Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon 70.3 RR

Let me preface this by saying that this race was a last minute decision and I wasn't even feeling recovered from Boise until Tuesday of race week. I decided to give it a go at BSLT again this year (as a pro however) to see what I could do in a hard race such as this, with another half just two weeks prior, and most of all to toe the line again with the pro women. Each time I finish one of these races, I walk away with so much respect for the sport and its athletes, and new experiences to hopefully guide me through the next race.

Since it was a last minute decision, I had a little bit of a hard time finding a ride down to Lubbock, but luckily Brad helped hook me up with Simon, who would share the trip with me. Despite the 10-hr drive, I felt like time passed quickly; we made it just in time to meet Simon's home stay, the Bridges, who were nice enough to offer me a room to stay in as well, since I had no place to go when I arrived. We grabbed some quick dinner, noted the heat still present at 9 p.m., and headed off to bed.

Leon Griffin, who won the men's title at BSLT last year, was another athlete the Bridges put up over the weekend, and I would say that between him, "Simon the Olympian", and myself, the rookie, we had a pretty interesting mix! Saturday was spent doing the usual pre- race activities, packet pickup and pro meeting, where I got to sit in on one of the funniest race course previews I have ever heard. Thanks for the laughs [Mike] Greer, it definitely helped me relax a little. I also couldn't help but notice how FREAKIN hot it had gotten throughout the day. I was trying my hardest to be tough and not say anything, but finally cracked and was relieved to hear that my fellow house mates also thought the temps were a little hot. When I checked weather.com, it read 100 degrees. In the late afternoon. I wasn't too worried about the heat because I was expecting it. Still, i found it hard to imagine to run a half marathon on pavement that could melt your shoes.

The night before the race I couldn't sleep at all. I think I got shut eye for about 2 hrs. I kept thinking about the flats I have recently gotten on rides and how even though we replaced rim tape, changed tubes and tires, I still seemed to get them. That combined with the usual pre- race anxiety kept me awake for most of the night. Ugh. At 3 a.m. I got up, as I had to be up by 3.30 anyway to drive to the race. Simon was nice enough to make the drive over early with me, although I'm sure he would have rather slept a little longer. We arrived at the race site and were literally almost blown away, it was SO WINDY! I am going to put a rough estimate out there and say it was blowing between 30-50mph! To add to the excitement, it was pitch black out, pretty much until 6.30 when the race started. I set up my transition in the dark, racked my bike, but it kept traveling all over the rack because the wind kept blowing it. For a minute I contemplated how nice it would be if the race was turned into a duathlon, due to strong winds for the swim, but no such luck. (Check out Caroline's blog for a picture of windblown hair pre-race, it was no joke!

When I headed over to the swim start with the winds calmed down somewhat, I actually started chuckling because it was still dark! I had tinted goggles, which at this moment I realized, were not a good idea! I got in to get wet and it felt like a night swim. Before I knew it we were off (separate men's and women's start however) and I was immediately off the back of the pack. There were about 15 women starting the pro wave,and I was in the third pack, leading. The entire way! I have never had to do this before, and I quickly came to realize that swimming by yourself without a wet suit to keep you company, is a bad thing as it zaps all of the energy right out of you. I came close to hyper ventilating a few times, doing a few breast strokes to see where I was headed. In the far distance I could make out a few pink caps, the next group up. I don't think I'll forget this swim any time soon. I was by myself, leading the last group of women, unable to make up any ground, and swimming in twilight.

Coming out of the water, yep it still looks dark
Finally I reached shore, looked at my watch and realized I just had my slowest swim since the first half I ever did. The devil on my shoulder was yelling loudly at me. I managed to block him out, have a fairly decent transition and was off to tackle the first climb right out of transition. At this point I started telling myself to just go with it, knowing quite well how far back I was. I managed to pass a girl before leaving the park, but then was in no mans land for a long time. Low and behold it also started to rain. Having raced in rain for pretty much all my races this year, this was nothing new at all, and I pretty much blocked it out. Until it picked up, along with the wind. The bike ride is challenging as it is, and these conditions sure didn't make it any easier, but I put my head down and plucked away at it, reaching T2 about 5 mins faster than last year, which made up for the 6 minute slowdown on the swim. It had clearly been pouring back at the race site because there were puddles on the ground and pretty much everything was drenched. I had my run shoes in a plastic bag so thankfully those were dry, compared to everything else I had on. I shuffled out of T2, past the finish and onto the run course. To finish was the main objective at this point, especially since I knew making up any ground would be tough, as I had no clue how far ahead everyone else was.

