So Week 1 of Back-In-Training is going well so far. Nothing too crazy of course, lots of running and swimming becasue I'm a wimp when it comes to riding in the cold. I'm doing one of my all-time faviroite races tomorrow, the Iroquois Parl Turkey Trot. It's a five mile family-fun race through the hills. I'm thinking I might dress up as an indian, or maybe a turkey. Any thoughts?
So, yes, it's Thanksgiving!! Woohoo!! I heard on the radio that the average American will gain 2.7lbs. this weekend!!!! Holy moly that's a lot of weight added to our country in a few short days!
I've been doing some thinking about what I'm most grateful for... and here's what I came up with so far:
1. My family...duh. They are the best and super cool. My mom and dad are my support crew and saviors when it comes to racing. They encourage me in every walk of life and have made me to person I am today!
2. My bros. Even though they are technically included in point #1, they deserve a special mention. My two brothers, Sean and Christopher, are my very best friends in the whole wide world. They are super hilarious, and they love me for the dork I am!
3. Hollie the Heffer. She's been my closest friend since we were in the 3rd grade (not including the time when she stole my 8th grade boyfriend, even though she technically dated him first...). She's the most beautiful person I know and has the biggest heart; she'll do anything to help a girl out!
4. My coach, Big G for taking me in and molding me into something fierce (well sort of, it's a work in progress). She's taught me to be tough and fight like a boy, all while wearing pink and a huge smile.
5. Cinnamon Toast Crunch... I love food way too much to pass up an opportunity to thank my lucky stars for something so tasty as cereal. I think the reason why I race is becuase I know my loving mom will buy me a box and have it waiting for me at the finish. Mmmmmm!
6. And of course, all the beautiful people I've met through this sport. I've had some stellar races and some less than stellar (much less), but regardless my friends, family, and fans are there every step of the way. I hope that I can have even half the impact on someone as fans have had on me. The supporters of this sport are what gives it a special place in my heart.
So tomorrow, get out and enjoy the day!! Be thankful for your ability to be active and surround yourself with loved ones who value the same. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Off-season Completed
Believe me I fully understand the importance of an off season. My '08 race schedule started early and I've pretty much been "in-season" for 12 months straight. Clearwater was my last big race of the year which was two weeks ago.
So these last two weeks are supposed to be pure bliss: no structure, eat whatever I want, workout when I feel like it, go out with the friends I've been blowing off all year... I had been looking forward to these two weeks for quite some time now.
So here we are, two weeks into my off-season: I've gone out to the bars, eaten the pizza, didn't workout when I was tired... and I'm sick of it!! I'm ready to scream!! I'm sooo ready to get back at it, to hammer in the pool (ha, don't get the wrong impression. I'm still a snail in the water but when I splash around it makes me at least feel fast) and on the roads. I'm done with the off-season!
So, today, I decided it was officially over. Time to start training. I wrote a plan for the next few months (not sure what coach thinks about that yet ;-) ) and started back at it... it feels good to move again.
So, what am I training for? Good question... as of now the still very tentative schedule is a half marathon in Miami in January, the MIT in March, New Orleans 70.3 in April, St. Croix 70.3 in May, then we'll re-evaluate.
I'll let you know how my first week of training goes... until then!
So these last two weeks are supposed to be pure bliss: no structure, eat whatever I want, workout when I feel like it, go out with the friends I've been blowing off all year... I had been looking forward to these two weeks for quite some time now.
So here we are, two weeks into my off-season: I've gone out to the bars, eaten the pizza, didn't workout when I was tired... and I'm sick of it!! I'm ready to scream!! I'm sooo ready to get back at it, to hammer in the pool (ha, don't get the wrong impression. I'm still a snail in the water but when I splash around it makes me at least feel fast) and on the roads. I'm done with the off-season!
So, today, I decided it was officially over. Time to start training. I wrote a plan for the next few months (not sure what coach thinks about that yet ;-) ) and started back at it... it feels good to move again.
