Last week we did Steelhead. Some clients and I drove up there on Friday for the Sat race and were ready to go! Weather, while hot seemed to be good for racing. When we woke up for the race, it was clear skies, but quite windy. So windy they had a hard time holding the swim buoys in place and had to cancel the swim. I think it was swim able, but understand the RD’s caution in calling the race.
As soon as I heard the news I knew absolutely I was just robbed of a historically strong leg for me. Not only a strong leg for me, but a leg my main competition is not traditionally strong at, so it was in effect a double whammy.
My first reaction? Oh well, I guess we are running twice. Remarkably, I didn’t care too much in a negative way. One thing I have learned about triathlon is anything goes. We compete in an outdoor sport, so weather is just part of the deal.
Race went well all things considering. 10th overall a couple min out of 5th and I was very happy with that. Could I have out swam those athletes? Who cares, there was no swim that day, so it doesn’t matter. The athletes who beat me raced damn well and were better then me that day. Well done to all of them.
I had several athletes do well as well, and 3 of them were able to secure their Clearwater spots, so it was a good day. Lindsay, pulled her hamstring, and was not able to finish. That was a bit concerning to me as I do not know any other athletes with her determination and willingness to deal with pain. One of only 3 DNF’s in a 15year plus career meant she had some major issues going. She has been working so hard to get the injury solved for her run at AG Nationals.
I’m off to Boulder this week to do some training with some pros out here. There is definitely a level beyond what even good age groupers train at. Today we went for an “easy” run and I was dropped going 6:30 pace up a 3 mile hill at altitude! The easy run continued after they waited for me and we ran 6:00 flat pace for several miles on a slight flat and downhill. I am a bit nervous to see what a “tempo” run feels like. It is a good lesson in humility anyway.
I'll be brushing up on survior tactics the next few days in case I find myself lost in the wilderness out here.
Ahh, all in good fun though.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Going, Going, GONE!
Unfortunately, I think I am talking about my base fitness. I have attempted to throw in a half Ironman (Spirit of Racine) as Lindsay decided she wasn’t going to do LP. It was a good effort, but I think Im reaching the end of my pre built form and am in need of some retooling here soon.
Racine was an experience. The water was 55 degrees which just sucked. Add to that the fact t was so foggy they delayed the swim by an hour as you couldn’t see the markers. I was one of those people saying “just start the swim, we will sort it out. After all, I can stand here and see the next marker, when I get there, ill be able to see the next, etc.” Insert foot in mouth now. I took off well and made it to the first can in first or second depending whose hand was leading at the time. This guy and I went clear off course as we couldn’t see s*!t. Damn. I told myself to make the adjustment and just forget it. I did, was able to swim back up to the leader and tried not to think about time I could have put on the field with the same effort. Exit the water, here we go.
On to the bike, within 5 miles I was in the lead. I wanted to bike aggressively today to try to find some limits. 5 miles in both nutrition bottles were ejected. I decided it was worth stopping and going back for them. When I did that a guy caught me and he rode very well. He and I exchanged the lead in what seemed like 15 min increments. I know I put in some serious efforts to shed him and could not. I felt like he did the same, but I dug deep to stay with him as well. Neither of us drafted at all, but it always is nicer to have company.
On the run this day I took out of T1 in first but was fighting leg cramps straight away. I think my position is a bit too aggressive for the longer stuff, need to adjust this before IM. This guy passed me and was just a better runner, period. I was holding on OK running about 6:40 pace and was told to take a wrong turn by an official. It only cost me about 3-4 min of actual time, but mentally I could not get over it. I felt cheated. I felt like on a day I had to fight so hard to run descent, I didn’t need that. I also knew if I continued to focus on this, I was doing more harm then good. I was talking to Macca after a race he did this year where he too was lead off course. He was obviously upset, cost him the win, but he continued to fight.
So continue to fight I did. I tried my best to get back down to 6:45 or better and just could not. With every passing mile I became more discouraged. I decided to let myself have a pity party but on a double loop course also did not want to give up as I knew several athletes out there. I knew with 2 miles left when I started thinking of miles in terms of 8 min segments, I was done for.
