tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50666126590342093662024-02-21T08:51:34.604-08:00Grateful MamaRunner. Triathlete. Cook. Bookworm and music lover. Kind person. And Mom Extraordinaire to two wonderful children, including one with special medical needs.Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-75569179826587639722017-09-18T19:44:00.002-07:002017-09-18T19:44:52.516-07:00Tiki Swim 7 Recap 2017Yesterday I completed my 3rd <a href="https://www.tikiswim.com/">Tiki Swim</a>----a 2.4 mile open water swim race. I have done this race twice before (in <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/09/tiki-swim-race-recap.html">2013</a> and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/09/tiki-swim-race-recap-14.html">2014</a>). I was signed up to do it in 2015, but after <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/09/my-first-dnf-oceanside-labor-day-pier.html">I backed out of the Labor Day Swim</a> I gave my bib away. I just wasn't up to doing Tiki again. I skipped it again last year, and had every intention of never doing it again. However, two factors changed my mind. The first is that my dear friend Bryan was doing it for the first time. Second, my friend Leo actually gifted me with the race entrance. I had been trying to decide between doing Tiki and the Chula Vista Challenge Half Ironman, and knew I couldn't afford both---I need to stick to a race budget this year. I chose Chula Vista (<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2017/09/chula-vista-challenge-half-ironman-race.html">race recap here</a>) and was grateful that Leo gave me the gift of competing in Tiki again. <br />
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Now in it's 7th year, the Tiki Swim starts at the Oceanside Pier and ends at the Oceanside Harbor (same harbor where the <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/ironman-703-califoria-oceanside-race.html">Ironman Oceanside 70.3</a> swim takes place). They offer both a 2.4 and a 1.2 option (Ironman distance and half-Ironman distance, respectively). I have only done the 2.4 mile distance, and this year would be no different. This year it was sold out---it has been gaining in popularity every year, with both triathletes (especially those who are training for Ironman Arizona in November) and swimmers. They have a wetsuit division and a swimsuit division. Like always, I chose wetsuit. No way I can swim in the ocean without it; I get too cold. On Facebook, people were talking about how warm the water was supposed to be (in the 70s) and I almost wore my sleeveless wetsuit, but I'm glad I didn't. My body simply can't be in cold water for that long without protection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LlJiWSQQ5ZDWxnmrS7fX8j-ZgJaUfFP7qCrPNpNSsxel5fnmKU16DTMn0FgHGJvTKjuf-JPIHgnB_Qs2a8GvPYrSlUc62qR20nUP-O-pKa2TQN6RjuNrypFpVWx6orOcaQPk4f8BmoFx/s1600/tiki4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LlJiWSQQ5ZDWxnmrS7fX8j-ZgJaUfFP7qCrPNpNSsxel5fnmKU16DTMn0FgHGJvTKjuf-JPIHgnB_Qs2a8GvPYrSlUc62qR20nUP-O-pKa2TQN6RjuNrypFpVWx6orOcaQPk4f8BmoFx/s320/tiki4.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from the website. I did the green route</td></tr>
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The other difference this year was the swag. The years I've done it I got a medal, a handmade lei, and a trucker hat. They would have a sweatshirt hoodie for sale separately that I always bought (I wear them all the time). This year, they offered a medal and lei, but a visor instead of a trucker hat, and this time included a cute lightweight hoodie as part of the swag.<br />
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<a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">My friend and coach Steve</a> designed a Tiki plan for me, mainly 2 swims a week, with an optional open water swim on weekends. With my crazy life, I only made one OWS practice, but I nailed all but one of the pool workouts. I topped out last week with a 4300 yard swim (4200 yards is 2.4 miles) and felt as ready as I could be. <br />
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I'm glad I write a recap after my races (except for 2016, whoops!) because in reviewing my past write-ups I knew how to prepare. The race started in Oceanside at 7:30, and I was planning to leave the house by 6, but in reading my past recaps I realized I needed to leave by 5:30 or so. I was up by 5:15 and out the door by 5:35. Not much to pack the night before---just a wetsuit, two pairs of goggles, Tri Slide and a towel---so different than a triathlon, or even a half marathon. I brought a Luna Bar and coffee with me in the car for the drive and hit the road. I easily found parking in the paid lot, which is only $5 for a spot right next to the pier, found Bryan, found my friends Leo and Freddy, and got my stuff (namely, my race number written on my hand, my timing chip, and my swim cap). After chatting a bit and getting my wetsuit on, it was time to line up on the beach and wait for the conch shell to blow, signaling the start of the race.<br />
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One of my big fears and concerns about this race, and actually all ocean swims, are the waves. I am terrified of going through big waves. I lucked out yesterday---the waves were 1-2 feet tall! Getting out past the waves was no problem at all. However, the water was choppy once past the breakers. Not awful, but a lot of up and down. I started to get nauseous and seasick, which I happened to me during the last Tiki and when I did the La Jolla Pier to Cove this summer. Also my mood started to plummet. Traditionally, when doing an ocean race (whether a swim-only like Tiki or a triathlon) I start to feel despair when going through the waves. Even without huge wave to content with, it's still tiring going out against the tide. Usually fatigue sets in, which gets me scared that I won't have energy for the rest of the race (remember, this is always at the beginning) and then fear and despair settle in. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUSZopzLAVNZ9xvACw59rtULfqWXSunJGxa6EFLkkAY9OZkmNQssWQBurRQkg7ZPeXfzQIuLP3kMn2qwolbDqlnBe1PcqDozrQk-RtvCVRO3tjTtnC9gJX9BLp2RwoGJksxuYy5tU11b6/s1600/tiki1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="439" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUSZopzLAVNZ9xvACw59rtULfqWXSunJGxa6EFLkkAY9OZkmNQssWQBurRQkg7ZPeXfzQIuLP3kMn2qwolbDqlnBe1PcqDozrQk-RtvCVRO3tjTtnC9gJX9BLp2RwoGJksxuYy5tU11b6/s320/tiki1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race. the waves stayed this size!</td></tr>
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Yesterday I decided to rewrite the narrative. When I started to feel despair, I reminded myself that this ALWAYS happens, and that it will pass. It always does. So I allowed myself to wallow in the despair, knowing it was temporary. I also allowed myself to be seasick. I didn't try to stop it. I started dry heaving, then actually threw up, then more dry heaves, then I was fine. I saw my friend Bryan behind me and I told him I had thrown up---he said he did too, which made me feel better! I kept swimming out to the first buoy (before we had to turn right to head north), and even though I sighted wrong, and was going the wrong way and had to add extra yardage to round the buoy, eventually the feeling of despair went away. I need to remember that for next time: to expect the despair, to wallow in it, and know it WILL pass.<br />
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The rest of the race was unremarkable. It would seem to take forever to get to the next buoy, then suddenly I would be past it. One thing I LOVE about this race is that not only are there tons of buoys marking the way (I'd estimate every 500 yards or so) but there are also a lot of lifeguards out there. I mean, a lot. On paddleboards, kayaks, boats, you name it...I always felt safe out there, and in fact one paddled over to me as I was heading toward some rocks and stayed between me and the rocks until I changed my course. About halfway into the race my hands got very cold. My body, feet and face were ok, but my hands felt like ice blocks. This is typical for me in cold water. I spent most of the time singing in my head (lots of Beatles and Red Hot Chili Peppers) and thinking about the upcoming week. The water was choppy, but not too bad. After the race I heard others complaining about how awful the chop was, but in my opinion it was much better than the last time I raced.<br />
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Finally I got to make the turn into the Oceanside Harbor. This would be my fourth time swimming the Harbor---two other Tikis and then the half Ironman. The water is calm here, which made a nice change, although it tasted weird, probably from all the boats docked. By this point, I was DONE. My arms were fine, my cardio and breathing were fine, but mentally I was DONE DONE DONE. I wanted out of the water. But I still had about half mile to go. This part of the race seemed to take forever. I had my eye on my watch; I had wanted to beat my previous times (1:49 and 1:45 respectively) but as I saw 1:50 tick by my goal was just to finish under 2 hours (there is a 2 hour 20 minute cutoff). Finally, FINALLY I made the final turn to the boat ramp, signaling the end of the race. Kim, Bryan's wife and one of my best friends, was on the dock, video taping me. I got to the end, was helped up by some volunteers, and was directed to the appropriate finish shoot (they had separate chutes for wetsuit swimmers and swimsuit swimmers).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGnQeaUH9jfxvklFC_EPTl8ilf8Fdwas6YGbeSjdGuMTex2_shREB7QDtpsArrud6bIrMLXhJd_Sjobb3EFJNK1dMWpgUpOC499r-QoVKdORsXuY4cj9kG1_wzsX2gyO6_s1btF0Wic9W/s1600/tiki2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGnQeaUH9jfxvklFC_EPTl8ilf8Fdwas6YGbeSjdGuMTex2_shREB7QDtpsArrud6bIrMLXhJd_Sjobb3EFJNK1dMWpgUpOC499r-QoVKdORsXuY4cj9kG1_wzsX2gyO6_s1btF0Wic9W/s320/tiki2.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finisher with medal and lei</td></tr>
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I was given my medal, lei, and my timing chip taken off. I had to bend over for a second because I felt faint, but that passed quickly. Off to watch Bryan finish (only 3 minutes behind me) then found Leo and Freddy, who were in a long line for the rest of the swag (hoodie and visor, plus an egg burrito, which was delicious and thankfully vegetarian). One more stop for free pancakes, then the double decker shuttle bus back to the pier.<br />
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I am very pleased with my race. I didn't swim 2.4 miles----per my Garmin, I actually swam 2.69 miles. I think my poor sighting in the beginning, plus some other points, added on 400-500 yards. I need to work on this...but the fact that I did so much more yardage in 1:54 is great (a 2:24/100 pace, which is great for me!). Every race is different, and the ocean especially is different minute to minute, let alone day to day, so you really can't accurately compare past races. I am proud of doing this distance yet again. I may even do it next year...we'll see!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hB_Ko9AkOQvX9Y2cHH9OXKuAz1aexxwAUME31Z3fi-Ko9-7oNr-UT7kNe_AJ43l0snhQFeSwzrXx1eMO_Tc6WEa6wheEFPFFvovbHJhV4k4aTVODyXeQu2IadT-zEdRTDYQwU_A9yNLc/s1600/tiki3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hB_Ko9AkOQvX9Y2cHH9OXKuAz1aexxwAUME31Z3fi-Ko9-7oNr-UT7kNe_AJ43l0snhQFeSwzrXx1eMO_Tc6WEa6wheEFPFFvovbHJhV4k4aTVODyXeQu2IadT-zEdRTDYQwU_A9yNLc/s320/tiki3.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">showing off the visor</td></tr>
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-53321204418221233582017-09-13T11:20:00.001-07:002017-09-18T19:48:19.964-07:00Chula Vista Challenge Half Ironman Race Recap<span style="color: #444444;">A month ago I completed my fourth half-Iron event, the <a href="http://www.chulavistachallenge.com/">Chula Vista Challenge </a>(since it's not an Ironman-branded event they call it a half-Iron or a 70.3). Branded or not, the distance is the same: a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. This race is relatively new, or at least newly owned. A new company, Koz, bought it last year and added the half-Iron distance (I believe that before that it may just have been an international and sprint distance). Now they have three distances on race day (sprint, international and half-Iron) as well as aqua-bikes for all three distances, a duathlon, a relay, and a few kids' distance races. A lot goig on in one morning!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">From the website: <i>Bayside park in Chula Vista California, just 10 miles south of the heart
of downtown San Diego will host all events with a spectator friendly
layout with a beautiful view of the Coronado Bay Bridge and the San
Diego Skyline. Triathletes will enjoy a Calm Bay Swim with a
in-the-water start along the beach to the pier. The bike leg features a
closed multi lap course, 4 laps for the Half Distance equaling 56 miles,
2 laps for the International Distance equaling 28 miles, and a single
lap Sprint distance of 14 miles. The fast flat run for all events will
be along the bay shoreline walking and bike paths. Athletes will run
past the J Street Marina boat docks and around the boat launch park for a
5K loop. Half Distance racers will have an extended triple loop Half
Marathon distance along the Bay Shores Bikeway. The run course loops
back into the Bayside Park forming our hot lap corner for a great place
for family and friends to cheer you on.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">As I mentioned <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2017/08/whats-been-going-on.html">in my previous post</a>, I had originally signed up for the aqua-bike, which would have "just" been the swim and bike. I had not run for 6 months, as I was taking time off to heal from injury (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy). I signed up for the aqua-bike because when it comes to swimming and biking I need a goal in front of me to train properly. However, as I began running again (still not healed, but with the consent of two doctors) I got it in my head that I could do the whole triathlon, that I could add in the run. My runs slowly and safely increased in distance, until I did a 10 mile run a few weeks before. With the blessing of my husband and <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">my coach</a> I paid the fee to upgrade to the whole enchilada. Suddenly I was training for a 70.3, which both excited and scared me. I trained HARD. In the two and a half months leading up to it, I hit <i>every single workout</i>. I did at least two swims a week, two short bike rides, one long bike ride (topping out at 60 miles), two short runs, and one long run (topping out at 10 miles). I also did bricks (a short run after my long bike rides). I hadn't trained that hard, especially on the bike, in a long time. I knew that, come what may on race day, I had put in my training and could not have tried any harder. Getting up at 5:00 in the morning to swim, getting my short bike rides in the evening when my husband got home from work----training in the summer, with the kids home from school, took extra finesse.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Packet pick up was the day before. There was no pre-race bike check in, so it was simply driving down to Chula Vista, where I got my wrist band, timing chip, swim cap and tech shirt. There was no other swag to buy, which was good for my wallet, but I was sad, because I definitely would have bought a jersey or special finisher's shirt. Afterwards, I drove most of the bike course, and was encouraged by how flat it seemed. I came home and packed my stuff, triple checking everything in my usual fashion. That night my family went out to dinner with my friend Leo and his family (Leo was doing the international distance, and his two kids were doing the sprint). I tried to get a good night sleep, and was up at 4:00 in the morning. I left the house by 4:30, and found parking (on a side street) by 5:00.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">packet pickup</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u>Pre-Race</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">With my bike and my overstuffed tri bag, I followed the crowd in the dark to transition. There was a line to get in, but it moved pretty quickly. I found my rack (wave 3, which included my group of women age 40+) and began to set up. It'd been so long since I actually did a triathlon---over a year!--that it took me a while to place everything where I wanted it. Other women started to set up and I remember feeling intimidated by their fit bodies, their sleek bikes, and their chatter. I had to remind myself I belonged there too! I got body marked and went to the bathroom. While they did have a few port-o-potties set up, there was a "real" bathroom by the water, with real toilets. However, it was one of those situations where there were no doors on the stalls. Ugh! I hate that. Regardless, I used the facilities, but on the way back to transition I started to get very nervous, and started to feel nauseous. I ended up sitting on the sand by the water, and actually threw up. I felt better after that, but was unhappy with my body's response to stress (I threw up right before <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/07/ironman-703-vineman-race-recap.html">my last half-Iron</a> as well). I made my way back to transition, put my wetsuit on, grabbed my goggles and cap, checked my bike and set-up one last time, and headed out to the water.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u>The Swim</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiPRSdI0aLZH_t0FqkTKoW6xQt2PxSczkdKcfFkyIq8XGh2aSytdiYeMkEzi4t4hwXvyUoc17rTCib8oYJoaPvyiZOqU19x-ANTcGRl_Abk2qEcT1jkMWQUMLnnVXnwGkBu-Nw6rCFB_q/s1600/cvswim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="750" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiPRSdI0aLZH_t0FqkTKoW6xQt2PxSczkdKcfFkyIq8XGh2aSytdiYeMkEzi4t4hwXvyUoc17rTCib8oYJoaPvyiZOqU19x-ANTcGRl_Abk2qEcT1jkMWQUMLnnVXnwGkBu-Nw6rCFB_q/s320/cvswim.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">the swim course---my course was in red</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u> </u>I walked into the water before the race started and was surprised at how warm it was. It was WARM, almost like bathwater. And it was so shallow----I walked all the way out near where the in-water start would be and was still standing. I got acclimated to the water quickly, and decided to just stay in the water until my wave started. I was wave 3 (waves 1-4 were half-Iron competitors; the following waves would be for the international and sprint competitors). We listened to the National Anthem, and I tried to calm my nerves. A woman in front me said she was so nervous she was about to throw up . I told her I already did, which made us both laugh. I also met an older woman next to me with the best attitude---she said she's usually last to come in, but who cares? She's happy to be out there. Hearing that made me feel better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The horn blew and we were off! I had an issue immediately. I hit the "off" button on my Garmin, rather than my "start"! Ugh! I stopped for a few seconds to restart it. I would rather be a few seconds behind at the start and have my correct time! Finally I got my watch situated and was on my way. The swim itself was pretty uneventful. The half-Iron people had to swim north to a buoy, and then turn around in a a rectangular shape. I didn't get hit by anybody, nor did I accidentally hit someone else. The water was warm and calm. The only time it got a little choppy for me was when the next wave's fast competitors overtook me. But other than that it was fine. I actually passed a men from wave 2, which made me feel good. I sang in my head the whole time, mostly Beatles songs, mostly "I've Just Seen A Face". Don't know why that song was stuck in my head, but it made for a good rhythm for my arms. Finally, the end was in sight. I turned the final buoy and made my way up the ramp and ran into transition.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Transition one (T1) was very quick, at least by my standards. I was pleased to see that, while there were tons of bikes gone in my rack, there were also tons of bikes still there. I am not a fast swimmer, by any means, but I've discovered that in races I tend to be back-of-the-middle-of-the-pack. Wetsuit off, a quick patdown with a towel, jersey on, socks on, bike shoes on, helmet on, sunglasses on, grab my bike, and GO!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u>The Bike</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I got on at the mount line, and settled in for 4 laps. It was still cloudy and overcast, which was awesome! The route<span style="color: #0000ee;"> <span style="color: black;">took us down some side streets in Chula Vista (which I had ridden in previous rides) and then into Chula Vista proper. The half-Iron people had to do four laps; the international people had to do two laps; and the sprint people had to do only one.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">The first lap was good, as everything was new. There was an aid station by the start, which I bypassed. Heading deep into the course there was lots to look at. A tamale shop. A church. A community center (oh look, they're offering pilates classes and showing <i>Moana</i> next week). Each way was roughly 7 miles; heading back makes 14, and 4 loops equals 56 miles. Toward the end of the "out" potion you have to make a u-turn and go downhill on the other side of the street, down about a mile, then another u-turn (an aid station here with water), then back uphill to the first u-turn part, where you turn again then head back to the start. It's hard to explain, and it's not even on the picture I posted from the original website, but in essence there are two u-turns when you get to the end of the "out" portion. All was good, I was holding my own, I was surrounded by tons of people, and I was feeling fine. The only issue was that I needed to use the bathroom, and for the life of me I couldn't find a port-o-potty. I finally spotted one---a lone one--near the second u-turn area. I kept that in mind in case I couldn't find another one. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">The second lap was more of the same, except that this time I saw my friend Leo out there. He was heading uphill toward the first u-turn, while I was parallel to him, also going uphill to the same uphill (my second time). He yelled out that if you looked up "badass" in the dictionary you'd see a picture of me. That gave me a much need smile and boost---it's always good to see friends on the course! The other notable thing about lap two was that I DID stop to use that lone port-o-potty at the second u-turn. I'm not even convinced that it was part of the race's, but I didn't care---it was literally the only bathroom I saw on the entire course, and I needed to use it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The third lap was not noteworthy, except that I stopped at the aid station by transition for a quick cold drink and orange.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The fourth lap was demoralizing. By this point, the course was virtually empty. The spring international competitors, who were doing the course once and twice respectively, had already finished. And most of the half-Iron people were done too. The sun was now out, and while it wasn't horribly hot, it wasn't cool either. I was upset, because I had put so much work into the bike all summer, and here was I at the back of the pack again. It wasn't as flat I had thought---my Garmin showed about 2000 feet of gain, but it was flat enough that I was constantly pedaling with little reprieve. At the u-turn I was able to see people behind me, and I counted maybe 25 people. Ugh. Plus, not only was I hot and alone, I was bored with the course. It's hard to do the same route 4 times in a row. Look---a tamale shop! And the community center is offering pilates classes and showing <i>Moana</i>! Finally I made my way back to transition. By the way, the course was long---I logged 57 miles. Not thrilled with an extra mile on an already-long race!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Got back to transition. Racked the bike, jersey off, cute tank top on, swapped bike shoes for running shoes, visor, fuel belt, and out the run exit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u>The Run</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I had preset my Garmin for 60 second run/30 seconds walk ratio (in training I had been doing 90:30, but thought it would be wise to be even more conservative on the race). Once I got on the course, I was already exhausted. Of course, this was to be expected, as I had just swam 1.2 mile and biked <strike>56 </strike>57 miles! The sun was out in full force. I kept it nice and easy, trying to stick to my pre-planned ratio, but walking more when I needed it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The course was 3 laps (for half-Iron only; the international and sprint runners had a somewhat different course and I don't know where they went). Each lap was a little more than 4 miles. The first lap was hard. Most of the course was somewhat pretty, going by the water and a park, but there was an out-and-back portion on a bike path that was just HOT and hard. There were two aid stations on the course, and one had ice. This was amazing...I grabbed a cup and just sucked on ice .</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Lap two I was really starting to struggle. At mile 5 my Achilles was really acting up. I stopped at a bench and put ankle braces on each foot (I had put them in my fuel belt, just in case). However, after about a mile the braces were bothering me so I stopped again to take them off. I needed to use the bathroom again....I had seen ONE port-o-potty, which I'm positive wasn't part of the race, but was able to use a bathroom in a park (again, one with no doors on the stalls). At about mile 7, when I was on the out-and-back on the bike path, I saw a guy in front of me, also walking. I recognized him as someone who had been behind me on the bike. I ran up to him and asked him if he wanted to run some intervals with him. He said yes, and we ended up doing the rest of the race together. We pretty much stuck to the 60:30 ratio, with a few extra walk breaks. It was a godsend to run with him---he kept my mind off the pain and the monotony, and since I had just met him we had lots of stories to share. It was his first 70.3 Obviously, I could have gotten through the race without him, but having him there for the last half of the run was AMAZING and I was grateful for the company. By the third lap, the aid stations were out of ice, and having company made this misery that much more bearable. It was hot---not awfully hot, and I've run in hotter--but it was definitely hot and humid and I was ready to be done.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Finally we completed the third lap. We were cutting it close---the course was supposed to close at 3:00, and I think it was 2:50. My new friend wanted to sprint to the finish and I told him to go ahead, I didn't have it in me. I saw my son, D, up in the distance, wearing his bright orange cheer shirt. He ran up to me and high-fived me, running a bit with me. I saw my daughter, A, who was on the sideline (truthfully, there were hardly any spectators at this point) who also gave me a high-five. I crossed the finish, got my medal and a bottle of water. I was DONE!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">finisher!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><u>Final Thoughts</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Despite the fact that I was nowhere near as fast as I wanted to be (this was my 3rd slowest 70.3 time, out of four completed) I am proud of myself. I had trained very hard all summer for this race, and I finished. While my bike was about 15-20 minutes slower than I'd hoped, I guess it would have been even slower if I hadn't put so much work in. That alone is cause to be proud. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I"m also proud that I did the whole thing, not just the swim and bike. I think I would have felt incomplete had I done just the aqua-bike. I'm happy that, while my run pace is so much slower than it used to be, I was still able to complete 13.1 miles, something I hadn't been able to do in a year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I think I may do this race next year. For a local race, it's nice. My only real complaint is the lack of bathrooms, especially on the bike course. I also would have liked more ice on the course. Other than that, for a non-branded race, this holds it's own. It's a cheaper cost than Ironman, and being local means no travel costs or hotel. Definitely something to consider.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Next half Iron: <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/oceanside.aspx#/axzz4saCECkHY">Ironman Oceanside 70.3</a> next April!</span></div>
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Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-51551902225749951392017-08-19T17:31:00.001-07:002017-08-19T17:31:38.386-07:00What's Been Going On?Last weekend I completed my fourth half-Ironman race. I want to recap it, but I feel it's important to backtrack a year or so (since my last entry!) to catch up.<br />
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2016 was a rough year for me physically. In January, I completed <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2016/01/carlsbad-marathon-race-recap.html">my second full marathon</a> which was wonderful and fulfilling but left me in a world of pain. My body is simply not cut out for going 26.2 miles. I had an awful half marathon a few weeks after (<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2016/04/princess-half-marathon-race-recap.html">Princess, in Orlando</a>) and then took some time off of running to heal. I did run in the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half (my race report is only half written, and unpublished, so I can't link to it) but even at that race, which was in June, my body just felt "off". My sciatic nerve pain was worse than ever (caused by my herniated disc) and I kept having random pains. I blame it all on the Carlsbad full. By summer, though, I was training for a September race I had signed up for, <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/santa-cruz.aspx">Ironman Santa Cruz 70.3</a>, which was to be my fourth half Ironman. I paid for the race, booked my hotel, and started training.<br />
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However, training did not go well. That summer I was plagued by nausea. I was literally nauseous every single day, usually all day. That affected my motivation (it's hard to go for a big bike ride when you feel like you're going to throw up), and affected my performance (even when I did bike, it was hard to force calories in). I grew concerned and ended up at the doctor for tests. Blood tests, urine tests, even a full lower abdominal ultrasound showed nothing wrong---but clearly something was. I did persist through training, and did what I could on the swim, bike and run.<br />
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A few weeks before the race, I went out for a run and as soon as I left my house I felt a stabbing pain in my groin area. I don't know what I did, but I had pulled a muscle. A week's rest didn't help at all. I finally had to made the decision to pull out of the race. It was a hard decision to make, because I was looking forward to it, but it didn't make sense to spend all that time and money driving up to Santa Cruz, paying for a hotel, having my husband take time off work to care for the kids, for a race that I may not be able to do the run. And, to be honest, my swim and bike training had suffered because of my medical issues. Luckily, I had purchased the newly introduced Ironman insurance (only $40, and only available when you register) which meant that I would get a full refund, minus the $40. I only had a to provide a doctor's note, which my primary physician was happy to provide, based on my pulled muscle.<br />
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Also in 2016, I began a new daily medication for prevention of migraines. While it worked for a while, I started to gain weight immediately. I wasn't eating more than usual, and was still working out, but the weight piled on. My doctor told me it wasn't actual fat, but that the medication was making my body hold onto weight. All said, in three months I had gained 18 pounds. At first, when it was only a few pounds, I decided that was an ok tradeoff for being pain-free. However, a few months later the migraines started to come back. Now I was in pain, AND 18 pounds overweight. I was miserable; my clothes were tight, and I didn't feel like "me". My doctor agreed to take me off, as it wasn't helping anymore. It would take about 9 months for the weight to finally drop off of me. <br />
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In October, right before Halloween, I went out for a run (my groin had healed) and my right Achilles hurt. This began a 6-month long ordeal in which I didn't run, in an effort to heal (eventually my left Achilles hurt too). My podiatrist diagnosed me with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, and while he wanted me to rest (no running) he also had me try lots of other remedies, including anti-inflammatory pills, anti-inflammatory creams, different shoes, different orthotics, 6 weeks of physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, night splints, etc. <br />
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After having pulled out of the race, I just focused my efforts on <a href="https://www.gopedal.org/">Padres Pedal the Cause</a>, the cancer fundraiser that I had done the year before. It was a two day event, and I had medical issues on the first day. My nausea was in full flare climbing up those hills. A tough weekend, but worth it to raise money for such an important cause (I ended up raising $4000).<br />
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In November, I took my daughter, A, to a new doctor for her behavior, this time a pediatric developmental-behavioral specialist. She prescribed a new medication, targeting anxiety, and it worked wonders almost immediately. Coincidentally, or not, my nausea disappeared as soon as her behavior improved. My body had literally been falling apart (besides nausea, my hair was falling out and my gums were suddenly a mess). Once she was stabilized my health returned. That was a brutal lesson for me---I usually deal with stress pretty well, but apparently I internalize it and it wreaks havoc on my body. Lesson learned---I need to take better care of myself.<br />
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The new year came with me not running, and not motivated to bike or swim. Yes, I was still biking and swimming, but not as often as I should, and without joy. In the spring I decided to sign up for a race, and found the <a href="http://www.chulavistachallenge.com/">Chula Vista Challenge</a>, a triathlon that had many distances (sprint, international and half-iron) each with an option to do an aqua-bike (swim/bike only, with no run). I signed up for the half-Iron aqua-bike (which would be a 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike ride), thinking that having a race to train for would help me get back into routine. I built some base on the swim and bike, but wouldn't start actual training until June 1, after my son's Bar Mitzvah. <br />
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In April, exactly six months after injuring myself with the Achilles, I began to run again. I still wasn't healed (and still am not, at the end of August) but both my podiatrist and the sports medicine doctor he referred me to told me I could resume running, that I wouldn't injure myself more. Truthfully, it doesn't usually even hurt while running, just while at rest. So I began a few tentative runs---starting with a mile, and not going over 3 miles. Very slowly, very happily.<br />
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In May was my son's Bar Mitzvah. It was magic. It was everything I could have hoped for as a mother, both in terms of how well he led the service and read from the Torah, to how fun the reception was. It was definitely one of the top two weekends of my life (alongside my wedding weekend).<br />