So, what am I training for? Good question... as of now the still very tentative schedule is a half marathon in Miami in January, the MIT in March, New Orleans 70.3 in April, St. Croix 70.3 in May, then we'll re-evaluate.
I'll let you know how my first week of training goes... until then!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Recap
Looking back, this past year has been a whirlwind! 2 full Ironmans, 4 half's, successfully launched Iron Endurance, and in three short weeks I'll have my MBA!
While things may not have panned out exactly as planned, my year couldn't have turned out more perfect. I didn't make Kona this time around, but it allowed me to focus on Clearwater and truly enjoy the 70.3 experience.
I had the opportunity to meet and train with some of triathlons greats this year including: Paula Newby, Paul Huddle, Roch Frey, Jimmy Riccatelo, Michellie Jones, and of course Heather Gollnick. I have met some amazing and inspiring athletes that make my hard work and training look easy.
I ended the season with a new Ironman PR (11:08) and a new half iron PR (4:56)... so where do we go from here?
In 2009 I'll be done with school so I'll be able to refocus my priorities to 1)developing as a triathlete and 2) building Iron Endurance.
My focus next year is Kona!! I'll try a few early season qualifiers so I'll have time to recover and rebuild for October. I've qualified for and accepted my slot on Team USA, so if all works out I'll fly from Kona World Champs to Perth, Australia for Long Course World Champs. I also want to start racing for a cause, so I partnered with Ironman for Autism to raise awareness and funds for autism research (more details to come).
I hope to offer much more comprehensive packages for my athletes next year. Myself and Heather have launched Team Louisville, she's put together three great spring camps that I'll be helping with, and we're in the works of developing a series of lectures and clinics throughout the summer!!
It was quite an amazing year, but looking to next year I see bigger and better opportunities!! Train on.
While things may not have panned out exactly as planned, my year couldn't have turned out more perfect. I didn't make Kona this time around, but it allowed me to focus on Clearwater and truly enjoy the 70.3 experience.
I had the opportunity to meet and train with some of triathlons greats this year including: Paula Newby, Paul Huddle, Roch Frey, Jimmy Riccatelo, Michellie Jones, and of course Heather Gollnick. I have met some amazing and inspiring athletes that make my hard work and training look easy.
I ended the season with a new Ironman PR (11:08) and a new half iron PR (4:56)... so where do we go from here?
In 2009 I'll be done with school so I'll be able to refocus my priorities to 1)developing as a triathlete and 2) building Iron Endurance.
My focus next year is Kona!! I'll try a few early season qualifiers so I'll have time to recover and rebuild for October. I've qualified for and accepted my slot on Team USA, so if all works out I'll fly from Kona World Champs to Perth, Australia for Long Course World Champs. I also want to start racing for a cause, so I partnered with Ironman for Autism to raise awareness and funds for autism research (more details to come).
I hope to offer much more comprehensive packages for my athletes next year. Myself and Heather have launched Team Louisville, she's put together three great spring camps that I'll be helping with, and we're in the works of developing a series of lectures and clinics throughout the summer!!
It was quite an amazing year, but looking to next year I see bigger and better opportunities!! Train on.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Clearwater 70.3 World Championship
Race morning began at 4:45. I had my staple pre-race meal: oatmeal and coffee, both made with soymilk. I was surprisingly calm as we walked to transition.
We got the cool stamps at body marking, I got my rocket set up fairly quickly, and made my way to the beach to begin the process with my nemesis... the wetsuit. After I finally wrapped myself in neoprene, I walked down the beach for a warm up swim and to clear my head. As time passed the music on the loud speakers switched from nice and calm to pump-you-up (Dad couldn't refrain from bustin' a few moves!).
The weather could not have been more perfect!! The wind was calm, the water was calm (and warmer... an ironic 70.3 degrees!), and all my butterflies were flying in the same direction (phew... finally!). I was walking back to my crew after the practice swim when I see this tiny ball of energy jumping towards me. It was none other than Heather who left me with some parting words of inspiration... I was ready!
