus out of me. It always has. Ever since I was a little girl. Plus, I haven't been able to attend any open water clinics to get familiar with swimming in open water.
Plus, the whole timing issue makes me nervous. It currently takes me about 1 hour to swim 1 mile. :( That's not very fast. Now...granted, I have been slacking off a little bit with my workouts. I haven't been doing weights as much as I should and I know if I do weights on a more regular basis that will help me with my swim time.
The bike portion I'm not too concerned about and I'm not too concerned about the running either. By the time I do this race, I will already have a 1/2 marathon under my belt for this season, so 6 miles of running shouldn't be too bad.
So...do I just knuckle down and make no excuses and go hardcore with my workouts (I'm gonna do this any way) and still do the Olympic distance, or do I downgrade to the Sprint distance?
I would really appreciate your opinion regarding this.
I know I can do the distances, I just don't know if I'm ready to do the distances. My goal for every race I do is to finish the race AND not come in last. I'm afraid if I do the Olympic distance I will come in last.
So far in my 3 years of doing triathlons, I've only "placed" in one of my races and that was this year. Granted, I've made pretty big strides, at least I think, from my races last year to my races this year. BUT...do I need to wait until I start placing in more sprint distance races before I move on to Olympic distance races?
I think the one part of the race I'm most concerned about is the swim. I don't know why, but open water scares the bejesus out of me. It always has. Ever since I was a little girl. Plus, I haven't been able to attend any open water clinics to get familiar with swimming in open water.
Plus, the whole timing issue makes me nervous. It currently takes me about 1 hour to swim 1 mile. :( That's not very fast. Now...granted, I have been slacking off a little bit with my workouts. I haven't been doing weights as much as I should and I know if I do weights on a more regular basis that will help me with my swim time.
The bike portion I'm not too concerned about and I'm not too concerned about the running either. By the time I do this race, I will already have a 1/2 marathon under my belt for this season, so 6 miles of running shouldn't be too bad.
So...do I just knuckle down and make no excuses and go hardcore with my workouts (I'm gonna do this any way) and still do the Olympic distance, or do I downgrade to the Sprint distance?
I would really appreciate your opinion regarding this.
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