Heading out on the bike, still looks dark!
Past the first climb out of the park, I waved a 'good job' to Leon, as he was flying back into the park in second place. (must be nice I thought, I still had 10 miles ahead) Next up was Simon, who was in 5th but eventually moved up to third with the fastest run split of the day. We exchanged a quick nod and off I was to tackle the rest of the course. At the turn-around, I got an idea of where everyone was at. 1st place was far up ahead, second and third followed, then nothing for awhile, and then 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th. 8th and 9th were close enough that I contemplated making catching up to them a goal to get me through the rest of the run. Upon entering the park again I was feet behind them, and with less than 2 miles to go, made my pass. It took alot, I was running on fumes (well Coke and water to be exact), and had gone through a roller coaster of emotions throughout the race.

The run hurt. It always does. But I am learning to embrace it :)
All in all, I passed 4 pros throughout the race, finishing up 8th out of 14. It's not bad, but I have thought about the race a lot and what could have been different. Those are the lessons we learn I guess. Racing pro so far has been one big classroom, stuff I never would have picked up as an AG'er. I made the decision to go for it this year, knowing it would not be easy, so as long as I keep moving forward, that is all I can ask for. Improvements will happen, but as with everything, patience is needed! I have realized that falling off the back on the swim, can really set you back mentally and start your race on a downer. However, you never know until it's over, and even though I didn't have the race I'd hoped for, I still climbed my way back out of the hole. So I guess the biggest lesson I can take from BSLT is that you can never quit, because you never know how it will turn out in the end. I wanted to quit numerous times, but also knew that the feeling of quitting is one that is so much worse than going through the race just plucking away. Every race finished is one stepping stone to a better one next time! And I am overdue for one! :-)

After an attempted sprint finish and moments before a partial collapse into medics' armsI got my usual recovery IV (what I love most about this race, hehe) after the race and felt much better after having a bag of fluids drip into me. I was offered a roll-down slot for Clearwater at the awards, but before I could even make a split second decision, the next name was called and that person accepted her slot. I thought about it and am happy I did not accept because I think I want to get a little more comfortable racing first, before I step it up on the biggest stage of the sport. Besides, I might still have another chance at qualifying later in the season. Thanks again to the RD for putting on the event, the many volunteers who helped make this a success (there was one boy in particular who was cheering for me on the run, I wanted to hug him as he was helping me keep going!), the pros who make this truly a race, the Bridges family, as well as Simon for sticking it out driving with me for 20 hrs, ha.

I am feeling much less run down than after Boise, so I expect a much quicker recovery this time around and can't wait to race the Boulder Peak in less than 2 weeks! I have not raced a pro race at home yet, so this will be such a special treat! Until then I will attempt to up my swim game a bit, so I can at least stay with someone on my next swim leg!

~Happy Training~

Boise Photos

Here are a few shots from the trip and the race. The pics don't really do the weather justice, except for the one of the closeup of the road. I have also had a few days to reflect on my performance, and although it wasn't what I had hoped for, I gained some experience and learned a few lessons, which will only help me in the next race. And overall, given the conditions, it wasn't THAT bad. :-) I am still figuring out why 5 days after the race my calves are still as sore as the day after, but I am hoping that by tomorrow I will feel a difference. With the rainiest race out of the way, it can only get sunnier from here on!

We encountered some interesting weather onn the way to Boise...
That is hail. We were about 4mi from a tornado

Pristine Lucky Peak Rez race afternoon
Right before it started pouring, about 5min into ride
This is what most of the bike leg was like
About to enter a flooded underpass somewhere on the run
Soaked and finished.
B holding on during the run.
Happy and delirious.and wet.
Very proud of this trooper!

Welcome home! Upon entering Colorado...