SWIM - The corral took forever. I was lucky wave #13, so we weaved through one hoarding area to another, until we were finally dumped on the beach. I got a great spot in line next to a girl I knew was fast. The canon blew (soooo loud) and we were off!
Going out felt great. I found my space, not too choppy, stayed with my girl. Then we made the turn and began heading back to shore when the boys caught us. It got a bit crowded, more choppy, and the sun was bearing down... but before I knew it I was on my feet and skipping towards the shore. It wasn't a fast swim, but I felt ready to make it up on the ride.
BIKE - My new hot pink aero helmet definitely made me faster!! I was climbing the first causeway at 20+mph, and halfway through the ride I was right on pace at 23mph. Huge packs of drafters came flying by me, but I raced my race and remained unphased. I didn't even try to hang on to give my legs a break... cheaters never win. The last 10 or so miles were pretty tough. The wind had picked up and my legs were ready for a rest. The packs became more and more tempting, especially when girls that I had passed were flying by me on the tails of the pack. I stayed true and dug deep to T2, watching my average slip away. I came in at 2:33.
I ran into T2 (that's right, I successfully managed to get both feet out of my shoes without unclipping... this girls' getting gooood ;-) ) and had a small laugh as one of the chicas who came whizzing by me in a paceline was arguing an the penalty tent that she wasn't really drafting, just trying to pass and it was unfair for her to get carded. You reap what you sew.
RUN - I started out on the run assessing how I felt: legs - good, nutrition - good, hmmm - for once I actually felt good! The first loop was easy peezy and I managed to hold an OK pace. The third time over the causeway hurt, but I knew I was cutting it close to the 5-hour mark and didn't want to lose it by walking over the silly bridge. By mile 8 I was feeling it and by mile 10 I knew I was dropping off. The last few halfs I did, I fell apart at Mile 10. This time I was determined to push through. The final climb over the stupid causeway sucked! I knew if I would slow to a walk I would climb faster than the silly hop thing I was doing... but I was determined not to stop.
The final few miles felt amazing!! I knew I would break 5 hours and it was all down hill!! I came through the chute in 4:56. 7th place AG. A new PR, not as well as I had wanted, but felt really solid throughout!
My fellow Kentuckians all had pretty great races too. Joanie is a powerhouse who deserves a pat on the back!! Jeff (who passed me twice on the bike) killed it in 4:23!! And my new buddy Tony was the 2nd Male Amateur overall... way to represent Kentucky!
The rest of the week was super chill and so much fun! Next up... off season till December. Then start gearing up for full time training! Until then...
We got the cool stamps at body marking, I got my rocket set up fairly quickly, and made my way to the beach to begin the process with my nemesis... the wetsuit. After I finally wrapped myself in neoprene, I walked down the beach for a warm up swim and to clear my head. As time passed the music on the loud speakers switched from nice and calm to pump-you-up (Dad couldn't refrain from bustin' a few moves!).
The weather could not have been more perfect!! The wind was calm, the water was calm (and warmer... an ironic 70.3 degrees!), and all my butterflies were flying in the same direction (phew... finally!). I was walking back to my crew after the practice swim when I see this tiny ball of energy jumping towards me. It was none other than Heather who left me with some parting words of inspiration... I was ready!
SWIM - The corral took forever. I was lucky wave #13, so we weaved through one hoarding area to another, until we were finally dumped on the beach. I got a great spot in line next to a girl I knew was fast. The canon blew (soooo loud) and we were off!
Going out felt great. I found my space, not too choppy, stayed with my girl. Then we made the turn and began heading back to shore when the boys caught us. It got a bit crowded, more choppy, and the sun was bearing down... but before I knew it I was on my feet and skipping towards the shore. It wasn't a fast swim, but I felt ready to make it up on the ride.
