Du Worlds Photos

A bit more stiff, swollen and sore today, mostly from my dive into the pavement. I'm hoping this will subside within a few days, so for now it's lots of ibuprofen and mostly r&r. Here some images of the race:

Pre Ride the day before

My own personal transition space!

Start of the race at the official Nascar Start




Had to run this hill up 5 times during the runs, ouch.

Bike-Out

My Japanese buddy and I pacing...

Second run

home stretch, pure pain. Notice my no longer existing race number on that arm, the pavement took care of it

4 members of Team USA post-race

My stellar photographer and I. Thank you B!

Duathlon Worlds/ First Crash/ Gutting it Out

Well, it had to happen at some point, and I guess today was the day. I might have jinxed myself by talking about the possibility of it but hoped it wouldn't happen. Sucks to have taken place at a world championship, but at least I got it out of the way? (I hope anyway) I am now the proud owner of some road rash warrior wounds. Most importantly though, I didn't mess up my brandnew USAT Speedo uniform, I surely thought my left cheek was hanging out after I collected inventory. But lets back up.

I came to Concord, NC, seemingly "capital fast food chains/ mall strips USA", to see what I could do competing against the best in the world at this sport. My experience dates back 2 years in this sport with a total of hm, maybe 6 races? With a second place at Nationals and most all girls I raced there, racing here today on Team USA, I was psyched for a good showing. Duathlon, after all, is not what it is in Europe. Most people have no idea what it even consists of. We were up against some of the best athletes in the sport, who also just happen to excel at ITU triathlon racing. In other words, tough as nails athletes! We were warned the race would go out fast, like sub 35 min fast. I planned to just run hard and treat each segment of the race as an individual race in itself.

Over the course of the week, the forecast for today became increasingly rainy. Not that I mind running in it, but riding a bike on a draft legal crit course is a different story. I remained optimistic that the forecasters were wrong. Then it started raining last night, which was a great relief to the 90 degree/ 90% humidity temps we'd been experiencing. However, it would make the race that much more interesting. I awoke to wet roads and mist this morning. It was just getting light out around 7 a.m., time that the Junior races started. Poor things, I felt bad for them. Luckily they only raced half the distances we did.

When we arrived at the race site, the men's junior race was in full effect and it was raining lightly and the roads around the Nascar race track we wet. Yes, we raced on the Lowe's Speedway race track, which was cool- until I hit the ground. We were to do one loop outside the track and then come in to the race track to do a figure 8 loop inside the track. There were many, many turns and slick road surfaces. More on that in a bit.

The race started with the athletes being called by name to the start line. That was kind of cool. Then, without much warning, the gun went off and immediately a pack formed of about 10 of the fastest runners. I was leading the chase pack for a good 2/3s of the race. We did 4 loops including an out and back section each time, as well as a steep ascent through a tunnel, which pretty much slowed me to a pedestrian pace each time. I was hurting bad after 1 lap. The pace was torrid (for me at least). But I was the first American athlete throughout the entire run, running with a German (how ironic :-) for most of it. In the process I set a new 10k PR which I was pretty excited about and which gave me confidence for the ride (which had been daunting to me ever since I was selected for the team. I have never raced draft legal)

Coming out of T1 I was by myself , which meant WORK to catch up to the leaders. I was quickly joined by a Japanese athlete and together we switched off leading. (is that called drafting? lol) Things were going pretty good. I got updates from the US coaches on the course letting me know I was 80 seconds back, then 65 from the lead pack. I could possibly catch the lead girls, how exciting! The bike course consisted of 6 double loops and plenty of dangerous turns and slick descents due to wet road paint etc. The coaches had sent out a warning regarding one specific turn so I made sure to take it extra easy on it since it was extremely slick. What I did not count on is what happened next.

