Race Reports/Encouragement/Kudos for May 10th, 11th 12th and 14th

[ironz]

Tracy!!! You are the STATE CHAMPION!! That's huge!! congrats, and way to dig deep.

Jen...great job! Nice how your legs do eventually come around!

Me
I am overall happy with my tri this morning. couldn't sleep much last night, so got about 4 hours maybe? Had to pick up a friend/training buddy (who is in my age group) at 5 am for the 50 min. drive to the race. Got our bikes on the racks in decent positions and ate our breakfasts we brought (bagel and PB, Gatorade--had had a diet Coke in the car on the way). I did a short warmup run and it seemed my hip was feeling pretty good. Scouted out who I could see that was in our age group and wasn't too optimistic about my chances for placing (foreshadowing), but knew I could just go hard and see if I could hang on.

We were the next to last wave, so the pros and faster men were out of the water by the time we even got in to start. It's only a 300m swim. I felt like I was swimming strong, probably in the top third of our wave, which had the F40-44 AG and the F45-49 (my AG). 7:48 for the swim, which, I could swim better, but I always take a little longer in open water than in a pool. Good for 7th out of 25 in my AG.

Ran strong to the bike...yay! my hip was not bugging me to run that short distance. T1 time: 1:30, #1 in my AG! yay! (I don't mess around in transition. )

Got on the bike right behind my friend...I thought I was slightly stronger than her, but we were riding the same! I think a little friendly competition is good for both of us because we could push each other's pace a little. I finally caught her about 5 miles into the 11.1 mile bike...we played cat and mouse, changing leads a few times (legally--we never drafted off the other) until the end. One of the times she passed me was when I dropped my chain while shifting. Silly thing is that I knew I didn't really need to get in the smaller chain ring on that piece of road, I just wanted to give my legs a little break. (note to self: there are NO BREAKS in a SHORT TRI!==more foreshadowing). At least I was able to get the chain back on without stopping the bike, but it caused me to slow down for a few seconds. I caught her by the finish of the bike and got in/out of transition ahead of her. She's a strong runner, so I didn't mind letting her go once we started running. Bike time: 37:43, 3rd fastest in AG.

T2 time: 1:12, 4th in AG (which is not great for me...I am the transition queen and hate to give up valuable seconds! They count, as you'll see!)

Run: 2 miles. Slightly uphill out, then downhill back, with a slight rise near the end of the run. I was SO HAPPY that my hip didn't hurt during the run! That was good, and I focused on good form. However, I struggled...I have been doing water running for a few weeks due to injury, and though I get my heart rate up and work hard doing that, it's just not the same as running on land outside in the heat. And then...my mental toughness did NOT kick in, and twice I took about a 10 sec. walk break to settle down my breathing and HR a little. And I walked about 10-20 yards at the water stop at the turnaround. I knew my friend was ahead of me, and at the turnaround, another woman in my AG passed me and I couldn't hang with her. So I was at best in 3rd, but not sure if there was anyone in front of my friend. I was determined to not let anyone else in the AG pass me, and tried to run strong to make sure of that. I finished strong and was reasonably happy with the time, and glad to rest a bit. Run time: 20:06 9/25 in AG.

So...overall time was 1:08:22, good for 4th in AG (sort of 5th, really, but the top got overall masters, so the AG awards move up a spot). Not bad!

The kicker is.... SIX SECONDS out of 3rd place/hardware!! Apparently there was a girl who had been ahead of me and my friend at the start of the run, who faded on the run. I didn't know she was there, and usually I am not the one chasing runners, it is the other way around, so I wasn't looking ahead for people in my AG to catch. But 2 walk breaks and the dropped chain are probably right about 6 seconds. Plus, I could have done T2 a couple of seconds faster. So, seriously, it is all about some mental toughness!! Did I HAVE to walk...probably not. Is it a valuable lesson learned?? You bet!