BIKE - My new hot pink aero helmet definitely made me faster!! I was climbing the first causeway at 20+mph, and halfway through the ride I was right on pace at 23mph. Huge packs of drafters came flying by me, but I raced my race and remained unphased. I didn't even try to hang on to give my legs a break... cheaters never win. The last 10 or so miles were pretty tough. The wind had picked up and my legs were ready for a rest. The packs became more and more tempting, especially when girls that I had passed were flying by me on the tails of the pack. I stayed true and dug deep to T2, watching my average slip away. I came in at 2:33.
I ran into T2 (that's right, I successfully managed to get both feet out of my shoes without unclipping... this girls' getting gooood ;-) ) and had a small laugh as one of the chicas who came whizzing by me in a paceline was arguing an the penalty tent that she wasn't really drafting, just trying to pass and it was unfair for her to get carded. You reap what you sew.
RUN - I started out on the run assessing how I felt: legs - good, nutrition - good, hmmm - for once I actually felt good! The first loop was easy peezy and I managed to hold an OK pace. The third time over the causeway hurt, but I knew I was cutting it close to the 5-hour mark and didn't want to lose it by walking over the silly bridge. By mile 8 I was feeling it and by mile 10 I knew I was dropping off. The last few halfs I did, I fell apart at Mile 10. This time I was determined to push through. The final climb over the stupid causeway sucked! I knew if I would slow to a walk I would climb faster than the silly hop thing I was doing... but I was determined not to stop.
The final few miles felt amazing!! I knew I would break 5 hours and it was all down hill!! I came through the chute in 4:56. 7th place AG. A new PR, not as well as I had wanted, but felt really solid throughout!
My fellow Kentuckians all had pretty great races too. Joanie is a powerhouse who deserves a pat on the back!! Jeff (who passed me twice on the bike) killed it in 4:23!! And my new buddy Tony was the 2nd Male Amateur overall... way to represent Kentucky!
The rest of the week was super chill and so much fun! Next up... off season till December. Then start gearing up for full time training! Until then...
Clearwater Part Deux :-)
The Gollnick's dropped me off in Clearwater on Thursday night. Friday morning started fairly early when myself, Jon, Justin, and Jill (all Team USA buddies) got some breakfast on the beach and headed down to do a practice swim.
The water was freezing, but the energy and electricity in the air made it worth the walk! Tons of people were swimming and watching, the pros and top coaches were everywhere, and all the major sponsors were present... that's when it hit that I was at the World Championships! The vibe brought back memories of Kona, sans the nerves... this was going to be fun.
We practiced running into the water, which was hilarious! This was my first Aussie-start race and I dove in way, way too early. Lying on my belly on a sandbar, I realized I needed a lot of practice :-)
The swim was followed by an easy ride, and t-run. I cleaned up, packed my bags, and rode my bike to the expo to meet William again for his magic work. He had just finished working on Richie Cunningham so I was hoping some of his speed would rub off on me (as it turned out... it didn't :-) ).
OK, so the massage is done, the bags are turned in, th bike is racked for the night, transition has been walked through (and memorized because I'm obsessive). Good to go!!
The water was freezing, but the energy and electricity in the air made it worth the walk! Tons of people were swimming and watching, the pros and top coaches were everywhere, and all the major sponsors were present... that's when it hit that I was at the World Championships! The vibe brought back memories of Kona, sans the nerves... this was going to be fun.
We practiced running into the water, which was hilarious! This was my first Aussie-start race and I dove in way, way too early. Lying on my belly on a sandbar, I realized I needed a lot of practice :-)
The swim was followed by an easy ride, and t-run. I cleaned up, packed my bags, and rode my bike to the expo to meet William again for his magic work. He had just finished working on Richie Cunningham so I was hoping some of his speed would rub off on me (as it turned out... it didn't :-) ).
OK, so the massage is done, the bags are turned in, th bike is racked for the night, transition has been walked through (and memorized because I'm obsessive). Good to go!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Clearwater... Part 1
I just returned from my whirlwind in Florida, and I decided to break it down into a few posts...