I was about to make a slight left turn to begin my fourth loop and was just back of my new Japanese friend who seemed to take the turns with speed and skill (maybe it helped that she was half my size as well?) while I was being over cautious, losing precious seconds at each turn I slowed for. At this specific turn I had slowed down, was off my brakes and was cruising through, or so I thought. Then, in an instant, I flew onto the ground, sliding across the pavement. In shock, I wasn't quite sure what had happened or what to do next. I landed on my left side, managed to scrape my elbow in two places, my knee and my ankle, and put a good bruise on my left upper thigh as well. (thought for sure I burnt through the shorts, which probably would have ended my race, but I only scraped off the USAT logo.) Although it all happened so fast, I think I also hit my head on the ground and that was scary.(Later proved correctly by the crack in my helmet.) Guess it's time for a new one now!) I started to whimper in pain at this point, as well as in disappointment and disbelief, so naturally the volunteers started to call the medics over. Then I had a quick chat with myself: either drop out right now and regret not finishing, or keep going and try to catch back up. So after fiddling for about another 2 minutes trying to get my chain back on, I was on my merry way, bleeding and all, on a mission to finish this race.

I never did catch back up to the other women on the bike, although I could see packs, as well as witness another crash on the track, but I made it my goal to try again on the run. Keeping with my plan to treat each discipline as its own race, I shut out all that had happened and turned on my tunnel vision. I was dizzy, I was dripping wet and I was mad. I also got to play the catch up game, one of my favorites! I slowly started reeling in some girls, passed an American and saw at the halfway mark that I was getting near the leading American, who had passed me along with the rest of the race, in the crash. I gave it everything I had, but ran out of real estate and ended up 3 seconds behind her. Then as soon as I crossed the line, the emotions came tumbling out (and are sure to be forever remembered thanks to the cameraman who was taking pictures of me upside down.) All I wanted to do was bury my head for a moment and digest what the last 2 hours of super intense effort had taught me. I saw B and started sobbing. I so badly wanted to give the US a top 10, if not top 15 finish and I believe I was capable of doing so.

Later race results revealed that I was riding the exact same pace as the leaders, including my 4 min pit stop, which shows how much harder those of us worked who were not riding in a pack. I spent my legs trying to make up ground, when I was actually riding faster than the leaders. ITU racing is kind of funny that way. Everyone sits if no one wants to make a move. My second run, although I am not sure of its exact accuracy, equaled a PR as well. It's 4p.m. now and it looks like the sun is about to set. The skies are grey and it is pouring. Age groupers are just starting their day. It is going to be a challenging day for them to say the least. Ofcourse tomorrow's forecast calls for 82 and sunshine. Go figure.

The men's race had a super exciting finish with Jarrod Shoemaker winning by a hair, making him the first duathlete since Kenny Souza in the early 90s to win the World Champs. What makes it more impressive is that he crashed as well! Now it's recovery time, to literally let my body heal. I could tell I messed up my lower back in the fall, so I am hoping that won't be an issue in a few days. The part of my thigh that got alot of impact is swelling pretty impressively, but hopefully all is good. Although I was told I should get x-rays to rule out possible hairline fractures, I think I am OK, just a bit shaken up and a bit bruised and battered. It was a battle field out there for sure. Blood, sweat, and tears all the way :-) But memorable nonetheless. It was pretty neat to have the opportunity to participate in this event. Thank you to all those who got me there!


Final stats: 10k- 36:19
40k- 01:16*
5k- 17:47

2:12.34- second American, 17th overall

... thinking about my revenge next year in Edinburgh already...


Pics to come.

It must be Fall...

Because the wind has returned. And what a b$%# it can be! I ran the Boulder Half Marathon (formerly Boulder Backroads Marathon) as part of my long run for the week today, and it was quite the experience. My good friend Craig, who also served as the race announcer, had gotten me a comp entry to the race so I couldn't say 'no', even though racing it would not have been the world's smartest thing to do, a week after running a good half, and a week before a world championship. I made a deal with myself that I could see how I felt and push it if I was in the win.
Jax and I before the start