I finished in 4:16, solid even with an admittedly short swim, but not the result I was after. I have considered dropping out of Steelhead, but took some advice to just finish that race then work on Kona prep.
I will tell you this. I have raced all over. The competition here in the Midwest is tough. If you’re having a bad day, you can really drop off quickly. Solid athletes all over for sure, but I was impressed at the depth here.
Justin H. seems to be coming back from a serious injury and while I hated to get passed again, was so happy to see him returning to form and run a 1:20.
That’s it for now.
A
Racine was an experience. The water was 55 degrees which just sucked. Add to that the fact t was so foggy they delayed the swim by an hour as you couldn’t see the markers. I was one of those people saying “just start the swim, we will sort it out. After all, I can stand here and see the next marker, when I get there, ill be able to see the next, etc.” Insert foot in mouth now. I took off well and made it to the first can in first or second depending whose hand was leading at the time. This guy and I went clear off course as we couldn’t see s*!t. Damn. I told myself to make the adjustment and just forget it. I did, was able to swim back up to the leader and tried not to think about time I could have put on the field with the same effort. Exit the water, here we go.
On to the bike, within 5 miles I was in the lead. I wanted to bike aggressively today to try to find some limits. 5 miles in both nutrition bottles were ejected. I decided it was worth stopping and going back for them. When I did that a guy caught me and he rode very well. He and I exchanged the lead in what seemed like 15 min increments. I know I put in some serious efforts to shed him and could not. I felt like he did the same, but I dug deep to stay with him as well. Neither of us drafted at all, but it always is nicer to have company.
On the run this day I took out of T1 in first but was fighting leg cramps straight away. I think my position is a bit too aggressive for the longer stuff, need to adjust this before IM. This guy passed me and was just a better runner, period. I was holding on OK running about 6:40 pace and was told to take a wrong turn by an official. It only cost me about 3-4 min of actual time, but mentally I could not get over it. I felt cheated. I felt like on a day I had to fight so hard to run descent, I didn’t need that. I also knew if I continued to focus on this, I was doing more harm then good. I was talking to Macca after a race he did this year where he too was lead off course. He was obviously upset, cost him the win, but he continued to fight.
So continue to fight I did. I tried my best to get back down to 6:45 or better and just could not. With every passing mile I became more discouraged. I decided to let myself have a pity party but on a double loop course also did not want to give up as I knew several athletes out there. I knew with 2 miles left when I started thinking of miles in terms of 8 min segments, I was done for.
I finished in 4:16, solid even with an admittedly short swim, but not the result I was after. I have considered dropping out of Steelhead, but took some advice to just finish that race then work on Kona prep.
I will tell you this. I have raced all over. The competition here in the Midwest is tough. If you’re having a bad day, you can really drop off quickly. Solid athletes all over for sure, but I was impressed at the depth here.
Justin H. seems to be coming back from a serious injury and while I hated to get passed again, was so happy to see him returning to form and run a 1:20.
That’s it for now.
A
Monday, July 7, 2008
Mind over matter
My drill instructors used to say "It's all mind over matter. if you dont mind, it doesnt matter"... maybe it works here, probably not. :)
I normally do not like talking about myself, but people have told me they like to hear about my experiences. So I am going to attempt to give you some insights without the intention of “hey look at me”, but so you might be able to use what you like, and ignore what you don’t.
I woke up for Lake Stevens and while sitting in the hotel waiting to go, I read an article about keeping your mental state in a race, and not over thinking, or judging situations. Seems easy enough, but as you all know, add power meter, speed distance, HR, nutrition, etc, it can be more complicated then it sounds.
I tried to commit myself to just relaxing and enjoying the day. I decided I have trained my body how to do what it needs to do; now I need to get out of the way, and be an observer. I wanted to observe so I could keep things in line, but let it do what it knows how to do.