It all started when I flew to Tampa on Tuesday (11/4). Todd Gollnick scooped me up from the airport and took me to my new home for the next three days...the Gollnick residence. As Heather is notorious for, we hit the ground running! We ate lunch, went for a run (where I discovered her new assets... lookin' good ;-) ), went to the salon to go over some business while Heather got her wig split, did a running lecture, got carry out, ate and hit the sack. Phew...Day 1 down.
Day 2 started at 5:45. We headed off to downtown Sarasota for a group ride. Actually, Heather did a group ride while I enjoyed my morning coffee at Starbucks (didn't want to hammer on my taper week). When the group returned Heather went back out, this time with me in tote. We rode 20 miles of easy-peezy, super-duper flat roads. In the past I had despised my disc, but on this ride it proved to be a valuable friend! I made up my mind to definitely use it on the big day.
We quickly changed, ran in Whole Foods for some sushi and a veggie juice (gross...it was Heather's idea!). We drove out to a great nature park for a trail run...and some sight seeing! We saw an armadillo, a turtle bigger than my head, a guy peeing in the bushes, and some crazy birds that can't be found in Kentucky!
Next up, the gym. We did some hip and core work before a quick swim, then FINALLY made it back home (about 12 hours later!!).
Day 3 started at, you guessed it, 5:45! We drove to San Antonio for some "hills". This was SO much fun as Heather was nervous I may be working too hard to climb 'em. I reminded her that I live in the hills and these roads were nothing more than rollers. I rode an easy 20 miler, then went for a 20 min t-run. Heather and her bud, Sean, were still out riding so I got cleaned up and walked down to a cafe for some lunch and R&R.
After Heather scooped me up at the cafe we headed to Clearwater Beach where the real fun started! I arrived at the expo, got checked in, met my girl Ann (she's the bomb!) and got handed off to my parents.
Staying with the Gollnick's was so much fun, Todd and Heather made sure I was well rested and taken care of! We had William (a miracle worker!) drop by the house for a massage, I was fed some of the BEST gluten free foods ever, they even personally delivered soymilk to me in Clearwater after I couldn't find any (after the race I found out the hotel coffee shop sold it...oops!) They are amazing, caring, and so much fun!! And the kids finally told me they liked me... even after I told them I voted for Obama (they clearly weren't happy with my response).
It was a fun start to race week, but now it's time for game face :-)
It all started when I flew to Tampa on Tuesday (11/4). Todd Gollnick scooped me up from the airport and took me to my new home for the next three days...the Gollnick residence. As Heather is notorious for, we hit the ground running! We ate lunch, went for a run (where I discovered her new assets... lookin' good ;-) ), went to the salon to go over some business while Heather got her wig split, did a running lecture, got carry out, ate and hit the sack. Phew...Day 1 down.
Day 2 started at 5:45. We headed off to downtown Sarasota for a group ride. Actually, Heather did a group ride while I enjoyed my morning coffee at Starbucks (didn't want to hammer on my taper week). When the group returned Heather went back out, this time with me in tote. We rode 20 miles of easy-peezy, super-duper flat roads. In the past I had despised my disc, but on this ride it proved to be a valuable friend! I made up my mind to definitely use it on the big day.
We quickly changed, ran in Whole Foods for some sushi and a veggie juice (gross...it was Heather's idea!). We drove out to a great nature park for a trail run...and some sight seeing! We saw an armadillo, a turtle bigger than my head, a guy peeing in the bushes, and some crazy birds that can't be found in Kentucky!
Next up, the gym. We did some hip and core work before a quick swim, then FINALLY made it back home (about 12 hours later!!).
Day 3 started at, you guessed it, 5:45! We drove to San Antonio for some "hills". This was SO much fun as Heather was nervous I may be working too hard to climb 'em. I reminded her that I live in the hills and these roads were nothing more than rollers. I rode an easy 20 miler, then went for a 20 min t-run. Heather and her bud, Sean, were still out riding so I got cleaned up and walked down to a cafe for some lunch and R&R.
After Heather scooped me up at the cafe we headed to Clearwater Beach where the real fun started! I arrived at the expo, got checked in, met my girl Ann (she's the bomb!) and got handed off to my parents.