I noticed right away this morning how warm it was outside. Ran into Jax right before the race and wished her good luck, and then we were off. It felt a bit like Deja Vu from last weekend, although this course was a bit different, in that it was simply an out and back. I think I ran the first mile pretty hard, so much so that I felt the need to back off, however when I looked at my watch it said 6:29. Um, ok. Must be an off day, I thought. Turns out the first mile was just a tad long. The eventual women's winner passed me right after the mile marker and with that I toned it down to a tempo run. I have never not "raced" a race, so it was kind of odd to all of a sudden just run to finish. I actually turned around a few times to see if anyone I knew was behind me so I could run with them. No such luck. I pondered cutting my day short and not doing the whole 13.3 miles (yes, it was long), but then I remembered Rutger Beke and his Ironman walk a few years ago in Kona and how he could have dropped out and didn't to respect the age groupers. So just because I wasn't racing perse, and letting people pass me, I still had to finish. I chose to start, so I owed it to me and to the race to finish.
Trying not to get blown away

Even though I was getting passed by 3 more girls, I kept a happy disposition and just kept telling myself that next weekend is more important than a double half mary. And so I ran through the aid stations, thanking the volunteers, something I usually don't have enough breath for, kept a smile on my face and cheered on fellow racers as they told me I was running great and to keep on pushing. :) But the winds were unrelenting and getting worse. A headwind on the way out turned into a headwind on the way back as well, reminding me of a little race I did last October.


B was out on his bike and helped me bring in the last 3 miles, which were the windiest to me. I think I was close to some 8min wind miles at some spots. If not a push to the body, this race was good mental training for the long haul for sure. I was 5th overall today, close to 10 mins off last week's effort, however, in extremely different conditions and mindset. As always, I learned some things (such as drinking ONLY 2 cups of coffee before a warm race will leave you dehydrated before you even start) and had alot of fun watching everyone enjoy themselves out there, more or less.
A little sick of the gusts, yes

I did really feel bad for the full marathoners, who on average were out there over 4 hours today, as the winds did not make it easy, not to mention the heat. I saw ambulances and fire trucks come and go, hopefully everyone is alright.

I met up recently with SlowTwitch photog/ writer extraordinaire, Mr. TC, and had some photos taken at the Rez. It's amazing what a good lens/camera will do! Here are a few shots which really show the amazing background! :)

Love Surprises!

I came home today to this:


and this:



My good high school friend Lindsay, who just moved here from NJ, hooked me up with a load of "hometown" cycling gear thanks to her dad who mailed it out to me. How did they guess I was in dire need of new gear?? Thanks so much guys! This will certainly be put to good use.

I also received my official race kit (and first ever official race kit!) from USAT for Du Worlds. It looks tiny. I hope I fit... Sizes ranged from XS (my shorts, ack) to XL (the warm-up jacket I was sent) I hope I can make it all look good!

Weekend Racing

This past weekend included two rather early rises, one at 4 am and one at 6 (that's not too bad) for the Harvest Moon 1/2 IM on Saturday and the Indian Summer Half marathon Sunday. Harvest Moon was Brandon's final race for the season and he was primed to have his best race yet. Things were looking great when he came out of the water almost 10 minutes sooner than earlier in the year, however; the accuracy of the swim course was a bit questionable.
Pre swim

Nonetheless, he was in a great spot to do well and came off the bike in 8th position overall, heading out on the run looking strong. I guessed he would run his fastest half yet, since the weather was cool and the course was paved, not dirt.
B headed out on the run

Unfortunately, things happen and in this case, B ran out of fuel( poor thing had to work till late the night before and didn't get to fuel up properly) at the halfway mark, and died a slow death thereafter, dragging himself to the finish. He lost 4 spots and finished 12th, but still 1st in his AG. Not bad if you ask me. We drove home freezing and starving, it felt alot like fall had arrived. Making sure I fueled up and B refueled, we stopped for a pizza and then vegged out the rest of the day.

Sunday morning came early and it was my turn to race my second running race of the week. To be honest, I wasn't sure how I'd do since I still felt a bit tired in my legs from Monday's 10 miler. I was racing this half as a team with Matt as we thought we could win the "team competition" where a guy and a girl would each race the half and the lowest combined time would win. We were both a little skeptical of our chances, especially when we saw Colleen and Darren showed up. Some of the Japanese "running machines" (rumored for running up to 30mi a day...) were also in attendance, and so I just told myself to try my best. I also just happened to park next to KK and Steve,who are training for a marathon. We exchanged a quick hello and then were off.
One of the only races I can remember running with someone side by side for almost the entire race. It helped pacing for sure.