My friend took 1st the AG (behind the overall master's woman)! It was her first time to place in a race, so I was super excited for her!!
My hip felt fine, and still does!
And the race was great fun! It's about 1000 people, but we know many of the local triathletes, so it's a social occasion, too.

Happy weekend, everyone!

 

[corinnak]

Some great races so far this weekend -

Tracy - that is some FAST walking! Cogratulations, State Champion!

Jen - wow, 32 minutes and racing for 3! Color me impressed.

Betsy - you were so close. I can't believe you got the chain back on the bike without stopping. That's SO cool.

I forgot to add my first race of the weekend to the list. This morning, I ran the New Prague 5K - it's associated with a 1/2 marathon that is fairly popular locally, though it still didn't strike me as a terribly huge race. Truly, I'm still kind of exhausted from the 5K and 15K last weekend and it has been one of those go-go-go weeks, so I wasn't sure there was any sense in driving the 45 minutes each way to get there, especially since it was going to potentially make my husband late for a rehearsal.

Even so, last night, I dutifully prepared my race clothes and shoes and set the alarm clock. Sure enough, I didn't have any trouble getting up this morning, but still felt kind of like there wasn't much point in going down for the race. Well, I got ready and drove on down anyway. And was I ever glad that I did.

The weather was perfect this morning - about 57 degrees, overcast, a slight breeze, and zero precipitation. I can't imagine more perfect conditions. I put on my number and chip and kept on fiddling with my shoes. I just couldn't seem to get them right. I must have retied my shoes 3 or 4 times each this morning. Finally, both shoes seemed OK and a good thing cause it was time to start.

It has, since last fall, been my goal to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. My first 5K was a year ago this week and I ran it in something like 38 minutes. I had managed 31:16 in March. It seemed unlikely, tired as I was, that this would be my day, but I was darned sure going to try for it. The first mile, I thought I was right on track. Then there was a big hill - I hung in there and climbed it at something right around an 11 mile pace. Around this time, I noticed a little girl running - maybe about 6 years old. She was going along great and I ran with her and her dad for a while. We turned a corner and the dad said to her that that was the worst of it and it was all downhill from there. There was a water stop with very enthusiastic volunteers, but I have to say it was the worst ever cause the water tasted like rust. I've been spoiled by that yummy Disney water, evidently. At this point, I start slowly passing people - unbelievable to me that I'm able to do that, that I am able to keep up this good pace. Before I know it, we're approaching the park where we started and I thought we must be finishing at the same spot the half-marathoners would be finishing up a little later. My Garmin (which I'd started late) gave me reason to believe that I had a shot at making the sub-30 happen TODAY, so I pushed. And I felt nauseated, but pushed on some more. And then I could see the finish line clock, and I thought, once again, I still have time to get this if I want it bad enough. Can you believe I actually snapped a photo of the finish clock? It said 29:40. I ran under and the last I saw was 29:45 and knew even without getting my chip time that I'd done it. I felt thrilled and ill at the same time as someone cut off my chip, but took a bottle of water and kept walking. The refreshments were sliced oranges, bananas and....ice cream supplied by the national dairy council, evidently. At 9am! My chip time was 29:40 and the average pace had been 9:22, which is SO much faster than my "happy pace." So I got my sub-30 and when I was least expecting it!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Jen in GA: That's awesome for a kinda last minute thing and even with a stoller - you are my hero!! And you stayed to cheer others on. I did the same at my racewalk today.

Betsy: I am soo proud of you, I think you did a great job. We all have our different opinions and I think running is hard, then you put swimming and biking on top of that - I just have to say ouch!! I give you lots of credit and I think you did wonderfully!!

Corrina: Wow a sub-30 5K??? are you serious, that is awesome!! I love it when things happen that you least expect and in a good way. Now that is a goal I'm not sure I could get to with racewalking, but maybe some day.

 

[corinnak]

Thanks Tracy, but I have to say, I find your finish time at least as impressive as my sub-30. I took a power-walking class in college and I could never get anywhere above 4mph, and 4mph was fairly uncomfortable to me. I run slowly cause I can't walk fast.