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Training for the Chula Vista Challenge Half Iron Aqua Bike began in earnest on June 1. I got a training plan from my <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">dear friend Steve</a>. I am proud to say that starting June 1, I hit EVERY SINGLE WORKOUT---all swims, all bikes, and even the runs (which weren't on the plan, but I snuck them in anyway). For the first time in YEARS I had a new hunger for training; I looked forward to them. Summer is traditionally hard for me to find time to workout, since the kids are home, but I did it. During the week I had two bike rides, which I snuck in when my husband got home from work (since it was still light outside) or early morning. Swims were easier, since the gym has daycaer, but I often went early in the morning before my husband went to work. I found a new joy in biking, and with all my riding (two short ones in the week and one long one on the weekend) I actually got a little faster. I'll never be fast on the bike, but I improved. One route that I did once a week started out at 12.7 MPH overall; by the end, I was at 15.3. For me, that's fast, and by any standard an improvement. I also slowly stretched my running out---first to four miles, then five, then six. By the time I got to nine miles, I decided to add the run portion in for the race, meaning that I would no longer be doing the aqua-bike, but the half-Ironman instead (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run).<br />
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In recap, since my last blog post a lot has been going on. A lot physically, both good and bad. A lot in my family (mostly great!). A lot in my life (I got job---not ready to write about that yet though). My next post will recap my recent race----but if you've read this far, thank you for letting me catch you up!<br />
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-58207154698298420812017-08-17T14:05:00.003-07:002017-08-17T14:05:50.816-07:00Hello?Hello?<br />
<br />Is this thing still on? Can anyone hear me?<br />
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I haven't updated my blog in over a year....which seems crazy. There is no particular reason, except that it hasn't been a priority. I have had lots to write about in the past year---new races, new experiences with the kids, a new job for me----but I've yet to put pen to paper (er, fingers to keyboard, as it is ). I'd like to change that. I hope to update this over the next few months. I likely have lost most of my readers, but I really write for myself. <br />
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Stay tuned. Posts are coming!Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-13175472709504699602016-04-26T20:41:00.002-07:002016-04-26T20:41:28.051-07:00Princess Half Marathon Race RecapI'm finally sitting down to write my long-overdue race recap of Disney's Princess Half Marathon. While I'm usually late in writing my recaps these days (my poor, neglected blog), this is different. I've delayed writing it not because I've been busy (although I am) but because I really did not like this race. I suffered too much.<br />
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I need to backtrack first. I really did not have any intention of running another Disney race. I had done two at Disneyland (the<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2010/09/disneyland-half-marathon-recap.html"> Disneyland Half Marathon in 2010</a> and the <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/01/tinker-bell-half-marathon-race-recap.html">Tinker Bell Half Marathon in 2013</a>). While I enjoyed both, I had vowed to never run another Disney race. For me, they are WAY overpriced, and getting up so early (usually at 2:30, since their races start before it gets light in order to have the course clear by the time the parks open) is dreadful. I mean, I am used to getting up early for races, but 2:30 is ridiculous. Plus, while it's fun to run in the parks, for the most part the course is NOT in the parks. For example, most of the races at Disneyland (in California) spend about 3 miles in the parks, while the other 10 miles are along the not-so-exciting streets of Anaheim. So my attitude has been "been there; run that" and I decided Disney was off my list for future races.<br />
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Except....except for the fact that my family had booked a vacation to Walt Disney World, in Florida, during our ski week holiday in February. (I need to write a whole post on our fabulous Disney World experience). And, as it turned out, the Princess Half Marathon was to be run on the last day of our week there. Since I have a goal to run a half marathon in every state, and hadn't run in Florida yet, I signed up. I mean, I would already be there, right? I hear this race sells out pretty instantaneously, and was actually on the road traveling back from my Vineman 70.3 Half Ironman when registration opened, so we had to make sure I had access to a computer while on the trip. Luckily, I was able to register (I didn't even want to try for the adjunctive 10k the day before; I didn't care about their Glass Slipper Challenge) and was all set. (For irony, I will also be running in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon again in a few week; I decided that since I was doing a race at WDW I might as well earn my Coast to Coast medal as well [<a href="http://www.rundisney.com/coast-to-coast-race-challenge/">the Coast to Coast medal is awarded</a> if you do a race at both Disneyland AND Disney World in the same calendar year]. And because my two races are Princess and Tinker Bell, I get the special pink medal. In for a penny, out for a pound).<br />
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I also need to give some foreshadowing. On January 17th, <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2016/01/carlsbad-marathon-race-recap.html">I ran a full marathon</a>. The end was very painful, with shooting pain in my quads and inner/outer thighs. After the race, I didn't run for a few days. I then did a slow 3 mile run, and felt great. A few days later, I ran other 3 miles, and was fine. The next weekend, I decided I wanted to run 6 miles (in preparation for Princess) and things fell apart. The first four miles were great; then at mile 4, I had the same shooting pain, in both legs, in both inner and outer thighs. I felt like I was at mile 23 of the marathon! I hobbled the 2 miles home, and decided not to run for the next 3 weeks (at that point it was 3 weeks until Princess). I swam, I biked, and I walked, but I didn't run for 3 weeks. I wanted to rest my legs and heal.<br />
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On February 13 my family left for a whirlwind trip to Orlando. I will write about this in another post, but suffice to say we went to all four Disney Parks, plus Universal Studios. We did tons of walking (easily 10 miles or more each day) but I wasn't in any pain. We stayed at the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/">Port Orleans Riverside Resort</a>, a gorgeous Disney property. I needed to get to packet pickup, which was inconveniently located at the <a href="https://www.espnwwos.com/">ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex</a> (I am used to Disneyland, with everything from packet pick up to both parks within close walking distance). We decided to hit packet pickup the day before the race, and timed it so that I would arrive close to opening. I'm glad I chose this route, as I heard that the lines for packet pickup on previous days were horrendous. By going Saturday, I missed all the people who had to come early to pick up their packets for the 5k and/or 10k. A runDisney bus picked my family up from my hotel and dropped us off at ESPN. The complex was HUGE, and I told my family to wait by the bus while I went in. I'm glad I did----it was FAR---probably about half a mile from the bus dropoff point---and even when I got there I was directed all over the place. Seriously, I had bib pickup in one location, then had to go to another building for my shirt. It was a LONG walk and I don't think either of my children would have fared well, especially since we were off to the Magic Kingdom after with a long day of walking ahead. I was able to bypass all the vendors, and just escape with my bib and shirt. After running back to my family, who was waiting patiently by the bus stop, we were able to continue our day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ESPN Wide World of Sports</td></tr>
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After a long day at the Magic Kingdom, I was able to head back to the hotel to get ready and go to sleep. I was going to dress like Mr. Smee (from Peter Pan), a costume I borrowed from a woman in a local running group. I pinned my bib to the shirt, filled my Gatorade bottles, put Gu in my fuel belt, and went to bed by 9:30. I had a 2:30 wake-up call coming. RunDisey provides bus transportation from all of it's hotels (a perk of staying on the property) and the first bus was coming to my hotel at 3:00 a.m. I wanted to be on the first bus, especially since my hotel was so huge that it had 4 different bus stops. I got up and dressed (quietly, as my family was sleeping) and headed out to the nearest bus stop by 2:50. Right at 3:00 a bus arrived, and I was able to get on. I heard later from other runners that buses got very full and they had to wait for other buses; I'm glad I got on the first one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shivering and waiting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race</td></tr>
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A long drive later, and we were dropped off in the waiting area. I'm pretty sure this was by EPCOT. It was rather chilly, and I was glad I had worn a throw-away jacket. We had to go through security, which I don't think we need to do at Disneyland, unless they've changed things in the few years since I've run. As it was still very early, there was no line for the many port-a-potties, and I was able to get in and out. Then I sat alone and waited, and waited and waited. A DJ blasted music, and I watched the potty line get longer and longer, and I amused myself by looking at all the wonderful costumes. Truly, this is the best part of a Disney race----most runners dress up like some sort of Disney character, and I love seeing people's creativity.<br />
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Finally, a LONG time later, it was time to walk to the starting corrals. I had been trying to meet up with a long-time online friend from a mom's group I'm in---she was there to cheer on her husband---and right as I was about to walk to the start I was able to say hi. I was sad it was such a short meeting, but at least we got a quick hug in! I'll see her next week at Tinker Bell, hopefully. Anyhow, the walk to the starting line was long. LONG! I didn't measure it, but I would guess about 3/4 mile. At least 20 minutes, and along a very dark road. Crazy long walk. I was in Corral F (corrals were based on proof of finishing time; they went from A-P). I ducked into a port-o-potty before I got into the corral, and was there in time for the National Anthem and the Corral A send-off. Disney is great in that each corral gets its own sendoff, complete with fireworks. Eventually it was my corral's turn to cross the start line and we were off!<br />
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I started with a conservative run/walk ratio. I can't recall if it was 2:1 run/walk, or 1:1 run/walk, but whatever it was, I was fine. No pain. It was still pitch dark, and I just concentrated on the road ahead, which was decently well-lit but not super well. I don't know Disney geography, and since I was shuttled around on the Disney buses all week I didn't need to learn, so I really have no clue where we were running. I"m pretty sure the course runs from EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom and back, but I'm not positive. Regardless, I started off great. About mile in there was a character stop, with a long line of runners waiting to take their picture. I have never stopped to take character pictures during a Disney race, and told myself that I would only stop if there were Peter Pan characters. After all, I WAS dressed like Mr. Smee!<br />
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Things were going great, and I was having fun, until mile 4. When I hit mile 4 I got the same pains in my legs as I did during that training run 3 weeks ago. The exact same pain. Both legs, running down both my inner and outer thighs, along with my quads. What the heck? I had no idea what was going on. I tried to run, but the pain literally stopped me in my tracks. I decided to try to lower my run/walk ratio, but I couldn't even run for 30 seconds. Actually, I couldn't even run a step. This was not a pain I could run through; it was a debilitating pain. The three weeks of rest had done no good at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the closest I came to a Peter Pan character stop</td></tr>
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At this point, I had a choice to make: continue and walk the last 9 miles, or drop out. And dropping out was NOT an option to me. If it was a local race in San Diego, I have no doubt I would have stopped and called my husband to pick me up. But this was my Florida half marathon. I wanted to cross Florida off my list of states. Not only that, but if I didn't finish Princess, then doing Tink would make no sense. It didn't hurt to walk (and if it did, I would have had no choice but to quit) so walk it was. I have never walked a half marathon before (heck, I've never walked a 5k before, except the one I did last year with my daughter) but I had no choice. I had to walk from mile 4 to mile 13.1.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KAwsn4QHdDaOJR-QXT1WbXAh9IjIMatThe0AzSJP8hPsZcSLEuNRjxbrm_R3pKqga0lMVJLjr59XGA0TvFqK4gwvkeVwI3RuJGiz0zMljgxWcZcloQFaz5WtivLkrHiLn9oSU8UlA5YR/s1600/20160221_071059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KAwsn4QHdDaOJR-QXT1WbXAh9IjIMatThe0AzSJP8hPsZcSLEuNRjxbrm_R3pKqga0lMVJLjr59XGA0TvFqK4gwvkeVwI3RuJGiz0zMljgxWcZcloQFaz5WtivLkrHiLn9oSU8UlA5YR/s320/20160221_071059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots and lots of character stops. I stopped at none.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adorable Mary Poppins and Bert costumes</td></tr>
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Soon after I had to drop to a walk, we entered the Magic Kingdom. It seemed to take forever from the time we passed through the entrance of the parking lot to the the entrance to the park. Here there were lots of people on the sidelines cheering. I entered Main Street (always fun) and again tried to run, but couldn't. UGH! I continued walking, through Tomorrowland to Fantasyland. When it was time to run through Cinderella's Castle (with Anna and Elsa from Frozen up above; that was fun!) I decided to suck it up and run that part. It hurt like hell, but hey, I HAD to run through the castle!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elsa and Anna </td></tr>
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All too soon we left the Magic Kingdom and were back to streets. This is what I don't like about Disney races; they advertise that you're running through the parks, and you are, but not for very long. I walked and walked and walked, entertaining myself with my iPod and looking at people's costumes. More character stops were along the way, but I didn't stop---until I got to a green Army guy from Toy Story who was by himself, shouting at people, so I quickly grabbed a selfie with him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfFQeA4cL7RUNNPGmDosIw0I8Rv1VALgiZfVjAq9B3BYbGDblH9FWvxFiQHl0M78cbVNlQ96CwuqQz5DGRJ2Lz8TbpI5dYX2IJN3Mav7KTeeb3Axzzn2foGsRV-quNWbL3hphWxzHPacp/s1600/20160221_084518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfFQeA4cL7RUNNPGmDosIw0I8Rv1VALgiZfVjAq9B3BYbGDblH9FWvxFiQHl0M78cbVNlQ96CwuqQz5DGRJ2Lz8TbpI5dYX2IJN3Mav7KTeeb3Axzzn2foGsRV-quNWbL3hphWxzHPacp/s320/20160221_084518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started to get concerned about my time. The cutoff for the race is 3:30 (a 16 minute mile pace), which I believe is technically 3 hours and 30 minutes from the time the last runner in the last corral crosses the start line (or something like that). There are the famous "Balloon Ladies", who walk behind the runners and will sweep any runner that falls over the pace. I certainly didn't want to get swept, yet my walk pace was awful. There was one point where we were on an overpass (I think this was as hilly as it got on this pancake-flat course) and I looked down and saw THOUSANDS of runners behind me. Then I was able to relax. I guess because I started in Corral F, and ran most of the first 4 miles, I was totally fine on time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpUTBcELm2zqVnjalP0TpwbHttD3k177HsDEumaS_rfAvaUOwRYhF7S1BBW2UjIiaQCFmE6GIuty0-WQHKCnj9VqikhLDfsMBRA6AFjGpbhezqnpOgU-yUkiDdcXYz7GTJ3yypQqBaZcf/s1600/20160221_085913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpUTBcELm2zqVnjalP0TpwbHttD3k177HsDEumaS_rfAvaUOwRYhF7S1BBW2UjIiaQCFmE6GIuty0-WQHKCnj9VqikhLDfsMBRA6AFjGpbhezqnpOgU-yUkiDdcXYz7GTJ3yypQqBaZcf/s320/20160221_085913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bRIzS5ealcnr4RhxXyD-P0r0zvHM7Cpy6r7dMuelU1QLaCJH_Uv6Tl3-uISm1NrDx4lrfPttIxDGTD2EZgQKDrolQdUpv0l-mjQcKMm4dgd_1bMdzmdw-eCIybwfdRuNjvwTL3XgmBpe/s1600/20160221_085915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bRIzS5ealcnr4RhxXyD-P0r0zvHM7Cpy6r7dMuelU1QLaCJH_Uv6Tl3-uISm1NrDx4lrfPttIxDGTD2EZgQKDrolQdUpv0l-mjQcKMm4dgd_1bMdzmdw-eCIybwfdRuNjvwTL3XgmBpe/s320/20160221_085915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRCSmaFK7VO_N22gG1BdPShmrTYaYEvXDYfKY7iXP5ALZUXSti94gg56rcVcb3Q-ZU84gtpSsP1xSlOVXMZcYv27yZBhDcS0mTZx1tJVRNXU5EwQHiERVyKT11yeXnmyiJe_-ycpf6X27/s1600/20160221_084836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRCSmaFK7VO_N22gG1BdPShmrTYaYEvXDYfKY7iXP5ALZUXSti94gg56rcVcb3Q-ZU84gtpSsP1xSlOVXMZcYv27yZBhDcS0mTZx1tJVRNXU5EwQHiERVyKT11yeXnmyiJe_-ycpf6X27/s320/20160221_084836.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overpass---thousands behind me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-CmCRkapr6CVFkW08sLFVizNpzD0FOKD94gLFwttcnURGsmCnxteEh1bUY_9XIY7_VDnqvfhYdqyf0wOTtyis2AJqgREQRNWhEKyNCKBKY1suC7KvjTDJ654Qy2v0PRYSA6xLe-MMos4/s1600/20160221_092448+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-CmCRkapr6CVFkW08sLFVizNpzD0FOKD94gLFwttcnURGsmCnxteEh1bUY_9XIY7_VDnqvfhYdqyf0wOTtyis2AJqgREQRNWhEKyNCKBKY1suC7KvjTDJ654Qy2v0PRYSA6xLe-MMos4/s320/20160221_092448+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loved this Mary Poppins and her chimney sweeps!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFQtxrUkBagjNttPG6iETDWV3Xq3WsXik_yFDEEUtoJghUojpy154RnN-TAGZ7Xz8JevPL6CUun89DD9wGX1Us9FITfxa6PTX1UwINm8DeJtIwePY_2bTBN0BHhoAPBDlX5f6Jq066twx/s1600/20160221_090301+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFQtxrUkBagjNttPG6iETDWV3Xq3WsXik_yFDEEUtoJghUojpy154RnN-TAGZ7Xz8JevPL6CUun89DD9wGX1Us9FITfxa6PTX1UwINm8DeJtIwePY_2bTBN0BHhoAPBDlX5f6Jq066twx/s320/20160221_090301+-+Copy.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">guy in an awesome Ariel costume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-CmCRkapr6CVFkW08sLFVizNpzD0FOKD94gLFwttcnURGsmCnxteEh1bUY_9XIY7_VDnqvfhYdqyf0wOTtyis2AJqgREQRNWhEKyNCKBKY1suC7KvjTDJ654Qy2v0PRYSA6xLe-MMos4/s1600/20160221_092448+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the best signs I saw</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entering EPCOT</td></tr>
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Finally, we entered EPCOT. By this point I was dying to be done. I was hot, tired, and sick of walking! I had figured that we'd run in the entrance and run through the park and around the lake through the World Showcase. That was not the case; we ran (or, in my case, walked) through a side entrance, up to the edge of Future World, and then made a U-turn. Whew! We really were barely in EPCOT at all, but by that point I was glad. We exited, and not long after that was the finish line. I crossed it, got my medal, a mylar blanket, box of food, and headed straight for the bus. My family was waiting for me back at the hotel, and we had to check out soon. I had planned on being back hours earlier. I had hoped to be done in 2:45, and finished in 3:50. My slowest half marathon EVER, by almost an hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNeKA5jVaDBwSvoPtG7M8BgcnQaXrjTuWRIRHapjYmheMTNl_u9dEcDjzg7f26yQMyPP1az8zh6GJsTAIrOaLR1GZZCyxEu335YH3EQBzDJS9u8KRS3fr5axIwG6AbXsRasy8GyPfSeKk/s1600/princess2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNeKA5jVaDBwSvoPtG7M8BgcnQaXrjTuWRIRHapjYmheMTNl_u9dEcDjzg7f26yQMyPP1az8zh6GJsTAIrOaLR1GZZCyxEu335YH3EQBzDJS9u8KRS3fr5axIwG6AbXsRasy8GyPfSeKk/s320/princess2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">weary finisher</td></tr>
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While I'm disappointed by my performance in this race, I'm also proud of myself. I finished. I was in extreme pain running, and when running wasn't an option I chose to still walk, to move forward, to finish what I started. <br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-32652097802830186982016-01-27T20:20:00.003-08:002016-01-27T20:28:36.844-08:00Carlsbad Marathon Race Recap<br />
Well, it's been a week, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around the experience! The <a href="http://www.carlsbadmarathon.com/">Carlsbad Marathon</a> is in the books!<br />
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Short story: I did it! I became a marathoner (again) and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2016/01/looking-at-262-miles.html">this time feel proud of the experience</a>! I didn't reach my "A" or "B" goals, but I'm very pleased with my "C" goal, and only missed my "B" goal by less than 8 minutes.<br />
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Long story: The Friday before, I went to the expo. Unlike past times I've done this event (I've run the half marathon twice) I felt there weren't a lot of vendor there. I met my friend T there, got my bib, shirt and finisher's jacket, made a pass around the expo, and got out of there. I had wanted to buy another shirt that said 26.2, but I couldn't find anything I liked. I ended up only buying a 26.2 sticker, to be put on my car after the race. I also picked up the packet for <a href="https://smplefy.wordpress.com/">my friend Mihael</a>, who would be running the race with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAhjeY7vvAHWZoBU2hnHfcEdiCrLoge9oJiO0OYYG1IekO8J00_UJrcDXGXEsuPFKQ79RNhdWzAigTJE7baiJEoPr9Erm6h0rXlltPeMqgbyaUk_pqZj6fToVi9wwTkU0cXxpo-r6nGUa/s1600/expo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAhjeY7vvAHWZoBU2hnHfcEdiCrLoge9oJiO0OYYG1IekO8J00_UJrcDXGXEsuPFKQ79RNhdWzAigTJE7baiJEoPr9Erm6h0rXlltPeMqgbyaUk_pqZj6fToVi9wwTkU0cXxpo-r6nGUa/s320/expo.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
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Pre-race, I really struggled with what to wear. I knew I'd be out there for a long time, and comfort was key. And while I knew the morning might be very cold, the forecast didn't look like it would stay that way. I decided on long capris, a short-sleeved tech shirt (decided on my Divas Half Marathon one, <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/03/divas-half-marathon-race-recap.html">where I got my current half mary PR)</a>, arm warmers, and my Vineman 70.3 visor, along with my throw-away gloves and jacket (and handwarmers). Regardless of how cold the morning might be, I knew once I started running I'd warm up quickly.<br />
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Also, I was worried about the hills on the course. I've done the half twice (recaps <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2011/01/carlsbad-half-marthon-recap.html">here</a> and<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/01/carlsbad-half-marathon-race-recap-13.html"> here</a>) and LOVE the rolling hills on that course---I got some of my best race times on that course. But the elevation for the full had me a bit worried.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu62eHMqPZsUCOtvVX8DvqWeuJs22AVxQ56RxwVDhZkF4VMdcGxwyz-gnFg6XWDAYGxzgO1B-ndrM3AdkwNHrPiJFygDPmX7uRrs3SgxOT_XS751XtF5lKEMkUxceBnj2qZjn_B1PzvRQ/s1600/10+cm+marathon+elevation+map.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu62eHMqPZsUCOtvVX8DvqWeuJs22AVxQ56RxwVDhZkF4VMdcGxwyz-gnFg6XWDAYGxzgO1B-ndrM3AdkwNHrPiJFygDPmX7uRrs3SgxOT_XS751XtF5lKEMkUxceBnj2qZjn_B1PzvRQ/s320/10+cm+marathon+elevation+map.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at that big peak on Palomar Airport Road!</td></tr>
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Sunday morning I got up (of course, before my 3:45 alarm), got dressed, ate a Luna Bar, and was out of the house by 4:20. There was no traffic, and I parked in my new "usual" spot there---far from the finish line, by the entrance, backed in. I know from experience that getting out of the mall can be a bitch! I found Mihael and T, and hung out until the race start time, which was 6:15. The full marathon only had a few hundred runners, unlike the very popular half marathon, and that didn't start until 7:45----so it wasn't crowded at all. No lines for the port-o-potties. And it wasn't cold! I was expecting it to be freezing, but it wasn't. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PCzw5yl3uyCsPWlufdeyLeScbAX3jFghUA69Tc1-rcpMJj4m35q7ygiH3LckgkG77ezeP-HX3ePCxHqA4zo_5cx6uATY2Za1aiFSurM8TtJmlcQLn4DkVGc09uttcLxFTFf5rMxWbzWV/s1600/carlsbad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PCzw5yl3uyCsPWlufdeyLeScbAX3jFghUA69Tc1-rcpMJj4m35q7ygiH3LckgkG77ezeP-HX3ePCxHqA4zo_5cx6uATY2Za1aiFSurM8TtJmlcQLn4DkVGc09uttcLxFTFf5rMxWbzWV/s320/carlsbad3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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When the race started, I stuck to my plan right away. I was to do the
first four miles at a 1:1 ratio (run 1 minute, walk 1 minute) and then
kick it up to 2:1 from miles 4-13 (and then assess from there). It's
always hard in a race to start at a 1:1 ratio, as it's demoralizing to
start walking almost immediately after starting---but I knew, especially
in order to finish 26.2 miles, that I would need to be conservative.<br />
<br />
It was dark when we started, but the sun started to rise very soon. In fact, about a mile in I was ready to shed my jacket and gloves. A few miles in we turned toward the ocean (this part of the route is familiar to me, as it's the half marathon route) and it was gorgeous seeing the sun's reflection off the ocean. I randomly met two women from my local Moms Run This Town group, and throughout the race we'd leapfrog each other. I was feeling good here---keeping a good pace, doing my run/walk ratio, enjoying the view and the runners and my music---and of course, my friend Mihael, who is crazy entertainment. Seriously, he kept me laughing throughout the race with his dancing, antics, schmoozing with runners, volunteers and police---he was a gem and a true friend to run this with me. Early on a saw a port-o-potty with no line and ran in. (I had decided that if I needed to go to the bathroom, I'd only go if there were no lines, unless it was an emergency situation, which luckily never came to pass).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSplAZ-0Onltit2Inyz5WTkbyHpbzud4cbWvFEf-GSqgIFpSTUHyB_Od6wvqqpo5uuQ4yIW54vrrggbSWnEEOyMOOd9_On865WNSpXHAYFpDOlz_5ga_nr3H44JrV02vSx6nscgSngiX1/s1600/signb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSplAZ-0Onltit2Inyz5WTkbyHpbzud4cbWvFEf-GSqgIFpSTUHyB_Od6wvqqpo5uuQ4yIW54vrrggbSWnEEOyMOOd9_On865WNSpXHAYFpDOlz_5ga_nr3H44JrV02vSx6nscgSngiX1/s320/signb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">still fresh and happy</td></tr>
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After mile 5, we veered off the half marathon course and onto Palomar Airport Road. I've never been on this road on this except once while biking. I didn't remember how hilly it was, but I've heard it's pretty hilly for the marathon. It wasn't super steep, but it was a definite incline, and it was LONG. By this time we were "only" at miles 7-9, and I was already getting tired. I was keeping on top of my needs. My Garmin reminded me to take a Gu every 4 miles, I was drinking, both from the Gatorade on my fuel belt and the water and sports drinks at the aid stations, and was periodically taking my salt. But I was getting tired already, and my sciatic was starting to hurt here (it hurts especially on uphills). We turned around at about mile 9.5, and I took advantage of doing back that street DOWNHILL....let gravity do the work and skipped some walk breaks. I also took my second bathroom break around here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ8eqNBAzdhs9JinLxRpz-AN5l3dCcb7uzyRYz3TmIRIHg_P2TJAP54b9RpnPQ6mUBQeQpRgD6ygJeLkLsLibS-jqsBqDZyM_JleB0fuDE2SlF7-bSAuABPae6fua7sbuJqmXbDvbJASo/s1600/running2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ8eqNBAzdhs9JinLxRpz-AN5l3dCcb7uzyRYz3TmIRIHg_P2TJAP54b9RpnPQ6mUBQeQpRgD6ygJeLkLsLibS-jqsBqDZyM_JleB0fuDE2SlF7-bSAuABPae6fua7sbuJqmXbDvbJASo/s320/running2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all race pictures courtesy of Mihael. Thank you!</td></tr>
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At mile 13 I took my pickle juice, to avoid cramping, something I have been doing with all my long runs. I was supposed to try to start doing a 3:1 ratio, and did a few cycles of that, but it was too much. I started to bonk, more mentally than anything. I started to struggle even with the 2:1 ratio---the pain in my legs was pretty intense. I was having big sciatic issues in my left leg, and my quads were starting to hurt, especially around my inner thigh. I didn't understand why---two weeks before I had done 20 miles, and didn't hurt until mile 19, so hurting so early in the race was demoralizing to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWvRHGvAQ3y20v-ivvj5oTbl8cLWfQyv0-Hr3is-nqsx2czXA99ETSAHlmlaeNQ3yp_E5b4HZQzW6TgjPMmb4VVe4JuyPXtGOWXww4FPoNxXI67z1cLco3Z-Mg3leECN7udRmfbqZtc2H/s1600/running.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWvRHGvAQ3y20v-ivvj5oTbl8cLWfQyv0-Hr3is-nqsx2czXA99ETSAHlmlaeNQ3yp_E5b4HZQzW6TgjPMmb4VVe4JuyPXtGOWXww4FPoNxXI67z1cLco3Z-Mg3leECN7udRmfbqZtc2H/s320/running.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hurting but smiling</td></tr>
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Around this time we ran into the half marathoners, mainly the back-of-the-packers. The course got really crowded for a while, but it was nice to have new people to interact with. I needed to use the restroom again, but because of the crowds, there were long lines. I stuck to my original plan---it wasn't an emergency, so I didn't stop. Not too long after, we left the half marathoners and continued on the full course alone. We were on an out-and-back portion that got really hard for me. I was in pain, and was really missing my family. I had seen a girl walking the half with her parents, and as I ran by I noticed she was wearing a hearing aid---the exact same waterproof model that my daughter wears. That got me crying, and thinking about my kids. I was so raw, but Mihael told me to cry at the end, and save my energy for the race. Around this time I stopped for my third, and final, bathroom break.<br />
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Mile 20 was a milestone for me, as I had not run past 20 miles in training. Of course, we had to stop for a picture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiogKM2rNNU0MgsaIDYeWmmBze_PpW0LiBJAy0-KqW79_kdJbwQtS24KZJ15El4xLy098HkTV6VRhcjVruo8OG-95bX1N2sZp4bPn30fwlPksmuWY2mnLSqgOaMPMHiLostIXZkpOElt6/s1600/thefinger.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiogKM2rNNU0MgsaIDYeWmmBze_PpW0LiBJAy0-KqW79_kdJbwQtS24KZJ15El4xLy098HkTV6VRhcjVruo8OG-95bX1N2sZp4bPn30fwlPksmuWY2mnLSqgOaMPMHiLostIXZkpOElt6/s320/thefinger.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my initial thought on mile 20. note the finger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0VClthtWmTKAAPjxmWDj_IfEOgrswXuei3TlUnsq9-Ug36UA1EXFreI29SyNDMuLDZMqXwtzWmTJUJFbRYbo4A4eQdVyvw3vbYB4WnusskEyWE3cFA7UlPQMOteND65B11ZPmJmOnw0Y/s1600/mile20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0VClthtWmTKAAPjxmWDj_IfEOgrswXuei3TlUnsq9-Ug36UA1EXFreI29SyNDMuLDZMqXwtzWmTJUJFbRYbo4A4eQdVyvw3vbYB4WnusskEyWE3cFA7UlPQMOteND65B11ZPmJmOnw0Y/s320/mile20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">convinced to try one smiling</td></tr>
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<br />
Now I was in uncharted territory. I was taking a lot more walk breaks than was in my plan, and not doing well. I continued to take my nutrition, and salt, as planned, and was almost out of Gatorade when I ran by a spectator handing out ice-cold bottles. That may have saved me, as I stopped to refill my bottles. The aid stations seemed fewer than I had expected, so I was glad to have filled bottles on my fuel belt again. I hobbled along in pain, trying to run when I could, and walk when I had to. I had a marathon race predictor installed on my Garmin 920xt, and would see the predicted finish time hover at about 5:58. Could I beat my sub-6 goal?<br />
<br />
At mile 23 I texted my family as planned. I assumed I'd be about 40 minutes away from there. But at mile 24, I was diverted! On the website it says;<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">All full marathon
participants who are unable to maintain the required 13:44-minute-mile
pace will be redirected at Carlsbad Boulevard/Hwy 101 and Carlsbad
Village Drive to the finish line via an alternate route. These
participants will be using the sidewalk and will be considered
pedestrians. The diverted route will be marked and supported, and will
equal the full marathon distance.</span></i><br />
<br />
I didn't know the time, but I heard other diverted runners grumble that they diverted us too early. I didn't know and didn't care---all I knew was that I was not going on the planned route. They had handed out maps to us, but I was too out of it to notice, so Mihael and I were running blind up Carlsbad Village Drive. Luckily he used his phone GPS, and we also eventually caught up with other runners. We were on a regular street, on a sidewalk. As promised, the sidewalk WAS marked (we saw where it was painted with "Carlsbad Marathon Mile 25) but it was NOT supported. There were no aid stations. I was glad I had filled my bottles a few miles back! Because we were now considered pedestrians, we had to stop at the intersections, which of course added time. This was frustrating, but as I was exhausted, and this street was mostly uphill, I knew my sub-6 goal was out the window.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nzdCHsK567rNlB2op_kYlzZL2i19VFKQekKHSQ-kiwpM-Dm-_CkLUSIyTP0nlG62C2jzIFve5WoiXC2dM0AtNTDDhRci2jsOIlPxU4TJ-PrhIlbmiS8HTo0K4EJfHu6NOC3Jq36gxLzQ/s1600/mile26a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nzdCHsK567rNlB2op_kYlzZL2i19VFKQekKHSQ-kiwpM-Dm-_CkLUSIyTP0nlG62C2jzIFve5WoiXC2dM0AtNTDDhRci2jsOIlPxU4TJ-PrhIlbmiS8HTo0K4EJfHu6NOC3Jq36gxLzQ/s320/mile26a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">almost done!</td></tr>
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Finally, FINALLY, we turned left on Monroe street, and it was a downhill toward the finish. A false alarm, though, as we had to still do a small out-and-back before we were able to cross. I was mostly walking here, but when I turned the corner to the finish, you'd better believe I was running! I saw my family and best friend dressed in their orange team cheer shirts, along with some other dear family friends. I was so happy to see them! Mihael slowed down and I think was dancing before crossing, but I sped up and raced through the finish line. I wanted this to be over! I crossed, was given a medal, a mylar blanket and a bottle of water, and I was done.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd0szYv0TDq406AQHg3jOOhOWcdCMnenULvWbKE2boZvtbxCfAKosHoQnMweFeE7wT_Mwa7Bi92ibppslco88jvX3kY80spDqJ-9LIsorGKU16xjlofxNIWX5NNDAWU69w4wXG5RAY-iH/s1600/carlsbad6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd0szYv0TDq406AQHg3jOOhOWcdCMnenULvWbKE2boZvtbxCfAKosHoQnMweFeE7wT_Mwa7Bi92ibppslco88jvX3kY80spDqJ-9LIsorGKU16xjlofxNIWX5NNDAWU69w4wXG5RAY-iH/s320/carlsbad6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26.2 miles later</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Finish time was 6:07. Not shabby at all! My previous marathon was 7:20, so a HUGE PR. And only 7 minutes and a few seconds off my sub-6 goal. Combined with 3 bathroom stops and stopping at all those intersections, I am very pleased with this. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7QEDTFRlbWqca0UyOhNsPv7B0Ed7xTU5c2SZaXdurNPPh6n74fGS-FpcZm4jXQDAe3Sv9JSOETTiCtitmA2SGXWqf_qK12dD_RcIJgrEDyE7MZPv5cVDQlxkJKoPGf3UWnnvUub6IwoQ/s1600/finisher.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7QEDTFRlbWqca0UyOhNsPv7B0Ed7xTU5c2SZaXdurNPPh6n74fGS-FpcZm4jXQDAe3Sv9JSOETTiCtitmA2SGXWqf_qK12dD_RcIJgrEDyE7MZPv5cVDQlxkJKoPGf3UWnnvUub6IwoQ/s320/finisher.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proud finisher</td></tr>
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<br />
I saw my kids through the gate and stopped to hold their hands and get kisses, and then continued through the chute. I was very pleasantly surprised to see my friend T, who had finished the full 2 hours before and had waited! He was with <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">Steve</a>, who had finished the half some time before as well. I was touched that these two friends waited around to watch me become a marathoner. After reuniting with my family, we all (minus T, but including Steve) went to Soup Plantation for a much needed re-fueling meal.<br />