Staying with the Gollnick's was so much fun, Todd and Heather made sure I was well rested and taken care of! We had William (a miracle worker!) drop by the house for a massage, I was fed some of the BEST gluten free foods ever, they even personally delivered soymilk to me in Clearwater after I couldn't find any (after the race I found out the hotel coffee shop sold it...oops!) They are amazing, caring, and so much fun!! And the kids finally told me they liked me... even after I told them I voted for Obama (they clearly weren't happy with my response).
It was a fun start to race week, but now it's time for game face :-)
Halfmax Nationals
So I'm suuuuper behind on the race report updates. I'll start with Halfmax...
I flew out to Vegas with my very best Team USA buddies Justin and Jill. We stayed off the strip on Lake Mead at the most quality hotel imaginable... The Hacienda. Like I said, quality.
Friday morning was spent at the 24 hour buffet, mmmmm. Our waiter told us he had to go and made sure we were taken care, then on our way out we spotted him at the slots, ha! We took a dip in Lake Mead (freezing!) and somehow managed to put Jill's fully dismantled bike back together!!
Saturday was the race and my morning didn't start out so well! I was setting up transition when I noticed I had a flat (Justin snapped a picture of me just as I noticed it, my expression is classic!). Justin saved the day by taking my wheel to the mechanics for a quick switch so I didn't have to use my only spare. Once I got my wheel back I began the 20 minute process of getting in the wetsuit.
SWIM - The swim was super fun! It was a wave start with all females going together. I got a great position near the front and hung on for dear life! The water was calm and clear, I actually enjoyed it! Maybe a little too much because I came out a few minutes off pace :(
I decided to make up the time in transition so I ran hard to my bike... That's when I noticed they didn't close transition down and the late wavers were still tooling around with their bikes! One guy (who hadn't even started the race!!) was messing with his wetsuit IN TRANSITION as the race is going on, turned around and ran into me! He kicked my foot and broke my toe!! What the hell... Put your wetsuit on outside of the freaking transition area! So much for making up lost time.
BIKE - The bike course was beautiful!! Constant rollers, great scenery, fast descents... it was awesome! I felt like I rode fairly well, not too hard but tried to push it. The last 10 miles were killer!! They were in a drainage ditch (weird, I know!) that was a constant climb.
The last mile into transition was really steep. I had dropped my average enough and didn't want to lose much more time, so I stood up and started to climb hard. I noticed a friend ahead who I wanted to pass before the top. I rode up beside her, wished her luck, and kept on going... when my tire burst! It exploded a half mile from T2, doodie!! I was so close! I pulled over and started to change my flat, when spectators at the top started yelling "Just run it in, you're almost there!!" By the time I would've gotten my wheel changed I could be in transition, so I said to hell with it, took my shoes off, and ran up the hill to transition!
RUN - Mistake number... I don't know I've lost count: I didn't split my watch for the out and back run course. I'm a sort of smart girl so I though I could remember my time when I left T2 and figure my paces from there. But I was wrong. I was running along feeling great and surprised by how easy it was to stay on pace, it was effortless. I came across the finish line at 5:35 which felt pretty good! And best of all I had beat my goal time of a 1:40 run. Well, then reality hit as I checked the results. I ran a 1:49, somewhere I miscalculated and gave myself 10 extra minutes, doodie (again!).
Overall, I won my AG (woohoo) and was 8th female (I think?). A bit disappointed that I didn't push harder on the run, but I got over it quickly when we all started making plans to hit the strip that night!
And best of all I secured my Team USA slot for 2009 Long Course Worlds in Perth, Australia!!
Jilly Bean had a phenomenal race. She hadn't training for 2 months (seriously!!)and still managed to finish strong!! I would still be out on that damned bike course if I were in her position... rock on Jilly! Keep your fingers crossed, she finds out tomorrow if she got a Worlds slot.