A Soaking Wet One

I'm up and running on four hours of sleep but don't even feel that tired. Boise 70.3 2009 turned out to be a wet one not soon to be forgotten. I was following the forecast all week long and the day before the race the weather actually called for partly cloudy with a slight chance of storms, whereas the rest of the week it had been calling for t- storms. With a 2 p.m. unique starting time, I had plenty of time to get my beauty sleep and still make it to the starting line on time. The swim went off quick and the water temperature was not as bad as last year and I was comfortable for most of it. Little waves started to develop as the skies above turned grey and I had a few gulps of water while trying to breathe. I exited in an average time and made my way to transition which seemed like a half mile away. Once out of my wet suit I tried my hardest to hurry up but probably had one of the slowest T1's.

The weather quickly changed its mind once the bike leg started, and about 5mi into the bike I started feeling some little hammers on my helmet, which turned out to be big, fat water drops. Rain was on and off for the first half of the bike leg but then poured relentlessly in the second half to the point where it was hard to see 1/2 mi ahead. I had a pretty good pace and was looking forward to a bike PR but the rain and the headwind in the second half made it hard. Not to mention the thunder and lightening that accompanied it... I'm not going to lie, it was pretty miserable. The last few miles were all mind games as I could feel my body fatiguing and going numb from my wet feet and soaked clothes.

I came into T2 happy to not have been struck by lightening and quickly (as best as I could) changed into my Kona's and grabbed the fuel belt (as if I needed it in that weather- ha, turns out I did) and ran down the long stretch to the exit. Unfortunately for me yesterday posed an additional challenge I never had to deal with before. Aunt Flow was in town visiting and yesterday was her strongest showing. After a mandatory porta john stop about 400m into the race, I was back out on the course but had probably lost over a minute at this point and with that, sight of the girl who ran out of T2 right behind me. Running is usually my strong point, the leg of the race I look forward to the most and the place where I can make up some lost time. However yesterday I found myself all alone out on the course, knowing most of the girls were well ahead of me. Although my legs felt pretty good, I couldn't push it. Not that I want to make excuses for my performance, but Aunt Flow, combined with the amount of advil I took to tune her out, had a significant impact on how I felt yesterday. I think I need to have a good talk with my hormones and let them know that race day is not the best time for this visitor, ick...

I tried pushing hard on the second loop of the run but could feel my calves turning into rocks. I popped 2 or three salt tabs, even though it was pouring and cold, but apparently I needed them because muscle cramps were just around the corner. With not much in the tank I got passed in the last mile and thus fell out of the top 10. My runtime was one of the slower ones of the day for the pro women, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed with that. This course is known to be a fast run course but all I managed was the exact same time I ran at last year's LC in Boulder which is 2000ft higher in elevation. My overall finish was 11th. Great performances out there by all the other women (and men) who blazed through this race in those conditions.

The real story of the day in my family however was the completion of the race for my parents and B, all first timers in the sport. B had a very good swim and pushed on the bike but felt a little flat I think, but then made up for it on the run. He was Ok with his performance but knows he can do much better. Next up was Mark, who had fun out there all day, despite the drenching rain, and although battered and limping around a bit after the race, he seemed in good spirits. Then came the wait for my mom... I know she has issues getting down nutrition, just like me. Turns out she walked most of the run due to complete depletion of fuel and spent her night in the E.R. after being transferred there from the race medical room. She suffered hypothermia, along with nausea and electrolyte depletion. When I left the hospital at 2 a.m., she had finally gotten some food down and was starting to feel a bit better. Hopefully everyone got to go get some rest after that. She did however, finish the race, and I know she will want to do another one, maybe not a 1/2 again right away, at least not until she can manage to eat and drink during it!

It is pouring outside as I write this and Boise is under a flood watch. The temperature is 55 degrees, and it's the middle of June. Something is wrong with this picture. I want my sun back!!!!! Ahhhhh, fingers crossed that when I return to Boulder, it will be there to greet me. All this wet weather is just insane. Also, hopefully no more tornado run ins like on the way out here. I have had about all the weather excitement I can handle...

The crazy weather continues

Here's a quick recap of Boulder's past weekend's weather, specifically yesterday's. Hailstorm at noon here, tornadoes in nearby counties tearing down malls, and more clouds than daylight for 5 days now. B and I managed to get in one last brick before Boise (seemingly the EXACT same almost as KK, hmmm, and never once did I spot her!) But then this is what sunday looked like:the view out my balcony into the hail storm
Closeup of a pellet. They were much bigger where the tornadoes were.
Hail= trainer rides. in June. :-(

But you can't help but gaze in awe when you see one of these: Which might have prompted me to very badly want one of these:

Time to get into race mode. Got alot of packing to do, and maybe even get lucky enough to take the bike out for a spin since I just got these sweet new pedals. (I am working on total color coordination)

Ok, that's all for picture story time. Fingers crossed for a non-rainy race this weekend!