I had SO MUCH FUN racing on Sunday. More fun then I had in long time. I was doing the bike with a huge smile on my face, and just simply had a blast. I averaged 289 watts, which was my highest for a half ever. Had a very solid pro level swim and bike, and ran a 1:27 off the bike on a hilly course which for me is solid. I won my age group and was 13th overall.
I started the run and decided to do the same thing. Not judge myself at any given min, and just take my calories in, and have fun. It worked like a charm. I was happy to see my run splits come down post injury.
Im not sure if I will be able to do it again, but I’ll try. I learned a valuable lesson and like most lessons, take the good, and add to it my other experiences. For my athletes I coach, we would with all the data and I think you would be crazy to not train and race with the info. But coupling that with the strategy above I think is the key.
I talked about having a coach earlier. I am still asked from time to time if it shows a lack of knowledge that I have a coach. I really do not think so. In fact, I would not let anyone coach/consult with me that say he or she does know it all. In fact I would run the other way. I think the best coaches and mentors in the world are able to put themselves in a learning seat all the time, put their egos aside, and find new techniques. Chris tells me all the time, his success is a result of all the people that have helped him along the way.
I feel very fortunate that I have been able to meet some of the mentors I have had along the way.
I normally do not like talking about myself, but people have told me they like to hear about my experiences. So I am going to attempt to give you some insights without the intention of “hey look at me”, but so you might be able to use what you like, and ignore what you don’t.
I woke up for Lake Stevens and while sitting in the hotel waiting to go, I read an article about keeping your mental state in a race, and not over thinking, or judging situations. Seems easy enough, but as you all know, add power meter, speed distance, HR, nutrition, etc, it can be more complicated then it sounds.
I tried to commit myself to just relaxing and enjoying the day. I decided I have trained my body how to do what it needs to do; now I need to get out of the way, and be an observer. I wanted to observe so I could keep things in line, but let it do what it knows how to do.
I had SO MUCH FUN racing on Sunday. More fun then I had in long time. I was doing the bike with a huge smile on my face, and just simply had a blast. I averaged 289 watts, which was my highest for a half ever. Had a very solid pro level swim and bike, and ran a 1:27 off the bike on a hilly course which for me is solid. I won my age group and was 13th overall.
I started the run and decided to do the same thing. Not judge myself at any given min, and just take my calories in, and have fun. It worked like a charm. I was happy to see my run splits come down post injury.
Im not sure if I will be able to do it again, but I’ll try. I learned a valuable lesson and like most lessons, take the good, and add to it my other experiences. For my athletes I coach, we would with all the data and I think you would be crazy to not train and race with the info. But coupling that with the strategy above I think is the key.
I talked about having a coach earlier. I am still asked from time to time if it shows a lack of knowledge that I have a coach. I really do not think so. In fact, I would not let anyone coach/consult with me that say he or she does know it all. In fact I would run the other way. I think the best coaches and mentors in the world are able to put themselves in a learning seat all the time, put their egos aside, and find new techniques. Chris tells me all the time, his success is a result of all the people that have helped him along the way.
I feel very fortunate that I have been able to meet some of the mentors I have had along the way.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Back at it.
Vacation is supposed to revitalize you fill you with energy and help you face the World when you come back right??? I usually never take a vacation, much to my wife’s displeasure that does not center on the ability to train or race.
Our last family trip was my opportunity to punch my ticket on that request. It was perfect. Kids were involved, Lindsay was there, and I could satisfy everybody’s need to have dad on a “vacation”. It was a lot of fun. I only did barebones schedule couple swims, and a couple runs all week long. Everything was done by the time breakfast was over and then I had nothing but family time going into the rest of the day and night.
It was the perfect “vacation”. I did everything I was supposed to do and to be quite frank was happy to do so. I had as much fun as anyone else there. So where is my revitalized attitude and outlook? I came back last weekend and have felt as if I have been moving through quicksand the entire week. My motivation is in the tank and every workout is looming over me as an obligation, not something I look forward to doing.