<br />
I told my family (and they got it on video) that I was 90% sure I'd never do a full again. But now, 10 days later, I'm already contemplating another one for next year. But I really need to get a handle on my sciatica first, if I do. That was very painful.<br />
<br />
I'm proud. I'm proud of this race. Yes, it was slower than I wanted, and yes, I wasn't able to stick to the run/walk ratio the way I wanted (more walking than planned)...but I did it. I finished, and finished strong, and felt proud enough to add this 26.2 sticker to my car.\<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NuJ8o-UGAhJ5mf2qbZXA81n5yWqycyXVxRPhudIOB57quyJ_DEiw-Iw73wzUdv2XzLYrlvWZY9c9xtsdkzYhyphenhyphendSI9Js9wWQ3kwSfcUwmDO25t-qnfa1RaEM3jOGjhE2evztJ_gEjQAF2/s1600/sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NuJ8o-UGAhJ5mf2qbZXA81n5yWqycyXVxRPhudIOB57quyJ_DEiw-Iw73wzUdv2XzLYrlvWZY9c9xtsdkzYhyphenhyphendSI9Js9wWQ3kwSfcUwmDO25t-qnfa1RaEM3jOGjhE2evztJ_gEjQAF2/s320/sticker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd0szYv0TDq406AQHg3jOOhOWcdCMnenULvWbKE2boZvtbxCfAKosHoQnMweFeE7wT_Mwa7Bi92ibppslco88jvX3kY80spDqJ-9LIsorGKU16xjlofxNIWX5NNDAWU69w4wXG5RAY-iH/s1600/carlsbad6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
A huge thank you to Steve for training me yet again. A huge thank you to my family, who gets my passion and understands my need to run long. And the biggest thanks of all---to my dear friend Mihael, who put up with me for 26.2 miles on a Sunday morning. You gave me the good marathon experience I desperately needed (despite my pain) and I will never forget that.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-53105944480978887202016-01-14T14:26:00.001-08:002016-01-14T14:26:43.872-08:00Looking at 26.2 MilesFlashback to 2003:<br />
<br />
In January 2003, I decided that I wanted to run a full marathon, mainly to cross it off my bucket list. I had started running in 1998, and had done tons of 5ks and one half marathon up to that point. I don't remember races being all that readily available back then----now it seems that there is a half marathon every month or so in San Diego, but back then, races were few and far between. Most of my runs weren't training runs, training for a race---they were simply runs done for the exercise, the stress release, and the joy of running.<br />
<br />
So by the time 2003 rolled around, I had been running for about 5 years, with only one half marathon under my belt. I wanted the challenge of a marathon. I decided on Rock 'n' Roll San Diego----mainly because it was practically the only one around. In fact, back in 2003, San Diego was the only Rock 'n' Roll race in the country! They didn't expand to the huge corporation they are today until a few years later. And they didn't even have a half marathon option! Only a full. Yes, times have changed. Today there are <a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/">Rock 'n' Roll events</a> in most major cities, most with both half and full options. These days many are offering a 5k and/or 10k option as well.<br />
<br />
In 2003, it was the dark ages of running, at least for me. It's hard to believe, because 2003 was not that long ago, but back then there was no social media. No Facebook. No Twitter. No Daily Mile. No Instagram. And I don't think really any blogs---at least, not that I knew of. I'm sure there were some discussion forums, but it really wasn't the way it was today. I had no other friends that ran. None. Today, I know a gazillion runners, friends in real life and friends I've met online. Back then----I was the only runner I knew.<br />
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I bought one of the Hal Higdon books on how to train for a marathon, and followed his plan. I had no kids back then (I got pregnant with D a month after the race) so I had plenty of time to run after work and on weekends. One of my favorite routes was around Balboa Park. I lived in Hillcrest at the time, and mapped out a 4 mile loop from my house that would take me through the park, past the zoo, etc. I liked it because it had some good people watching, and there was also a bathroom in the park a the halfway point. On long runs, I would do the loop 4, 5 times, often leaving an extra bottle of Gatorade in the bushes by my house for me to refill my bottles.<br />
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Back then, there were no Garmins or GPS watches. I had to guesstimate my mileage, and use an actual watch to keep track of time, and then calculate my pace. There were no iPods. For music, I carried a walkman (with cassette tapes) or a discman (very cumbersome). I seem to remember that we had Gu, or some sort of gel---but I'm positive there weren't that many choices. Not like today. I didn't know about salt. I didn't know about the Jeff Galloway run-walk method. I didn't know really anything, except that I was going to run this thing.<br />
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Race day ended up being---excuse my language---a clusterfuck. I walked the mile from my house to the start line, and was so excited to finally be there. But I didn't pace myself correctly. I went out too fast, and burnt out really quickly. Additionally, I overhydrated. It was very hot outside and I drank way too much liquid. This resulted in me having seven bathroom stops (average stop was at least 5 minutes, with all the line waiting before I even got to go). And of course, after each stop it was hard to start moving again. At mile 20, I hit the proverbial wall. I think all the overhydration messed with my body...I felt woozy and not good. I ended up walking most of the last 6.2 miles. And I when I say walk, I mean shuffle. I vividly remember hot spots on my feet, the pain of the latter part of the run. It was awful. I finished in well over 7 hours (I believe 7:20 or so)....of course that included over 30 minutes of bathroom stops, but still, I could have done better. I was projecting a 6:15 time (at the time, my one-and-only half marathon was 3:05).<br />
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Although I finished, and got my medal, and an official finisher's certificate, I never felt proud of it. I never really talked about the race, I never felt like I could put a 26.2 sticker on my car, and I didn't sign up for another race. In fact, I was so disgusted by running after that race that I virtually stopped running. It wasn't until 2009 that I began to run again. In the time from the race, mid-2003, until 2009, I only ran sporadically. I was busy with two kids, including one who was in the hospital a lot. I ran sometimes to burn off stress, and in fact had a jogging stroller I'd use sometimes. But during that time period, I definitely didn't call myself a runner.<br />
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Most importantly, I vowed to never, EVER, run a full marathon again. And while I eventually did come back to running, and in fact love it more than ever and it's now a part of my identity, who I am, not just what I do, and have incorporated triathlon---I have stuck to that. To date, I have run 26 (I think) half marathons, not counting the 3 half marathons that came at the end of each of my half-Ironmans. But I never wanted to do a full marathon again, and kept to that promise.<br />
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Flash forward to this past summer.<br />
<br />
I was doing a lot of biking in preparation for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/07/ironman-703-vineman-race-recap.html">Vineman 70.3</a> and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/09/pedal-cause-2015-recap.html">Pedal the Cause</a>. Most of my rides were with friends, but one day I was biking alone, giving me too much time to think. And I started to think about the possibility of running a full. After all, I reasoned, if I really want to <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/11/having-my-cake-and-eating-it-too.html">do a full Ironman in 2020</a>, it would be great to have a more positive marathon experience under my belt. I decided I didn't want to travel for the race, which left a choice between the two fulls in San Diego---Rock 'n' Roll or <a href="http://www.carlsbadmarathon.com/">Carlsbad</a>. I decided on Carlsbad, which is in January, vs Rock 'n' Roll which is June, due to the heat (although as 2020 gets closer, it may be a good idea for me to run one in the heat for training for Ironman Texas). I knew in January it could rain, especially with an El Nino year, but I'd rather have rain than heat. When I got back from my bike ride, I discussed the idea with my husband, and by that evening I was signed up.<br />
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I had buyer's remorse almost instantly.<br />
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But I knew I could do it. If my body didn't hold up in training, I could always drop to the half. However, I'm a better runner than I was in 2003. A smarter runner. This time is different. I have <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">my friend Steve</a>, who designed yet another training plan for me. It's not as heavy as other run plans, but it's perfect for ME, as I injure easily and he knows that. I have a great run/walk ratio that will start me out slow and increase over the race. I have a PLAN to execute, for pace, fuel and hydration. I will have a friend running with me for company, <a href="https://smplefy.wordpress.com/">my friend Mihael</a>. I know about salt intake, and will take it throughout my run to avoid the over-hydration that happened to me. I have used my Garmin 920xt and my iPod to get me through training. I have talked about this with dozens of friends, both in real life and online, and have had some great runs with friends as well. I'm not alone this time. I have support, I have knowledge. I can do this.<br />
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The race is this weekend. It looks like the weather will be gorgeous, and I'm thankful.<br />
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I have goals, which I'll boldy put here:<br />
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My "A" goal: to finish in under 5:50. This is a stretch. I finished my longest training run, 20 miles, in 4:24, which did NOT include 3 bathroom stops. This goal assumes no more than 3 bathroom stops, and with minimal waiting at each. Plus, it assumes I can do the last 6.2 at a decent pace. After my 20 miles, I could not have imagined doing another step, let alone 10k.<br />
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My "B" goal: to finish in under 5:59. This one seems more reachable for me.<br />
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My "C" goal: to finish in 6 hours or more, but with a smile on my face, and uninjured.<br />
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I'm not going to lie--I'd love to see a 5 in the front of my finishing time. I'm capable of it. But even if it's over 6 hours, and it very could be, that's ok---it'll still be a PR. And regardless of my time, I know that on race day I'll do the best job I can do. If it's 5:45, great. If the best I can do on race day is 6:15, or even more, with race day conditions, and what my body can do, that's ok too. I won't beat myself up about it. The number one thing I want is a good experience, finishing time aside, to be able to draw strength from on future races.<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-47095288518662774822016-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:002016-01-07T19:29:44.942-08:00Bike the Bay Recap 2015This was done in August----and here it is January. Wow! I'm not usually this bad at recapping events! Just a quick recap here for posterity.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bikethebay.net/">Bike the Bay</a> is an annual event benefiting the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Although it's been going on for years. I heard it about it for the first time in 2012 when I literally ran into the bikers. I was training for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/10/superfrog-half-ironman-race-recap.html">my first half-Ironman, Superfrog, </a>and since it was in Coronado/Imperial Beach, I was doing a lot of training rides there. One Sunday, as I drove over the Coronado Bridge on my way over to Coronado, I saw tons of cyclists on the bridge. I was confused, as there are no bikes or runners allowed on the bridge, except for races. I came to find out, as I later started biking and talking with people around me, that this was the annual Bike the Bay, a ride that started downtown, went over the bridge, through Coronado, over the Silver Strand into Imperial Beach. and back through Chula Vista and National City. It's a 25 mile ride---untimed, uncompetitive, and open to anyone who wants to ride.<br />
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We (my husband, J, and my son, D and I) went with a few friends---my dear friend Todd, and my friend David and his daughter, among others. We caravaned to the Convention Center, parked, and walked our bikes to the start area. I have never---EVER--seen such a wide array of cyclists. The events I have been in have been either triathlons or bike-focused rides (like my <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/06/san-diego-century-ride-recap.html">century</a> or <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/senorita-metric-century-bike-ride-recap.html">metric century</a>). This had serious cyclists, but lots of recreational ones---tri bikes, road bikes, beach cruisers, kids, riders in tutus....crazy. I loved it. We check in, put our numbers on our bikes, and waited in the long line of cyclists to get on the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyyQmbhvkdJMuOejyVBKFFWn_x-q29vsHOhrGAy1xvUKZq3SkYDoYYHeDEGfOYDdIAzj5F3UAsfQBRCYX7SqqReESaYW0zcnL7FTWXswvTmLTMyY7gQvLBvzdLu2bNmbBtX7Pvai0I23K/s1600/bikebay1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyyQmbhvkdJMuOejyVBKFFWn_x-q29vsHOhrGAy1xvUKZq3SkYDoYYHeDEGfOYDdIAzj5F3UAsfQBRCYX7SqqReESaYW0zcnL7FTWXswvTmLTMyY7gQvLBvzdLu2bNmbBtX7Pvai0I23K/s320/bikebay1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">let's roll! (yes, I wore my helmet)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting to start</td></tr>
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<br />
Soon after we started was the one big hill---and it was quite a doozy. The Coronado Bay Bridge. I've driven this countless times, and ran it once in a race back in the 90s, but never biked it. Going up was pretty darned steep. I was worried about my son---but I waited at the top and was so happy to see him and J coming up soon after me. He had ridden up without walking his bike up. I was so proud! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking north on top of the bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking south on to of the bridge</td></tr>
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<br />The rest of the ride was mostly routes I had done before in various training rides. The bike path on the Silver Strand, the Bayshore Bikeway....most of it pretty flat and easy. My son had some trouble, as he tired easily. I had mistakenly told him it was a 22 mile ride, and he was unhappy to see it was 25 miles. At one point, he was so frustrated and tired that his face literally crumpled. It was heartbreaking. But he pressed on, and finished the ride. I thought he wouldn't want to do it again, but he said he loved it and wants to do it next year! I hope we do. If so, I'll make sure he gets more training in than he did for this one. 25 miles is a long way for a young boy, especially if he hadn't properly trained.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-23710699658680491232016-01-07T18:41:00.001-08:002016-01-07T18:41:01.341-08:00Bumble Bee Seafoods 5k Race RecapThe <a href="http://www.kozevents.com/Running/Holiday_Bowl__Bumble_Bee__5K.htm">Bumble Bee Seafoods 5k</a> was my final race of 2015---and one of my most special. It was my daughter's (A's) first-ever 5k! I got the idea several months before that she should walk a 5k with me. I knew she wouldn't be able to actually RUN 3.1 miles, but her walking has gotten so strong that I just knew she could handle walking the distance. And it fell on December 30, which is A's half birthday. She would turn 9 1/2 that day. I've never done this 5k before, and heard it was fun. It precedes the Holiday Bowl Balloon Parade, and is supposed to be a huge crowd. I also signed up my son, D (my husband had to work, so couldn't join us). Initially he was going to run it and wait at the finish for A and I to finish, but since there would be 100,000 people there for the parade, I didn't feel safe with that option, and he ended up walking with us.<br />
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Bibs were mailed to us at no extra charge (!!!) so that was easy! No packet pickup! As the race was downtown in conjunction with the parade, I made sure to leave VERY early. The race started at 9:45, but I left the house at 7:45. I'm glad I did! We made it easily to downtown, and parked in the suggested lot at Pacific and Broadway, but we had to wait over 20 minutes in line to get our parking pass at the kiosk. Then we had to make our way to the start. We ended up getting there early, but I would have been stressed had we left later, as the line for parking kiosk got VERY long after I got in line!<br />
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While waiting we had fun watching weiner dog races and seeing some of the big balloons that would be in the parade. Soon it was time to start---and off we went! The first 3/4 mile or so was fantastic---we were on the parade route, which meant that there were TONS of spectators on either side of us cheering! In fact, several people called our names, friends that were down for the parade. That was fun! We gave kids high-5s and did a fast walk during this part. <br />
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After the crowd, we slowed down considerably. The race loops around some of the downtown area by the Convention Center and Petco Park, then the Embarcadero and Seaport Village. A was getting tired, but she never once stopped, and never once asked to be carried. I tried to keep her mind occupied by talking about our upcoming Disney trip and anything else that would get her excited. Toward the end, a policeman suggested we cut the course (this would cut our course by over half a mile) but of course we refused---we don't quit, we don't cheat, and we could do it! Most everyone was done by this point, but there were a few women right ahead of us that were also cheering her on.<br />
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Finally, with the finish line right ahead of us, I had A run on ahead. She did, and crossed the finish line victorious! D and I crossed right behind her. They didn't have medals, but I had something even better for her---a 5k charm and personalized note charm from my dear friend Erica Sara (<a href="http://www.ericasara.com/">seriously, check out her race bling</a>). We got our finisher's shirts at the end, and watched some of the parade that was still going on (D especially liked the USC marching band, as he's playing baritone in the middle school band). I splurged on a pedi-cab back to the car, as it was several blocks away and I didn't want to make A walk more.<br />
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I'm so proud of my little girl. With all her medical challenges....with the fact that she didn't walk unassisted until she was 3 1/2....with all she has going on....she did a 5k. Better yet, she wants to do more, so I need to find another walker-friendly one (or two) for 2016. I'm more than happy to oblige.Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-78603481758076140812016-01-07T17:23:00.000-08:002016-01-07T18:15:17.422-08:00Jack o Smash 15k Race RecapSo much time has passed since I did this race, but I want to quickly recap it for myself in case I do it again---and for anyone else running it, too.<br />
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I signed up for this race, the <a href="http://jack-o-smash.org/">Jack O'Smash</a>, for two reasons: it was nearby and supported a local school district's special education program, and they had a 15k option (in addition to 1 mile, 5k and 10k courses). I think the 10k and 15k were new this year. Regardless, it was my first time doing it the race. I was just starting to ramp up my running for <a href="http://www.carlsbadmarathon.com/">marathon training</a>, and hadn't really done a long run since my last half-Ironman---in July! Since <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/07/ironman-703-vineman-race-recap.html">Vineman,</a> I'd only been running 3-4 miles max, as I was concentrating on my biking for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/09/pedal-cause-2015-recap.html">Pedal the Cause</a>. I ramped up a bit before this 15k (which was on November 1) and thought it would be good to set a base of 9 miles on that date. In fact, I was supposed to do a 1 mile warmup, giving me 10 miles for the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race</td></tr>
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Packet pickup was very easy, at the local Sports Authority. A quick run in to get my bib and shirt, and I was out of there. I hate to say it, but the shirt was very ugly---I never wore it and ended up giving it away to Goodwill. Oh well. Race morning came too early for me, as it was the morning after Halloween and I had been out with the kids. I woke early, got dressed, wearing my new Halloween socks, and drove the few miles to the start. I got there early enough to do my 1 mile warm up and then use the facilities. Pre-race was cool----before the National Anthem they had some Navy jets do a fly-by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMcGxhEVFUSNKCO4AVMs5kzQeeSPKyzpcrdhQGjncvOMWT9mWHEYBcUuluqtJ8yA2eauye11Kc9nt8rGvIZGsPdIgVO_qLPUXxEW5DSw3cU_V1r7VKubJdFDAfyuv4uJ0F9LiVS1qe2LE/s1600/jackosmash3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMcGxhEVFUSNKCO4AVMs5kzQeeSPKyzpcrdhQGjncvOMWT9mWHEYBcUuluqtJ8yA2eauye11Kc9nt8rGvIZGsPdIgVO_qLPUXxEW5DSw3cU_V1r7VKubJdFDAfyuv4uJ0F9LiVS1qe2LE/s320/jackosmash3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I took the race very slowly. As it was my furthest run in several months, I wanted to go out nice and easy. Most of the runners were doing the 5k, some were doing the 10k and only a handful did the 15k. I was alone during most of it. It was hot and hilly, in an area of town (by Scripps Poway Parkway) that I never run on, although I've biked there for some hillwork. I don't have anything exciting to say about the course, except that I was glad to be done. Most of it was in an industrial park area, so pretty ugly. Combined with the heat and hills, it got brutal at times, but definitely doable. The finish was anti-climatic----a small keychain, in lieu of a medal, which said 5k on it. I don't care about a medal, but to get something that said 5k when I just suffered through a 15k (9.3 miles) was a letdown. Also, virtually no one was there since I was one of the last 15k runners to finish, and the 5k and 10k runners had long come and go. While it wasn't my favorite race. I did love the cause, and the fact that
it was nearby, though---so don't count me out in future years.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-15716871739184273412016-01-07T17:22:00.001-08:002016-01-07T18:12:32.589-08:00Bubble Run Recap 2015This event was so fun! It was this past November, the day before I ran the <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/11/silver-strand-half-marathon-race-recap.html">Silver Strand Half Marathon</a>. I had signed up the family as soon as I heard about it. From what I could tell, it would be like the<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-color-run-5k-recap.html"> Color Run</a>, but with bubbles. As my daughter had missed the Color Run due to breaking her neck, I was excited for her to try this. And it wasn't a race---it was untimed, and not even a full 5k.<br />
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Packet pickup was a pain. It was down at a Sports Authority the day before in Chula Vista. They did have packet pickup the day of the event, but as I didn't know what the venue would be like, I didn't want to feel stressed the day of. I got to packet pick well before the announced start time, but even then there was a long line already. I felt bad for people coming after me---the line got SUPER long, snaking all around the store! I got our bibs and t-shirts, which we were to wear at the event.<br />
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The next morning we drove down to Chula Vista---the event took place at the Sleep Train Ampitheatre parking lot. We had to pay for parking, and it was crowded (there were two heats---one in the early morning and one in the late morning. We chose the late morning heat so there were tons of cars both leaving and arriving). However, once we found parking it was a very easy walk to the start line. We waited quite a while, as they didn't start until 10-15 minutes past the scheduled start time, which bugged me, especially as it was so hot. But once we got started, it was fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYullCAC5TREO3VQPbCSsq5EZKtjqhswKCcko9eHacHznYI8Rl8A7zNX4cG4chWDVwinJqdWtvEVN465pG1IbVCv03bSmiBI5OxuNi5-xOusnXIyM71-2wW-sDrXc-AYqCGvw5yXIttUO/s1600/bubble1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYullCAC5TREO3VQPbCSsq5EZKtjqhswKCcko9eHacHznYI8Rl8A7zNX4cG4chWDVwinJqdWtvEVN465pG1IbVCv03bSmiBI5OxuNi5-xOusnXIyM71-2wW-sDrXc-AYqCGvw5yXIttUO/s320/bubble1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start line</td></tr>
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Basically, the course went all around the ampitheatre parking lot. There were 5 bubble stations to run through, each dyed a different color. A few of the stations had wimpy bubbles going, probably due to the wind, which was blowing them away. But others had tons of bubbles, enough that we were covered head-to-toe when we went through. While there were some people running from station to station, most people, including us, were walking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzE547NKsY7A_7hGMSJa1eludB09WdLzpTh6QBcF-xQYVbrnRQsgJZx50-vjLscuIXUuC93kDhOEgQYsNr2qJxscOlmh0UXLRaQcvpY-kumJaxr0-__Vl1E23Gy0Wu7XmHz0_BB-wqW86/s1600/bubble2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzE547NKsY7A_7hGMSJa1eludB09WdLzpTh6QBcF-xQYVbrnRQsgJZx50-vjLscuIXUuC93kDhOEgQYsNr2qJxscOlmh0UXLRaQcvpY-kumJaxr0-__Vl1E23Gy0Wu7XmHz0_BB-wqW86/s320/bubble2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Nw7nb3DLNO9Lapv7JTkmpgSIOBfK0bXonPCsBBRsh7cXchVc-rG0Yt4vWlY3m8gf6iyqAHot7F3O64UcGZ0SyxU11r66QUhqZwm0o8oxg6veTbPUXoVTUmsgWCXyiYrEX6dKNFXsp3Ak/s1600/bubble3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Nw7nb3DLNO9Lapv7JTkmpgSIOBfK0bXonPCsBBRsh7cXchVc-rG0Yt4vWlY3m8gf6iyqAHot7F3O64UcGZ0SyxU11r66QUhqZwm0o8oxg6veTbPUXoVTUmsgWCXyiYrEX6dKNFXsp3Ak/s320/bubble3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these were some of the wimpier bubbles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ6zD1Kjj61tZZZkbBp9eDBi61SDdNQV70DvPxy2euh38HqUomeAkvwpg7e5SPahzOxbSJpsN3CMRtduwAyeIvz8uBDK49_0w5sWDlkyKkZaya7rJk8VIaqTFlM3NifAyDqBGSZzIyK77/s1600/bubble4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ6zD1Kjj61tZZZkbBp9eDBi61SDdNQV70DvPxy2euh38HqUomeAkvwpg7e5SPahzOxbSJpsN3CMRtduwAyeIvz8uBDK49_0w5sWDlkyKkZaya7rJk8VIaqTFlM3NifAyDqBGSZzIyK77/s320/bubble4.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some huge bubbles</td></tr>
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By the end, we were soaked with bubbles and our white shirts were stained with color. But that wasn't the end of the fun! At the finish line, they had more bubble blasters the the kid couldn't enough of. It was kind of like snow. <br />
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We are already signed up again for next year. It was crazy fun, and the best part is that the whole family got to participate. It was a very festive atmosphere. I'm glad we had the later heat--because it was hot, we weren't as bothered at the end by the wet clothes. One tip----some kids had goggles on, and I can see this would be a good thing. It would be especially good for any child in a stroller, as the kids in strollers were COVERED in bubbles since they were so low to the ground---goggles would help protect the eyes.Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-87162800651181478312016-01-07T16:30:00.001-08:002016-01-07T18:14:37.700-08:00Holiday Half Marathon Race Recap 2015The <a href="http://sandiegoholidayhalf.com/">San Diego Holiday Half Marathon</a> is now in its 3rd year, but this was my first time running it. The first year it didn't fit into my training for my <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/ironman-703-califoria-oceanside-race.html">half-Ironman</a>, and my coach didn't want me running it and risking injury. Last year I was on a New Year's cruise with my family. So I was thrilled when I could finally sign up for this local race! The start is not far from where I live, and the course goes down the SR-56 bike path, a path that I frequently bike on en route to the coast.<br />
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As I'm <a href="http://carlsbadmarathon.com/">marathon training</a>, and it was 3 weeks away from this race (gulp) this actually fit it well with my plan. <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">My coach</a> wanted me to run 18 miles that day, so the idea of running 13 of them supported, with water stops and tons of people, was very appealing. The plan was for me to run the race, then immediately set out to do 5 more. I knew this would be hard, not only physically (this would be my longest training run to date) but mentally---after a half marathon, I want to collapse, not run 5 more miles!<br />
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Packet pickup was very easy the day before. A quick stop at Road Runner Sports gave me my bib, long-sleeved tech shirt, and goodie bag (complete with a mylar blanket and some gloves--which I wore the next day). It was very organized.<br />
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I made a critical mistake on race day. Because the start line was so close to my house, and I didn't need to be there until 7:00 (race started at 7:30, but the local chapter of <a href="http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/">Moms Run This Town [MRTT]</a> was meeting at 7:00 for a group photo) I decided I didn't need to leave my house until 6:30. I thought I'd have time to spare! The problem was, of course, traffic. I got to the race site in minutes, but sat in traffic for a while. In fact, the shopping center where I had planned to park was full! I ended up having to park a half mile away and hoof it to the meeting place. A rookie mistake. Even if the race is around the corner, I should always leave earlier than I think. I knew better, and was upset with myself for this mistake.<br />
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I met the group for pictures, met up with two friends that I'd be running with (<a href="http://moonkinrunning.com/">Andrea</a> and Beth) and made our way over to the bathroom line, which didn't move at all! We were still waiting when the National Anthem was sung! We finally finished right when our corral was about to go off. Nothing like rushing at the last minute! As it was cold (in the high 30's), I was bundled in long pants, a long sleeve shirt, arm warmers under the shirt, with a throw-away jacket, throw-away hat, and throw-away gloves with hand warmers stuck in. Of course, by mile 2, I was so warm I was able to shed all my throw-away clothes and soak up the sunshine.<br />
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Steve, my coach, had a plan for me----run the first few miles at a 1:1 ratio (run 1 minutes, walk 1 minute)....the next few at 2:1....the next few at 3:1....then back to 2:1 for the last mile. The last 5 miles of my run (after the race) would be done at 1:1. I felt good throughout the run. At times I got a little tired, but I never wavered from my race plan. It also helped to have Andrea and Beth there to chat with! In fact, it was my first-ever half marathon not to use music at all (except for the half marathons that come at the end of my half-Ironmans---no music is allowed in triathlon). It was nice to have conversation to get my mind off the task at hand.<br />
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There were several aid stations with water--- only one had some sort of sports drink, a new one to me that was so disgusting that I spit it out. I was glad I had brought my own! We also passed one table over halfway through that had empty boxes of Honey Stingers----but they were all out by the time we arrived. That was a big fail, as there were still tons of runners behind us. A race in it's 3rd year should be prepared. Again, I had my own nutrition and fuel, but know others may not have been as lucky.<br />
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Around mile 9 Andrea decided to slow down, as her asthma was acting up (she was also recovering from a cold). We had already discussed before the race that we would stick together as long as we could, but if I were faster, or she was faster, we'd pull ahead. I felt bad, but as we had discussed this earlier and I was using this as a training run for my marathon, not a fun run, I pulled ahead with Beth. I was happy to see Andrea a few miles later looking strong on an out-and-back!<br />
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The course is not too pretty, as I knew it wouldn't be---I've ridden that course literally countless times on my bike and knew most of us would be by the freeeway----but the time flew by. Soon we saw the finish line up ahead, and did a small sprint to cross. We finished in about 2:44---slower than I usually am, but then again, I wasn't running hard, as I still had 5 miles left to run! I got my medal, stuffed it in my fuel belt, went to the bathroom, drank some pickle juice, and said goodbye to Beth and another friend I ran into---and was on my way!<br />
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After 5 more miles at a 1:1 ratio (2.5 miles up the coast and back) I made it back in time to catch the shuttle back to the start. I was thrilled to run into another friend of mine waiting. In fact, this friend is currently battling breast cancer, is actively undergoing chemotherapy, and made it to mile 11 before she was pulled for not making the time requirement. So inspiring! <br />
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This race was a perfect end-of-the-year event for me. Close to my house, a not-too-challenging course, and a good event to continue training into the later months. In fact, I am signed up to run it again in 2016---it will be good to have something to train for after my next half-Ironman (I'm doing my 4th,<a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/santa-cruz.aspx#axzz3wblvnH6C"> Ironman Santa Cruz 70.3</a>, in September). Yes, there were a few snafus (running out of fuel, and I heard that the shuttle line was a bit dangerous in the parking lot) but it was fun enough for me to re-enter. Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-7807144686652187532015-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:002015-11-21T19:30:41.832-08:00Silver Strand Half Marathon Race Recap 2015Wow! Once again, it's been a long time since I've sat down to write. I have a few races to recap, and while I should probably just skip the recaps, I will do them....mainly because I like to look back on what I've done. I write mainly for myself, after all.<br />
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Last Sunday I ran the<a href="http://www.kozevents.com/Running/Silver_Strand_Half_Marathon.htm"> Silver Strand Half Marathon</a>. Truth be told, I had not been planning on running this race. <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2011/11/silver-strand-half-marathon-recap.html">I did it once before</a>, back in 2011, and hated it. First of all, I didn't like how flat and boring the course was. And it was very hot outside. But secondly, I believe that this is where my disc herniated---it was the first time ever I had felt the glute/sciatic nerve pain that I deal with to this day, 4 years later. I think it herniated while running it. So I've always had bad memories of this race, and haven't done it since. But I won a free entry to the race on a contest on my local chapter of <a href="http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/">Moms Run This Town (MRTT)</a>. I couldn't beat the price! Plus, it fit in perfectly with training for my <a href="http://www.carlsbadmarathon.com/">upcoming full marathon</a>, as I was going to run 13 miles that weekend anyway. I might as well run with other runners, aid stations, and get a medal at the end!<br />
<a href="http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/"><br /></a>