Week in Review

Being that it is two weeks almost since my last post, I thought I'd let all my loyal readers (hi mom!) know that I am still here. I've made the switch to long course training over the past few weeks and the increased mileage has left me a tad bit more tired and less excited about blogging. But I am going to try and be at least a once a week regular from here on!

The box of goods
Yay, shoes!

This week has been full of surprises here. I received a whole buncha goodies from KSwiss (thanks Ben!) including more shoes to run fast in(!), some awesome new running shorts that are just a perfect fit, not to mention sooo soft; some tops (very comfy as well because they are strrrretchy and super ventilated- bring it on summer heat!) and not to forget a super stylin' casual two-piece that I am modeling J-Lo style in this photo :-) And no, I don't usually wear these sunglasses, although after looking at the photo, maybe I should!?

Another surprise came about midweek, well it wasn't really a surprise, I've been slowly following its trail but never thinking much of it- my hot water heater seems to perhaps be on its last legs. Lets cross our fingers it isn't, but as far as I know it has not been replaced since the building was made 10 years ago, and it would just make sense for it to break down right now, with me as its owner! Anyways, the hot stream of water that kept flowing out a drain into a common area outside must have freaked out several of my neighbors as I came home one night to notes on my door and phone messages telling me to check on my water heater.

"The puddle"

After realizing the water would leak out the drain whenever I did a load of laundry or took a shower at home (which happens about once a week, I shower at FAC most of the time) I finally called the plumber today and got an estimate for what might need to be fixed. Option A is not so bad, should it just be the relief valve that's causing the leak. $175 for parts and labor. However I was warned that this might not be the problem and that it might actually be time for a new water heater. $1500 parts and labor. Ummmmm, WHAT? So yeah, for now I think I'll go and see what happens with option A, like I said, fingers crossed. I don't really want to have to sell my bike to be able to afford a new water heater! The joys of home ownership!

The weather here has been a little less than desirable if I might say so myself. I have been trying real hard to suck it up, but when it's June and raining and gray all the time, it becomes a little hard for spoiled Boulder residents like me. After what seemed like 2 weeks of cloudiness we finally got some sunshine late this week but have entered our next weather pattern of guaranteed afternoon thunderstorms between 2 and 6. Tonight as I drove to masters I could see a band of lightening by the flatirons, but hoped that they would be far enough away so that I wouldn't see them once at the pool. (it's a year round outdoor pool and doesn't close for anything... well except negative temps) Anyways, as I got out of my car at the gym I could hear thunder and see a huge monster cloud looming over the pool (where thunderstorms usually hang out) and sure enough when I headed out on the pool deck I was greeted by more lightening. Now, I am usually not a wuss when it comes to training in different conditions, but lightening is where I draw the line, ESPECIALLY when it involves swimming. As sad as it sounds, I waited out on the pool deck with about 5 others to see if it would let up, which it didn't. In the meantime the crazier individuals proceeded into the water, and we were left standing outside getting ridiculed by Wolfgang (in whose mind you are a complete "Vimp" if you don't swim in lightening) Needless to say my swim never happened. Ofcourse those who did swim, were just fine...

It's almost taper time anyways, and a swim missed now won't make a difference, or will it? I perused some old swimming results today and could not believe my eyes when I saw this:
I was once actually a studette of sorts, even in Free, my least favorite stroke! For those who don't read German, the certificate reads that at age 12 (!) yours truly swam a 1:19 100m Free! Woa, there is NO way I could do that now without paddles, crazy! For some reason I think when we are kids our lungs are much bigger in relation to the rest of our bodies, and that's why I could also swim a 50 under water no problem! I wish I could get that fast again someday, ha.

Last but not least, it is slowly getting warmer out even with the recent monsoons, and with it comes- you guessed it- my unusual cravings of various condiments and unhealthy drinks (lately I've had a real liking for Ketchup) so I will leave you with this image: Absolute Bliss following a near bonk town ride: