I left for Door County on Friday. I started off my day by finishing packing up and then got lunch with a friend. Before I got on the road I decided to make a stop at Urban Tri Gear to pick up a water cage for the back of my bike. I'd been watching the weather reports all week and needless to say it looked like it was going to be hot the day of the Half Ironman. It took me a little less than 5 hours to get to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin where I was staying. The resort I stayed at was only 3 miles from the start of the race. It was right off the lake and I was able to take some great pictures. I did have to laugh as I was checking in and the lady told me that I was not allowed to take my bike into my room, but I had to keep it in a storage garage. I did that for the first night and then the night before my race I kept it in my car. I didn't want the hassle in the morning of getting my bike out of storage. I ate dinner at the resort and then decided to venture out back. I was able to get a lot of pictures of sail boats and then later the sunset. Before I went to sleep I sat on the closed in porch with some of the owners and we talked about the races. One lady sitting there was doing the sprint on Saturday. It was funny how to me, this was just another race for me and how they thought wow, such a long way.
Saturday morning I got up and did my pre-race workout. I thought my face was going to be frostbit from the water. It was so cold. After working out, I got breakfast and then hung out on the porch for a little bit. I took a little nap before heading over to the race venue to get my packet. Not a whole lot of excitement on Saturday. I listened to the course talk and then returned to hotel to sit around and eat dinner.
Race morning I got up around 4:45, the first wave of athletes didn't start until 8. I got to the park around 5:30 and starting putting my stuff in transition. I was pretty set around 6, but still just sat in there because that it what I do. I started to talk to a few of the girls around me, as I was looking for my sister because she drove up to watch the race. At 7:45 they kicked us out of transition and then I headed over to the start of the race. The sun now came out and I was like I should have just moved into the elite wave, even though I really don't have any business being there. I would have started 45 minutes earlier. I don't know if they would have helped or not by the end of the day. The race director went over final instructions and then a local high school girl sang the national anthem. With that, the race began, 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.
At about 8:15 I decided I wanted to go get use to the water, since I was freezing the day before. Turns out the water, was actually not to bad. At first I tried to walk my way over the rocks. I gave up on that and floated out a little ways. I stayed in the water just with my head sticking out until it was almost time for my wave to take off.
At about 8:45 my wave was set to go. I did have to laugh at all these girls fighting to get their way to the front. The plan for me was to take the swim aerobically and I did. I let them fight with each other through the first turn, where we went through two yellow buoys. The nice part about the swim was the buoys for sighting were all orange and numbered. We basically had to get to 40 and we were on our way in. So all those girls fighting for position, well, I started to pass them around the 5th buoy. I was swimming easy, but still felt like I was moving and me being me, couldn't figure out why. Well, then we made a 180 and oh I realized I was swimming with the current on the way out. We swam against the current from about the 15th buoy to the 34th buoy. Then we made another left turn for towards the finish and we had the current with us again. At some point heading into the finish, I got a nice slap on the rear end. I was like really, legs I get, rear, not so much. I'll take it. I finished the swim and at the end they had wet suit strippers ( for those who don't know these people help with getting the wetsuit we wear off of us). A lady point to me and I went her way. That is the fastest I have got a wetsuit off, so kudos to her. I looked at my watch I an was pretty happy with my time. My watch and my official time were slightly off. I looked at my watch as I got out of the water, my actually transition was about 30 seconds later.