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Packet pickup was easy-peasy the Friday before the race at Road Runner Sports. I was in and out in 2 minutes flat. I was hoping for a long-sleeved tech shirt, as I got back in 2011, but this year it was short sleeved. Oh well. It was weird getting ready for the race. Even though it was my 25th half marathon (!!!!!) (not counting the 3 half marathons that came at the end of my half-Ironmans) I hadn't run one since June, and was out of practice preparing. The night before, J and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, so I definitely didn't prepare well that way---I was up late and had a drink with dinner, something I would normally avoid the night before a big race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnHzNXkS2z5uvG-O33WuuA8c-LIPrYzSkjkisQ5T_I83_q_a1YDkZ4N4UqLlG2vPSFVhura7YeCE09gEexL1qLQHw0DrfUq_Qra0CLHa9gJ-avHBAzL5tEe9GIh8TNUJDS7EZMKzEt2ma/s1600/12208668_10153282403936134_1320248546521833189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnHzNXkS2z5uvG-O33WuuA8c-LIPrYzSkjkisQ5T_I83_q_a1YDkZ4N4UqLlG2vPSFVhura7YeCE09gEexL1qLQHw0DrfUq_Qra0CLHa9gJ-avHBAzL5tEe9GIh8TNUJDS7EZMKzEt2ma/s320/12208668_10153282403936134_1320248546521833189_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gorgeous view of the San Diego Bay while on the shuttle. Coronado Bridge in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBdOeVHjLPsFapqi58ozA6RIdMXORxmOEgkQnnOZrZ6jb1U56PczY0woFq0vWdlW0E26JAb4LgZysiDJ0OPm6PgV111FOL4hMwdnqHoVZ61C2vJArxDgxdIku1qEUpXBXzCQr1m1VJf02/s1600/12247163_10153282403991134_6460524456398835121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBdOeVHjLPsFapqi58ozA6RIdMXORxmOEgkQnnOZrZ6jb1U56PczY0woFq0vWdlW0E26JAb4LgZysiDJ0OPm6PgV111FOL4hMwdnqHoVZ61C2vJArxDgxdIku1qEUpXBXzCQr1m1VJf02/s320/12247163_10153282403991134_6460524456398835121_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start line</td></tr>
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I got up at 5:15 the next morning (much later than last time, as I'm seeing from my 2011 recap) and was out the door by 5:45. I easily found parking in the Silver Strand State Beach parking lot, made use of the real toilet in the lot (hoping to avoid the port-o-potty line) and was on a shuttle by 6:45 to the start. (As a side note, I purchased a parking pass for $6 to park in this lot, and my pass was never checked. A waste of money). I met up with the MRTT group at 7:00 for a picture, then found a few more friends to chat with before the race started at 7:30. The weather was gorgeous---overcast and cool. I had brought a throw-away jacket to toss at mile 1, but it was nice enough pre-race that I gear checked it to save for another race.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2qngWx7yZawuMhyphenhyphenXdqNNFzj4dCl-AL_tnTQh-OJ-Ma5myYZKOzEGzmYGHsAEIjYBZUM2vCB4G0b4HzgV3TBviRVNhfJWJQuwJ2lWj8xXyjJ4yUOmE3ZwkSeWwP8dhTCJU2OF4aKsColG/s1600/12063501_10153282404051134_3160343080703779407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2qngWx7yZawuMhyphenhyphenXdqNNFzj4dCl-AL_tnTQh-OJ-Ma5myYZKOzEGzmYGHsAEIjYBZUM2vCB4G0b4HzgV3TBviRVNhfJWJQuwJ2lWj8xXyjJ4yUOmE3ZwkSeWwP8dhTCJU2OF4aKsColG/s320/12063501_10153282404051134_3160343080703779407_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my friend <a href="http://www.runningwithsdmom.com/">Smitha</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS5WPmjMbXaiXVUJSHELSrrIX4WRFP40jn4NEdD3LRMfsnjOnvDh649wcFTDq__9o5ejqLXKFgV1FdEKN590gp7wMEbfw2QhtYMHGvGG6qmkYHUrLj8k1By2buabtgnpxSHjc5yE1n8zw/s1600/12243133_10153282404196134_7024808574927355779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS5WPmjMbXaiXVUJSHELSrrIX4WRFP40jn4NEdD3LRMfsnjOnvDh649wcFTDq__9o5ejqLXKFgV1FdEKN590gp7wMEbfw2QhtYMHGvGG6qmkYHUrLj8k1By2buabtgnpxSHjc5yE1n8zw/s320/12243133_10153282404196134_7024808574927355779_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and my friend Ruth</td></tr>
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<a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">My friend and coach, Steve</a>, had a plan for me for the race. Normally, I run a 2:1 run/walk ratio (run 2 minutes, walk 1). This helps me with my sciatic pain when I have it, and has really kept me running. The last long run I had done, which was 11 miles the week before, he had me do a 1:1 ratio (run 1 minute, walk 1 minute). While I was slower than I'd like to be, it was great---I had finished feeling good. And, my goal for the upcoming marathon isn't so much about a finishing time as it is about finishing strong. For this race, Steve wanted me to do the first 4.5 miles at a 1:1 ratio; the second 4.5 miles at a 2:1 ratio, then the rest of the race (miles 9-13.1) at a 3:1 ratio. He said this would give me a triple negative split (a negative split is running the second half of a race faster than the first half) and have me finish strong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmOjgYfJl1Fs_Hj3r2dnFXzfhDKYJuEbzTe0u2M1R-ROEc_3wXS7xSnKFMocWKlrkimwZOWQIJKyKrGdHsoIp1VFk2FbYoAJhe4prgYOX6yxdBeaAHTeZ2yHX7Blme3dJssPaCVyiUr7E/s1600/10441054_10153282404131134_7188337383289344017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmOjgYfJl1Fs_Hj3r2dnFXzfhDKYJuEbzTe0u2M1R-ROEc_3wXS7xSnKFMocWKlrkimwZOWQIJKyKrGdHsoIp1VFk2FbYoAJhe4prgYOX6yxdBeaAHTeZ2yHX7Blme3dJssPaCVyiUr7E/s320/10441054_10153282404131134_7188337383289344017_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race----ready to run 13.1!</td></tr>
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I was wary about this plan, but decided to go for it. So the first several miles, I did a 1:1 ratio. This part is always hard for me. It's hard to walk when I am first starting out---I feel so good and the crowd energy around me makes me want to keep running! But I forced myself to stick to the plan, and even at the start, I did the 1:1 ratio. The first few miles are nice----going through Coronado, passing the Hotel del Coronado (where I got engaged), etc. But soon we entered the Silver Strand (this stretch of land connects the "island" of Coronado to Imperial Beach) where it is pretty much flat, boring and ugly, at least to me. I just kept plugging away, keeping my ratio. Soon the 2:45 pace group passed me, which bummed me out, because I really wanted to finish under that. My usual times are between 2:30-2:40 (with some times more and less than) and I really hoped to finish in 2:40. I wasn't trying to PR, just train, but ideally I didn't want to go over 2:45. But regardless of the time, I wanted a strong race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L0r9mjL3b2MIK2EG8f0_SVTPgjWu4eUGeixXFbLs41hzAdTSmhQZbrgRnZitGvqHiNBzOd69Ezb2apC_HrXHW0e-FuqUNcvdbz9Hq3f1K_LZT1RgBFXyVknQNj3RCvp7Nlx0NZPSUZxL/s1600/12239723_10153282404251134_198371578167119391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L0r9mjL3b2MIK2EG8f0_SVTPgjWu4eUGeixXFbLs41hzAdTSmhQZbrgRnZitGvqHiNBzOd69Ezb2apC_HrXHW0e-FuqUNcvdbz9Hq3f1K_LZT1RgBFXyVknQNj3RCvp7Nlx0NZPSUZxL/s320/12239723_10153282404251134_198371578167119391_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was like this most of the run. I never even wore my sunglasses!</td></tr>
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At mile 4.5, I changed the alert on my Garmin to do a 2:1 ratio. By this time I felt very warmed up and was doing great! There was a couple, a man and woman, that I kept leapfrogging. They would pass me on my walk breaks and I would pass them on my run segment. They were running consistently without walking and I wanted to get away from them but couldn't at my pace! At about mile 6 I had to go to the bathroom, and was regretting not standing in that long port-o-potty line. I didn't have to go too badly, but by mile 7 that's all I could think about. By this point we were by the State Beach (I could see my car---waaaah!) and in the distance I saw a random port-o-potty, not part of the race. I ran a bit off course and went---and was so glad I did, as I felt better! I did add about 0.1 mile to my race, and wasted about 2 minutes, but it was minutes well spent.<br />
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At mile 9 I started the 3:1 ratio. I was nervous---how could I do 3:1 so late in the race? Miraculously, I felt great. Amazing. Strong. In fact, those miles were my fastest. I was flying! I had long passed that couple I leap-frogged with (I later saw them walking), and in the distance I saw the 2:45 pace group. I kept my pace, walked when it was time, but soon I passed those pacers! . I couldn't believe how good I felt. As I wrote earlier, this was my 25th half marathon. In every single one of those other 24 races, I feel awful in the later miles. At miles 9/10 I always feel nauseous and exhausted. I feel like I want to puke, or cry, or die. But this time, for the first time, I felt STRONG at mile 9, and felt strong to the finish!<br />
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I ended up finishing in 2:42 and change, which included that bathroom break. I'm confident that I would have finished in 2:40 if I hadn't stopped---but that's ok, I NEEDED to stop. And I accomplished something great---a triple negative split! Each block of 4.5 miles or so was faster than the preceding one. I felt great at the finish!<br />
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At the finish line, I found my friend Marianne, and we headed to the shuttle and back to the cars. Very easy. It rained later that afternoon, so I was happy I avoided that---I got the best of both worlds, no rain and cooler/overcast weather. Yay me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPtsaTF6SYQ7pd11Cfy-Nc5wQ7zUBJX7EKO1NqQNQ3u__5C8NXwHyBQy0YmP4e9IFqlLQdvtfEGbt48wzbEodiY_cNKgYL2ac6I136MzeZ7wu3ehyiUXYPA5it7SCgbZqutwyAlmHGeou/s1600/12241470_10153282404551134_1841637493748585537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPtsaTF6SYQ7pd11Cfy-Nc5wQ7zUBJX7EKO1NqQNQ3u__5C8NXwHyBQy0YmP4e9IFqlLQdvtfEGbt48wzbEodiY_cNKgYL2ac6I136MzeZ7wu3ehyiUXYPA5it7SCgbZqutwyAlmHGeou/s320/12241470_10153282404551134_1841637493748585537_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Marianne post-race</td></tr>
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Would I do this race again? Well, I had sworn last time that I wouldn't, and here I am again. I will consider it in future years. It IS a well-run, organized event, and a great fall option here in San Diego. Regardless of if I do it again or not, I'm very proud. It wasn't my fastest half marathon ever, but it was definitely my strongest. This bodes well for marathon training!Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-33156964167060191322015-09-28T20:54:00.001-07:002015-09-28T20:54:56.031-07:00Ch-ch-ch-changesI've fallen off the blogging wagon yet again, and seem to have just been focusing on race recaps. There have been some changes in my family that are pretty significant, and I want to focus on that right now.<br />
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School started a little over a month ago---and this time, we're in two new schools!<br />
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D is now in 6th grade, which is middle school here. How I have a child old enough to be in middle school is truly beyond my comprehension. He's 11! I remember his first day of kindergarten so clearly-----and now he's out of elementary school and in middle school. I am continuing to try to soak it all up---it goes so fast. I only have 7 more years left with him at home. I can cry just thinking of that.<br />
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He's made a great adjustment to middle school. His school is on a block system, which means that he only has 3 classes a day. They alternate days---one day he has Language Arts, Science and P.E., and the next he has Social Studies, Math and Band. Because there are only 3 classes a day (plus a homeroom that is the only daily class), each class is 90 minutes, giving them time to really dig into a subject. But not only is he on a block system, it's a ROTATING block. So Monday he will have periods 1-3-5. Tuesday will be 2-4-6. Then Wednesday it's 3-5-1, Thursday it's 4-6-2, Friday it's 5-1-3, and Monday it's 6-2-4. It sounds confusing, but the kids understand it within a few days. I actually like it. It means that EVERYONE has every period at each time of the day at some point. Every child will have math first thing in the morning, when their minds are fresh, and every child will have math after lunch, when they are more sleepy. Every child will have P.E. first thing in the morning, when it's cooler, and every child will have P.E. after lunch, when it's hot. It's a great equalizer! And, since there are only 3 classes a day (and really, only 2 academic classes a day) he doesn't have TONS of homework each day. Although, he really does still have a lot.<br />
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This year he is in GATE (Gifted and Talented). He tested into the GATE program in 4th grade, but there really is no program in elementary school, with the budget cuts. Here, GATE comes into play in middle school. The GATE classes are Language Arts and Social Studies. He had a choice to be either in homogeneous class (all GATE students) or heterogeneous class (half GATE, half high-achieving but not GATE identified). He wanted homogeneous, and had to enter a lottery for it---and got it. I warned him that he would not be the smartest kid in the class anymore in this type of class, which could be good for him---and he's ok with that. His math class is the highest there is too (there is no official GATE class for math, but they place kids in math based on their MAP scores). He's in a compacted 6/7 class, meaning that he's getting a year and a half of math in one year. Halfway through the year he'll get the 7th grade book. This also means that he's past the point of me helping him in math. Luckily, if he needs help, my husband, J, is a math whiz (his dream is to get his masters degree in math). I am great at Language Arts, writing, etc, so between the two of us we have him covered.<br />
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He also switched instruments this year. In 5th grade band, he learned the saxophone. This year he wanted a change, and opted to play the baritone. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baritone_horn">(Click here to see what this is</a>. I'd never heard of it until this year). He has to practice this most days, in addition to his homework, and also in addition to his guitar (he's been taking guitar lessons since 3rd grade). He has joined the astronomy club (meets once a month after school) and has made a few new friends, although he largely seems to be hanging out with his friends from his old school. He had a rough start to the year with a few instances of irresponsibility, but now we have a plan that he follows to make sure all homework is done, paperwork is signed, etc. I'm incredibly proud of him.<br />
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On the other hand, my daughter, A, is also in a new school. She's now 9, and in 3rd grade. We made the very difficult decision to place her in a special day class. She's been in general ed this whole time. She's been doing ok, but not great, and between some behavioral problems she's exhibiting and the fact that she needs more one-on-one with reading comprehension, a smaller class was the way to go. A general ed class has up to 28 kids (and up to 34 in 4th and 5th grade!) and not only does the teacher not have a lot of time for one-on-one attention, but it's very noisy, which is difficult for a deaf/hard-of-hearing kid. This new class only has 11 kids (it will have no more than 14), and has two teachers. It's a NSH class (non-severely handicapped) and the only special ed class-type in my district that is is on the academic track. (We had to switch schools because at our old elementary school, the special day classes were autism classes) Kids here are geared for a high school diploma, while other special ed classes are geared to a high school certificate. In fact, their goal is to get the kids out of hte NSH class at some point and mainstream them back into general ed. That is my hope for A. But, if she needs this class for the duration, then we'll do what we need to do.<br />
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She is getting lots of one-on-one. Actually, she's in the highest reading and math groups, and for at least one of those groups she's the only one in it! I was nervous putting her in this class, but I'm thrilled so far at what I'm seeing her accomplish. It was hard to admit that she needed more, that she needed special ed, but she does. I'm proud of her, and frankly, I'm proud of myself and my husband, for recognizing this and placing her where she belongs. She does miss her old school, and sometimes cries that she wants to go back, but for the most part she loves her new school and teacher. It's good that we still have Brownies twice a month, because that's where the majority of here friends are and she can still see them. But she's made a few new friends at the new school as well, so that's good. <br />
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In short, both kid are where they need to be. Both kids have special needs of sorts, and I've placed them in classes that address that. GATE or Special Day, each class is geared to my son and daughter, respectively. I'm hoping that what I'm seeing during this first month continues all year!<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-24925302178358573062015-09-25T20:19:00.001-07:002015-09-27T07:23:12.753-07:00Pedal the Cause 2015 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDiG8v8HmQtqR0F5Fvs-FRV7jTfdGUjKs3ZE75zvvwmsYVJFwr0zPiHbfbZiEGoBAuFQp0Px9Ab-VCHK1XWb_EX_6VsTEpxiLVspB0gdmAsVISR4oE4OUzzUo8wUn9x_37nyRmOnYVSuQ/s1600/20150919_114435+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Last weekend I participated in <a href="http://sandiego.pedalthecause.org/">Pedal the Cause</a>, a fundraiser to raise money for cancer research. As of now, there are only two such rides---one in St. Louis, and the other here in San Diego. For the San Diego ride, 100% of the money stays here in San Diego and goes to <a href="http://sandiego.pedalthecause.org/who_we_are.jsp">four beneficiaries</a> who collaborate to try to find a cure for cancer. They had different ride options---10, 25, 50, 75, or 150 miles.<br />
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How did I get involved in this? Well, I wanted to give myself a big biking challenge. Last year <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/06/san-diego-century-ride-recap.html">I did my first century</a> and thought it would be a good idea to do another big ride. There are tons of different rides out there, different centuries, metric centuries, fundraisers, etc-- and Pedal the Cause (PTC) caught my eye. My friend Todd did the 50 miler last year and loved it. And cancer is a cause very near and dear to my heart. Just last year I lost my mom last year to ovarian cancer, and my husband lost his father to pancreatic cancer many years ago. Not only that, I have many friends who have been fighting cancer, and know so many who have won---and unfortunately, so many who have lost. I decided to sign up for the BIG challenge----150 miles, go big or go home!---and with that came a commitment to raise at least $2000. In the end, I raised over $3000! The ride would be long and hilly----from UCSD (the University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla) to Temecula, and then back the next day. 75 miles each day. They would put us up in tents for the night.<br />
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I had a good riding base from my half-Ironman in July, <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/07/ironman-703-vineman-race-recap.html">Vineman</a>, but had to kick up the training in the last few months. I trained the best I could given burnout (I was so burned out after Vineman!), family commitments and extreme heat. My longest training weekend was two weeks before---when I did 60 miles on Saturday and 40 miles on Sunday---but I did a lot of miles and hillwork. Looking back, I could have benefited from maybe one or two more longer rides. I trained a lot with Todd, and did some rides with some other friends, and sometimes on my own. On our last training ride, the weekend before PTC, Todd and I randomly met a couple, Kandy and Jim, at a stoplight (they had recognized Todd from seeing us out riding the previous weekend!). It turned out that they were also doing PTC and we rode with them for a bit before we went our own ways. We were looking forward to seeing them the following weekend.<br />
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The night before the ride, we had went to Petco Park for their kickoff party and packet pickup. Apparently this was new---they are now partnering with the San Diego Padres, so that was cool. I signed my waiver, and got my packet (number for my bike, etc) and my jersey. They had dinner for the whole family, a band, and an overall great vibe. Those people who had not yet made their fundraising commitment had to sign a paper acknowledging that they would be responsible for the balance if they didn't raise the money. I saw Todd and another friend of ours, Mike, and also met new people while standing in line. Then home to pack and early to bed! Not only did we have to pack biking clothes for Sunday, but also things for the overnight---toiletries, flip flops, warm clothes, and a pillow, sleeping bag and pad (tents were provided but were empty).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdwzEqayMpe-uMwh7NF2f08zBtu60HQzKgP1SMiyw6-g_Ygi4JKN5iIlxY93JgmOzo6dEaVBRyiweROnhbQhj7rxSXe-ltqk4mxYeW46O2CiO8CkgzMrqSYEhu__7qNMxUOKqG1s9Pvyg/s1600/20150918_183311.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdwzEqayMpe-uMwh7NF2f08zBtu60HQzKgP1SMiyw6-g_Ygi4JKN5iIlxY93JgmOzo6dEaVBRyiweROnhbQhj7rxSXe-ltqk4mxYeW46O2CiO8CkgzMrqSYEhu__7qNMxUOKqG1s9Pvyg/s320/20150918_183311.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at packet pickup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopnfHTmtIvN6cXlN2W3Vs2ZDHtSKTOiuMQX8ipPiJcI-6J7-6XOgA-GL_viG3FaAM9zVnsGDO3SAj4hHPSNQs6A9v0i7nZeftcRvs6y3uWcoQcSRT7_eqxE3HHsn6Y-M3KEyLeAZEkkiu/s1600/20150918_183215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopnfHTmtIvN6cXlN2W3Vs2ZDHtSKTOiuMQX8ipPiJcI-6J7-6XOgA-GL_viG3FaAM9zVnsGDO3SAj4hHPSNQs6A9v0i7nZeftcRvs6y3uWcoQcSRT7_eqxE3HHsn6Y-M3KEyLeAZEkkiu/s320/20150918_183215.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">empty stadium at Petco Park kickoff party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Todd picked me up at 6:00 a.m., and we made our way to UCSD. We parked, assemble our bikes, checked in our duffel bags, and made signs noting why we were riding. It was right there, before the ride even started, that I started to cry. Writing my mom's name down hurt so much. I miss her terribly. It was sobering seeing all the signs people were writing. There were also posters to sign that would be delivered to cancer patients at Children's Hospital. Very sobering. Soon it was time to get to the starting corral. Trevor Hoffman, former San Diego Padres pitcher, was there to see us off (he rode, too!) Happily, we ran into Kandy and Jim, and posed for some pictures before wishing each other luck and starting on the ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0AUoB5Z2YkmSm5HAm9GROvoSg1omVbbH_mh5qxH0gCESr_d7gTW6TtI86A2h_opkNn4lL38JLI0CmFb_7l8JmoxRaTSFUk9Lr5R1BZQaN7iUyZG0LHkS5VIzfbCCNBxwXOW2kZ8T-fvF/s1600/20150919_072012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0AUoB5Z2YkmSm5HAm9GROvoSg1omVbbH_mh5qxH0gCESr_d7gTW6TtI86A2h_opkNn4lL38JLI0CmFb_7l8JmoxRaTSFUk9Lr5R1BZQaN7iUyZG0LHkS5VIzfbCCNBxwXOW2kZ8T-fvF/s320/20150919_072012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHjhfzkclRkYTmt8SfMnF6ggzb2jB7336ZZAlq24d3Xibpap4Nne22P-udjn9n0wiPHDvZ63HxiJV-te1RlAHpAczK4gUno556ORQb_Tkk5ilL3NXzQCOCpNiNaBsJTyPtgGmkAKGC55n/s1600/20150919_071110.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHjhfzkclRkYTmt8SfMnF6ggzb2jB7336ZZAlq24d3Xibpap4Nne22P-udjn9n0wiPHDvZ63HxiJV-te1RlAHpAczK4gUno556ORQb_Tkk5ilL3NXzQCOCpNiNaBsJTyPtgGmkAKGC55n/s320/20150919_071110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd47uAB65nX3u24IRl0F5WE38aNHHaFdfW4qox2WJUan9MpDhbIoxvKZfWPRmmIRWGXLEJT_8wFyTOxCGMgEcBTeZf7K6f2HI7GHHhXWrIVVT6Cznr08FvzyBUEZif70dfEy8_oSkXqUh/s1600/20150919_072212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd47uAB65nX3u24IRl0F5WE38aNHHaFdfW4qox2WJUan9MpDhbIoxvKZfWPRmmIRWGXLEJT_8wFyTOxCGMgEcBTeZf7K6f2HI7GHHhXWrIVVT6Cznr08FvzyBUEZif70dfEy8_oSkXqUh/s320/20150919_072212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Todd pre-ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSYC5sgktFlFgT8CkCCZ7UWLUjGMV1IGmmthY5sa3q-YaXFEXaXa2v-E6zENrp3KAwsj3FYEThyphenhyphenqdFqhUwJQTyAksbd0H8nBx5WkGPbaIdE_AQAou7MJ5-3T7AghDjTUap3FG4dxCYGW6/s1600/20150919_072805.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSYC5sgktFlFgT8CkCCZ7UWLUjGMV1IGmmthY5sa3q-YaXFEXaXa2v-E6zENrp3KAwsj3FYEThyphenhyphenqdFqhUwJQTyAksbd0H8nBx5WkGPbaIdE_AQAou7MJ5-3T7AghDjTUap3FG4dxCYGW6/s320/20150919_072805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Kandy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj18vJQ0qjSC7TBY68QQmayJtBSgiPeWZZBqgyoLxQEwwMJG3WTU0hwF2NYxtEk-ZpF0RqeBGGlNq7dhO2ftVF5HMf0fvJwZozRvzstqWi1i9I3L6ziSGfXVUHQP65597K0l7woXQMrp8/s1600/revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj18vJQ0qjSC7TBY68QQmayJtBSgiPeWZZBqgyoLxQEwwMJG3WTU0hwF2NYxtEk-ZpF0RqeBGGlNq7dhO2ftVF5HMf0fvJwZozRvzstqWi1i9I3L6ziSGfXVUHQP65597K0l7woXQMrp8/s320/revised.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reason for riding. Already crying before the ride even started.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3ElrOs1YVq_OUgvIsXvAqs2OyJgoQFZ2VcMQKQlQQF0rFeUdpWj1XP4m4AFtxrCsYcQvpLNXOPRwVc3i9HBhLSFow_sDyj5lF2J0FvisT5fCkaJHDrEi9zXLzChHMbIh6SnmzKlD57F/s1600/20150919_073027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3ElrOs1YVq_OUgvIsXvAqs2OyJgoQFZ2VcMQKQlQQF0rFeUdpWj1XP4m4AFtxrCsYcQvpLNXOPRwVc3i9HBhLSFow_sDyj5lF2J0FvisT5fCkaJHDrEi9zXLzChHMbIh6SnmzKlD57F/s320/20150919_073027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevor Hoffman, giving a pep talk</td></tr>
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<br />
I'm not going to do a mile-by-mile description. First, there were too many miles to do so! But second, it all became a blur.
I had 150 miles to cover and it was hot. I mean, HOT. Triple digit
temperatures. As it was a ride, not a race, I didn't need to prove
anything to myself. I'm a slower cyclist to begin with, but I made a
decision to take it extra slow during the weekend. I just wanted to
complete the ride safely. My goal became to make it from one aid
station to the next. Most of them had snacks (ie pretzels, licorice, and chips) but one had lunch, a pizza truck making brick fired pizza. As the stops went on (and I stopped at ALL of them) I started to sit longer, savoring the shade, getting a cup of ice to eat, and pouring ice down my sport bra. I get hot very easily, and there were times on the ride I thought I was going to faint, it was so hot. So I did the best I could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESok2Z0nO7UdOjBoow5o25iGaYZOut_gG5Lk2ibJ7HMdWjqPmPJEJT4bRbDVz8LEL0nZoiySiyTSIOEBsWnFj7T2svawM5xdeQlJH4kAobSGV212jer0pICTrcF49KYfwrZQy8JMXpEJs/s1600/20150919_114432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAWNvGrm-1U3VmFWqyuWXI6A0As8A559-FCm6Tf-J6SbrwmVE1a0GCnUnM77LtYXc5MFNGWquKiyTq2ZH3xjaIPjsqSu1KUyRhoSV9rP7B2h3Fi4BWW5nyOXKM12I5Icet7IUMcxwKln7/s1600/20150919_090628+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAWNvGrm-1U3VmFWqyuWXI6A0As8A559-FCm6Tf-J6SbrwmVE1a0GCnUnM77LtYXc5MFNGWquKiyTq2ZH3xjaIPjsqSu1KUyRhoSV9rP7B2h3Fi4BWW5nyOXKM12I5Icet7IUMcxwKln7/s320/20150919_090628+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mile 19. first aid station, and feeling great.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkigi_VCNXOGj_eDZSVL6cR2j9M6JENabxe5myZmi_WmwswnEB4s6_mkV76UB0rB4xUgFNnNc7edMD6U6J39jXzEVWI_2Ms53us-TK5ureOmKfYwx0X-4xU6CK3_md340oxia8Bj0v4Fz/s1600/20150919_114448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
So I kept my pace, and met tons of people along the way. The stories I heard made me cry. I met a woman who lost her husband a few years ago to lung cancer (he had never smoked). I met a woman whose best friend died of melanoma last year. I met team from Missouri who had also biked through Texas, raising $1M for cancer research. EVERY SINGLE PERSON RIDING had a reason to be there, a personal connection to cancer, and had raised money for the cause. Lots of of tears were shed while biking, and I was not immune. I talked a lot to my mother during the ride, asking her for strength to get through.<br />
<br />
I wore my Ironman Vineman 70.3 jersey the first day (I wore the PTC jersey on day 2) and got tons of comments. I was the only one I saw in an Ironman jersey, and people kept referring to me at the Iron Girl, etc. It definitely made me well-known on the course, and helped to keep my spirits up! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkigi_VCNXOGj_eDZSVL6cR2j9M6JENabxe5myZmi_WmwswnEB4s6_mkV76UB0rB4xUgFNnNc7edMD6U6J39jXzEVWI_2Ms53us-TK5ureOmKfYwx0X-4xU6CK3_md340oxia8Bj0v4Fz/s1600/20150919_114448.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkigi_VCNXOGj_eDZSVL6cR2j9M6JENabxe5myZmi_WmwswnEB4s6_mkV76UB0rB4xUgFNnNc7edMD6U6J39jXzEVWI_2Ms53us-TK5ureOmKfYwx0X-4xU6CK3_md340oxia8Bj0v4Fz/s320/20150919_114448.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lunch. hot and dying of heat.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDiG8v8HmQtqR0F5Fvs-FRV7jTfdGUjKs3ZE75zvvwmsYVJFwr0zPiHbfbZiEGoBAuFQp0Px9Ab-VCHK1XWb_EX_6VsTEpxiLVspB0gdmAsVISR4oE4OUzzUo8wUn9x_37nyRmOnYVSuQ/s1600/20150919_114435+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDiG8v8HmQtqR0F5Fvs-FRV7jTfdGUjKs3ZE75zvvwmsYVJFwr0zPiHbfbZiEGoBAuFQp0Px9Ab-VCHK1XWb_EX_6VsTEpxiLVspB0gdmAsVISR4oE4OUzzUo8wUn9x_37nyRmOnYVSuQ/s320/20150919_114435+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">praying for strength?</td></tr>
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<br />
The last 30 miles or so were awful. It was so hot, and very, very hilly. There was carnage all over the roads. People stopped on the side, sitting in the shade. People resting on the ground. People catching rides to the camp, as they were too exhausted or dehydrated or cramping up to continue. I was so thankful for the plentiful aid stations and the numerous volunteers who were there to assist. I was drinking a lot, taking my salts, and pouring water over my head every few minutes, but the heat and hills were very wearing. There's a few big climbs, and before each of them I'd stop to steel myself for the job that had to be done to get up. By this time, I had caught up to Todd (he was ahead of me the first half of the ride) so it was great to bike with a friend! Finally, FINALLY, we crested the last hills and made to the rider camp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RMTd9iixmBqCOz3zP-C6goyVC6FtLvWjp-WwcLXkn6CNJ5o4owxUb-hR4BWRCVY8rgZWx0tZgyIkRLz4NnNA6W9owzgFpfE6L1sc_PluTud6ZbClzQwEO-OwF9tyLJUAw2f2t6m_DLw-/s1600/20150919_164734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RMTd9iixmBqCOz3zP-C6goyVC6FtLvWjp-WwcLXkn6CNJ5o4owxUb-hR4BWRCVY8rgZWx0tZgyIkRLz4NnNA6W9owzgFpfE6L1sc_PluTud6ZbClzQwEO-OwF9tyLJUAw2f2t6m_DLw-/s320/20150919_164734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGTKqtNbSvjKmuocOz2Jf-C3fNO4-Nx-UZvQm6jp6I8VdBZhVeclo4NQVuIrjcYXNIC-8tbdAqVk14YG6PkGwWiGq4SguPWchaAs8UT7RLNTRqdPRAot-ay95R0avFExptnP6hDqXE4N/s1600/20150919_164736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGTKqtNbSvjKmuocOz2Jf-C3fNO4-Nx-UZvQm6jp6I8VdBZhVeclo4NQVuIrjcYXNIC-8tbdAqVk14YG6PkGwWiGq4SguPWchaAs8UT7RLNTRqdPRAot-ay95R0avFExptnP6hDqXE4N/s320/20150919_164736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK540MBOM-sxB6T5Ljak3VUq2gWx-Fpbe2ElTgZ6na6Mzj4ULijZIaJPMdhUtoAhdJS-PpxhW8AO-iOfFcgENHPNXXoovGFWJ6yiwWMtGIg8AjChbgruyifV64CA3vIU0UR5uFF0SjDSUC/s1600/20150920_064745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK540MBOM-sxB6T5Ljak3VUq2gWx-Fpbe2ElTgZ6na6Mzj4ULijZIaJPMdhUtoAhdJS-PpxhW8AO-iOfFcgENHPNXXoovGFWJ6yiwWMtGIg8AjChbgruyifV64CA3vIU0UR5uFF0SjDSUC/s320/20150920_064745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">charging station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0nlcE-UQkQT_kTP36cmTz2pa30j9JyJTV-rD-LME8KhiTwhFhV1uw2hWoK-aSNEb5xlriZqALcv6s4_DWEg_-AD_3pCRieAQ4ZOzzwCB1UqNCZf_AaiBQyW_RgL7_lCKEi286qA6fSqf/s1600/20150919_165135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0nlcE-UQkQT_kTP36cmTz2pa30j9JyJTV-rD-LME8KhiTwhFhV1uw2hWoK-aSNEb5xlriZqALcv6s4_DWEg_-AD_3pCRieAQ4ZOzzwCB1UqNCZf_AaiBQyW_RgL7_lCKEi286qA6fSqf/s320/20150919_165135.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">panoramic view of the tent city</td></tr>
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<br />
As soon as we rolled in to the camp (to our names announced and people cheering) volunteers took our bikes. Good! I didn't want to see it for over 12 hours. I saw my friend Mike and went over to say hi....then went straight for the massage tent to make an appointment. Coincidentally, at that moment someone didn't show up for their massage, so I was able to go right then! I still had my helmet in my hand and bike shoes on, but I didn't care! I went over to the massage tent and had a nice 15 minute massage, which felt great on my sore muscles. Next, I found my tent (each rider had their own two-person tent--our duffel bags were already delivered inside!) and made my way to the trailer that contained hot showers. Ah.......the shower felt great! (As a side note, PTC did provide each tent with two towels, which I used, but I also brought a towel from home. I'm glad I did).<br />
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Massaged, showered and happy, I found Mike again. He was with his friends, drinking beer---and informed me that they had run out of beer. <i>WHAT?!?!?</i> I literally had been dreaming of a cold beer for the last 2 hours. I was so upset! One of his friends offered me what was left in his cup and I greedily drank it, then I went back to my tent to "unpack". They had a tent set up with power strips, so I put my phone and Garmin on to charge up. After that, it was "happy hour' at camp (we had missed the lunch served since we didn't get in until 4:30!) and we sat on a big grassy area outside, listening to a live band. They had snack food, but I was too nauseous to eat. I wanted beer! They did have wine, but I didn't want that. Lots of people had their families there...something I had considered, but when I mapped it, it was 90 minutes from my house. I didn't want J to have to drive 3 hours round-trip with the kids to see me for a few hours! Soon, there was more beer--- they had made a trip and had bottles and cans---and that made everyone happy. By this time, Todd had showered and joined us, and we relaxed on the grass, drinking beer and listening to the great band.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuqLB7p_pDmGjsPVVi1tiJ6zfUdTm6dITPPX5m5_NObJot9UpE0fnfEJFbqnwfqtltvSg8wRaK2uuEWY3EBtqebTZRz6yadyAERhCpW00TghAJyCAR4VY9VCZ-uTZDBRfZhmWuWWC2c89/s1600/12009585_10153191470271134_2431144227277808464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuqLB7p_pDmGjsPVVi1tiJ6zfUdTm6dITPPX5m5_NObJot9UpE0fnfEJFbqnwfqtltvSg8wRaK2uuEWY3EBtqebTZRz6yadyAERhCpW00TghAJyCAR4VY9VCZ-uTZDBRfZhmWuWWC2c89/s320/12009585_10153191470271134_2431144227277808464_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">relaxing with Todd and Mike--finally with beer</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Next was dinner. They had a great buffet, and even some vegetarian options. Some people spoke, which was really moving. Listening to them speak was very poignant to me. It made me realize that I was part of something bigger than myself, that I was doing something good. The sense of family in the tent was amazing. In fact, the sense of family throughout the entire two days was strong. I've done so many races, and there is is always a sense of camaraderie on the courses...but here, this weekend, the feeling went beyond camaraderie. It felt like family. The feeling in the air is impossible for me to describe, but I felt it in every cell of my body. We were all in it together. After the speakers, they had dessert, but I skipped it in order to get to bed. I was in bed by 8 (although I slept fitfully).<br />
<br />
I woke early, and went to the tent to get breakfast. There I ran into Kandy. She told me that Jim was not able to ride back, as he had been having severe leg cramps all night long, and asked if she could ride back with me. While I was concerned and upset for Jim, I was thrilled to have Kandy's company. We finished eating, I packed up my belongings, pumped air in my tires, and was ready to roll at the kick-off time of 7:00 (after getting a picture with Trevor Hoffman!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDRUAsdXS7QxcIAAbj5cVCtYMAq-ICcFVbf55Xwv8hZoHGygD1lYQE2f28o9RUuqvFgEdhofJZO6OvX3vnCJLT5MnJ_M94khdae3rTEzOUfibI-mt2FBviR2bZjCrhRpmqaxUgtkDkpoy/s1600/20150920_065402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDRUAsdXS7QxcIAAbj5cVCtYMAq-ICcFVbf55Xwv8hZoHGygD1lYQE2f28o9RUuqvFgEdhofJZO6OvX3vnCJLT5MnJ_M94khdae3rTEzOUfibI-mt2FBviR2bZjCrhRpmqaxUgtkDkpoy/s320/20150920_065402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the name of camp---Camp Pedalton</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBjxJs2O9NMP0efLgmxy1GDtG0bh-BKgwGcspX6LI8oD0M7EaiizJsnksw-pu-8rJUON_pQ9l34-E-qJZn6Hfh2DdVbp0ORXyyOLy1a18jJ90b9c8B-0DUjsqu1_qKgUVkf5Vb2mUF64c/s1600/20150920_065854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBjxJs2O9NMP0efLgmxy1GDtG0bh-BKgwGcspX6LI8oD0M7EaiizJsnksw-pu-8rJUON_pQ9l34-E-qJZn6Hfh2DdVbp0ORXyyOLy1a18jJ90b9c8B-0DUjsqu1_qKgUVkf5Vb2mUF64c/s320/20150920_065854.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Trevor Hoffman</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