I have a race on the schedule for this weekend and am actually on my flight too it as I type. Lake Stevens 70.3 was my alternative race to some other ones I like doing. I chose this one this year as I was going to Lake Placid to support Lindsay in her Ironman effort. She has since decided due to work and other obligations Ironman is not in the cards for her this year, so I am able to do the other races now. With my attitude the way it is right now I half did not want to go to LS 70.3. I decided what I most likely needed though was to be put back in the environment and “act as if”. My hope is by going through the motions by the time the race starts…or ends, ill be jump started.
We will see.
I know at the end of the day I want to be successful, and I do have a lot of fun doing the sport so I am absolutely sure things will eventually come around. For all of you struggling with the same thing, I just wanted you to know we all can relate at some time or another. We always seem to see people at group functions or exciting workouts most people are excited for. I think it leaves us with the feeling like we are strange that sometimes we struggle. I assure you, you are not different from any other triathlete in the World. We all have ups and downs. Thankfully, more ups then downs.
A
Our last family trip was my opportunity to punch my ticket on that request. It was perfect. Kids were involved, Lindsay was there, and I could satisfy everybody’s need to have dad on a “vacation”. It was a lot of fun. I only did barebones schedule couple swims, and a couple runs all week long. Everything was done by the time breakfast was over and then I had nothing but family time going into the rest of the day and night.
It was the perfect “vacation”. I did everything I was supposed to do and to be quite frank was happy to do so. I had as much fun as anyone else there. So where is my revitalized attitude and outlook? I came back last weekend and have felt as if I have been moving through quicksand the entire week. My motivation is in the tank and every workout is looming over me as an obligation, not something I look forward to doing.
I have a race on the schedule for this weekend and am actually on my flight too it as I type. Lake Stevens 70.3 was my alternative race to some other ones I like doing. I chose this one this year as I was going to Lake Placid to support Lindsay in her Ironman effort. She has since decided due to work and other obligations Ironman is not in the cards for her this year, so I am able to do the other races now. With my attitude the way it is right now I half did not want to go to LS 70.3. I decided what I most likely needed though was to be put back in the environment and “act as if”. My hope is by going through the motions by the time the race starts…or ends, ill be jump started.
We will see.
I know at the end of the day I want to be successful, and I do have a lot of fun doing the sport so I am absolutely sure things will eventually come around. For all of you struggling with the same thing, I just wanted you to know we all can relate at some time or another. We always seem to see people at group functions or exciting workouts most people are excited for. I think it leaves us with the feeling like we are strange that sometimes we struggle. I assure you, you are not different from any other triathlete in the World. We all have ups and downs. Thankfully, more ups then downs.
A
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bigfoot and Disney
Training has been going at a steady rate. Athletes I coach are going well, and the summer is finally linking some great weather together for us to train in.
I have hired a new coach this year. I am asked at times if I have a coach, and I absolutely do. Today I did a race here locally, the Bigfoot Triathlon put on by Running Away. They did an amazing job. The course was very tough though, and there were some really good athletes in the field. What made the course for me harder was the training we put in the week of the race, to include a 5 hour ride the day before. Some people do not like to go into a race tired, but I don’t mind. Sure it makes for some questionable performances at times, but racing is fun, and is simply the best way to get experience and put a flashlight on your weaknesses.
Anyway, today at Bigfoot as I was trying to run through the wooded cross country course, I could find every excuse to slow down, or just “bag” the effort. If a coach does nothing else but help you to believe in yourself and push yourself through some low points it is almost worth it on its own. I knew I would have to report my results back to my coach, and I wanted him to be impressed with me.
With athletes we coach we have them prioritize their races. Today was the lowest priority, a “C” race. Please understand I race as hard as I can for all the races, but with the lower priorities it is just a situation where less, if any rest is put in for the event. I was able to get 2nd overall today and the athlete who won was simply the better athlete today and deserves the win.
Here is how my race went:
Well, I should start with Saturday.
Saturday I got to meet up with Paul W, one of the nicest guys I have gotten a chance to train with and very talented as well. We brought Yuri along for the ride who has continued to make huge progress over the past 18 mo. going from 340 pounds to riding 4 hours plus the day before an Olympic race is good stuff.