On to the bike I went. I had some issues getting my helmet on as I have too much hair, oh well, not cutting it. The plan on the bike was to stay at a zone three or one-two sentence conversation pace. I felt good about that pace as I was able to thank the volunteers and spectators as I was going along. I was told this course was hilly, the beginning and end, not so much and really only parts of the middle. Of course having rode the Horrible Hillies course and Ironman Wisconsin course, my perception might be skewed. A little ways in to the bike I see this guy crossing the street. He did have plenty of time to get across before myself and the bikers behind me got to him. So what does this dude decide to, stop right in the middle. In my head I was like dude get the hell out of the way, but my filter was working and I just told him excuse me. A few miles later I was making a turn to start to go out into the country parts more. Thankfully a lady was standing there and told us watch out for the snake in the road, split decision was to go right, good move on my part. Sorry no new boots for anyone. About halfway through the bike I noticed that my right aero bar was leading all the way to the right. I tried to fix it and put it back to the middle, didn't work. I actually spent most of the last half of the bike riding kind of lopsided, I am sure the picture of that will look just stunning. None the less, learning experience. The one thing I really hated about the bike course was that they marked every mile. I thought when I saw mile 1, they were being funny. WRONG. I drank water as I needed it and tried to have my nutrition about every 30 minutes on the bike. Once again, I am at a race where the distance was long. Maybe the plus of having all the miles. I get to the mile sign for mile 56, however I was not at the transition area yet. I am guessing that the actual mileage was between 56 1/2 to just under 57 miles, not terribly long, but still long. For the race director making fun of Ironman trademarked races, I will say, the ones I have competed and been to, the distances were right. Overall, pretty solid bike ride, I was happy with my swim and bike. I got into transition and I was hot. I took some extra time to grab a bottle of water to drink and pour on myself.
Finally onto the run. This is suppose to be my strength. I was in for a rude awaking. The plan was to start off at 9 minute mile pace, which for me should be a cakewalk. Not to day, mile 1-9:46. About 3 miles into the run they had a dunk take. The one thing I have not mentioned is that even though the race director was making fun of Ironman trademarked races, they took extra care of us having dunk tanks and extra water along with extra personnel on the course. I went over to the dunk take and say back and went in, basically everything except my shoes. That felt great. I hate the cold, but it was welcomed. I saw a guy, named Dave, who I met the week before riding the Ironman Wisconsin course with my friends Jenny and Matt. He said I'll see you at the finish, I told him umm yeah I'm just heading out. I ran most of the first 6 miles, only stopping at the water stations to make sure I was getting hydrated or keeping hydrated. I knew there was a big hill after mile 9, didn't know about the teaser at mile 6. I had to walk up it and to make matters worse I got sickly. When I finally started to walk again a guy behind me ask :Hey 807, are you okay?" I was yes, probably drank too much water. Finally up the hill and I started to run again. Mile 8 was where the dunk tank was the first time around, took another bath in there and the paramedics were laughing because they said they cooled it off since my first go around. I appreciate their efforts, but at this point I was so overheated that as soon as I got out of the tank I was hot again. Just after mile 9 was the big hill. It was so ridiculous, even the overall winners had to walk up it. The race director puts funny signed and they have music like the Fabulous Thunderbirds "Ain't that Tuff Enough." I think that is the title of the song, anyway most of you know what I am talking about. Well, the race director can add another sign, me getting sick again. Some very nice guys asked if they should send medical help to me. Well, at this point I had my mind made up that I was finish come hell or high water. As much as I didn't mean it, I believe the Exorcist came out with my resounding NO. Miles 10-12.5 were really sunny. The run course was not shaded to begin with, but it was really sunny here, go figure. I walked/ran to the water station just before 11 miles. The people working there were related to one of the ladies I workout with. We chatted briefly before I saw another dunk tank. I decided to go in there twice. Along the way I'd continue to met up with people and we would encourage each other along the way. It was more common to see people walking than running. Brutal only sort defines it. I am sure my friends that competed in Racine understand what I am talking about. There was a girl that caught me after the big hill riding her bike. She asked if I was okay and I told her yes, no Exorcist this time. She rode by again just after mile 12 and asked how things were going. I told her I wanted to ride her bike and she said, now that would defeat the purpose. She did tell me she wanted to see me get sick again. I told her she just missed the three time. With around an half mile left in the race, the road goes downhill. Like many others, I decided to salvage some pride and run in. At the finish was my sister. As I was coming in I told her I was sorry, but I didn't feel good, but don't tell Mom that. I got to the finish, got my medal, took another bath in the dunk tank and then decided I wanted to go back into the lake. My sister was nice enough to take a picture and boy I must say I look pathetic, but funny none the less.