My legs were already sore from Day 1, and I was exhausted from the heat and lack of sleep. But I still had 75 miles to ride back! Kandy and I started together, and did the entire ride together. The first several miles were great---it was cool and there was a lot of downhill---but soon, at about mile 30, there was a huge, nasty hill that was maybe about 1.5 miles long (West Lilac). I got up to almost the top of it, and then, with .25 mile to go, I had to get off my bike and walk it up the rest of the way. My lower back was beginning to ache, and my left calf was starting to cramp. I could have probably pushed through---it wasn't too much further---but at what cost? Even pushing my bike up that portion was brutal. By this time, the sun was out in full force and I was shaking with heat exhaustion and sobbing at the effot. I finally got up the to top where Kandy was waiting, and we rode another few miles to the next aid station where I sucked down lots of ice to try to cool my core.<br />
<br />
From this point forward, all I wanted to do was get home. There were tons of people getting rides back---people were cramped, or had heat exhaustion---but I knew I could get home. The route back was different from the way there----and had about about half the elevation gain---but it was still hot! Eventually we got to the coast, at the Oceanside Harbor, and we went south. Even though it was still so hot, at least we had an ocean breeze at this point. That made all the difference. We still stopped at all the aid stations on the coast, eating ice, refilling our bottles, but it didn't seem as much as a death march from that point on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXTtQDry142FuZGlfjoDe8Ubz3ItI7YnQUrjntDUBDPQDnMPqP5nl9KJsUWlfGqWbUZPQVa4Aql95tFhdkg5RkMcw8W9mmHBp7Qf5nkkUWhf8tZhfrXpbB02tZqBhb5_YvcjY_1QjM4JU/s1600/20150920_110248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXTtQDry142FuZGlfjoDe8Ubz3ItI7YnQUrjntDUBDPQDnMPqP5nl9KJsUWlfGqWbUZPQVa4Aql95tFhdkg5RkMcw8W9mmHBp7Qf5nkkUWhf8tZhfrXpbB02tZqBhb5_YvcjY_1QjM4JU/s320/20150920_110248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my reasons for riding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
At mile 70 (of 75) we had to go back UP the Torrey Pines hill. This is a 1.5 mile steep hill. I've done this hill a gazillion times, but never with so many miles under my belt. To make things "interesting" they had a contest where they were timing people for a mile of the hill (there was a timing chip in the bike bib number). They had signs up the hill saying "3/4 mile to go" or "500 feet to go" etc...and lots of cheerleaders along the way. I just focused on getting to the top---I wasn't going to walk this one---and was so glad when I did. There was an aid station at top where a volunteer poured an entire bottle of ice water down my back. Man, that felt good!<br />
<br />
<br />
From that point on, it was just a few more miles to the finish. Kandy and I did it together, and crossed the finish line together. I was thrilled to see not only my husband and kids there, but a few other dear friends who surprised me to come cheer us on. Todd had finished 45 minutes before, and was there too. As soon as we finished, Kandy and I got off our bikes and started sobbing, giving each other a big hug. I could NOT have done this return ride without her---she was amazing, and even though we just met, over the 7 hours we were together we became good friends. It's amazing how much you disclose on a run or bike ride----the saying "what happens on a run/bike ride, stays on the run/bike ride" is true! Then I saw my family and friends, and was able to give hugs and pose for pictures. I was delirious at this point with the heat and exhaustion, and at one point was looking for Todd, and he was literally right in front of me! I didn't even see him. After refueling on delicious BBQ and a cold beer, I was ready to pack up and go home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnb85u47VfxyDzVgBHw62TlkooqCF_nYp4AKcO8l1y4mYDM2vem2X9aBK5s1lXeEPFf8TPwhXB7OVwefjjI05UDqq2TLSGssE0cja5lvIwFaREoyZ7rywqza_Nc057Rza9MPCeIbj_Ne/s1600/20150920_141554.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnb85u47VfxyDzVgBHw62TlkooqCF_nYp4AKcO8l1y4mYDM2vem2X9aBK5s1lXeEPFf8TPwhXB7OVwefjjI05UDqq2TLSGssE0cja5lvIwFaREoyZ7rywqza_Nc057Rza9MPCeIbj_Ne/s320/20150920_141554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-ride with Kandy, Jim and Todd</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Will I do this ride next year? Absolutely, as long as there are no family commitments that interfere. The cause was so special to me, and I loved knowing that my efforts contributed to cancer research.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQMCLbikrEjYDCrAQK4YrfrS8-knbKtyxoGo2_arWmgjOxpQu_winm8EXVlfgiConkf2ZugAd_d4XYxrKStPx78jj3I8oZ99gBR0o4DpBmDJ-z8ihFvETUvWQ4t56M0hSUbk_e1Uc3dH9/s1600/20150920_142718.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQMCLbikrEjYDCrAQK4YrfrS8-knbKtyxoGo2_arWmgjOxpQu_winm8EXVlfgiConkf2ZugAd_d4XYxrKStPx78jj3I8oZ99gBR0o4DpBmDJ-z8ihFvETUvWQ4t56M0hSUbk_e1Uc3dH9/s320/20150920_142718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ and beer. Awesome post-ride fare!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1mQGkT8mrXC9WJJSGbWyKB65hL6xiJi06PPLVCxtUzp-5ZoDOb6fqc1_7c1eXeo_VCJuk562M4eDI516tOMkGq90uwQ2SJbcihJWe08LylbkJVWcc2Ok7PsjIypvl3r8xF_rQI6T9IrA/s1600/20150920_142022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
This was one of the hardest things I've ever done, which is saying a lot. I've done so many tough events---many triathlons, including 3 half-Ironmans, 20-some half-marathons, a full marathon, a century ride, 2.4 mile ocean swims---and while each was one was tough, THIS event I think was the toughest. The amount of hills (over 8000 feet of elevation gain when all was said and done).....the triple digit heat....the emotions thinking about my mom, father-in-law, and all the friends and family I have had that have won or lost their battles. Whenever I really down, I thought how this was only two days of my life, and that this was nothing compared to chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. I am proud of myself and my fellow riders for getting through this grueling ride, and look forward to it again---and hopefully raising even more money! I can't say enough about this ride. Except for running out of beer at the first finish line (which they remedied), everything was perfectly well-run----plenty of signage, volunteers, food and drink. Massage and hot showers! Upgraded trailer port-o-potties! Charging stations for electronics! We were treated very well. I'll be back!<br />
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In the meantime, I'm dreaming of a world without cancer.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-60265426455902970892015-09-16T14:54:00.000-07:002015-09-16T16:02:49.469-07:00My First DNF (Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim Race Recap)I have a lot to catch up on----the new school year, life these days, the recent Bike the Bay event---but I wanted to write about a swim race I did a few weeks ago that ended up being my first DNF. It was the <a href="http://www.labordaypierswim.com/">Oceanside Labor Day 1 Mile Pier Swim</a>.<br />
<br />
DNF stands for Did Not Finish.<br />
<br />
The back story:<br />
<br />
I have done the Tiki Swim (a 2.4 mile ocean swim race) the past two years in a row. <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/09/tiki-swim-race-recap-14.html">When I did it last year</a>, I decided that I likely wouldn't do it again. It was very hard for me last year to get through the waves, and while I was proud of myself for finishing, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/09/tiki-swim-race-recap.html">the year before</a>. But then my friend Leo, who has done it every year and is a legacy swimmer for the race, got deployed to Afghanistan. He had already paid for his entry, and asked me if I would do it for him. I immediately said yes----if he could serve our country, I could swim 2.4 miles for him---and he contacted the director, who transferred the entry.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I had signed up for the new Spring Classic 3k Swim as part of my half-Ironman training. <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/06/spring-classic-3k-swim-race-recap.html">It was another very tough swim for me</a>, complete with a lifeguard rescue. But then it was announced that, starting this year, if a swimmer completes all three swims (the Spring Classic, the Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim, and the Tiki Swim), it would be part of the new "Trident Series" and an extra medal would be given out at the end. Having been part of such series before in the running community, such as San Diego's Triple Crown series and Orange County's Beach Cities Challenge, this was right up my alley. Since I was already doing two of three races, I signed up for the third. And with only a mile swim, how bad could it be?<br />
<br />
The thing is, waves scare me. I've written on the blog before about how ever since going through the 6 foot waves at <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/10/superfrog-half-ironman-race-recap.html">my first half-Ironman, Superfrog</a>, I've been scared of big waves. Small waves I can handle, and in fact just volunteered as a swim buddy in the ocean at the Solana Beach Triathon a month ago (my third year in a row doing this). But big waves scare me. The week before, my friend Marianne met me in the ocean and helped me practice, giving me a good tip to go UNDER the waves, not through them. I was still nervous, but felt much better about handling waves.<br />
<br />
Race day came, and I arrived in Oceanside bright and early, easily finding parking by the transit center. I checked in, got my timing chip, cap, and my hand marked with my number. I went to look at the ocean, and it was calm. I was very early, so I sat on a curb just watching the waves. Before my eyes they got bigger and bigger. I saw two people get rescued by lifeguards, and this was before the race started!<br />
<br />
By the time the race started, the waves were huge. Easily 6 feet tall, or higher. And the current was STRONG! The start was a few hundred feet south of the Oceanside Pier. The first wave of people charged into the water, and within two minutes they were pulled right next to the pier! The waves (of people) were supposed to go off every 3 minutes---I was supposed to start at 7:39---but because so many people were in trouble, and the lifeguards were helping, they had to wait until the lifeguards came back. I watched the next two waves (I was in the fourth wave) have issues. Finally, my wave was sent to cross the start line, at about 8:11. It took that long to get the lifeguards back---and they were already exhausted. I was scared, but decided to try.<br />
<br />
As I ran into the water, I got pushed back by a small wave. It was small, but powerful! Very strong currents. I started to walk toward the big waves, and then suddenly stopped. I didn't want to do this. I felt no joy, no excitement, no sense of adventure. I only felt fear. I did NOT want to be there.<br />
<br />
So, I got out of the water.<br />
<br />
I felt disgusted with myself---I'm no quitter---so I got back in. As I waded in again, the same thing happened. I realized that it was ok to stop. Could I have gotten through the big waves? Yes. I've been through waves like that before. But I hate them, and didn't want to. I was also nervous about the return. Even if I got through the waves, and made the turn around the pier and came back to shore, I'd have to fight the waves crashing down on me.<br />
<br />
No thank you.<br />
<br />
So I decided to quit. It wasn't an "A" race for me, and I didn't really care about it. I told a lifeguard that it wasn't worth the struggle, and he thanked me for being safe. I had to give him my race number, so they knew I was ok, and as he wrote it down I saw the list was long. I turned in my timing chip, and came home.<br />
<br />
Later, I saw <a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/07/big-waves-challenge-86th-annual-labor-day-pier/">this news story</a>. I was far from the only person who walked away. Apparently, 355 people started the race, and 282 finished, meaning that 73 people walked away. That's huge.<br />
<br />
And <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NBCSanDiego/videos/10153602633819609/?pnref=story">check out this video from the race</a>. These yellow-capped swimmers were in the wave immediately before mine.<br />
<br />
I also decided not to do Tiki this year. Without completing the Trident Series, it seemed pointless to do so, especially since I was ambivalent about doing it in the first place. I transferred my bib to a new friend who has never done it before.<br />
<br />
I may do this series again one day--=who knows, maybe next year?--but only if I get more confident in big waves. Until then, I'll stick to smaller waves and the bay. And while there's a small part of me disappointed in myself for quitting, the majority of me is proud of myself for knowing when I was at my limit, and taking care of myself.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-70337683502619721062015-07-16T14:32:00.001-07:002015-07-16T14:46:14.145-07:00Ironman 70.3 Vineman Race Recap<br />
Well, my third half-Ironman is in the books! I just returned home from racing in <a href="http://www.vineman.com/Ironman_70_3_Vineman.htm">Ironman 70.3 Vineman</a>. It was an amazing race, and it lived up to its hype as a bucket-list race. I believe it sold out in something like 7 minutes, and now I know why---it's a gorgeous course, well-organized race, and spectacular in every sense.<br />
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Disclaimer: I have a lot to say, and probably should spread this out over a few posts, but in my usual fashion, I'd like to have it all together in one post. I like to put as much detail as possible....not only do I like to refer back to my race recaps sometimes, but I know it can help others. When I signed up for Vineman last November, I read other blog recaps, and it really helped me knowing as much as possible beforehand. I am also going to write a little about my trip up to Sonoma County. If you just want a race recap, keep scrolling down.<br />
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A big shout-out to a few people who really helped me prepare. First, <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">my dear friend Steve</a>, who coached and trained me yet again for this race, and prepared me far better than I could have prepared myself. And two other friends, <a href="https://tribeccato.wordpress.com/">Becca</a> and <a href="http://lisaserrano23.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a>, who have each done Vineman before (more than once!) gave me many tips on what to expect with everything from logistics to the course. All three of them are Ironman finishers and have great blogs, which I've linked to, so check them out!<br />
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<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/07/vineman-703-t-minus-5-days.html">I was a bit nervous going into this race.</a> I had race two half-Ironman distances before (<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/10/superfrog-half-ironman-race-recap.html">Superfrog</a> [which was then unbranded but has since been bought out by Ironman] in 2012, and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/ironman-703-califoria-oceanside-race.html">Ironman California Oceanside</a> in 2014). Having done this twice before, I knew I was in for a long day. In both of those races, I had tough swims, but felt ok coming off the bike....only to bonk on the run. Part of that, I believe, was swallowing too much salt water on the swim, making me too nauseous to eat on the bike. I was determined not to let that happen again. I felt strong going into the race. <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">Steve</a> had given me a training plan that really pushed me, and with his coaching I felt more ready than ever. I wanted to do well, but as I wrote in my last blog post, I knew that even if I didn't perform well, I had trained my best.<br />
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<u>THE DAYS BEFORE</u></div>
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I'd never done a triathlon, of any length, out of town. I'd done some half marathons away, which are stressful enough, making sure I don't forget anything. A triathlon, especially one of this length, is a different beast. I was in a tizzy in the days before, making detailed packing lists for all things I would need to swim, bike and run 70.3 miles (not to mention the packing needed for a week away!). I had to remind myself that the most important things to pack were my bike and bike shoes---that anything else I forgot, even running shoes or a helmet, I could buy at a sports store up there or at the expo. Fortunately, I didn't forget anything. Type A personality for the win! </div>
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My son, D, is at sleep-away camp for a few weeks, so it was just me, my husband, J, and my daughter, A, making the drive. We had to get from San Diego to Guerneville, which is where we were staying (and where the race started). Because the drive would take upwards of nine hours, we decided to split the drive into two days. We left on Wednesday, and drove up to Paso Robles. This was a quaint little town that I had never been to before. We ate at a nice sushi restaurant, got treats at the local chocolate store, and walked around their park area. I also went to the hotel gym and got a little spin on their recumbent bike. Although I had my bike with me, I didn't feel comfortable riding in an area I didn't know (and I didn't have room in the car to bring my trainer). After some pool time, we called it a night and went to bed.</div>
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Thursday we continued the drive up to Guerneville. The weather started to get very cool and even rainy. I was shocked---normally the weather for the race is in the 90s, and I was expecting the temperature to be 90-100, so cool and rainy definitely wasn't expected. I was glad that I had thrown a few long-sleeved shirts and jackets in our suitcases at the last minute! We reached the Bay Area, drove across the Golden Gate Bridge in the rain, and finally made it to Guerneville. I was thankful for the rain and cool weather---it was even cold and rainy enough to turn on the gas fireplace in our room! We stayed in a hotel within walking distance of everything---the town, restaurants, and swim start. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the rain</td></tr>
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After checking in, we walked across the bridge, which crosses the Russian River. Immediately on the other side I saw a sign that said "Johnson's Beach"....which is where the swim start would be. I got so excited and nervous! I went down to the beach to feel the water with my hand---it felt warm, which made me relax. I hate swimming in cold water! We then walked around town a bit (which really consists of one main street!) and ate dinner at the <a href="http://www.thejuicypig.net/">Juicy Pig</a> (yes, I found something vegetarian there, the most delicious flatbread I'd ever had!) I also had a beer, which I wasn't planning on but as it was only Thursday night, and my race was a few days away I felt justified (don't tell my coach!) Dinner was delicious!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this made my heart beat faster!</td></tr>
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Friday morning we got up and drove the bike course. We drove the entire 56 miles, from Johnson's Beach in Guerneville to Windsor High School in Windsor. We ended up getting lost in the middle, but it was ok because the area is so gorgeous! Seriously, I was enchanted by the course. The majority of the miles (maybe 50 or so of the 56 miles) are through vineyards. On either side, for as far as the eye can see, are vineyards and wineries. Most of the course has recently been repaved (and I heard that the remainder should be repaved for next year). The course is supposed to be about 2000 feet of elevation gain. Most of it was winding roads and rollers, with tons of technical turns. There were two climbs of that I made a mental note of: one at about mile 5.5, after turning onto Sunset Avenue, and one at mile 44, the famous Chalk Hill climb. But neither seemed daunting to me, and, at least while driving it, I knew I could do it.<br />
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After we ended up in Windsor, we ate lunch nearby the high school in old downtown Windsor. We ended up in an Indian restaurant called the <a href="http://himalayankabobandcurryhouse.com/">Himalayan</a>. It was good! Then we went back to the cottage. I really wanted a practice swim in the Russian River, so I suited up (I brought both of my wetsuits...I planned on wearing my sleeveless during the race, so I brought my full to the practice, as I didn't care if it dried out in time). I messaged a guy from my local tri club, and met him at Johnson's Beach. I'd heard how rocky the beach was, and when I got there I was glad I had bought throw-away flip-flops to wear pre-race. The rocks hurt my feet! After suiting up, we ventured in. The rocks continued into the water--ouch! The water is shallow, and I was able to walk in pretty far. The water seemed cool to me, and at first I was worried about wearing my sleeveless wetsuit on race day, but I warmed up pretty quickly. He and I swam roughly 500 yards, which was plenty to give me a feel for the river. I'd never swam in fresh water before, only the salty water of the ocean or bay, and it felt different. I can't explain it, but I just liked it better. </div>
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That night we went to dinner in Sonoma with an old college friend of mine. He was a great friend of mine throughout college and beyond, but I hadn't seen him since his wedding in 1998. Now I got to introduce him to my husband and daughter, and I got to meet his wife and five kids! It was a perfect way to end the day, and I'm grateful he made the drive to meet me.</div>
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<u>ATHLETE CHECK IN</u></div>
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Saturday morning was packet pickup. We drove back to Windsor High School, where we hoped to see the first video showing. Every athlete must attend a video screening, where they talk about the course. You can't check in without seeing the video. The first screening was at 9:30, and I really wanted to get it all over with. We got to the high school at about 9:15, took some pictures at the finish line, and waited in line until they let people into the gym at 9:30. There we watched a 15 minute video, which went over certain aspects of the race, and listened to a race director give some last minute tips and warnings. When the video was over, we got our hands stamped by volunteers, and only then were we able to go to the multi-purpose room to check in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting to see the video</td></tr>
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Check in was so easy! At Oceanside last year, it seemed I had to sign a million waivers and stop at tons of different tables. At Vineman, there were only three stops. The first was to show my driver's license and get a red wristband placed (this showed that I was a registered athlete, and would let me into the transition areas). Next, I was sent over to a table (tables were divided by race numbers, so they weren't crowded). There I got a packet containing my timing chip, bib, number stickers for my helmet and bike, a clear plastic bag for my swim gear, and my cap [which happened to be silver, just like at Oceanside!)]). I also had to pick out a timing strap. That was it! No extra waivers to sign, no stopping a a gazillion different tables. The last stop was outside the multi-purpose room, where I was given my race t-shirt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what they give you to put all your swim gear in</td></tr>
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Then it was time to set up my T2 (bike to run transition). T2 is at Windsor High School, where the packet pickup/expo is, and athletes have the opportunity to set this up the day before the race. I HIGHLY recommend this, as otherwise you need to do this race morning---and T2 is nowhere near the swim start. Therefore, if you're doing this race, make sure to bring your run gear to packet pickup. Transition is toward the back of the high school; racks are assigned by age group. My group, women 45-49, was racked in rack 11, right where the entrance to T2 was. Yes! I knew it would be easy to find, even in a post-bike stupor, and as my son is 11 years old, the number 11 would be easy to remember. I set up my run stuff, which consisted of a transition towel, running shoes, an extra pair of socks, tank top, visor, 2 <a href="http://www.froggtoggs.com/cooling.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwiZitBRCy0pb3rIbG9XwSJACmuvvzPKPGG5d8sK-YtVAfxdtZx-bqtNsXNsk0dyTWaQVvnhoCO1nw_wcB">Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads</a> (actually one towel, cut in half), and my fuel belt (stocked with <a href="http://www.baseperformance.com/product/base-electrolyte-salt/">Base Salt</a>, my migraine medications, a tube of Pepto Bismol tablets, a <a href="http://www.goldenpicklejuice.com/">shot of pickle juice</a>, one Gu, and 4 flasks of water). They gave all athletes another little plastic bag, which we could use if we want. I just put my shoes and visor in there, to keep them together, as they were the most important things to me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T2 ready for the morning</td></tr>
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After triple checking that everything looked ok for my T2, I headed to the Ironman tent. There I bought momentos from Vineman---both the short-and long-sleeved versions of the race shirt with everyone's name in the M-dot on the back; a visor; a biking jersey; and a coffee mug. They had displays for finisher shirts, but as they weren't on sale until race day, I told J to buy me one once he knew I was safely on the run course.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the finish line, a day early. Loved the wine casks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MmM2v5gHj3CeaYWYR157RA91Tbp4EMWjb9pBaapffBlCLcQ3l9cUhTK04BwcuYZ6STpYV6ah4wU2KkN5OnDS3DqUtt2Px1JNaeq5KCInU3b3l5xJw29mmBjv1Rhlw-QeixRSg8akQNdg/s1600/vineman25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MmM2v5gHj3CeaYWYR157RA91Tbp4EMWjb9pBaapffBlCLcQ3l9cUhTK04BwcuYZ6STpYV6ah4wU2KkN5OnDS3DqUtt2Px1JNaeq5KCInU3b3l5xJw29mmBjv1Rhlw-QeixRSg8akQNdg/s320/vineman25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flags at the high school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweGwkX2QFStui2u3Kx9QKv6pE5pBlmQ3ZcmBrZkyi8fEO6pHZ4vJc02PgMmzT7J_aykXapjItwZCdz7h8OjhrVzyRASOsOSDGVOEFiKrtsZ4CukV80OIhHt1Tv1b3iF4ph7BmUgMVa3zy/s1600/vineman26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweGwkX2QFStui2u3Kx9QKv6pE5pBlmQ3ZcmBrZkyi8fEO6pHZ4vJc02PgMmzT7J_aykXapjItwZCdz7h8OjhrVzyRASOsOSDGVOEFiKrtsZ4CukV80OIhHt1Tv1b3iF4ph7BmUgMVa3zy/s320/vineman26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtoRBvo6VAsFwT5dFxsOuYtRWy4mxkGWrA3W9p07hPP6mdLPuP9fq_U0QKfzzHF8UzFxksAHhGwtJqggQo1w5Yg93EN9tVtlmxS5n_IjsV5EOVCgb-knDz6TnVHlODwyO6G9-K1I0nwON/s1600/20150711_091100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtoRBvo6VAsFwT5dFxsOuYtRWy4mxkGWrA3W9p07hPP6mdLPuP9fq_U0QKfzzHF8UzFxksAHhGwtJqggQo1w5Yg93EN9tVtlmxS5n_IjsV5EOVCgb-knDz6TnVHlODwyO6G9-K1I0nwON/s320/20150711_091100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We then left Windsor and drove to Santa Rosa for lunch. Our plan was to go to the Russian River Brewing Company, but a drive-by showed a huge line outside and I just wasn't in the mood. I was getting a migraine (and did I mention I had just gotten my period a few days before) and just wanted to sit. So we found a Panera for a boring, but functional lunch. We then visited the fantastic <a href="http://schulzmuseum.org/">Charles Schulz Museum</a>, which I adored as a huge Peanuts fan. My daughter enjoyed it enough, but J and I really loved it. I even treated myself to a plush Snoopy. The rest of the day consisted of resting, carb loading at the fantastic <a href="http://betty-spaghetti.com/">Betty Spaghetti</a> in Guerneville (where I had---surprise!---the spaghetti). On the way there, while crossing the bridge, we saw Ironman setting up the buoys for the next morning. Eeek! Once home, I had to quadruple check my race gear for the morning. I made a list of things for me to do in the morning so I wouldn't forget (ie pump up my tires, get my Garmin off the charger, get my Gatorade bottles from the fridge, put on my timing chip, etc). I knew I'd be nervous in the morning, and didn't want to miss a step.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7PV504a42au8Bk_HZUEfv6DOzem8Ew-QVswdIyZXXPhryh9GK85A6bjG9P_QKeSyDM84bD9FHZF46DZ7i0TC_5fbN0LCx8zOzZsLOf2TQAMI76L_28_5yvvGB7NTP4SbsrXwoeSc0XNl/s1600/vineman20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7PV504a42au8Bk_HZUEfv6DOzem8Ew-QVswdIyZXXPhryh9GK85A6bjG9P_QKeSyDM84bD9FHZF46DZ7i0TC_5fbN0LCx8zOzZsLOf2TQAMI76L_28_5yvvGB7NTP4SbsrXwoeSc0XNl/s320/vineman20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">setting up buoys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbAOnSKRtSQ6U0iz53zfAIViQHlQro_52-n3xsITFzokewPRen9vROADfd6FyJdYgf6CNU-xfKUu2zJnLOUq1Jfnosb-tFWzIh2t4qIELd9FzDo6Oo3YsQJc6YjxlOxRLctC4B7puWDaA/s1600/vineman21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbAOnSKRtSQ6U0iz53zfAIViQHlQro_52-n3xsITFzokewPRen9vROADfd6FyJdYgf6CNU-xfKUu2zJnLOUq1Jfnosb-tFWzIh2t4qIELd9FzDo6Oo3YsQJc6YjxlOxRLctC4B7puWDaA/s320/vineman21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many buoys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>PRE RACE</u></div>
<br />
A unique (at least to me) feature of the Vineman transition area is open even when other waves are swimming. In every other triathlon I've ever done, whether it was a 70.3 or a sprint, transition closed before the first wave went off. This means that if the race starts at 7:00, but your wave doesn't start until 8:10 (waves are always staggered) that you have to have everything set up and then leave transition before 7:00. Here, they kept transition open throughout the morning, which was really nice! At Vineman, transition opened at 5:30, and the first wave (pro men) left at 6:25---but the last wave didn't go until that they leave until 8:42! So technically, if you were in the last wave, you didn't even need to get to transition to set up your bike until 8:00 or even later! I'm too OCD to wait to the last minute, but it's nice that the option is there.<br />
<br />
My plan was to get up, walk to transition with my bike at 6:00, come back to the hotel and then walk back over with J and A, with my swim stuff. So I had 3 piles set out---my morning clothes, swim gear, and bike gear (run gear was already dropped off). I went to bed, but of course couldn't sleep.....and was up for good at 3:15, well before my 5:00 alarm. Ugh. I felt a bit headachy and nauseous when I awoke, so I took my migraine meds and a shot of Pepto Bismol. I ate a Luna Bar, and got dressed in my tri shorts and running bra, with running pants and a sweatshirt over. I walked the 10 minute walk over the bridge, and paused to look at the buoys set up. There seemed to be so many of them! Seeing the buoys stretched out like that made it seem so much further than it really is. I normally swim at least 1.2 miles in the pool, but it seems so much shorter when stopping at walls to turn around. Looking over the other side of the bridge, I saw Johnson's Beach and transition already starting to buzz with excitement. I finished the walk over the bridge and made my way into transition, showing my red athlete's band to get in (they are very strict about athletes only in the transition). I walked down until I found my wave, which seemed to be 3 racks, for women 45-49. They were mostly empty, as I got there before 6:00. As soon as I got in, I heard someone call my name---it was a woman who I'm friends with on Facebook (we met through the Ironman Texas group) but I'd never met in real life. I'm so glad she recognized me, and it was great to meet her and give her a hug!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq15In2xXwi4rdpb1HRFgW3G8WpK-yOEwMG0jHgPcEosSEuK7n-FktL23LPr4gNOUq0971pN4gdvNKCVEGZh2R-_QWKwYhP92wrYlSMLC_-KQ4gvewyp_fVvii-dpoRWpZNKVqDIkgVgz/s1600/vineman14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq15In2xXwi4rdpb1HRFgW3G8WpK-yOEwMG0jHgPcEosSEuK7n-FktL23LPr4gNOUq0971pN4gdvNKCVEGZh2R-_QWKwYhP92wrYlSMLC_-KQ4gvewyp_fVvii-dpoRWpZNKVqDIkgVgz/s320/vineman14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from bridge, looking toward transition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAFCQbRi-1v08BBf4Sp6VeUKGXnij7uzIMZfmzZSQjM7bfvEQdukXbvYrVFwdirQIl3_6TwDhuWNCDAvIk03j9bCVg1MFGpOF4dproEZF7LyhFjYVJdOf8SDssYlIzMuirpqPSxqlUQ6e/s1600/vineman15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAFCQbRi-1v08BBf4Sp6VeUKGXnij7uzIMZfmzZSQjM7bfvEQdukXbvYrVFwdirQIl3_6TwDhuWNCDAvIk03j9bCVg1MFGpOF4dproEZF7LyhFjYVJdOf8SDssYlIzMuirpqPSxqlUQ6e/s320/vineman15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from bridge, seeing all the buoys stretching way out there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I found a great spot on the rack, as there weren't many women there yet. A volunteer came by to body mark me, which I appreciated, as it meant I didn't have to go seek them out. I racked my bike, and carefully set up transition. Transition towel down....two other towels to dry myself off....water to rinse my feet....my bike jersey (with a few unwrapped Bonk Breakers inside)...helmet....sunglasses....bike shoes....socks....arm warmers (rolled up and ready)....and my race belt with number. (Technically you only need to wear the number on the run, but I like to wear it during the bike too). Inside my bike bento was some Base Salt, a Gu, a Bonk Breaker, two packages of Gu Chomps, my migraine medications and a tube of Pepto Bismol tablets. I mentally ran through everything in my head and was satisfied with my setup, so I returned back to the hotel. I knew by doing so I'd miss the pro start, and it was such an impressive pro field (Craig Alexander, Mirinda Carfrae, Leanda Cave, Meredith Kessler, Matty Reed, etc). I was hesitant to miss it, but it was more important to me to get back to my family.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvtOyAL0wq73j5rNiC7mBZ0azIl1yj344QNL6Ky5d3XiWKhKJZ7fNqqJK9SSvp4xhpU9csrUDwTLuO-AajtVT1E1nMKZv8QgpBN04fSODoPzMZsbhNnufyUFOtXrBHx7BS_IduW9OF7oI/s1600/vineman17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvtOyAL0wq73j5rNiC7mBZ0azIl1yj344QNL6Ky5d3XiWKhKJZ7fNqqJK9SSvp4xhpU9csrUDwTLuO-AajtVT1E1nMKZv8QgpBN04fSODoPzMZsbhNnufyUFOtXrBHx7BS_IduW9OF7oI/s320/vineman17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">empty bike racks since I arrived so early</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeaoDMRMFTTAJrASGxJETyjVrkZz3F8HNHagXG-rvd5I5w3sTk2gcaTdGgVGozuTous8Jm4ZJSfnbQVYxxnz1aIqordA-WiY87YiE31inu5x5tzQ-bQ_gidTnPBmmhG-BNG6OPkI2gLD9/s1600/vineman16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeaoDMRMFTTAJrASGxJETyjVrkZz3F8HNHagXG-rvd5I5w3sTk2gcaTdGgVGozuTous8Jm4ZJSfnbQVYxxnz1aIqordA-WiY87YiE31inu5x5tzQ-bQ_gidTnPBmmhG-BNG6OPkI2gLD9/s320/vineman16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T1 ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