Sunday- Race day
Swim went well, I was able to get a good start and share the lead with another swimmer. Admittedly he did most of the work as he was too strong for me to stay in front of for long. We came out in 20 min, which seemed to be within 45 seconds of the fastest overall swim for the day – good start.
The bike was almost a DNF. I used Red Bull as I had no other nutrition left with me. When I opened the water bottle it shot into my mouth, distracting me just enough to have me veer off the road. A near miss with a pothole, a mailbox a moving car later I was finally up to speed. I had a good split. Today I averaged just a bit over 300 watts.
The run was brutal. I tried to think of positives thoughts and forced myself to stop scripting what I would say when someone in my wave eventually passed me. Up down through the woods to grand mother’s house…
My run as always still needs work, but I hung in there and finished strong.
It is always so helpful to see others on a 2 loop course and get re energized when new athletes are running with you on the second loop.
From the race to Disney World with the kids! Back in a week.
I have hired a new coach this year. I am asked at times if I have a coach, and I absolutely do. Today I did a race here locally, the Bigfoot Triathlon put on by Running Away. They did an amazing job. The course was very tough though, and there were some really good athletes in the field. What made the course for me harder was the training we put in the week of the race, to include a 5 hour ride the day before. Some people do not like to go into a race tired, but I don’t mind. Sure it makes for some questionable performances at times, but racing is fun, and is simply the best way to get experience and put a flashlight on your weaknesses.
Anyway, today at Bigfoot as I was trying to run through the wooded cross country course, I could find every excuse to slow down, or just “bag” the effort. If a coach does nothing else but help you to believe in yourself and push yourself through some low points it is almost worth it on its own. I knew I would have to report my results back to my coach, and I wanted him to be impressed with me.
With athletes we coach we have them prioritize their races. Today was the lowest priority, a “C” race. Please understand I race as hard as I can for all the races, but with the lower priorities it is just a situation where less, if any rest is put in for the event. I was able to get 2nd overall today and the athlete who won was simply the better athlete today and deserves the win.
Here is how my race went:
Well, I should start with Saturday.
Saturday I got to meet up with Paul W, one of the nicest guys I have gotten a chance to train with and very talented as well. We brought Yuri along for the ride who has continued to make huge progress over the past 18 mo. going from 340 pounds to riding 4 hours plus the day before an Olympic race is good stuff.
Sunday- Race day
Swim went well, I was able to get a good start and share the lead with another swimmer. Admittedly he did most of the work as he was too strong for me to stay in front of for long. We came out in 20 min, which seemed to be within 45 seconds of the fastest overall swim for the day – good start.
The bike was almost a DNF. I used Red Bull as I had no other nutrition left with me. When I opened the water bottle it shot into my mouth, distracting me just enough to have me veer off the road. A near miss with a pothole, a mailbox a moving car later I was finally up to speed. I had a good split. Today I averaged just a bit over 300 watts.
The run was brutal. I tried to think of positives thoughts and forced myself to stop scripting what I would say when someone in my wave eventually passed me. Up down through the woods to grand mother’s house…
My run as always still needs work, but I hung in there and finished strong.
It is always so helpful to see others on a 2 loop course and get re energized when new athletes are running with you on the second loop.
From the race to Disney World with the kids! Back in a week.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
KONA!
I went o Eagleman 70.3 with the hopes of having a great race. I have had injury issues this year and other setbacks with work, schedules, etc. and was looking to put a solid effort in.
Traditionally I never do well in the heat, and the day was scheduled to be 115 degrees. I tried to use all the information Cheryl taught me about metal outlook ,and concentration and decided I would do the only thing I could do – my best effort for the day.
The swim is pretty much the same for me every race. I end up towards the front, never really out of it because of the swim, but never really put people to bed because of a great swim. Same thing happened here. I swam a 26:42 which put me in the top 4 or 5 in my AG coming out of the water. Sure there was contact and I got kicked and all the other stuff, but you all as triathletes understand that and to tell you that happened would be like telling you the water was wet.