I was telling her how I was nauseated and how I got sick during the run, which was one of the worse half marathons of my life (the one I ran at the end of Steelhead just barely beats it). She said she would have liked to see me get sick or something to that effect. Well, ask and you shall receive. On the way back to get my bike and stuff out transition, one more time. We talked about me staying with her for the night at her hotel. I followed her back and in the car was where I lost it. Overall I was happy with the first 2/3 of my race, just really disappointed on how badly the run went. I was bad and texting while driving, a good friend gave me good advice, shake it off and think big picture, very much appreciated and needed that. I went back and showered at my sister's hotel and talked to another good friend and much more experienced triathlete than me before I made my way home. She also had some advice and we got some ideas of what we want to do. A good point she made was that if the Ironman is like this weather, I at least have the experience, but I really hope not.
Well, anyone who knows me knows that I am stubborn and thick headed, so I drove home. It took me about 4 hours and 40 minutes. I think I was on the phone talking to people for about 3 of those hours. It made the time go by and kept me awake, so thanks to all that listened to me. I did get an email from my dad this morning telling me that he would prefer if I just stayed overnight next time. Well, when asked today I do feel that maybe mid-July Half Ironmans will not be my thing since this year and last year have both been really hot- SHOCKER there. We will see. Overall I feel that I had a very solid swim and bike, just need to close out on the run. I am happy that I had the determination to finish, anyone who was outside at all yesterday knows how brutal it was. I am very lucky to have the support system I have as well. Without family and friends, none of this would be possible.
I do have to say one last thing, I wasn't sure how long it was going to last, but I got my appetite back at lunch. YAY!!!!!! Feeling normal again.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
My journey up until now
I was running a few weeks ago with a good friend and we got to talking about different subjects, blogging was one of them. She suggested that I start a blog since I am into social media ( I am a Facebook snob). I finally decided to sit down and do this. So this entry may be a little long, but I feel it will tell how I have made choices about events I am doing this season.
I was a runner through high school and college. My best event in high school was the 3200 run where I took 10th in 1994 and 4th in 1995. Sadly my times would not even place in the top 10 in the state now. These high school girls are really running strong, but that is a great for the sport. I was 10K runner in college and placed at the conference level my sophomore through my senior years. In 2000 after my college eligibility was done I decided to compete in my first marathon. I ran the Chicago Marathon. Being naive I didn't realize what I was getting into and thought, I can manage 7:00 mile pace. I just may have, but I got a little excited at the start and went out at 6:00. WHOOPS. It didn't hit me until later in the race that I was about a minute back from the actual start and that when the clock said 7:00, it was really 6:00 for me. Lesson learned and I still ran 3:31:52. I ran the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee in 2001 and then Boston in 2003. After Boston I hated running. I was bored with it and it was more like "I have to run" vs. "I am so excited for my run today." I knew I wanted to keep in good physical shape, but what could I do. I decided to take up triathlons.
My first triathlon was not really official and I am sure I made a complete fool of myself. Again being naive. First problem for me was the swim was in the ocean in a bay. Well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like swimming in oceans, JAWS might eat me. I did get through the swim and got on the bike. Oh I should also add that after the swim I decided to change tops in front of everyone stand there. WHOOPS again. My friend Kim had friends that were kind enough to lend me a bike. It was a mountain bike. As I got on the bike I now understood why some guy before the race asked if I was trying to work super hard. The run was much better for me. The first official one I did was in Naperville. I did have to borrow my cousin's bike, which again lesson learned, make sure you are on a bike that fits you. My cousin is a few inches taller than me. I did a few Olympic distances with Team in Training over the next couple years along with some sprints.