That night we managed to make it to the strip, eat pizza and cookies, play a few slots, and drive back to the Hacienda... I was pooped! The next morning started super early with a trip back into town to drop Jill off at the airport :-(, then we did a morning swim in Lake Mead (sans wetsuit) and visited the Hoover Dam... coolest sight ever!!
Awesome trip, beautiful race, and great company!! Up next, Clearwater! I think for that race I'll use my Garmin :-) Train on homies.
I flew out to Vegas with my very best Team USA buddies Justin and Jill. We stayed off the strip on Lake Mead at the most quality hotel imaginable... The Hacienda. Like I said, quality.
Friday morning was spent at the 24 hour buffet, mmmmm. Our waiter told us he had to go and made sure we were taken care, then on our way out we spotted him at the slots, ha! We took a dip in Lake Mead (freezing!) and somehow managed to put Jill's fully dismantled bike back together!!
Saturday was the race and my morning didn't start out so well! I was setting up transition when I noticed I had a flat (Justin snapped a picture of me just as I noticed it, my expression is classic!). Justin saved the day by taking my wheel to the mechanics for a quick switch so I didn't have to use my only spare. Once I got my wheel back I began the 20 minute process of getting in the wetsuit.
SWIM - The swim was super fun! It was a wave start with all females going together. I got a great position near the front and hung on for dear life! The water was calm and clear, I actually enjoyed it! Maybe a little too much because I came out a few minutes off pace :(
I decided to make up the time in transition so I ran hard to my bike... That's when I noticed they didn't close transition down and the late wavers were still tooling around with their bikes! One guy (who hadn't even started the race!!) was messing with his wetsuit IN TRANSITION as the race is going on, turned around and ran into me! He kicked my foot and broke my toe!! What the hell... Put your wetsuit on outside of the freaking transition area! So much for making up lost time.
BIKE - The bike course was beautiful!! Constant rollers, great scenery, fast descents... it was awesome! I felt like I rode fairly well, not too hard but tried to push it. The last 10 miles were killer!! They were in a drainage ditch (weird, I know!) that was a constant climb.
The last mile into transition was really steep. I had dropped my average enough and didn't want to lose much more time, so I stood up and started to climb hard. I noticed a friend ahead who I wanted to pass before the top. I rode up beside her, wished her luck, and kept on going... when my tire burst! It exploded a half mile from T2, doodie!! I was so close! I pulled over and started to change my flat, when spectators at the top started yelling "Just run it in, you're almost there!!" By the time I would've gotten my wheel changed I could be in transition, so I said to hell with it, took my shoes off, and ran up the hill to transition!
RUN - Mistake number... I don't know I've lost count: I didn't split my watch for the out and back run course. I'm a sort of smart girl so I though I could remember my time when I left T2 and figure my paces from there. But I was wrong. I was running along feeling great and surprised by how easy it was to stay on pace, it was effortless. I came across the finish line at 5:35 which felt pretty good! And best of all I had beat my goal time of a 1:40 run. Well, then reality hit as I checked the results. I ran a 1:49, somewhere I miscalculated and gave myself 10 extra minutes, doodie (again!).
Overall, I won my AG (woohoo) and was 8th female (I think?). A bit disappointed that I didn't push harder on the run, but I got over it quickly when we all started making plans to hit the strip that night!
And best of all I secured my Team USA slot for 2009 Long Course Worlds in Perth, Australia!!
Jilly Bean had a phenomenal race. She hadn't training for 2 months (seriously!!)and still managed to finish strong!! I would still be out on that damned bike course if I were in her position... rock on Jilly! Keep your fingers crossed, she finds out tomorrow if she got a Worlds slot.
That night we managed to make it to the strip, eat pizza and cookies, play a few slots, and drive back to the Hacienda... I was pooped! The next morning started super early with a trip back into town to drop Jill off at the airport :-(, then we did a morning swim in Lake Mead (sans wetsuit) and visited the Hoover Dam... coolest sight ever!!
Awesome trip, beautiful race, and great company!! Up next, Clearwater! I think for that race I'll use my Garmin :-) Train on homies.
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