The Bike- I decided today that all my training has left me fit enough to do what needed to be done on the bike. I have been using a new coach this year myself and have learned heaps from him in regards to mental outlook come race day as well as how to strategically race. We came up with a plan that dictated that I go for it on the bike and try to hang on for the run. With my Achilles injuries this springs we new the bike was my best weapon. I got passed 5 miles in by a guy who was flying. I had to maintain between 320-350 watts on average to follow him (not drafting). To use some motivation is absolutely an advantage, but nothing illegal about that. We went through the half way point after going back and forth with each other in 1:03! He eventually dropped off the pace and I could feel my stomach shutting down so I slowed up the last 10-15 miles as well to try to get ready for the very hot run. I ended up with a solid 2:16 bike split. I averaged just under 270 watts I believe.
The transition I saw no reason to rush. I drank some fluid, put socks on and grabbed a bottle of Infinit for the run (smart move).
On the run my friend Christian passed me about 3 mins in. He had won the age group last year and was looking strong again. I knew by the fact there were no other bikes in T2 he and I were number 1 and 2. I also knew if I wanted a Kona spot I had to be second place or higher.
When Christian passed me I told my self to be patient, and not get panicked. He was either having a great day, or would blow up. I needed to focus on my business and control things I had control over. It was so hot on the run. I was running what I felt was pretty slow. There were no real mile markers on the course so it was a guess as to where we were at pace wise but I was guessing about 7:30-7:45 pace. Every aide station I would take on water and dump ice cold water all over myself. I forced 3 gels down in addition to the infinit which really seemed to help a lot.
At the turnaround I was there in 45 min which meant I was actually running 7:00 pace. That surprised me a bit, and Christian was only about 45 seconds up on me. I tried to look really solid to put some doubt into pursuer’s minds, but the next guy behind me was only 90 seconds back. To be honest I thought that was pretty close and wasn’t sure if I could hold him off. I picked it up for a mile but paid dearly for it and slowed don from mile 9-12 pretty good. I actually felt better for the last mile and was able to finish in second place even though I ran a 51 min split home.
It was rough conditions. My critics know I have trouble with heat and it felt especially gratifying to gain my spot in conditions I know some thought I couldn’t. It could have easily gone either way. I ended up with a 4:25 which put me 18th overall (6th Amateur) but min. could have been stacked on at several points in the race.
I had a lot of self talk about form and integrity with myself. Form to keep economy good. Integrity because I tried to talk myself through things exactly as I would have any athlete I coach do. I owe a lot to all my support team who helped me. Some of you were on the course and I tried to use that as motivation to maintain good rhythm when I saw you.
All of the finishers out there really endured some very tough conditions. The athletes who beat me I am so very impressed by.
Great job to all finishers! See you in Kona!
Traditionally I never do well in the heat, and the day was scheduled to be 115 degrees. I tried to use all the information Cheryl taught me about metal outlook ,and concentration and decided I would do the only thing I could do – my best effort for the day.
The swim is pretty much the same for me every race. I end up towards the front, never really out of it because of the swim, but never really put people to bed because of a great swim. Same thing happened here. I swam a 26:42 which put me in the top 4 or 5 in my AG coming out of the water. Sure there was contact and I got kicked and all the other stuff, but you all as triathletes understand that and to tell you that happened would be like telling you the water was wet.
The Bike- I decided today that all my training has left me fit enough to do what needed to be done on the bike. I have been using a new coach this year myself and have learned heaps from him in regards to mental outlook come race day as well as how to strategically race. We came up with a plan that dictated that I go for it on the bike and try to hang on for the run. With my Achilles injuries this springs we new the bike was my best weapon. I got passed 5 miles in by a guy who was flying. I had to maintain between 320-350 watts on average to follow him (not drafting). To use some motivation is absolutely an advantage, but nothing illegal about that. We went through the half way point after going back and forth with each other in 1:03! He eventually dropped off the pace and I could feel my stomach shutting down so I slowed up the last 10-15 miles as well to try to get ready for the very hot run. I ended up with a solid 2:16 bike split. I averaged just under 270 watts I believe.