In 2007 a lot changed for me. On July 5th I was feeling awful, but went through my day. I finally decided to go to the doctor at the Urgent care that night. She suggested I go to the hospital, even offered me an ambulance, but me being me I drove myself to Edwards in Naperville. After a test the doctor came back to my room on the ER to tell me that I had acute appendicitis and I need surgery like now. It was about quarter to midnight. At that point I figured I better call my parents. I woke my mom up and told her that I was at the hospital and needed surgery. Both her and my dad got there as there wheeling me up to the operating room. First question, why didn't you call us when you were coming here. Well, I just thought I had a stomach ache from stress and they would give me something to calm me down. The surgery was suppose to be 45 minutes to an hour. NOPE, 4 hours later I came out. The appendix burst and wrapped around my small intestine. A few days later the surgeon came in and told my mom and I had that after the lap tests it was discovered that I have Crohn's Disease. I was actually relieved that I knew what was going on. Needless to say that triathlon season was scraped.
The next year I decided I would do Steelhead Half Ironman with Team in Training and the Chicago Marathon. Of course that is the year it went from a swim, bike, run to run, bike, run. I had to walk the last 2.5 miles of the half marathon. It was miserable. The Chicago Marathon was worse. I had to drop out at mile 19 with stomach issues. I have been using that to help me ever since. I had also packed on about 45 pounds since the surgery. In Nov. of 2008 I decided I needed to make some changes. I started to work with a nutritionist at the healthclub I was a member of. I lost the weight. I had some issues in races in 2009 because I was not fueling properly during races.
In 2010 I worked with a nutritionist a friend from swim recommended. Finally back to normal. I decided to complete in Ironman Racine 70.3 as a challenge and test for me. I really wanted to do an Ironman someday. I had a pretty good day at Racine. It was hot and I did have to walk through some of the water stations, but I now knew that I could do an Ironman. I went to watch Ironman Wisconsin ( perfect location, perfect timing for me). After several panic attacks I signed up for Ironman Wisconsin 2011.
That leads me to where I am now. I decided I would have someone coach me. I chose MJ because I had got to know her last year, like her philosophy, and I knew that she would tell it like it is. I started to train in Jan.. April was a tough month between coaching track and field at school, gearing up for state testing at school, some crazy education meetings I had with parents. Training was my outlet. My first race of the season was the Palos Half Marathon. My goal was to break 1:40. That didn't happen. I was so bummed that day. BFF did sent me a text that cheered me up and after talking with a friend at work who also ran, I realized two things,1. the Palos Half Marathon was not the big picture-Ironman Wisconsin was, 2. It was only May 1st. A few weeks later I ran the Soldier Field 10 miler, it went much smoother. A week after that was my first triathlon of the season at Leon's. Despite the bike being a few miles long, I still had a PR, which would have been a bigger PR if the bike course was the correct distance. I know Leon will fix that. After the race I decided to hang out with my Tri Smart pals for awards. They get to my age group and my name was called. I couldn't believe it. I was like really, me. That made my day. Since Leon's I have been training and helping out at races where Tri Smart has been. I did ride the Horrible Hillies course on June 17th. That title and what everyone tells you still does not do that bike course justice, you must experience it for yourself. It did help me with my fear of riding down hills. I felt much better on my second journey on the Verona loop of the Ironman course than the first time. Next Sunday the 17th, I will be doing my first and only half Ironman of the season in Door County. I plan to blog my experience and I am sure it will not be as long as this one.
I was a runner through high school and college. My best event in high school was the 3200 run where I took 10th in 1994 and 4th in 1995. Sadly my times would not even place in the top 10 in the state now. These high school girls are really running strong, but that is a great for the sport. I was 10K runner in college and placed at the conference level my sophomore through my senior years. In 2000 after my college eligibility was done I decided to compete in my first marathon. I ran the Chicago Marathon. Being naive I didn't realize what I was getting into and thought, I can manage 7:00 mile pace. I just may have, but I got a little excited at the start and went out at 6:00. WHOOPS. It didn't hit me until later in the race that I was about a minute back from the actual start and that when the clock said 7:00, it was really 6:00 for me. Lesson learned and I still ran 3:31:52. I ran the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee in 2001 and then Boston in 2003. After Boston I hated running. I was bored with it and it was more like "I have to run" vs. "I am so excited for my run today." I knew I wanted to keep in good physical shape, but what could I do. I decided to take up triathlons.