As I left, I saw my friend Marianne walking in with her bike. I was happy to see her and gave her a big hug. On the walk back, I started to feel very nauseous. I think it was the mixture of nerves, combined with my migraine meds. It was so bad that I actually threw up on the way. Ugh! But I got back to the hotel, relaxed for a bit, ate a few Hawaiian sweet rolls, and then around 7:00 the three of us made our way back over the beach. J and A were wearing their cheer shirts I made for them last year...it was so easy to find them wearing bright orange! I had my tri bag filled with whatever I needed for the swim: my sleeveless wetsuit, my cap, my goggles, spare goggles, sunscreen, flip flops and wetsuit lube. We separated as I went back into transition (I had forgotten to put out the clear plastic bag that I would need to stash my swim stuff in!). I put my wetsuit on, checked transition one more time, chatted with a few of the women behind me, slipped on my flip flops, and headed out to the beach, cap and goggles in hand. I was able to give J my tri bag with my morning clothes in it to take back to the hotel. I used the port-o-potties a few times (the lines weren't bad at all!) and then waited on the beach holding my daughter in my lap, trying not too freak out too much.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwaYN90_RTZ8Dh1V9O_rQH7euIOeGW4m9euOznoUMbj1avveVDtQe2dBQ-Vgy1Z2elKoK6Hhe2lHq1XHq1yapM6kX6PYn65aUDgoS0dm8mkcXE7f7jHnJyTUw0UuwEBusGrpGJI-gbBvj/s1600/vineman13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwaYN90_RTZ8Dh1V9O_rQH7euIOeGW4m9euOznoUMbj1avveVDtQe2dBQ-Vgy1Z2elKoK6Hhe2lHq1XHq1yapM6kX6PYn65aUDgoS0dm8mkcXE7f7jHnJyTUw0UuwEBusGrpGJI-gbBvj/s320/vineman13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-swim and nervous as heck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Soon it would be my wave's turn to get in the starting corral (we had to corral together and then walk under an archway, over a timing mat, which would activiate our chips). I waved goodbye to my family, and headed into the corral at 8:00. Waves went off every 6 minutes, and my wave left at 8:06. I stood there, watching the wave before us starting their swim, lost in thought. Unlike Oceanside, there was no line of athletes queued up behind me. People were scattered all over----in transition, on the beach, using the toilets, etc. I think I looked scared, because another woman in my age group asked me if I was ok. I said yes..then she said, "really, are you ok". I guess I looked pale! A moment later, the last of the swimmers in the wave ahead of us had crossed the start line, and we were told to get in the water.<br />
<br />
Show time!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>THE SWIM</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From the Ironman website: <i>"The IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman swim is staged at
Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, California. Water
temperatures typically range from 70 to 76 degrees....The swim course is an out and back course
which starts in front of the dam at Johnson’s Beach and proceeds
upstream to the turn-around point. Swimmers will keep the swim buoys on
their left for the entire swim. A neutral area, which is marked with
buoys, where there are no swimmers, will separate the swimmers on the
outbound and return legs of the swim. The swim course, which averages
between 4 and 7 feet in depth, will be monitored by lifeguards in
kayaks. Between the Russian River being dammed in a number of locations near
Guerneville and the fact that it almost never rains in Sonoma County
between June 1st and October 15th, there is very little current in the
river during this time period".</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUUkHZM6Nar37oiIPr-6L8NrYAyCODqXPWJn7PYBlcY5KnuKz97MbH9s5WFw5_C3Inq3eIlz7jco0IilNlyHyPOylW7NtSiQqWABwOXsVj_z10h4yzZTwAHpGBVQQ3Wih7cbkrbDtDO1h/s1600/vinemanswim.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUUkHZM6Nar37oiIPr-6L8NrYAyCODqXPWJn7PYBlcY5KnuKz97MbH9s5WFw5_C3Inq3eIlz7jco0IilNlyHyPOylW7NtSiQqWABwOXsVj_z10h4yzZTwAHpGBVQQ3Wih7cbkrbDtDO1h/s320/vinemanswim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swim course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once were able to enter the water, I crossed the arch way to activate my timing chip. I kicked off my flip flops into a pile of other discarded shoes. That was the best $3 I ever spent! The water was very shallow for quite a bit, so I just walked out until I had to swim. I saw J and A on the shore and waved wildly until they saw me. Then I dunked in to get myself wet. The water felt great! Not cold at all. I put my head in the water to test my goggles and blow bubbles. That's when my nerves went away. I was so excited and happy to be there. I was about to race Vineman! The women in my group were all very chatty and happy. At one point I yelled out "ladies, we GOT this" and was answered by a loud whooping and yelling. In fact, J said our group was the loudest! The announcer counted down, a buzzer went off, and the race had started!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS32frkXuyUuhyphenhyphen2t73350NL3CRkxwb2OigQGudpts4Orm92J5ZVfcaWeP7mPgUPx1EDc8wOaKdmRwhY3Ag2tV41xK6J5I5C5_QfSi3ELTuSLjkKljfnllEe2riAnqWe-v_YQzvPkSCyFb/s1600/vineman11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS32frkXuyUuhyphenhyphen2t73350NL3CRkxwb2OigQGudpts4Orm92J5ZVfcaWeP7mPgUPx1EDc8wOaKdmRwhY3Ag2tV41xK6J5I5C5_QfSi3ELTuSLjkKljfnllEe2riAnqWe-v_YQzvPkSCyFb/s320/vineman11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the one in the front, sleeveless and arms waving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made a mistake in seeding myself. I am not the fastest swimmer, not by a long shot, but I always place myself too far back. I guess it's a confidence issue. I wasn't all the way in the back, there were lots of women behind me, but there were too many people in front of me. As soon as we started swimming, I was able to get in a groove---for about 100 yards or so. Then there was a wall of women in front of me. Two in particular. There were two women directly in front of me, side by side, with not enough room for me to squeeze through. I had to slow down and figure out how to go around them. Once I did, I had a pretty smooth swim. I was able to pretty quickly settle into my bilateral breathing rhythm. I had heard a tip to swim to the right on the way out, as that would be out of the main part of the current, and I tried to do that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nvomCZ-ZTEwqiBFO82TwMBCp_nqqXhu0uV56iLn39e7IpxPM_T7BiGEsq3cDbHwkmVirZko5BB_OHM2OtZOSGPS_KMrxLPk_O_8VEBKmDXM7TkUZlNMPgbH0dGgKANpSpYeQ-IUE9qYT/s1600/vineman10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nvomCZ-ZTEwqiBFO82TwMBCp_nqqXhu0uV56iLn39e7IpxPM_T7BiGEsq3cDbHwkmVirZko5BB_OHM2OtZOSGPS_KMrxLPk_O_8VEBKmDXM7TkUZlNMPgbH0dGgKANpSpYeQ-IUE9qYT/s320/vineman10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">about to start</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT1zXoYUo8UDNb0BU-gnnAgbvJGMCa0hSGviK5_yjmifSOojxTROMvVYTNfcSDjN0_N1k-mSvroj_5rn16QNj2vytNQEaPQPEF6fx0uLuD5sX2OzG_UrLHHIT9TK5PKelAz8IZwmaM-rj/s1600/vineman9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT1zXoYUo8UDNb0BU-gnnAgbvJGMCa0hSGviK5_yjmifSOojxTROMvVYTNfcSDjN0_N1k-mSvroj_5rn16QNj2vytNQEaPQPEF6fx0uLuD5sX2OzG_UrLHHIT9TK5PKelAz8IZwmaM-rj/s320/vineman9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the women 45-49 are off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a great swim to the turn around, counting off buoys as I went (there were 11 marked buoys, not counting the turn-around buoy). There were a few times where I would accidentally hit someone's foot, or someone would slap mine, but otherwise I had no other combat. No goggles being knocked off, no being hit in the head. There really was a lot of room to swim, even with such a narrow river. I think having 6 minutes between each wave really helped with that. At Oceanside, I believe there were only 3 minutes between waves, and that made swimmer combat all the more likely. For the most part, I was swimming with women from my wave....at the turn around I was with some men, but I don't know if they were slower swimmers from the wave ahead of me or faster swimmers from the wave behind. I started to tire as I as swam out, but was able to step outside my mind to remind myself that I always get tired in the first 500 yards of a swim, and that I would feel stronger later. I kept thinking to myself "I'm doing Vineman! I'm swimming in the Russian River!" I got a little chilly after a while, but that's how my body works...I always get cold in open water. I wasn't too cold, though, and knew I had made the right choice with my sleeveless wetsuit. The water felt clean and good. I don't remember it being so clear that I could see everything, but it definitely wasn't too murky. I loved it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
The turn around was really funny. I kept thinking I'd never get there, but suddenly I was there at the turn-around buoy. I'd heard that at this point the water is super shallow and that most people walk (walk the swim!) but it wasn't until I got there that I really understood. My had was literally 6 inches, or less, from hitting the rocks on the bottoms! It was that shallow! I decided to join everyone else and get up and walk that tiny section...it wasn't worth the hassle of trying not to scrape up my hand. As I stood up, I saw on my Garmin that my time was 24 minutes, which seemed right to me---I was hoping to do the swim in 48-50 minutes. As soon as I could, I got back into the water and continued to swim. Others were still walking, but I quickly passed them, as swimming is faster than sloshing along in the water.<br />
<br />
The way back was very similar. For the
most part I had clean, open water to swim in. I was enjoying the swim
so much, and loving the fresh water so immensely, that I got sad that I
had to go back to the ocean and bay in San Diego. I really now only want
to swim in the Russian River! I counted the buoys backward on the way
back----11, 10, 9.....soon I was passing under the bridge and there was
the swim exit! I got to the mat, stood up, and was shocked to see 43
minutes on my Garmin. <i>What?</i> I I have never done a 70.3 swim so fast!
Yes, I had a tiny current helping on the way back, but I fought that same tiny
current on the way out---and the way out was longer than the way back,
as the swim entrance and exit were in different places (see map above).<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I
was so thrilled with my time---and even more happy that when I got back
to my rack there were still tons of bikes on it from my wave! Normally
I'm one of the few bikes still out there, as most other people in my
wave have already finished the swim and began to bike. Not at
Vineman! I took off my wetsuit (I didn't see any wetsuit
strippers/helpers) and quickly got to work. A volunteer had placed
someone's discarded towel right next to my bike, so I sat down on it. For the
first time in a triathlon, I didn't really dry myself off. Normally I try to dry myself off, especially my feet. This time I didn't. I was
hearing Steve's voice in my head to get out of there! I put on my
socks, bike shoes, jersey, helmet, sunglasses and race belt. I decided
against the arm warmers, as it was already getting warm, something I
would be glad for later. I didn't even use the bottle of water to rinse
off my feet! I stuffed everything else---wetsuit, goggles, cap and
towels--into the provided clear plastic bag (I did one quick wipe of my
legs with one towel before stuffing it in), cinched it and left it as
instructed, grabbed my bike, and ran out of transition.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once
past the timing mat, there is a very small, but pretty steep, hill. I
was advised by many people to just walk my bike up that hill, which I
did. Most people did walk their bikes up---to ride up you need to have
the right gearing right of transition, and I've heard that many people
tip over, so it's better to just walk. Once up the hill, I mounted my
bike and went! I saw J and A sitting on a bench, and as I passed them I
yelled "43 minutes!!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>THE BIKE</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From the website: <i>The Oomph! bike course for the IRONMAN 70.3
Vineman is simply a great course. It is challenging, but not too
difficult. Its many rolling hills and curves are technically demanding. <b>It has just under 2000 feet of climbing</b>,
including a 385 foot climb on Chalk Hill, which is enough of a
challenge because of the location. Its comes at mile 45 of the
ride...keeping you honest in your training and race pacing. But most of
all the course is extremely beautiful, passing endless miles of
vineyards and dozens of wineries. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf6i8kte8tKCpK_jIoqFNOMDepVxGEpy4ALgHuA2PbKFDA2fVLcxgt-K8ityKcEw_-_uXwA_wWDLwkWn2QFnkTzGrjkchV13sJ1a3ECgcD8TcJO3ujNV9sSr-27L0kIENIQibbT9SKmDD/s1600/vinemanbikemap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf6i8kte8tKCpK_jIoqFNOMDepVxGEpy4ALgHuA2PbKFDA2fVLcxgt-K8ityKcEw_-_uXwA_wWDLwkWn2QFnkTzGrjkchV13sJ1a3ECgcD8TcJO3ujNV9sSr-27L0kIENIQibbT9SKmDD/s320/vinemanbikemap.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bike course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZjyqZLEv5qOkMtHflKA_W1YxZEzRLIcfNx13sDHhF2gqWKuYZ5jUOA085p-ryXoLMEzTOBeV52wJOeQ8pyxGEWXe1Z2kCjvHoaKdEdiI8gYp3vKf93wbBzmwG700iWsLMNvO3unCRR7b/s1600/vinemanbikeelevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZjyqZLEv5qOkMtHflKA_W1YxZEzRLIcfNx13sDHhF2gqWKuYZ5jUOA085p-ryXoLMEzTOBeV52wJOeQ8pyxGEWXe1Z2kCjvHoaKdEdiI8gYp3vKf93wbBzmwG700iWsLMNvO3unCRR7b/s320/vinemanbikeelevation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bike elevation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf6i8kte8tKCpK_jIoqFNOMDepVxGEpy4ALgHuA2PbKFDA2fVLcxgt-K8ityKcEw_-_uXwA_wWDLwkWn2QFnkTzGrjkchV13sJ1a3ECgcD8TcJO3ujNV9sSr-27L0kIENIQibbT9SKmDD/s1600/vinemanbikemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I immediately felt good on the bike. During my last half-Ironman, I was hyperventilating the first few miles, but I wasn't doing that here. The first few miles are very flat, along River Road. I knew, from driving the course, that at mile 5 there was a very sharp right turn, and that soon after that there was a small but steep climb. I made the turn, and when I knew the hill was coming I shifted into my granny gear and made it up the steep part with no problem. It was gorgeous here (well, the entire course is beautiful) but here it was thickly wooded and shaded. On one side there was a mountain, and the other side (our side) a drop off a cliff. At one point, some bikers behind me passed me, and as I moved over to let them by I over-corrected and was pretty close to going off the cliff! Oops! I had read in another blog that someone saw this happen once. A cyclist yelled back "that would have been bad". Oh, yes. Yes it would.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j32CIVN3Xkn1v-G2bHFCxPg_vOLC4SPnm4QWH_DB7WZvitsf5_12yu9hhRW9_utz-QgzBmLdb41cQrIdju1PA8BcxZfv61YDcvICMls8juYQYhNX0pE-mfiPIyudUcqLg6RGcocj9fec/s1600/vineman8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j32CIVN3Xkn1v-G2bHFCxPg_vOLC4SPnm4QWH_DB7WZvitsf5_12yu9hhRW9_utz-QgzBmLdb41cQrIdju1PA8BcxZfv61YDcvICMls8juYQYhNX0pE-mfiPIyudUcqLg6RGcocj9fec/s320/vineman8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading out of transition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGE9WsMLF9B_KHPqwdocE99rHABhcIhAqpHVa5qkcAlKZWi57eTF7B84J_N3tJtTu0hDX7_oOe0-FAty0oI7mtbev2IhXXLvYF0t0GSQsaeETffe5swfZyal98vgBDfU8PCZaW9YIyqhM/s1600/vineman52.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGE9WsMLF9B_KHPqwdocE99rHABhcIhAqpHVa5qkcAlKZWi57eTF7B84J_N3tJtTu0hDX7_oOe0-FAty0oI7mtbev2IhXXLvYF0t0GSQsaeETffe5swfZyal98vgBDfU8PCZaW9YIyqhM/s320/vineman52.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">off to bike 56 miles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The course is not closed to traffic, in either direction. I was taken aback by that, but as the website stated, there is very little traffic. We just needed to be extra aware, not only of other cyclists, but of cars. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I had seen during my drive-through the day before, the course is breathtaking. Absolutely gorgeous. Except for the last few miles, when the course turns onto the streets of Windsor, it's all through vineyards. Everywhere I looked there were grapevines, vineyards, and wineries. Some wineries looked big, others looked small. I even passed a place that made their own olive oil. Amazing. The course has a lot of technical turns and curves and really kept me on my toes. The rolling course was fantastic. With few exceptions, I kept my bike in my big ring the entire time. I got passed by tons of people flying by, but I was able to pass a few myself. A few people I played leap-frog with. I was incredulous with the time I was making. I get a time alert every 5 miles on my Garmin, and usually I average 23 minutes per 5 miles (depending on how hilly my route is). At Vineman was seeing 5 miles splits of 19 and 20 minutes, with only one 21 minute. I was flying, at least for me (I did later have one split of 26 minutes, but that included the segment climbing Chalk Hill). There were a few climbs, nothing awful though. I see on the elevation
chart a big hill at mile 26---I don't remember that! It couldn't have
been too bad. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the first (of three) aid station, I stopped for a minute to use the bathroom. I had to go, not too badly but enough that it was on my mind, and I told myself if there was no line I'd go. Lo and behold, when I got to the aid station there was no line and the port-o-potty was empty! I was able to go quickly and get back on the road. I bypassed the offers of more Gatorade, water, Gu Chomps, etc...I had enough with me. Speaking of which, I really made sure to monitor my nutrition and hydration during the ride. My last two 70.3s I didn't eat enough, which really affected me on the run. At Vineman, I ate two Bonk Breakers and two packs of Gu Chomps. I ended up only drinking 1 1/2 bottles of Gatorade and a little bit of water, not nearly what I was expecting, but I was sipping a lot and was never really too thirsty with the coolish weather. I also occasionally took some Base Salt. Even when I wasn't at all hungry, and the Bonk Breaker didn't sound appetizing, I forced it down. The only bummer was that I ran out of Gu Chomps, and although they were promised to be at all 3 bike aid stations, they only had them at the first, which I had bypassed! So I didn't get any more. Again, I was shown the value of bringing my own nutrition. I know people that solely live off the course, which is feasible but can carry risks if things run out or the promised goods are not delivered.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The second half of the bike went a bit more slowly for me. I was getting tired, and my speed dropped, although just a bit (first half of the race my speed was 15.01...the second half was 14.27). There were a lot of flat roads, but we were getting a headwind which made my progress slower. I just hunkered down in aero and plowed through. I passed a few people who had gotten flat tires or had other mechanical issues, and was praying my bike would hold up. I even saw one guy getting into the sag wagon, and I passed another guy on the side of the road with his fancy bike and race wheels yelling "f@ck!". Mechanical issues always scare me, and I am grateful I got through another race unscathed.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mile 44 brought the famous Chalk Hill. It really isn't too bad of a climb, but coming so late in the race, you're doing it on tired legs. As I had driven it before, I knew it wasn't too long, but it is pretty steep. Nothing I couldn't handle though! I got in my granny gear for the second time that day and just spun up the hill. I passed four different people who were walking their bikes. I asked all of them if they were ok, and they all responded that they had cramps. At the top was a speaker playing music---Kenny Loggin's "Danger Zone"--and people cheering. I was rewarded for the climb with an awesome long fast downhill.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally I was in the town of Windsor. Here the course is on city streets, with police monitoring every intersection. By this point, I was MORE than ready to get off the bike. I never bike 56 miles without stopping. Even when I do training rides of 50-65 miles, there are always at least stoplights, etc. Here, the only stop I made was that quick bathroom stop. I wanted OFF the bike! Finally I was at the dismount line. Yay! Unfortunately, the dismount line is at the front of Windsor High School, and T2 is all the way at the back, so there is a very long way to go. A lot of people take their shoes off to run, but I just kept my shoes on and walked my bike. I was done...and I didn't care about the 1-2 minutes I might save in T2 by running my bike. I finally got to transition, easily found my stuff (although now there were lots of bikes here already) and racked my bike. Biking shoes off, running shoes on (I didn't change into fresh socks like I did at Oceanside), jersey off, tank top on, visor on, fuel belt on, grabbed the Frogg Toggs and go. Run out was waaaaay at the other end of transition, and on the way I stopped to use the port-o-potty again. I took off my fuel belt, and in the process I somehow broke a tie on my race belt. I spent a minute fiddling with it, fixing it, which now, looking back, I should have fixed it while on a walk break. Oh well, My mind was toast by then. My bike split, about 3:49, was much faster than I'd anticipated. I was happy! My Gamin showed 2064 feet of elevation gain; I guess my training on 3400 feet of elevation gain helped a lot!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>THE RUN</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From the website: <i>The run course starts at Windsor High School and takes athletes to the La Crema Winery on an out and back course.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xBSthPN3jO6X-SkqX4k71n2FZtxlk0drTqVbiBgQim5e7dIbglgQQWnP-t9cELcG-yLdE0RRF2nSu3jcWDZu6EF_cPX78uD0cQiJF3gEFH_G7OeMsZlMlDPJ-W8ufxbxhZgYZKsJc2QX/s1600/vinemanrun.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xBSthPN3jO6X-SkqX4k71n2FZtxlk0drTqVbiBgQim5e7dIbglgQQWnP-t9cELcG-yLdE0RRF2nSu3jcWDZu6EF_cPX78uD0cQiJF3gEFH_G7OeMsZlMlDPJ-W8ufxbxhZgYZKsJc2QX/s320/vinemanrun.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
By this time it was getting very warm. I didn't know the exact temperature (the prediction had been for a high of 79 degrees, but J said he saw it was 81) but it was warm. I kept telling myself not to complain---usually this race has<i> </i>temperatures of 90-100! In fact, the race director the day before at check in told us that, in 25 years of this race, this was the coolest temperatures ever. So I had no reason to complain. But, it was hot. Even though 81 isn't 95, it's still warm, and combine that with the increased body temperature running brings, I felt it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As soon as I left transition, I stopped at the water table to wet my Frogg Toggs towels. A volunteer actually took a pitcher and wet them for me. I stuffed one down my running bra in the front, and the other I placed around my neck in the back. I started off doing a 60 second run/30 second walk ratio. I usually do a 2 minute run on this ratio, but Steve wisely recommended I bring it down to 1 minute for the race. for the first mile or so I maintained that, but as soon as I reached the first hill I abandoned that (only to come back to the ratio later). I decided to just walk the uphills. I was tired! And, I was not alone. All around me people were walking, or, if they were running, they were shuffling. I mentally applauded the few athletes I saw who were truly RUNNING. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was very appreciative of the aid stations. They were every mile, and each was well stocked. Ice cold water...Gatorade...cups of ice....Gu...Gu Chomps...fruit....pretzels and chips....it was great. I always run with Gatorade, but as I'd had to leave my run stuff out in the sun the day before, I had just filled it with water (mainly to pour on my head) and relied on the water and Gatorade at the aid stations. As I approached each one, I would squeeze the remaining water from my Frogg Toggs over my head. Then I would take an ice cold water and pour it over my head, re-wetting the towel in the process. I'd then drink either some water or Gatorade, and then grab a cup of ice. I'd carry the ice until the next aid station, either chewing on it, stuffing some down my bra, or holding some in my hand. I had packed a few ziploc baggies in my belt with the intention of putting ice in them, to put down my shorts if needed, but it never got THAT hot.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I made a few friends along the way, chatting with people until either I left them behind or they took off ahead of me. With no headphones allowed, I had songs running through my head. Sadly, they were awful songs. My daughter has been listening to a lot of songs from "Annie" and Shirley Temple, and unfortunately for many miles I couldn't get the songs "Hard Knock Life" and "Animal Crackers" out of my head! It's funny now, but at the time, I wished I had Eminem in my head instead!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Toward the halfway point we reached La Crema Winery. A lot of people complain about this stretch, but I loved it! We basically made a loop around the entire winery. I've heard that in the past there are misters to run through, but they weren't on. The course was dirt here, which I liked. I also liked running so close to the vines! Yes, we had just biked through the vineyards, but here I could see the little grapes up close! There was a timing mat in the loop, and I saw that, while I was slow as molasses, I was making good time. I reflected on something that Lisa had told me---that it's not a half marathon, it's a 13.1 mile run after a 56 mile bike ride. All my usual half marathon pacing and abilities go out the window. For me, it's just survival. I stopped a few times to stretch my calves, and as I was afraid they were going to cramp, I drank the pickle juice I had with me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the winery, we turn turn right and do an out-and-back section. I hated this part. The out part seemed to go on forever. I started to get in my mental funk, and again had to step outside my head to remind myself that I'm doing Vineman! That I'm doing great! That here's the sucky part, so welcome it and embrace the suck! I was glad to finally turn around, and go past the winery on my way back into town.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
At mile 10, I hit a button my Garmin to see my overall time. My screen was only showing my run time, so I wanted to see my total race time. I think it said something like 7:05, or thereabouts (maybe a bit later). <i>What?</i> That was crazy! I only had 3.1 miles to go---a 5k! Even if I walked the rest of way, I'd break 8 hours. As my ultimate goal was to break 8:29:59, going sub-8 wasn't even my radar. I knew, that barring something major and unfortunate happening, I'd break 8 hours.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next 3.1 miles were slow and relaxed. I ran when I could, and walked when I needed to. I stopped at the aid stations, sometimes physically coming to a standstill to choose what I wanted. Part of me wanted to break 3 hours for the run, which I never have in a half-Ironman before (in contrast, most of my stand-alone half marathons I complete in an average of 2:30-2:40, give or take). But by then, more than wanting to break 3 hours in the run, I wanted to break 8 hours total in the race, which I knew I could do. I met a few more people who I chatted with, some of which were going to become half-Ironman for the first time. One woman I passed, at mile 12, had headphones in! Those are illegal! I told her she may want to put those away, since if she were to be caught she'd be disqualified, and it would be a shame to be disqualified at mile 12 on the run. She agreed.</div>
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Finally, FINALLY, I was at the high school, with about .1 to go. I shed my Frogg Toggs towels and cups, wanting to be unencumbered at the finish line. I turned a corner, and ahead of me was the finish! I saw my husband and daughter (so easy to spot in their orange shirts) to the left, along with Marianne, and I high fived them as I passed. I had the finish chute all to myself, and as I crossed, my arms high in the air, my name was announced. In fact, the announcer riffed on my name, talking about it (nicely!) and that made me smile. It made up for the fact that at Oceanside they called the wrong name when I crossed! I immediately got my medal, and was done. My run was just over 3 hours, and my total time was about 7:49....WELL below my goal of breaking 8:29:59. I couldn't believe I finally went sub-8!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading to the finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another obligatory medal pose</td></tr>
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My husband had been able to get my bike out of T2 while I was running (and had bought me that finisher's shirt!) so that part was done. There was a food area, but I had no interest in food. All I wanted to do was to get home. We were giving a ride to Marianne, so we waited while she got her bike, then we went to the front of the school where we were able to collect our clear plastic bags from T1 (with our swim stuff). We drove back to Guerneville, I showered, and we walked to the Juicy Pig for a celebratory dinner and beer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy finisher<br />
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<u>FINAL THOUGHTS</u></div>
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I am so ridiculously happy about this race, and so proud of myself. I trained hard, and it showed in my results. Even if I hadn't performed as well, I still would have been proud. The course lives up to the hype, and I may want to do it again one day. Not next year, but maybe in a few years. Not only did I love the course, and the wonderful volunteers, but I thought it was a great family vacation. That part of the state is gorgeous.</div>
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I'm thankful everything went smoothly---I had no equipment malfunctions with goggles, bike, Garmin, etc. It was seamless.<br />
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I was not at all sore the next day, just like I wasn't for my last two big races. I guess I've been trained enough! I'm very pleased about that. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My last two 70.3 races I finished saying that I would never again do this distance. I am not saying that again. Yes, it was hard, but I like this distance. However, I DID question my sanity for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/11/having-my-cake-and-eating-it-too.html">wanting to do a full one day</a>. I am still planning on it, but doing the half distance again scared me to death.<br />
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I do want to work more on mental training. Especially how to embrace the suck, which can happen on the swim, bike or run. I also want to work on pushing harder on the run, when all I want to do is walk or even stop. </div>
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Finally, if you, as a reader, are lucky enough to be able to sign up for this race---do it! It's fantastic. Even if it were 90-100 degrees, it would have been amazing. I'm glad to have crossed this bucket list race off my list---and hope to return to the Russian River one day.</div>
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Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-38072673413660839892015-07-07T21:33:00.000-07:002015-07-07T21:33:42.052-07:00Vineman 70.3---T minus 5 daysI'm long overdue for a blog update. It's been a busy summer so far----sending my oldest off to sleep-away camp, my husband changing jobs, and me home with my daughter, doing playdates, tutoring, and doctors' appointments.<br />
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We're leaving to drive up to Sonoma for <a href="http://www.vineman.com/Ironman_70_3_Vineman.htm">Vineman 70.3</a>. This will be my third half-Ironman (see recaps for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/10/superfrog-half-ironman-race-recap.html">Superfrog</a>, done in 2012, and<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/ironman-703-califoria-oceanside-race.html"> Ironman California Oceanside</a>, done in 2014). I am getting nervous---but more than that, I am super excited. This is a bucket list race for most people. It sold out in 7 minutes, I believe (maybe even quicker) which is a testament to its popularity. I will swim in the Russian River, bike rolling hills through vineyards, and run through La Crema winery. It's supposed to be a beautiful, albeit tough, course---the weather is typically very hot, and the run is largely unshaded. The forecast is showing great weather, and I hope it holds up. If it does get in the 90s, well----I have no control over the weather and will do what I can to cool down. (I am bringing Frogg Togg Cooling Pads with me on the run, as well as ziploc baggies to put ice in).<br />
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I have been coached by my dear friend, Steve (<a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">see his blog here</a>) again, and once again, feel strong going into the race. This time I got most of my training in. Yes, there were some days I didn't bike, or swim, or even run---but I hit the majority of my workouts. Life got in the way via my husband's brain surgery in March, and end-of-the-year activities and promotion with the kids, but I still managed to get most of the workouts in. I signed up on November 1st---since then, I have swam 57 miles, biked 1522 miles, and ran 412 miles. I know many people have gotten tons more miles in, but for me that's the best I have been able to do. And my last three long bike rides (50 miles each) had elevation gains of 3400 feet, vs the 2000 or so I'll do on race day. (In contrast, with virtually the same amount of time between signing up and race day for Oceanside, I had swam 50 miles, biked 1578 and ran 330).<br />
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I know whatever happens on race day, I am prepared and will do my best. My big goal is to break 8:29:59 (official cut-off is 8:30; although if I'm later the course will still be open and I should get a medal, but a DNF next to my name). Superfrog I finished just over 8 hours, and Oceanside I finished just shy of 8:30. I don't want to go over 8:30, but if I do, I do. It would not be for lack of training....it would be because the day just wasn't mine to execute perfectly. I'll do my best, try my hardest and know I'm ready to do this.<br />
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I intend on having fun, enjoying the experience, and swimming, biking and running with gratitude and a smile on my face.<br />
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I'll update next week!<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-4195402884023180552015-06-22T14:17:00.000-07:002015-06-22T14:17:56.673-07:00Spring Classic 3k Swim Race RecapA few weeks ago I participated in the inaugural <a href="http://www.springswim.com/">Spring Classic 3k Swim</a>. I say "partcipated" rather than "raced" because...well, you'll see in my recap. <br />
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It was, hands-down, the one of the hardest events I've ever participated in. Not so much physically, but much more mentally. It's taken me all this time to process it.<br />
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I signed up for two reasons. First, it was put on by the same people who do the <a href="http://www.tikiswim.com/">Tiki Swim</a>, a 2.4 mile that I've done the last two years. While the Tiki Swim is always challenging for me, I'm always proud of myself for finishing. This year the group added this Spring Classic Swim, and, along with their<a href="http://www.labordaypierswim.com/about.html"> Labor Day 1 Mile Swim</a> (something I've never done but am now signed up for) the three events add up to their new Trident Swim Series. If you finish all three swims, you get an extra medal at the end or something. I've done similar challenges with running, and thought a swim challenge would be different. Secondly, I have a half-Ironman coming up, and I thought an open water race would be good a month beforehand.<br />
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And the race looked fun! They bought rubber duck swim buoys and were using these as course markers. I pre-purchased a hoodie with said rubber duck on it (I wear my Tiki hoodie all the time). How bad could it be? Rubber ducks! And 3k was totally doable. In miles, that's about 1.9 miles----I'm doing 1.2 for my half-Ironman, and have done 2.4 a few times for Tiki, so I knew I could do the distance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpoLwlsULgzCk85W9vqd1IBtl7SOVKI346vKoosoCt2byepuAUFDA3weApprk7VDqEJUIgQZvBjEB-l6oN-l4HJhx9kuQJ8kUHTgL_loxabns2Fzq1bdULSwLS-mbPjF05R5D8jq2zVeV/s1600/duck.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpoLwlsULgzCk85W9vqd1IBtl7SOVKI346vKoosoCt2byepuAUFDA3weApprk7VDqEJUIgQZvBjEB-l6oN-l4HJhx9kuQJ8kUHTgL_loxabns2Fzq1bdULSwLS-mbPjF05R5D8jq2zVeV/s320/duck.jpeg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how bad could a race with rubber ducky buoys be? <a href="http://www.springswim.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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After my last triathlon, I was really worried about shoulder pain in my full wetsuit. I ended up buying a sleeveless, which I plan on using at Vineman 70.3. I had only swam in it once before the Spring Classic, and was hoping that I wouldn't have any issues---that it would keep me warm enough and that I wouldn't have any chafing!<br />