I took it out much more controlled than in the 10 miler, but still came through at 6:12 for the first mile. It felt alot easier than 6min pace though. Matt said he thought he could do about a 1:15 and I was thinking I could hopefully go sub 1:25, depending on the "toughness" of the course. The race did a figure 8 loop around the back roads of the rez, mostly on dirt, with a few rollers. I found myself running next to one of the Japanese girls almost the entire race, up to mile 12. Somewhere after the halfway mark, Colleen and Darren passed, but I knew Matt was far enough ahead so that his lead should carry us in for the win. (turns out those two didn't even do the team competition) Matt ended up with a 1:16, only days after completing Powerman Zofingen, in which he basically did an Ironman run and Bike, minus the swim, so he was pretty happy. I came in less than 7 minutes after him, in 4th place for the women, with a new altitude PR of 1:22.54, which isn't too shabby for feeling sluggish. We did take home the cash prize, which I used entirely today to pay off some bills. 2 good running races in one week- I call that good training!
Finish was in the same spot as so many of the 5430 triathlons

On a side note, I just need to give a shout-out to sometimes training partner Julie, who completed (not even the word) her first IM yesterday at Wisconsin, and not only finished, but won her AG(aloha!) and finished 2nd amateur and 9th female overall, in 10:39. I think I'll be asking her for a few pointers... Amazing job, Julie!

Training/Racing Update

So it's been awhile, about a month!? After Hulaman I had a pretty quick recovery and was able to jump pretty much right back into training. I'm trying to make my best(and favorite) race leg faster, so I have been jumping (giving into my passion) into a few running races. I started off with a low-key track 5k, possibly inspired by the Track World Champs. The race followed a good bike effort from earlier in the day and I got away running just under 18:30, keeping the first two miles pretty relaxed and even. Last weekend I jumped into the Denver Skirtchaser 5k, which turned out to be a highly competitive race, but I guess that's to be expected when there is money on the line :-) The way the race works is that women go off 3 minutes before the men and then men have to try and chase them down. Prize money for top 3 across the line, regardless of gender. I led the first mile along with Nan, a superfast girl, and then she pulled away and never looked back. The course was never flat, either up or down, and being a night race again, I had already put some miles in the legs earlier in the day, so that I faded to third girl across the line and fourth overall, because one fast guy came from behind, with a blazing 15 min 5k at 5400ft. I still managed a sub 18:25, but it was painful!Jax and I at her Native booth at the Skirtchaser Expo. Sorry SkirtSports, K-Swiss doesn't have running skirts available (yet) :)

With IM AZ a little over two months away, I am also thinking about training for the long stuff again. This holiday weekend's activities included a century ride to Estes Park and back with B, followed by a transition run (which felt pretty good) and a 10mile race in Denver today, where I managed to run sub 6:20 pace, which was only good enough for 5th place! Those runner chicks are fast! :-)
Park to Park 10miler

The last 10 miler I did was in Central park (at sea level) and I ran about the same time, and that was wayyyy back in 2003 when I was a "pure" runner. Proof once more that x-training has positive effects on race performance. If I were to go to sea level now, I am sure I would crush the times I used to run as a runner only.

I am really liking the speed I am able to hold (although painfully) for various distances and hope that it will pay off when it really counts in November!
Happy climber en route to Estes

Always be prepared for any type of weather in the mountains...

A little more speed work into the mix and I will hopefully be ready for Du Worlds in 3 weeks. I am currently riding a super-light SL-1, which has been graciously loaned to me by Fuji so I can race draft-legal. It rides like a dream, I am climbing like a mountain goat on wheels on this thing- it weighs less than 15 lbs and also uses compact chain rings, which are great for hillier terrain because you can stay in the big one longer.

To everyone who reads my blog- hope your training/racing is going well, and enjoy the cooler weather ahead! Leaves are turning colors already... but temps are still quite warm. I'm not complaining...