The transition I saw no reason to rush. I drank some fluid, put socks on and grabbed a bottle of Infinit for the run (smart move).
On the run my friend Christian passed me about 3 mins in. He had won the age group last year and was looking strong again. I knew by the fact there were no other bikes in T2 he and I were number 1 and 2. I also knew if I wanted a Kona spot I had to be second place or higher.
When Christian passed me I told my self to be patient, and not get panicked. He was either having a great day, or would blow up. I needed to focus on my business and control things I had control over. It was so hot on the run. I was running what I felt was pretty slow. There were no real mile markers on the course so it was a guess as to where we were at pace wise but I was guessing about 7:30-7:45 pace. Every aide station I would take on water and dump ice cold water all over myself. I forced 3 gels down in addition to the infinit which really seemed to help a lot.
At the turnaround I was there in 45 min which meant I was actually running 7:00 pace. That surprised me a bit, and Christian was only about 45 seconds up on me. I tried to look really solid to put some doubt into pursuer’s minds, but the next guy behind me was only 90 seconds back. To be honest I thought that was pretty close and wasn’t sure if I could hold him off. I picked it up for a mile but paid dearly for it and slowed don from mile 9-12 pretty good. I actually felt better for the last mile and was able to finish in second place even though I ran a 51 min split home.
It was rough conditions. My critics know I have trouble with heat and it felt especially gratifying to gain my spot in conditions I know some thought I couldn’t. It could have easily gone either way. I ended up with a 4:25 which put me 18th overall (6th Amateur) but min. could have been stacked on at several points in the race.
I had a lot of self talk about form and integrity with myself. Form to keep economy good. Integrity because I tried to talk myself through things exactly as I would have any athlete I coach do. I owe a lot to all my support team who helped me. Some of you were on the course and I tried to use that as motivation to maintain good rhythm when I saw you.
All of the finishers out there really endured some very tough conditions. The athletes who beat me I am so very impressed by.
Great job to all finishers! See you in Kona!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Merely a flesh wound.
Wow time flies when your bus as heck! :) I have not been able to post for quite some time as we have been very busy with TBC work and general life.
Today I have a bit of extra time for unfortunate reasons. I actually crashed on the bike today, doing a PRE RACE warm up. UGHHH!!! I came down here to Memphis to race, drove 8 hours, met up with family and was already a bit sketchy with only 3 weeks of running. Now, I get to add some serious road rash to the mix.
I went to the ER as some were very deep cuts. Got to sit there with my very patient bride for hours while they cleaned out all the gravel. Ah, the joy of racing, at least now I can justify shaving legs for a couple more years, and hey my tetanus are now up to date , so that rocks. :)
Focusing on the positive though, I was able to call some of my clients for help. I coach 3 doctors, 2 ER docs, one cardiac surgeon. I was able to get a hold of the second one I called, the first called me back within 15 min!!! I am so very lucky to have such great clients and friends. I never take that for granted.
As for tomorrow, I have no idea. I'm going to first focus on sleeping without all the sheets becoming part of my scabs. I'm told ill be pretty sore in the am.
Today I have a bit of extra time for unfortunate reasons. I actually crashed on the bike today, doing a PRE RACE warm up. UGHHH!!! I came down here to Memphis to race, drove 8 hours, met up with family and was already a bit sketchy with only 3 weeks of running. Now, I get to add some serious road rash to the mix.
I went to the ER as some were very deep cuts. Got to sit there with my very patient bride for hours while they cleaned out all the gravel. Ah, the joy of racing, at least now I can justify shaving legs for a couple more years, and hey my tetanus are now up to date , so that rocks. :)
Focusing on the positive though, I was able to call some of my clients for help. I coach 3 doctors, 2 ER docs, one cardiac surgeon. I was able to get a hold of the second one I called, the first called me back within 15 min!!! I am so very lucky to have such great clients and friends. I never take that for granted.
As for tomorrow, I have no idea. I'm going to first focus on sleeping without all the sheets becoming part of my scabs. I'm told ill be pretty sore in the am.
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