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The day was to be big training day, too. After the swim, I had orders to bike 40 miles, and then do a 20 minute transition run. I had my car loaded up with everything I needed for such a big day.<br />
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Race day logistic were pretty easy. I got to the Oceanside Harbor early, found parking (and my friend Marianne happened to park next to me!) and easily got my packet (a timing chip and swim cap, plus a cute bag with the duck logo) and also picked up my hoodie. The organizers were doing some sort of aerial shot for promotional purposes, so they had us go out to sand and sit in certain places while a drone overhead took pictures. I also got to meet <a href="http://lisaserrano23.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a>, another local triathlete, for the first time. After that, it was time to suit up. I went back to slip on my wetsuit, swim socks, and timing chip----and realized I had left my new Garmin 910xt in the car! Oops! By this point there was only 10 minutes to start time, so I literally sprinted to my car, which wasn't very close (but not super far). I didn't have time to put my shoes on, so I sprinted in just my swim socks. I made it back to the beach with just a minute to spare...found Marianne for a last hug, put on my cap and goggles, and was ready.<br />
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The horn blew and we ran into the ocean. At least, I walked in. Those that read my blog know that big waves scare me, but luckily the waves were not big at all. Small as they were, I kept getting knocked back, but was finally able to get through. The water didn't feel cold at all, and I was happy to be in a sleeveless. My goggles kept leaking, though, so once through the waves I had to keep stopping to adjust. I finally got out, with a lot of effort to the first buoy (ahem, rubber duck). It's always hard for me to swim out in the ocean, with the waves and current pushing me back.<br />
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Once out at the first buoy, I turned south. As you can see from the course map, it's a clear shot down, turning right before the Oceanside Pier, then turning again to come north and end the race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY01AUKE7liectY7qJNWKs-jl2JVFosoNQAiZ7QOlsgYgeC7NXpPi61jp8xfrSmcn2xzNyCsJVru3k55B7Sxmji-bauU7qgj6uJZBUXKFLWVif9RZVzU5FCfL1wkNXb5wYjl_My2EjL44v/s1600/classiccourse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY01AUKE7liectY7qJNWKs-jl2JVFosoNQAiZ7QOlsgYgeC7NXpPi61jp8xfrSmcn2xzNyCsJVru3k55B7Sxmji-bauU7qgj6uJZBUXKFLWVif9RZVzU5FCfL1wkNXb5wYjl_My2EjL44v/s320/classiccourse.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.springswim.com/#!about-karen/cmv">source</a></td></tr>
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It seemed to take forever for me to reach the turnaround buoy, even though according to my Garmin (with my new waterproof watch it was the first time I was able to see time and distance in the water!) I was making good time, at least for me. I was in the back of the pack, but there were still other swimmers behind me. I am not a fast swimmer, ever, but the pace I was keeping here was consistent with my usual pace. I was in an ok place. I started to get cold, though---especially my hands. They started to feel like frozen blocks.<br />
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I finally made the turn around and started to swim north. I was getting tired, and just wanted this to be over. The buoys looked so far away, and I started to feel hopeless. A lifeguard on a surfboard was by me, and told me I had to move east. If you look at the picture above, you can see the line of duck buoys I had to swim. I was swimming in the right direction (north) but the buoys were so far too my left, I wasn't by them. He told me I was heading in the surfers' zone, and would be in danger, so to keep swimming north but to head northeast (to my left). I tried, but kept going straight.<br />
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I stopped for a break to orient myself when something happened to me that has never happened before--I got a cramp. Two, actually---first my right calf seized up and immediately after, my left calf. I've heard of other people getting cramps in their legs and feet while swimming, but I had never experienced it before. It was, to say the least, excruciating. I was in so much pain that I literally started screaming and had to hold onto the lifeguard's surfboard. The pain is hard to describe, but if you've ever had a muscle seize (like a charley horse) you know what I mean. Now imagine both calfs at once. In the middle of the ocean. During a race. <br />
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Yes, I was scared.<br />
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My lifeguard called another lifeguard, who came in on a jetski. It had a boogie board attached to the back, and he ordered me to get on it and hold on tight. He wanted to move me, as I was in the line of surfers (due to my poor sighting). He took off on his jetski, and moved me to the buoy line. He didn't move me north, he just put me back on course. I'd estimate he moved me about 1/10 mile or so. He told me to use this opportunity to stretch out my calfs, which were still screaming. I did what I could (flexing and extending them) but I was limited, as I was hanging on to the back of a jetski! I was crying, sobbing loudly. I was so embarrassed. I couldn't believe I had to get rescued by not one, but two, lifeguards. I am not a fast swimmer, but I am a strong swimmer----and I was humiliated. I knew no one else cared, but I cared. <br />
<br />
When we got to the buoy, the lifeguard asked me if I wanted to finish the swim or for him to take me back. Of course I wanted to finish! I don't quit. He warned me to make the right decision, as he was worried about me swimming in the ocean with cramps. But the cramps had subsided a bit, and I knew I could finish the race. My original lifeguard (whose name I found out was Ryan) stayed with me the whole way on his surfboard, talking me through it and encouraging me. I finally made it to the last buoy, body surfed a few wave in, and trudged in to the finish line. My friends were at the finish line and yelled at me to run it in, but I just walked across. I was done. I got my "medal" (a cute rubber ducky on a ribbon) and burst into tears.<br />
<br />
My Garmin read 2.3 miles (4100 yards). This was way further than the 3k advertised. Yes, I had extra mileage because I was off-course (and then minus some mileage with the jet ski ride) but another girl there, who swam on course, said her Garmin read 2.2 miles. So I'm pretty accurate there. I can do an Ironman distance swim (2.4 miles) but I wasn't planning on it that day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjEGsLesmegUk00pnStWGKQVSVvqknmsWEi9W-s7W5R9y5cyL985Mmd6BxJUeqG9Pjcj3qw0hMoL2pBRHtfP1loYVSM4q4VFeTqZRDRWLW7Ni-uPioPxNdYI6d_0FISUum1c01fW_KY48/s1600/springclassic-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjEGsLesmegUk00pnStWGKQVSVvqknmsWEi9W-s7W5R9y5cyL985Mmd6BxJUeqG9Pjcj3qw0hMoL2pBRHtfP1loYVSM4q4VFeTqZRDRWLW7Ni-uPioPxNdYI6d_0FISUum1c01fW_KY48/s320/springclassic-1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My swim. You can see how off-course I was--and where the jetski set me right</td></tr>
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<br />
What were the tears about? I think it was a mixture: humiliation that I needed rescuing, frustration that I cramped up, exhaustion from the efforts I put forth, and fear that I wouldn't be ready for my upcoming half-Ironman. But also some pride. Yes, I had rescues by TWO lifeguards. Yes, I was freezing and exhausted toward the end. Yes, I almost came in last place. But I did almost an Ironman-distance swim. More importantly, I didn't give up. I finished the race. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-race, feeling every emotion imaginable </td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
After drying off, crying on both Marianne's and Lisa's shoulders, and taking a few pictures, I felt better. I did end up going on a strong 40 mile bike ride (rode from Oceanside to Del Mar and back, along the beautiful coast) and did my 20 minute transition run. <br />
<br />
On my bike ride, I decided I really don't like ocean races, and don't want to do them anymore. I will do the Labor Day 1 Mile Swim, and the Tiki Swim again (mainly because I'm doing it for my friend Leo, who registered but then got deployed to Afghanistan, and he asked me to take his place. If he can serve our country, I can do a freaking 2.4 mile ocean swim for him). I will finish the Trident Swim Series. I will finish what I started. And, of course, never say never. But at this point, I think I will stick to open-water swims triathlons only in bays----and save ocean swimming for fun with friends.<br />
<br />
Final thoughts on the race---my wetsuit was great! Even though I ended up being cold toward the end, I had no chafing and it fit great. And I'm wondering if my leg cramps were due to the sprinting I did before the race to get my Garmin. Running in just socks couldn't have been good for me---and I wonder if I messed myself up. I ended up with calf cramps for a few days after!<br />
<br />
Personally, I will not do this race again. But I have to say the organizers did a great job, just like they always do for Tiki. Great course support, lots of lifeguards, etc. The only issue I have it the measurement of the course, as I don't believe it is only 3k. <br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-57333386172507651502015-06-16T17:43:00.000-07:002015-06-16T17:43:39.271-07:00Growing Up Too QuicklyLast week my son, D, promoted from elementary school. From 5th grade to 6th grade.<br />
<br />
I now have a middle schooler.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
I can't believe how fast time is flying. I have always been keenly aware of how fast it goes. I remember still being in the hospital with him after he was born, and he was 3 days old---and being upset that he was already 3 days old. THREE DAYS! I wanted to capture every moment, every memory. <br />
<br />And now he's 11. And going off to middle school.<br />
<br />
He is growing up to be, in one word, phenomenal. I'm so proud of the person he's becoming. He's kind and empathic and fun and so interesting to talk to. I mean, really interesting. He is now a junior black belt in karate, and plays guitar, and now plays sax in the school band, and runs 5ks (and has even done a 10k) and does triathlon. He reads books way beyond his grade level, and asks me the most interesting, thought-provoking questions.<br />
<br />I'm so proud of the relationship I've fostered with him. When A was born, and was in the hospital for several months, D was only 2. Before she was born, he was my world. Wherever I went, he went, and vice versa. I was so in love! I made a conscious decision when A was born that I didn't want him to feel second best---he needed me too! So even when she was in the hospital, and I'd spend all morning in the NICU (he would either be at preschool camp or a friend's house or home if a relative was visiting) but I was with him all afternoon, through bedtime, and then I'd go back to the hospital. All through his childhood, I used any nursing hours I received to spend time with him. And though our nursing days are long over (thank goodness!) we still spend lots of time together. We see plays and musicals, we go to museums, we run, and I still read to him every night (we recently finished the Hunger Game series, and have now started on the Divergent trilogy). We have plans in a few years to run his first half marathon together (a destination trip, I promised him!) <br />
<br />
Recently I asked him if he ever felt left out because of A's medical needs. He said no---and when I told him I had strived to make him feel that way, he said mission accomplished. Ah, I love that boy!<br />
<br />
Now he goes to middle school. He's becoming a man. Yes, he's still a little boy, but not really...he's growing up right before my eyes. He's still a cuddle and loves to snuggle with me at night----just not in public! I'm dreading the day that he doesn't want to cuddle with me anymore, but for now, I savor each one.<br />
<br />
I'm excited for him, and a bit worried too. Three of his six classes next year will be accelerated (GATE for English and Social Studies, and a compacted math class [a year and a half of math in one year]). Plus Science, PE and band. It'll be culture shock to him, but I guess it was for me too, back in the day, going into middle school. He'll be ok. He'll navigate it all---academically, socially, and emotionally.<br />
<br />
Ah, D. I love that boy. I just cherish him so much.....and although he's growing up too quickly, I am also loving watching him develop into the man he is becoming. <br />
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-66589320384781571682015-06-05T20:30:00.002-07:002015-06-05T20:30:58.219-07:00Rock 'n Roll San Diego Half Marathon 2015This is a part 2, of 2, posts. To read about the San Diego Rock 'n Roll 5k I did the day before as part of their Remix Challenge, <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/06/rock-n-roll-san-diego-5k-race-recap.html">please click here</a>.<br />
<br />
I signed up for this half marathon as part of my training for my next half-Ironman, which is <a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman_70_3_vineman.htm">Vineman 70.3</a> on July 12. I thought a half marathon 6 weeks before would be good in my schedule. It would be my third time running this half marathon (see recaps for <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2011/06/san-diego-rock-n-roll-half-marathon.html">2011</a> and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/06/san-diego-rock-n-roll-half-marathon.html">2012</a>) and I actually did the full in 2003 as my first (and apparently not last) marathon. (No recap for that, that was done in the dark ages, before blogging).<br />
<br />
To be frank, I wasn't excited about this race. I never thought I'd do another Rock 'n Roll race. I am not a fan of the Rock 'n Roll series anymore. I have done several of their races---in addition to now three half marathons and a full in San Diego, I also did the <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2011/12/rock-n-roll-las-vegas-half-marathon.html">Las Vegas half marathon</a> in 2011, the first year they had it at night. I have not raced in any other cities, so I can't speak about them, but to me, the series has gone downhill. I remember back in 2003...San Diego was the ONLY city they had, and they only had the full. They had a great headliner---Chris Isaac---and lots of great bands. They said there was a band every mile, and while that wasn't quite true (there were several bands clustered together downtown, with a few miles of desolate stretches) there probably WERE 26 bands. Even a few years ago, there were more bands. But now? It's overdone. I just don't see the "Rock 'n Roll" in the event. Yes, there are bands on the course, but very few. And the price is very expensive (which is why I signed up for next year when it was only $50). It's so commercialized now, like Disney. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I know there are lots of people who LOVE the Rock 'n Roll series, and the Disney series, but for me, I prefer a small-town race.<br />
<br />
I also wasn't excited about this race because of the course. In 2013 they changed the half course so that it goes more through neighborhoods like North Park and Normal Heights---not the greatest of neighborhoods and I was worried about that. (Spoiler: it was amazing! The course is great!)<br />
<br />
Finally, I was running on tired legs. Not only did I run a 5k the day before and bike almost 18 miles, but I never got a taper. For most half marathons, I do my long runs (I try to do a few 10-11 mile runs during my training cycle) but always do a taper run of 6.6 miles the weekend before. Why 6.6? It's half the half. But my <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">friend and coach</a> didn't let me taper, since this isn't an a race. A few weeks ago I ran 9 miles, then the following weekend I ran 10, and last weekend, instead of tapering, I ran 11 miles. And that was the day after biking 65 miles and then running 2 miles. So, needless to say my legs were exhausted. And I'd been sick all week, even with another migraine the day before.<br />
<br />
Now that I've set up all the reasons why I didn't want to run this race, and how I wasn't fresh for it, let me recap!<br />
<br />
I was set to carpool with my friend T, who was doing the full (his first full since shattering his foot in a cycling accident a few years ago). I bought a parking pass (another reason I'm unhappy with Rock 'n Roll---shuttles used to be free, now they're $5 to get on---and $15 if you want a guaranteed parking space in the garage as well. I paid the $15 and T paid $5 for himself). They said the garage opened at 3:30, and to be there between 4 and 5, as the last shuttle would leave at 5:30. Both T and I are obsessive about being early, so he was supposed to be at my house at 3:15. I set my alarm for 2:30, and of course, slept fitfully. I woke on my own at 2:25. I was thrilled to be headache-free! T was outside my house at 3 (he's even crazier than I am) and I happened to have been ready. So early! We easily got to downtown but then got a bit lost as the directions on the parking pass weren't quite right. Luckily we were PLENTY early. We finally got to the parking garage at 3:30---and waited in line forever, as even though it was supposed to open at 3:30, it wasn't. Finally we got in, parked, walked over the bridge by Petco Park, and got on a shuttle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsW3yd2W70GOU4wtuFHepXxRkCjndZEV0KdIzZKeIzPJ_G0jRxczlz7WaGzUSvGRPRW0d3qS8hTAxVHy4Dz1JesK3nCAQwqz900zMmBSelKqQ2ufAMRIb2LcI2Az48FqFGffw3QCGOhAh/s1600/rnrhalf.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsW3yd2W70GOU4wtuFHepXxRkCjndZEV0KdIzZKeIzPJ_G0jRxczlz7WaGzUSvGRPRW0d3qS8hTAxVHy4Dz1JesK3nCAQwqz900zMmBSelKqQ2ufAMRIb2LcI2Az48FqFGffw3QCGOhAh/s320/rnrhalf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">early morning on the shuttle</td></tr>
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<br />
We got to Balboa Park EARLY. Like 4:15 a.m.early. Hardly anyone was there. We wandered around a bit then decided to sit, as we'd have plenty of time on our feet later. We found a curb by the empty corrals and dozed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LdIBLR_Zriw1u9XcL8jY4c_4i02_LoAdbRzS4VpgYF-I26eLKWlBs2_q0Fuh23kYRfhRdyWXMJlm6ySDD8XcQshAr_AbvQj4KcbTIn5KtqnldCjP0MpA6Bmy704j7OogGTZoAQTg830M/s1600/rnr13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LdIBLR_Zriw1u9XcL8jY4c_4i02_LoAdbRzS4VpgYF-I26eLKWlBs2_q0Fuh23kYRfhRdyWXMJlm6ySDD8XcQshAr_AbvQj4KcbTIn5KtqnldCjP0MpA6Bmy704j7OogGTZoAQTg830M/s320/rnr13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what corrals look like before anyone gets there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMMdgVIJk6_8rvkbiKH8Ssg8BKqdRR-JlfDLzWIWd7h1yAXNgfW-1YwRmR0C0q28EUtxJEJWwx6HEEpAyPGmThdyZdIosucaZ-9Or3ekXx6m2sUnZcrnWR6Gof0snluJYlIcqYXPXQVH3/s1600/rnr12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMMdgVIJk6_8rvkbiKH8Ssg8BKqdRR-JlfDLzWIWd7h1yAXNgfW-1YwRmR0C0q28EUtxJEJWwx6HEEpAyPGmThdyZdIosucaZ-9Or3ekXx6m2sUnZcrnWR6Gof0snluJYlIcqYXPXQVH3/s320/rnr12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">selfie in the dark before I took a nap</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
And we waited. Between dozing and using the port-o-potties a few times (the advantage of getting there early is there are no lines and they're clean) the time finally passed. As the full started at 6:15 (an hour before I did) T had less time, so around 5:30 we walked to gear check, shed our outer clothes, and said goodbye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jBy_RBpYhie0u6jR4-SqngBqpyd0_ZEkleA_U5X01XOleJBKCAH4Yhif9YYd9BwSvvV-Q7wrOWGoOsM3c6QYmhEKwPhD0SAr509pIoyy5s24xM93Z36Au12LAmQFi4fmeFy1Ak7vkUi3/s1600/rocknrollhalf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jBy_RBpYhie0u6jR4-SqngBqpyd0_ZEkleA_U5X01XOleJBKCAH4Yhif9YYd9BwSvvV-Q7wrOWGoOsM3c6QYmhEKwPhD0SAr509pIoyy5s24xM93Z36Au12LAmQFi4fmeFy1Ak7vkUi3/s320/rocknrollhalf3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before separating. See you in 26.2 miles, T!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiy5tftSH9NUJpDanRsTLq0qnoxGmfWLD48TCuj2WOGeh2PK4l9guodH9nHoYXpBFyjZNyZMODTNVGObIlYX2_TFfz4ySAt9zfdyEtlofeTNhLc5X-lfaR4j7J3Flyt5nvx492E_zqymb/s1600/rnr4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiy5tftSH9NUJpDanRsTLq0qnoxGmfWLD48TCuj2WOGeh2PK4l9guodH9nHoYXpBFyjZNyZMODTNVGObIlYX2_TFfz4ySAt9zfdyEtlofeTNhLc5X-lfaR4j7J3Flyt5nvx492E_zqymb/s320/rnr4.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to run!</td></tr>
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<br />
Meanwhile, I circulated and found friends. I found my friend <a href="http://www.runningwithsdmom.com/">Smitha</a> and the local chapter of the <a href="http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/">Moms Run This Town San Diego</a>, and posed for a picture. I then ran into my friend Nichell, who is a rock star with 38 half marathons under her belt, and is the owner of <a href="http://fullmedalruns.com/">Full Medal Runs</a> (check them out for cool virtual races!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGTQ7Hl3w41WKQrziSalvpz827dHjRn77dPHp6qpdu-3xatJViKj_ahKPlJpli0hDbKFBATz5HhGuiOO8Zet1QLR1az3mbs136y7TleiJfoveWJCiNuK1WKwo1m7qrj5Sor7PZGU4GPFi/s1600/rocknrollhalf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGTQ7Hl3w41WKQrziSalvpz827dHjRn77dPHp6qpdu-3xatJViKj_ahKPlJpli0hDbKFBATz5HhGuiOO8Zet1QLR1az3mbs136y7TleiJfoveWJCiNuK1WKwo1m7qrj5Sor7PZGU4GPFi/s320/rocknrollhalf4.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Nichell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM2-xleg3g14zOK2Bvb-l8TgV4fPNeYZ4UjijfnbGNT7BbLqTr5LwLeMNNDeWyH4ifmfItiItldBEYGTk9WaTmlOoyjKd2MXJcFf2RaJHS6g-OUMEi1_dgZfiIWUPJ-ApEy71Et0JQWlR/s1600/mrtt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM2-xleg3g14zOK2Bvb-l8TgV4fPNeYZ4UjijfnbGNT7BbLqTr5LwLeMNNDeWyH4ifmfItiItldBEYGTk9WaTmlOoyjKd2MXJcFf2RaJHS6g-OUMEi1_dgZfiIWUPJ-ApEy71Et0JQWlR/s320/mrtt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the MRTT ladies</td></tr>
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Finally, after waiting in a LONG line to use the facilities again, it was time to head to my corral. I was in 17. We waited quite a while to move up, and I was happy once it was go time for my group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-MGUK52sD5HfO8fru-WCCUOCqaJq4sLY0ZbwybTdZ8xa8zaWS44KruyNzl4lw6BIlXAPEGmSHkAODl8xSL4TJ5vS1Pb7PsAZ6sAnX3T-ySey6aXFhJpGEIxOHjfoNDHZyCgl4IxmUMTs/s1600/corral1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-MGUK52sD5HfO8fru-WCCUOCqaJq4sLY0ZbwybTdZ8xa8zaWS44KruyNzl4lw6BIlXAPEGmSHkAODl8xSL4TJ5vS1Pb7PsAZ6sAnX3T-ySey6aXFhJpGEIxOHjfoNDHZyCgl4IxmUMTs/s320/corral1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fooling around with selfies while waiting in my corral</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last picture before the race started </td></tr>
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The run was good! I started immediately with my run/walk ratio of run two minutes, walk 30 seconds. This ratio has proven great in helping with any sciatic pain from my herniated disc. During the first mile I was feeling GREAT and looking at my Garmin I saw I was clocking paces in the 9's. NOT GOOD! I can't sustain that pace, and knew I needed to slow down if I was not going to bonk later in the race. I finally settled into a good rhythm. Ran through Hillcrest, by where I used to live. Down past the crowds of people cheering, past the men-dressed-as-cheerleaders. This part is the same as always--the race always goes down University. But in past years, we used to turn right on Park Blvd, and this time we were turning left. This was unknown territory to me. I mean, I know the area well, but I've never run there. I was excited to be running someplace new!<br />
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The weather was perfect. It was cool and overcast the entire time. I never saw the sun, not once, which is unusual for this race, which can get quite hot. It did get a bit muggy though, and since I overheat easily I got really warm by mile 3. I had brought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Chilly-Evaporative-Cooling/dp/B003YF7W22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433556443&sr=8-1&keywords=frogg+toggs+chilly+pads">Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad</a> with me, something I've never run with but will be using at Vineman (I've tried it biking and it's heaven) and used that for a mile or so until I cooled off.<br />
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When we turned into the Normal Heights neighborhoods, we were in for a treat! The people there were out in force. Tons of people out on their lawns cheering, high-fiving, giving out fruit, candy, even alcohol (yes, I saw someone in front of me take an alcoholic drink!) It was amazing. I have rarely seen that kind of support during a race. I high-fived all the kids, laughed at all the great signs (like "running: it's not just from the cops anymore" and "run like someone just called you a jogger"). At mile 6 my best friend in the whole world was out there with his dog, and it was such a high point for me to give him a hug and get encouragement. By that point, I was getting tired. Really tired. But the crowds were amazing. It was fun to run through lines of cheerleaders, see the little kids, and realize that the neighborhoods were making a party of it.<br />
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After running back into Hillcrest, we turned and went down by another part of Balboa Park that I'm not familiar with. We merged for a bit with the marathoners, and it was impressive to see their pace---I saw the 3:30 pacer, and they are FAST! Here is where I came across something horrific, though.. Right before mile 9, I noticed a group huddled to the side, with a police car and lots of people. Two volunteers were holding up a sheet to block the view of whatever was happening, but as I passed I was able to see. There was a man down, and someone was doing chest compressions on him. I mean, full-on compressions, practically jumping on top of the man to do them. It was awful. I only saw a glimpse, but I spent the next several miles in tears and praying. I did see an ambulance about a quarter mile later, but have no clue if he survived. I know that by the time someone's getting CPR done it's usually too late, but I'm holding out hope that the man was ok. Just awful. It really made me reflect more on not only how lucky I am to do this, but that we never know when it's our time. I'm sure the man just thought he'd run a race, and had hopefully trained, and was looking forward to it, then this happened.<br />
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Toward the end of the race I started to pick up the pace just a tad. There were some hills, and I may have walked a bit more than I should have, but overall I just felt better. I got a Jolly Rancher from a spectator. I got a hug from a woman holding a sign that said "free hugs". I ran into Smitha toward the end, and then ran through a tunnel they had decorated like a rave, complete with club music and neon lighting. The last turn down toward the finish was amazing. There were cheerleaders on a corner screaming "8 more blocks!" and I knew the end was in sight! The finish--all downhill--was a blur. I ran the whole way, with no more walk breaks. There were people lined on both sides of the finishing chutes (there were separate chutes for marathoners and half marathoners. The people were several deep---there were tons! The cheering was deafening. It was probably the best finish line I've ever been through, in any race of any type or distance. <br />
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I crossed the finish line. I had no real time goal for this race, as it was a training run, not an A race. I certainly wasn't trying to PR. My ultimate goal was under 2:45 (on tired legs) and my hopeful goal was 2:35. I crossed in 2:36, so I was really happy! I know that Vineman will be different, and even though most half marathon I do are between 2:30 and 2:40, I've yet to do a half-Ironman run in under 3:00 (Superfrog was 3:12 and Oceanside was 3:03). The exhaustion after doing a 1.2 mile swim, then biking 56 hilly miles, then running 13.1 in the heat (it should be in the 90s) will do me in. But for this race, running on tired, not-fresh legs, I am happy with my time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the finish line <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Excuse my language, but post-race was a clusterf*ck. Right after I crossed I got my medal and there was food and chocolate milk, etc, but after that area it was chaos. The plan T and I had was, since I would finish first, for me to get the gear check bag (we shared one), then get my Remix medal, and then meet him at the Family Reunion. Well, gear check was easy to find, but the Remix medals were not! I was told to go to Petco Park, which didn't make sense, but I made my way halfway over there and then turned back, and asked again, and was once again told to go there. So I followed the throng of people over there---it was so crowded. Finally I got to Petco Park and had to go up to the second level. I found an escalator, but lots of people were doing the stairs---after doing a half or full marathon! Once up there, I had to ask several people where the medals were. They halfway around the stadium, pretty hidden. I was glad when I finally found it, and got my extra Remix medal.<br />
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Then I tried to find Family Reunion. I asked several volunteers and everyone pointed me in different direction. I tried to text T but he never responded, so I (rightly) assumed that his phone was dead. Miraculously, another racer that I asked pointed right across the street (at Petco Park) and there was the Family Reunion area---and there was T! He had done the full in just under 4 hours. I was so proud of him! And happy to see him, as I was scared we wouldn't find each other in this mess. We got to the car and easily got out of the garage. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the parking garage; Petco Park behind me</td></tr>
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All in all, I was very happy with this race. As I'd had nothing but poor expectations, this was great! I have one more swim race to do (tomorrow, actually) and then the next one is the big one---my A race, Vineman!Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-72669305202372012682015-06-02T17:36:00.003-07:002015-06-02T17:37:01.273-07:00Rock 'n Roll San Diego 5k Race Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend was the Rock 'n Roll San Diego weekend. I ended up not only doing the half marathon, but the inaugural 5k the day before as well. If you did the 5k on Saturday, and then either the half or full marathon on Sunday, they called that the Remix Challenge and you got a special medal at the end for completing both. The 5k was a special add-on for me. I had registered for the half marathon, to use as a training run for <a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman_70_3_vineman.htm">Vineman 70.3</a>, which is in July. My son, D, wanted to do the 5k, so I signed him up for that. Soon after, I thought maybe I should do it, too. I NEVER run two days in a row (it's usually too much for my body and its perpetual injuries) but I figured a 5k should be ok. I talked it over with my <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">friend and coach, Steve</a>, and he thought it was a good idea. In fact, he wanted me to run the 5k, then bike 90 minutes, in order to go into the half marathon on tired legs. He wants me running on tired legs to simulate running the half marathon at the end of the half-Ironman.<br />
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The kink in all these plans was that I was sick all last week. Monday (Memorial Day) I was sick as a dog and in bed all day. I think I accidentally ate something with meat in it. It was awful and I was miserable. In addition to the nausea and vomiting I was experiencing, I also got a migraine. I was just as sick on Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday I was much, much better, although not great. From Monday through Friday, I only did one workout, which was a slow 30 minute run. No other runs. No swims. No bike rides. I was going into this weekend feeling a bit weak and not at all ready.<br />
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The day before, I headed to the expo to get our packets. I got there soon after it opened, as I wanted time to walk around but needed to get my kids from school. $15 parking later (!!!!) I was in the convention center. I was excited to see my picture on the Runner Guy poster! They had had a scavenger hunt contest earlier in the year, looking for photos of specific things. One of the items was "a Texan in San Diego". I submitted a picture of myself running the Rock 'n Roll San Diego Half Marathon from 2012, a race in which I wore my Texas running bra and Texas headband. I won, and my picture was in the collage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pointing to my picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there's me, at the bottom!</td></tr>
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Once I got my bibs and shirts, I was free to wander around. This is a pretty large expo, so there was lots to see. I haven't bought anything at an expo in a long time, but this time succumbed to temptation. I ended up with two cute runner girl tank tops from <a href="http://baysixusa.com/index.php?route=common/home">Bay Six USA</a>. I've also been eying running shoe charms for a while, but never bought them because they're so frivolous. However, I ended up treating myself to two. I got this <a href="https://www.beecausecharms.com/library.cfm?p=877&g=1&c=1">cute 13.1 charm</a>, and ordered <a href="https://www.beecausecharms.com/library.cfm?p=100&g=1&c=0">a 70.3 one</a> as well (they are mailing that one to me as they didn't have any there). I saw a few people I knew and chatted a bit. Such a hometown race, even though it's huge.<br />
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I also ended up registering for next year's half marathon. They have a deal right now that the half is only $50 and the full is $59! I almost registered for the full, but as I'm doing a full in January (something I haven't disclosed yet on the blog, but will discuss soon once I wrap my head around it) I decided the half would be plenty. I didn't think I'd be doing another Rock 'n Roll event (for reasons I'll talk about when I recap the half marathon) but hey, $50 is a smoking deal for ANY half marathon, let alone this particular race, which can get to over $100 in cost. As I was registering for next year, a Competitor worker came over and gave me a free tank top for registering. That was an unexpected bonus. So, I guess I know what I'm doing June 5, 2016 already!<br />
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On my way out of the expo, they were just introducing Meb and Harriette Thompson to speak. Harriette was setting out to become the oldest woman to ever complete a marathon. I listened to her speak and was so inspired. She didn't run her first marathon until she was 78 years old! She said this last year has been hard, as her husband (I think of 67 years?) died this year, and and she has a hole in her leg from radiation treatment, but that she was going to try. (Spoiler: she did it! <a href="http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/92-Year-Old-Seeks-To-Become-Oldest-Woman-to-Finish-Marathon-305609511.html">Watch this!</a>) I spoke to her after and told her how inspired I was by her. I not only want to be like her when I'm 92---I want to be like her now, at age 45!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harriette Thompson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After they spoke, I got to meet <a href="https://marathonmeb.com/">Meb</a>! I just inched my way through the crowd of cameramen and talked to him. I told him that I've seen him running on Fiesta Island when I was biking (I biked past him and really wanted to turn around and say hi, but he was training for Boston and I knew that would be wrong). When told him that, he grabbed my hand, looked into my eyes and asked me my name. We totally shared a moment! We locked gazes for quite a while. Ah, huge crush. He wished me luck on Sunday, and I floated on air out of there. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">treasured selfie!</td></tr>
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I shouldn't have been surprised that he was so nice. Every pro runner or triathlete that I've met (I haven't met a ton, but I've talked to Deena Kastor and Jeff Gallway, as well as Matty Reed and Chris McCormack) and they are always so nice and humble. Runners are the BEST!<br />