My first triathlon was not really official and I am sure I made a complete fool of myself. Again being naive. First problem for me was the swim was in the ocean in a bay. Well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like swimming in oceans, JAWS might eat me. I did get through the swim and got on the bike. Oh I should also add that after the swim I decided to change tops in front of everyone stand there. WHOOPS again. My friend Kim had friends that were kind enough to lend me a bike. It was a mountain bike. As I got on the bike I now understood why some guy before the race asked if I was trying to work super hard. The run was much better for me. The first official one I did was in Naperville. I did have to borrow my cousin's bike, which again lesson learned, make sure you are on a bike that fits you. My cousin is a few inches taller than me. I did a few Olympic distances with Team in Training over the next couple years along with some sprints.
In 2007 a lot changed for me. On July 5th I was feeling awful, but went through my day. I finally decided to go to the doctor at the Urgent care that night. She suggested I go to the hospital, even offered me an ambulance, but me being me I drove myself to Edwards in Naperville. After a test the doctor came back to my room on the ER to tell me that I had acute appendicitis and I need surgery like now. It was about quarter to midnight. At that point I figured I better call my parents. I woke my mom up and told her that I was at the hospital and needed surgery. Both her and my dad got there as there wheeling me up to the operating room. First question, why didn't you call us when you were coming here. Well, I just thought I had a stomach ache from stress and they would give me something to calm me down. The surgery was suppose to be 45 minutes to an hour. NOPE, 4 hours later I came out. The appendix burst and wrapped around my small intestine. A few days later the surgeon came in and told my mom and I had that after the lap tests it was discovered that I have Crohn's Disease. I was actually relieved that I knew what was going on. Needless to say that triathlon season was scraped.
The next year I decided I would do Steelhead Half Ironman with Team in Training and the Chicago Marathon. Of course that is the year it went from a swim, bike, run to run, bike, run. I had to walk the last 2.5 miles of the half marathon. It was miserable. The Chicago Marathon was worse. I had to drop out at mile 19 with stomach issues. I have been using that to help me ever since. I had also packed on about 45 pounds since the surgery. In Nov. of 2008 I decided I needed to make some changes. I started to work with a nutritionist at the healthclub I was a member of. I lost the weight. I had some issues in races in 2009 because I was not fueling properly during races.
In 2010 I worked with a nutritionist a friend from swim recommended. Finally back to normal. I decided to complete in Ironman Racine 70.3 as a challenge and test for me. I really wanted to do an Ironman someday. I had a pretty good day at Racine. It was hot and I did have to walk through some of the water stations, but I now knew that I could do an Ironman. I went to watch Ironman Wisconsin ( perfect location, perfect timing for me). After several panic attacks I signed up for Ironman Wisconsin 2011.
That leads me to where I am now. I decided I would have someone coach me. I chose MJ because I had got to know her last year, like her philosophy, and I knew that she would tell it like it is. I started to train in Jan.. April was a tough month between coaching track and field at school, gearing up for state testing at school, some crazy education meetings I had with parents. Training was my outlet. My first race of the season was the Palos Half Marathon. My goal was to break 1:40. That didn't happen. I was so bummed that day. BFF did sent me a text that cheered me up and after talking with a friend at work who also ran, I realized two things,1. the Palos Half Marathon was not the big picture-Ironman Wisconsin was, 2. It was only May 1st. A few weeks later I ran the Soldier Field 10 miler, it went much smoother. A week after that was my first triathlon of the season at Leon's. Despite the bike being a few miles long, I still had a PR, which would have been a bigger PR if the bike course was the correct distance. I know Leon will fix that. After the race I decided to hang out with my Tri Smart pals for awards. They get to my age group and my name was called. I couldn't believe it. I was like really, me. That made my day. Since Leon's I have been training and helping out at races where Tri Smart has been. I did ride the Horrible Hillies course on June 17th. That title and what everyone tells you still does not do that bike course justice, you must experience it for yourself. It did help me with my fear of riding down hills. I felt much better on my second journey on the Verona loop of the Ironman course than the first time. Next Sunday the 17th, I will be doing my first and only half Ironman of the season in Door County. I plan to blog my experience and I am sure it will not be as long as this one.
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