 

[dsnyfan21]

Corinna: It funny that you said that, because I have a shirt that says, "Why run slow when you can walk fast"

Another race report:
I did a 3mile charity walk for the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization today. Not a race, but did it in 45 minutes. After yesterday I had to take it easy. We are "Hot as Hades" today here in Sourht eastern FL!! Humididididity (thats how I say it) is kinda high. Temp right now is 90, but the feels like is 96.

The walk went well and there was a bit of a breeze since we were right on the water. I posted pictures in the weekely thread.

Have a great Mother's Day while I try and do some stretches and relax on the Lazy Boy.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Betsy: Great race. I know you'd love to place (I can totally relate to that having placed 4th before in a race). But IMO you raced strong. I'm always impressed with your race reports. Great effort girl!!!

Tracy: WOW!! Congrats on an awesome PR . I'm so happy for you race-walking so strong. VERY impressive. I'm with Corinna...that pace TOTALLY kicks butt. I've tried to maintain a 13 mpm before and it is sooo tough to do so race-walking. Excellent job.

Corinna: YAY!!!!!!! As you know, I've followed your journal and know how hard you've been working for that sub 30. You CRUSHED it girl I'm soooo proud of you and so totally stoked that you hit your goal. WTG...

Jen: You never cease to amaze me...running a strong race with a solid pace stroller and baby and all! Happy Mother's day...you've earned it .

 

[Lexxiefern]

Tracy - Congratulations!! That is so cool that you won! And that is a super fast pace. WTG!

Jen - OMG! I thought you said no more races until after the baby!! I just knew you wouldn't stick to it Great job!

Corinna - That is so awesome you hit your goal!! I did a sub 30 5k once and I don't think I will try to again - it was really hard!! Congratulations!

Becky

 

[ScoJo15]

Tracy - Awesome job!! Love how you beat the one lady to the cones...who cares if she was doing a 10k or not, you still dug down and bettered yourself & kicked her butt in the process Congratulations on your success!!

Jen - Great job!! I'll be thinking of you next time I get passed by a stroller in a race (happens a lot around here for some reason). Awesome that you stuck around and cheered, that's such a great thing to do :

Betsy - over 1000 people and you were 6 seconds from 3rd in your group, that's an awesome accomplishment to be proud of!! I hear you with the walk breaks, I've taken them during 5ks before and upon finishing was really questioning if I needed them at all. You still did GREAT though! I have a lot of respect for you triathletes!

Corinna - Sweet time! Yes! Under 30!! Way to go!! And you got IcE CREAM to boot?? I need to run this race 9:22 is so impressive, you should be proud of yourself...congratulations!!

Looks like the WISH team kicked some butt this weekend!! WAY TO GO!! :

 

[wfloyd]

Here is my quick report. This weekend was tiring in that I did my race Saturday and then ran over to Disney again for Lynnda's Tri.

I did the Run for the Gecko race sponsored by the local running store. It started at 7:30 and was already hot and humid by the start. I was so glad Minnie wasn't like this but I digress.

The race started on time and having just done Minnie, I didn't want to injure myself like I have done with all the other races. My main goal was to be under 11:00 miles and to run the first mile under 9:00.

I started out and ran over the few kids that were there. They still haven't learned where to start but they are getting better. I did the first mile in 8:38 so I was happy and started to let up a little. The course had one small loop in it and I am happy to say I was never lapped by the leader. In addition, I was actually able to lap some of the runners the second time around. I think this was a first.

The heat started to get to me by the end but I finished in 30:41 which was under a 10 minute pace. I hit both my goals and felt decent at the end.

I left early but they were supposed to have a race between Zippy the Gecko (mascot of running store), the Geico Gecko, and the Chick-Fil-A cow. That was something that could have been interesting.

Bill

 

[Lexxiefern]

Betsy - Sorry I missed you in last post. You did great!! So sorry about the six seconds

Bill - That is a really fast first mile! WTG! How did Lynnda do?

Becky

 

[rKyDeX]

2008 WDW Muddy Buddy Report

First, here is a little background info about the race from their website:
Both partners start at the same time, one running and one biking. The course is approximately 6 miles long and is separated into 5 legs by obstacles along the way. The first obstacle is near the one mile mark. Assuming that the biker is traveling faster than the runner, the biker will first approach the obstacle transition area. The biker will drop the bike and conquer the obstacle and start running to the 2nd transition/obstacle. The runner will then approach the first transition area, conquer the obstacle, find the bike and start riding to the 2nd transition/obstacle area. The team will continue to leap frog throughout the course switching between biking and running.

There will be five obstacles on each Muddy Buddy course. Mystery events could be challenges such as a cargo net crawl, a wall, monkey bars, or a hay bale obstacle. At every race teams will have to conquer the famous Mud Pit before crossing the finish line together.

Team "Muddy Drummrz" and 1/2 of Team "ScottScott" along with pit crew "MrsTrx" boarded the Ark at 3:30am Saturday morning to head to WDW WWOS. The other half of Team "ScottScott" followed in the Batmobile because he was heading to Gainesville after the race for Medieval Faire Combat practice.

We landed on site by 5:30am and picked up our race packets then headed back to the Ark to chill out untill the 7:00am start. Chet and I would be starting in the 3rd wave at 7:14 while Miranda and Roberto would be starting in the 9th wave at 7:56.

I was the designated biker for the start and Chet was the runner. I rode to the first obstacle and parked the bike. The first obstacle was a vertical wall climb with "rock climb" knobs attached to the face of the wall. It was a little slippery due to dew on my shoes but I managed and headed out on a run for the second leg.

I was passed by a lot of people during this running leg, but I was concerned because it was humid and I knew that it was best to conserve early in the race. Chet caught up and passed me on the bike just before we got to the second obstacle. The second obstacle was a rope climb to the top of an inflatible slide. Things were a little crowded at this obstacle. After sliding down, I found the bike and headed off for the third leg.

Since Chet had passed me just prior to the obstacle, I knew that it wouldn't be very long until I overtook him. I rode fast enough to maintain position and didn't worry about riding to pass people. I made it to the third obstacle which was a series of three balance beams. I completed the obstacle and took off on the fourth leg running.

The fourth leg has trails with a lot of sugar sand. It was the longest leg and was difficult for both the runners and bikers. I managed to only get passed a couple of times during this leg and ended up passing more people than passed me. Chet overtook me on the bike about 3/4 of the way to the fourth obstacle. The fourth obstacle was a set of parrallel bars theat were spaced about 4 feet apart that you had to weave yourself through by going over, then under.

I found the bike and set out on the fifth and last leg knowing that I would need to catch up to Chet before the end so that we could enter the Mud Pit together and finish. I think I caught him about 2/3 of the way to the finish and stayed at his pace.

I parked the bike for the final time and met up with Chet to enter the mud pit. I immediately ended up splashing mud in my eyes with the first placement of my hand into the mud. The rest was a 50 yard crawl on my belly through the mud, ducking under banners to keep my helmet from catching on the banners strung low over the pit. We finished the 6+ miles in 54:31. Not as good as 2006's 53:48, but a lot better than 2007's 58:28. It was a muddy blast. We are already Looking forward to our 4th attempt next year.

Here is Miranda and Roberto in a "before" picture:

and "after":

Chet and I after the finish:

The end:

Chester
W.I.S.H. Half-Fast Muddy Marathon Team

 

[ironz]

Corinna...way to go on the sub-30 minute 5K!

Scott...thanks...I'm done beating myself up. Turns out only about 750 showed for the race (I heard 1000 entered), but the only ones I was really concerned with were the 25 in my AG. I learned a valuable lesson, though.

Chester, thanks for doing a report! I want to do Muddy Buddy sometime!