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After that, I had to hightail out of there so I wouldn't be late getting the kids from school. I was on a high the rest of the day from my meeting with Meb.<br />
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The next morning D and I got up early to get to Balboa Park. Although the website said to park off President's Way, I decided to bypass any traffic and park at the zoo. Walking over the Prado bridge, I ran into my friend <a href="http://www.runningwithsdmom.com/">Smitha</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Smitha</td></tr>
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Once at the race site, I ran into more friends, including my friend Ingrid and <a href="http://matmilesmedals.com/">my friend Briana.</a> Briana is a new friend to me. She is a very close friend to my dear friend Tammy. A few years ago, I encouraged Tammy to run <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/01/tinker-bell-half-marathon-race-recap.html">her first half marathon </a>(now she's done several!) and in turn, Tammy encouraged Briana to complete her first. Now Briana is just as addicted as I am and she did her 17th half marathon this weekend! It was great to finally meet her in person. (You can read her <a href="http://matmilesmedals.com/2015/06/rock-n-roll-san-diego-2015-part-1-expo-inaugural-5k/">recap here</a>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaxWMEfgR2X1-EpfxDyjT8WKmwe-ZmmanRYVA5L-lqS6pLRAIWCDlpd2Yml2bab7QiOfirjjqmnhfZHkDHxEYOrx3xrwN-v2nVUpL2MJKPQtvL6bA0yD4A57zG-XD_RFMWfHZb5uPK4-o/s1600/rocknroll4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaxWMEfgR2X1-EpfxDyjT8WKmwe-ZmmanRYVA5L-lqS6pLRAIWCDlpd2Yml2bab7QiOfirjjqmnhfZHkDHxEYOrx3xrwN-v2nVUpL2MJKPQtvL6bA0yD4A57zG-XD_RFMWfHZb5uPK4-o/s320/rocknroll4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briana and me</td></tr>
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Soon enough it was time to line up. We self-seeded by expected pace, so D went to the 8 minute mile (he's been running 8:30 mm 5ks recently) while I went back to the 11 minute mile corral. Corrals were let off minutes apart, so by the time I got to the start line, I saw D running back on his out-and-back. I also saw Deena Kastor, who was leading the 8 mm group. Yay Deena!<br />
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Finally it was my turn to start running. I had accidentally left my iPod in the car, so it was just me and my thoughts. It was just as well---before I even hit the mile marker I started to feel very sick. My migraine had started to come back. Ugh! I had migraine medicine with me, but didn't want to take it WHILE running. I decided to just suffer through. I was so nauseous and in so much pain. Not ideal conditions for running a race! Since I didn't care about the time, I just shuffled through. The course was one I've done many, many times----any 5k I've done in Hillcrest uses it----up and back on 6th Avenue, then through part of a loop in the Park. Some little hills, nothing major, but when you're not feeling well, they seemed like mountains. This time I got no joy from it. I just wanted to be DONE!<br />
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When I finished, I got my medal and found D waiting for me. Briana was there too, so I got to see her again. I went to find a patch of grass, took my migraine medicine, and laid down. I was not doing well, at all. Smitha walked by and was concerned but I waved her off. I knew I'd make it home. Finally I got up and we trudged back to the car. It was one of the worst 5k times I've ever posted...not that I was trying to go fast, but I can go faster than that! D, too, had a bad race. He ran 11 minute miles; apparently he hurt his foot at karate the night before. Not a great race for either of us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-race, looking miserable</td></tr>
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I got us home and took a short nap. Later I felt well enough to go on that bike ride, so I got that done. I was nervous about the half marathon the next day----what if I woke up with a migraine? What would I do?<br />
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To be continued in the next post!<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-268057795047587072015-05-05T16:27:00.002-07:002015-05-05T16:27:52.255-07:00Spring Sprint Triathlon Race Recap 2015Last weekend brought another triathlon. I signed up for the Spring Sprint solely to get my head back in the triathlon game, and to practice my transitions. I haven't really done a triathlon since <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/03/ironman-703-califoria-oceanside-race.html">my last half Ironman</a>, which was over a year ago, and I have<a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman_70_3_vineman.htm"> Vineman 70.3</a> coming up in just over 2 months. (Yes, I did that <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2015/04/diamond-valley-reverse-sprint-triathlon.html">reverse triathlon</a> a few weeks ago, but I'm not counting that as good practice, since the transitions were backward and there was no open water swim). <br />
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<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2011/05/spring-sprint-triathlon-recap.html">I did this race back in 2011</a>, and enjoyed it enough to want to sign up again. I was also a spectator last year, watching my son (then 10 years old) and my best friend become first-time triathletes. I was oddly nervous about this race. When I mentioned my nervousness to my friend/coach Steve, he questioned why a two-time half-Ironman finisher would be worried about a little sprint. Well, I was nervous about two things---how cold the water might be (the water temperature had dropped somewhat in recent weeks) and the washing machine of swimming with other people (something I always dread in tri). I also have only had one open water swim since <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/09/tiki-swim-race-recap-14.html">Tiki in September</a>, and wasn't sure if this would bite me in the ass. However, regardless of the nervousness, I didn't show it prior to race day---I didn't even start packing until Saturday afternoon! In years past, I always start gathering stuff together 3 days in advance for fear of forgetting something. I guess I'm becoming seasoned after all, because it was easy for me to pack---and I didn't forget anything.<br />
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Steve had two goals for me for this race. One was to practice putting my swim stuff in a plastic bag (at Vineman I'll have to do this, just as I did at Oceanside, as they'll transport my gear from T1 to the finish. It took a lot of time for me last year). For this I brought an actual Ironman gear bag from my Oceanside race. The second goal of his was for me to run a progressive 5k at the end; that is, to run each mile faster than the previous one. I wanted to accomplish these two goals, as well as have a quicker T1 than usual (I'm always slow as molasses) and just to have fun.<br />
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I sent J to the packet pickup on Friday, so I didn't have to deal with any of the expo stuff. Saturday afternoon I packed my tri bag, cleaned and lubed my bike, and loaded everything in the car. I checked my blog from the last time I races (truly, one of the reasons I blog is so I can remember all the details that might come in handy later!) I went to bed early, and was up before my 4:00 wake-up call (after waking several times in the night, as per usual for me pre-race!) I went downstairs, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and was out the door by 5:00, eating a Luna Bar on the way. I got to Mission Bay by 5:20, easily found a parking space in the front, hung out in my car for a bit and then walked into transition. I was in Wave 9, and was happy to see my friend Marsha already there, with space next to her bike for mine. I set up my transition, and got to talk to Marsha and her friend Tracy until it was time for our wave to start.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all set up</td></tr>
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After watching wave after wave start, it was finally our turn. This race has a water start, so we had to get in and swim maybe 50 yards or so to the start. I didn't know where to position myself. I'm not fast, so I didn't want to be at the front, but there are also a ton of newbies at this race and many are slow--I didn't want to be stuck behind people. I settled for the middle. I quickly got acclimated to the water---it was estimated by the announcer to be between 66-68 degrees, and it felt good. I wasn't too cold at all. I was glad I chose to wear my neoprene booties though---I didn't necessarily need them for the warmth, but waiting beforehand on the boatramp, and the run to transition after, is very rough on the feet. After treading water and putting my face in the water to blow bubbles and test my goggles, the horn blew and we were off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race</td></tr>
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I Tarzan-ed the first several yards as I did not want to get kicked in the face and it was crowded. Soon, though, the crowd dispersed somewhat and I was able to swim. I had to go around a lot of people, or slow down as sometimes two women in front of me would start to converge as I was attempting to swim through the gap between them. I truly hate this part of swimming in triathlon. My right shoulder started to ache, and I still don't know if it's because I often have shoulder issues or because my wetsuit is too constraining. Either way, I didn't let myself stop---it's only 1/4 mile swim, and I knew the more I progressed, the quicker I'd get out of the water. It didn't take long to round the buoys, and I was back to the boat ramp sooner than I'd expected (the course is somewhat of a square). <br />
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I ran up to transition, and found Marsha running next to me. We had finished the swim at the same time, which amazed me. The timing mat is at the entrance to transition, which sucks, because I didn't get a true measure of my swim time---the run to transition is stuck in there (if any race organizers are reading this, may I suggest a timing mat at the boat ramp?). I took off my goggles and cap and started to unzip as I ran. Into transition I went. Wetsuit off, booties off, and all swim gear stuffed in the plastic Ironman bag. Socks, bike shoes, race belt, sunglasses and helmet on. Clip-clop out of transition, pass the mount line, and BIKE!<br />
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It was an overcast day, which was surprising, as all week it'd been very hot and sunny. I was grateful for the cooler temps, but that meant I was a bit cold in my sopping wet trisuit. Normally I dry myself a bit more in T1 but I'm working on getting quicker, so I only kind of patted down my feet to get my socks on. The course changed this year---normally the bike is two laps of Fiesta Island but apparently there was a soccer event going on there so the bike course headed the other direction, and did two laps. I liked it, as I HATE Fiesta Island--but there were at least 3 hairpin 180 degree turns on each lap, which made us slow down a lot. I also wonder if any accidents occurred. I didn't hammer the bike as I did in the triathlon a few weeks ago, but I tried to maintain a good cadence. We were told there was one hill---I didn't see any hill! There was a slight uphill as we went over an overpass, but no hill. I passed a lot of people, and gave encouragement when I could. It was clearly some people's first tri, and it was awesome to see them out there.<br />
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11 miles later, I cruised back to transition. Dismount, clip-clop back to my spot, rack my bike, helmet off, run shoes on, hat on---and RUN!<br />
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With my goal to run each mile progressively faster, I was dismayed to look down soon into my run and see my pace in the 9's. That is unsustainable for me, and I certainly can't get even faster! So I made myself slow down. I did my usual 2 minute run/30 second walk ratio. The run was pleasant----it was still overcast, and the two-looped course was flat. I did the first mile in 11:09 and the second mile in 11:07. I was feeling good. I was feeling strong, even. Toward the end, I passed a woman cheering who yelled to me "You look cute AND you're running strong!" That put a huge smile on my face! The last mile, since I felt so good, I did mostly 2:15 minute run/ 15 second walk. I finished the last mile in 10:35. Talk about progression! For the third time this year, I crossed the finish line with no nausea, feeling happy and triumphant.<br />
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A fun race indeed. I met my goals, and got my head back in the triathlon game. I had no goggles leaking, no bike issues, and no foot pain. I did just order a sleeveless wetsuit, as the shoulder pain is worrying me and I have a lot of open water swims coming up---hopefully that will help.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finisher!</td></tr>
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-49371770659734939602015-04-23T18:19:00.000-07:002015-04-23T18:19:20.358-07:00Diamond Valley Reverse Sprint Triathlon Race RecapA few months ago I received an email from our local youth triathlon coach that a new triathlon, the<a href="http://rammsports.com/joomla/dv-triathlon"> DV Triathlon</a>, would be held in April and that there was a kids' race as part of it. I was intrigued, as this was a REVERSE triathlon, meaning instead of doing a swim/bike/run, athletes would do a run/bike/swim, with the swim in a pool. I ran the idea past my son, D, who at that time was 10 years old but would be newly 11 on race day. He did his first two triathlons last year, both kid-sized races, and while he enjoyed both, he wasn't overly thrilled with the open water swims he had to to do in the chilly bay. He loved the idea of a pool swim. However, since he would be 11 on race day, he would have to race the adult-length distance (only kids 10 and under got the shorter distances). Still, these would be doable distances for him---the race was advertised as a 5k run, 15k bike and 175 meter swim. My husband, J, was also interested, having done his first triathlon this past October, and I signed the two of them up.<br />
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Life intervened, as it always does. <a href="http://yopd1.blogspot.com/2015/04/its-been-while-but-i-had-brain-surgery.html">J recently had brain surgery </a>to insert another deep-brain stimulator to help with his Parkinson's Disease symptoms. As it was very recent (end of March) he was under doctor's orders not to swim for a few months, to allow his head to heal. I'd already paid for him, so I contacted the race director and asked if I could take his place. The race director was extremely nice and accommodating, and suddenly I had another race coming up. I had never done a reverse triathlon, and I'd also never done a tri swim in a pool! I was especially excited to do this with my son---we'd be starting at the same time and everything! My friend <a href="http://stevecycles200.blogspot.com/">Steve</a>, who is coaching me for my <a href="http://www.vineman.com/ironman_70_3_vineman.htm">upcoming half-Ironman at Vineman</a>, ordered me to run hard and hammer the bike. With such short distances, there was no reason not to.<br />
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This race was in Hemet, a good hour away from home, so on race day we left the house at 5:15 (we still had to pick up our race packet, and the youth coach wanted to meet with the kids at 6:30). My kids were troopers getting up so early. We had no trouble getting to the race site, which was at a rec center. We checked in, got our packet (which consisted of a t-shirt, timing chip and one small sticker for the bike--no swim cap, and I was glad I'd thought to put one of my own in my bag as a precautionary measure), and our race numbers written on our hand. There were bike racks set up, but in my opinion there should have been a few more--space was tight, and I counted myself lucky to find a space next to my son. There were a lot of newbie triathletes doing this race (it really was a perfect race for a first timer) but along with that comes not knowing how to set up transition. I only had room to fold my towel in quarters and set my stuff up---only swim cap, goggles and bike shoes (helmet and sunglasses were on the bike). It's been a while since I've had such a minimal setup.<br />
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Then it was time to wait. A 5k-only race started at 7, and a few minutes after that was the kids' race. Our race was supposed to start at 7:30, but they wanted to wait for the kids to get off the course first. Totally understandable, the kids' safety comes first---hopefully next time they will account for that in the start times. It was fun to watch the kids come back into transition from their run and bike----they are so inspiring! We also passed the time chatting to the people around us, including a woman for whom this was her first triathlon (and she doesn't know how to bike yet---she has training wheels! How courageous is that?)<br />
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Finally, it was time to start our run. From the beginning, D was way ahead of me (he finished with a pace at about a 8:30 minute mile, while mine was 11:00). On this out-and-back run course, I got to see him as he passed me. Later, another man who was on his way back shouted to me "your son is way ahead of you!". Thanks, dude, I know. I ran hard, often clocking paces in the high 9's (which is TOTALLY unsustainable for me), but even with my walk breaks I still had a good pace. There was one water station on the course, but it wasn't very warm so I didn't need it. The transition area appeared too soon, and shortly after I passed my cheering husband and daughter the 5k clocked short per my Garmin----by over 1/10 a mile.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finishing the run</td></tr>
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It should have been a quick transition-- running shoes off, bike shoes on, helmet and sunglasses on and GO!- but I had to use the bathroom and while I guess I could have waited until after the race, I decided to go. The bathrooms were real---in the rec center, not port-o-potties---and I had to wait for a stall. I didn't care though, I was ok adding a few minutes onto T1 here. Finally I was off on the bike. As I rode out, my husband told me that D was 9 minutes ahead of me (made sense with his run pace and my bathroom break). Steve wanted me to maintain a 17 mph pace. I was using my new Garmin 910xt for the first time in a race, and the screen kept scrolling to different screens, so I had a hard time seeing my speed. I decided to just hammer and let my body do what it could do without seeing the Garmin.<br />
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The bike course was a double loop, and very flat. I was able to stay in aero for most of it, and just concentrated on strong pedal strokes. On the first loop I saw D as he passed by me on his way back on the out-and-back. He looked good! I was expecting to catch him on the first loop, but it took me until the middle of the second to finally pass him. As I did, he complained that his shoulder hurt. I asked him if he wanted me to stop, but he said no, to keep going, so I did. <br />
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I was pleased with my bike performance. I did a 17 mph ride! I know that's not fast for a lot of people, especially on a flat course, but for slowpoke me that was lightning fast. I also passed a lot of people, which made me feel really good. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqYHLuchMK0_Jx-DDESHuH_dlxZv0qCPJiDqeh64iC0wLTuYfF4m4hpuRb_NiFj7OMVQ1OFjPyKoDzXYDikcM1T1pQqAy2pEAghOzW3e4V_RDO-LMdKKf8XJ9iekqs69OP4zQ7iQl7zYu/s1600/dv3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqYHLuchMK0_Jx-DDESHuH_dlxZv0qCPJiDqeh64iC0wLTuYfF4m4hpuRb_NiFj7OMVQ1OFjPyKoDzXYDikcM1T1pQqAy2pEAghOzW3e4V_RDO-LMdKKf8XJ9iekqs69OP4zQ7iQl7zYu/s1600/dv3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Coming into T2, I noticed that like the run course, the bike course was a bit short. A 15k should have been 9.3 miles, and I clocked 8.9. I dismounted, ran my bike to the rack, and took off my shoes and helmet and grabbed my swimcap and goggles.. After I started to trot into the adjacent pool, I realized my socks were still one. Doh! I had to run back to transition to peel them off, then back to the pool. The swim was done in a serpentine style---swim up one lane, duck under the rope to the next lane and push off the wall to swim down. I'd never done this before, and actually thought this was fun. I was swimming in my tri suit, which felt weird, as I always swim in my bathing suit (whenever I do I triathlon I have a wetsuit over my clothes as open water here in San Diego is so cold!). The water was warm, and I felt sluggish. I know I could have swam a lot faster than I did, but for some reason I just couldn't. Or didn't. Someone kept slapping my foot on one lap, so I sped up, but except for that I just crawled along.<br />
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I was expecting 7 lengths, to make the advertised 175 meters, so I was surprised when I got to 150 YARDS (the pool was yards, not meters) and it was time to get out. I climbed out on the steps, crossed the finish mat, and got a medal. I was surprised they had medals---it was such a low-key race, without even swim caps, so it was a nice touch. After I got out, I saw my husband and daughter, who were cheering on D---he was in the middle of his laps. He was struggling, and a really nice woman in the pool kept encouraging him. When he finally got out, he was crying and said it was the hardest thing he'd ever done. He hadn't done too much training (especially on the bike) recently, despite me asking him repeatedly, so I think he learned a much needed life lesson---that to compete, especially at longer, adult distances, he needs to put more training in.<br />
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All in all, it was a very fun race. I loved racing with my son. I really liked the small-town vibe of the race. My only complaint is that all 3 distances fell short, something that can be easily remedied for next year (or advertised differently). I found that reverse triathlons are fun, and I LOVED the pool swim versus the cold open bay or ocean water I'm used to competing in! I'd love to do this again with my son, but actually I hope that next year it's my husband doing it with him instead of me.<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066612659034209366.post-18432712804298094072015-03-12T16:01:00.000-07:002015-03-16T14:10:16.445-07:00Divas Half Marathon Race RecapThere are some races (actually, most of them for me) where I sign up just to have fun. Some races are a challenge type/distance for me, others are goal races where I hope to set a personal record (PR). But most I run just for fun, for the experience of running in a new destination, etc.<br />
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The Divas Half Marathon was this type of race for me when I signed up. I was supposed to run this half marathon over a year ago, but I'd been injured and not ready to run 13.1 miles, so <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/12/divas-5k-race-recap.html">that day I took on the 5k</a> instead. While it was the right choice at the the time, I felt I had unfinished business with the Divas brand. So when they announced a special race in Temecula, a town not far from me, I jumped on it. They promised that registration would not only include what it usually does (feather boa and tiara at the finish, medal handed out by a shirtless hunk, rose, etc) but also a tutu, wine tasting, and free finisher's photos. I signed up long ago, and wasn't too worried about it. I did the training, but, as usual, did not pay any attention to elevation profile or course specifics when I signed up. I was running this race strictly for fun---and for redemption. I wanted to be a Divas half marathon finisher!<br />
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Race week was rainy. While I welcomed the rain in drought-affected San Diego, I was worried about rain the morning of the race. I don't mind running in the rain---in fact, I like it a lot. It's fun. What I DIDN'T want to do is stand around for a few hours before the race in the rain. Standing and getting drenched, then running 13.1 miles is not my idea of a good time. And in checking out the course profile, I noticed that several of the miles were on a dirt trail. Which, in the rain, would be mud.<br />
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The day before the race I drove up to Temecula, about 45 minutes away, for packet pickup. This was at a winery, which took quite a while to get to once off the freeway. I was looking forward to the expo---when I did the race in 2013 in Ontario, the expo was amazing and I literally had to restrain myself from spending money. This time--not so much. There were hardly any vendors there, which was fine with me, as I didn't know if I'd be able to resist this time. I got my shirt, bib, and goodie bag which had a pink tutu in it. They also had a coupon for a wine tasting, which could be done either that day or after the race. Since I knew I would want to go right home after running, I went to the winery bar and got my own Divas wineglass (to keep). I was allowed to do two tastings, but since I had to drive I settled for a few sips of just one. Sigh. Note to self---next time bring a designated driver!<br />
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One big question I had---whether or not to wear the tutu. On one hand, I try not to do something new on race day, and god knows a tutu would be new for me. I was also worried about the rain, and how wearing a soggy tutu would feel. On the other hand, it WAS a Divas race, and if I didn't wear a tutu for it, when would I? I loved dressing up in other races, such as the <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/04/hollywood-half-marathon-recap.html">Hollywood Half Marathon</a>, <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2013/01/tinker-bell-half-marathon-race-recap.html">Tinker Bell Half Marathon</a> and <a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2014/07/costume-party-run-half-marathon-race.html">Costume Party Half Marathon</a>--so why not now? I decided to bring it just in case it didn't rain, and to make the decision race day. The rest of my outfit consisted of my pink Divas shirt from my 5k, capris and my old running shoes (I just got new shoes a few weeks ago, and was worried about the potential for muddy trails). I wanted arm warmers, but couldn't find my black ones, so made my own by cutting the toes off a pair of black tube socks.<br />
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It rained on and off on Friday, but race morning it seemed dry. I wasn't sure what time to leave the house. Because parking was very limited at the winery, where the race started, runners were instructed to park in an off-site parking garage and be shuttled to the start. Even though the race didn't start until 7:30, the last shuttle would leave at 6:45. I've read on other blogs about other Divas races that traffic can be a nightmare, and I didn't want to get stuck on the I-15 in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I also didn't know if it would start raining, and if it did, I knew rain would make traffic worse. So I set my alarm for 4:00, and was out the door by 4:30.<br />
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And....was in my parking spot by 5:05.<br />
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Sigh. Way too early. But, as I always say, better to be early than late and stressing in traffic.<br />
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After frittering away time in my car, I got on a shuttle at about 5:30. Since it wasn't raining, I decided to wear the tutu, figuring that if it rained during the race and got soggy, or if I just didn't like it, I could ditch it at an aid station. Once I arrived at the winery, I circled around, trying to get my bearings. There was no line at all for the port-o-potties (and the winery was locked, so their indoor bathrooms were not an option) so I took the opportunity to use it. After that, I just wanted to get warm. It was cold! I found a place under an awning and sat, making friends with the woman next to me. We passed the time chatting, as fellow runners always do. I also ran into a friend from the local chapter of <a href="http://momsrunthistown.com/sandiegoca/">Moms Run This Town</a>. I knew several women running this race, and with it capped at 2000, chances were good to find them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race, and c-c-c-c-cold!</td></tr>
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Finally it was time to line up. By this time, the line for the port-o-potties was out-of-control long, and I was glad I'd already gone. I checked my gear (sweatshirt) and shivered my way over to the start. There were two waves, going off 2 minutes apart, and they were very strict about not being in a wave you weren't supposed to be in. I was in wave 1. I found another friend, hugged, and suddenly it was time to start running!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEMzTiT4nHaUlx-YT6oNMWypHBPRwCFZ8BA7UxQZJizlpYgzG_mmURuEpFyM1FoobucNtjeI5OUx0ltEo5wgElHL2VK2PiUO8RRB4txTtEFH6hJni7gbyB9ZEx8UycmfoqmbLj3BQcmWO/s1600/start.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEMzTiT4nHaUlx-YT6oNMWypHBPRwCFZ8BA7UxQZJizlpYgzG_mmURuEpFyM1FoobucNtjeI5OUx0ltEo5wgElHL2VK2PiUO8RRB4txTtEFH6hJni7gbyB9ZEx8UycmfoqmbLj3BQcmWO/s1600/start.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start line</td></tr>
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I immediately started in on my two minute run/30 second walk ratio, which has proven to help me with any sciatic pain. We passed wineries left and right. It was very pretty scenery with the vineyards. I tried to take a few pictures, but as I didn't want to stop they turned out blurry. Sorry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzKvPr1Pr6Mn_1ae0I0jhToorgKO8HrN2Pz_w5cdmGwJ-TU8W-bxqBpFzGgcPnrQaRAT_bsQC8NUmKdxsvVVcWeTWXtZlrUMKMw78hZN7Hz6XOs1-5BgdClDoJkbLwvEj5qe6L3QgMS4J/s1600/vineyard2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzKvPr1Pr6Mn_1ae0I0jhToorgKO8HrN2Pz_w5cdmGwJ-TU8W-bxqBpFzGgcPnrQaRAT_bsQC8NUmKdxsvVVcWeTWXtZlrUMKMw78hZN7Hz6XOs1-5BgdClDoJkbLwvEj5qe6L3QgMS4J/s1600/vineyard2.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just one of the many wineries we ran by</td></tr>
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<br />
The sun never really came out too strong. It wasn't raining, but it sure was cloudy. My kind of running weather. I fell into a groove and ran/walked on.<br />
<br />
At mile 4 I noticed I was at 44 minutes, which was a faster than average pace for me in a half marathon. Hmmm.....I was intrigued, but didn't think much of it, as I've run faster paces before in half marathons and in the end always fade with exhaustion. Mile 5 came, again at a fast pace.<br />
<br />
Around this point there were some hills. Not too long, but pretty steep. On the steep ones I just walked them, even if it wasn't time for my walk break. Again, I wasn't looking for a PR, I just wanted to have fun and finish. I thought that taking extra time walking on the hills would worsen my time. But at mile 8, I realized I was on pace for a PR. And at mile 10, when I had about 40 minutes left in order to go sub-2:30, and only a 5k to go, I knew I could do it.<br />
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I kept going. There was a long out-and-back portion on trail (luckily it wasn't raining still so it was dirt) and I saw a few of my friends, which gave me a boost. I kept thinking about the possibility of a PR. <br />
<br />
I was shocked. I wasn't looking to PR this race. And yet here was an opportunity. I have run a lot of half marathons. This was #23 for me, and I had only gone sub-2:30 in one race. Most of my half marathons average between 2:31-2:40. There was a few in the 2:30 range, and a few in the 2:55 (or longer) range when I was injured, but most are between 2:31-2:40. Only once in my life had I gone sub-2:30, and that was my PR---in 2012---<a href="http://sugarmagnolia70.blogspot.com/2012/06/san-diego-rock-n-roll-half-marathon.html">the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon</a>, when I ran a 2:29:17. That was almost 3 years ago! It never occurred to me that I might PR again. By this time, it was clear that I would PR. The question to me became, by how much?<br />
<br />
I decided to give it my all. A few days later was my 45th birthday, and I wanted to give a great birthday present to myself: a shiny new PR. I was NOT going to let this slip through my fingers. Yet here's the thing: whenever I'm in a race, and I'm talking about ANY race of ANY distance, from 5k to half marathon to half Ironman, whether it's a running race, a bike ride, a swim race, or triathlon--when I get to the last mile, I feel nauseous. I rarely finish strong and triumphant. I know it's a mental thing, and I plan on writing a post about this, but it's something that I need to mentally conquer. I decided that was going to rewrite my story during this race. I was NOT going to feel nauseous during the last mile. I was NOT going to fade with exhaustion. I was going to finish strong, and finish proud. So when I inevitably started to feel sick, just half mile from the finish line, I got stern with myself and fought on.<br />
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I kept on running, doing more running and less walk breaks. Past the families cheering with cowbells. Past the cute Girl Scouts giving high fives. I was on a mission.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kOvxrnonDmm1MhuiemMXPSwh3bD3-6IstHH1L4ma5LHYsdHw49nj4NsDfxwyEHnm79dmByQxzWj7fJVpkBS7QlXB3Bklm2N-xEXXX6KHmMnu90kN2e8grX4gQs1qaJ8Yo86mk5Eo-29d/s1600/coming+to+finish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kOvxrnonDmm1MhuiemMXPSwh3bD3-6IstHH1L4ma5LHYsdHw49nj4NsDfxwyEHnm79dmByQxzWj7fJVpkBS7QlXB3Bklm2N-xEXXX6KHmMnu90kN2e8grX4gQs1qaJ8Yo86mk5Eo-29d/s1600/coming+to+finish.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coming to the finish</td></tr>
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<br />
Right before the finish they have a tiara station, where they give each runner a feather boa and tiara. I grabbed it and tried to put it on while still running. I didn't care how it looked, I had a finish line to cross! I was hoping to see 2:28:xx on my Gamin when I crossed, which would be a huge PR for me.<br />
<br />
Instead, I finished in 2:26:xx.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCBfVFI9iuSIQ0TNNTm2TJkNAr1JJ7fHIPZ5DbHcJEhPphzxFw5sXa89XIWdf9RTG_Jlj6G71kaujulvGm7q4KvOFnWJl8613mxBQoI6JJs1BX8pw20ul6aZ7RxN6gujVCx_IUSYxsnax/s1600/garmin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCBfVFI9iuSIQ0TNNTm2TJkNAr1JJ7fHIPZ5DbHcJEhPphzxFw5sXa89XIWdf9RTG_Jlj6G71kaujulvGm7q4KvOFnWJl8613mxBQoI6JJs1BX8pw20ul6aZ7RxN6gujVCx_IUSYxsnax/s1600/garmin.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRakOISFnePfZQwtL8oNEDpzR9oLpdoa3RShle1gjV9x_AFb5oXkZZ01EzWCOcgqZdZDZbExYTLXvQeL_MU4WWXqgTf70Jl9LCvskyoxRYgu0uNZNELjoJmHsQ6lJujKnTEmgn38u8DvjH/s1600/triumphant.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRakOISFnePfZQwtL8oNEDpzR9oLpdoa3RShle1gjV9x_AFb5oXkZZ01EzWCOcgqZdZDZbExYTLXvQeL_MU4WWXqgTf70Jl9LCvskyoxRYgu0uNZNELjoJmHsQ6lJujKnTEmgn38u8DvjH/s1600/triumphant.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finally feeling triumphant</td></tr>
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<br />
Yes, an even bigger PR than I ever thought imaginable. I crossed the finish line, accepted my medal (and took a selfie with the shirtless hunk, of course), got my rose, and staggered off the to side to cry. I could not believe what a gift I had given myself, especially one that was so unexpected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FtYsjsznUZyseXmuyRcrccDb7CFyptcqSyHPwAQ9PEqA-O_2sDI82onGsTkCG3x-mBIs9OM4oG1Srju57G4ZYIdAl1arz9kspBpSFnsS95yjAfTfsQUnUzsL_6J5XZupb7At_ZN0FGyM/s1600/shirtless.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FtYsjsznUZyseXmuyRcrccDb7CFyptcqSyHPwAQ9PEqA-O_2sDI82onGsTkCG3x-mBIs9OM4oG1Srju57G4ZYIdAl1arz9kspBpSFnsS95yjAfTfsQUnUzsL_6J5XZupb7At_ZN0FGyM/s1600/shirtless.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After I composed myself, I got my gear and easily hopped onto a shuttle to the parking garage. As we were driving, it started to rain. I was happy I had missed it, but sad for the other runners whom I knew were still out on the course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDTyQaxjZ1S5cBTSFV_jpphz1jiN68CzWRh_F76Ryqnw5FaPtnsM8TzNbR9Wlv9cPUDpoK8abnUAjB4uIFATZQuTp1nBaX-_uSlX2QVUpgLYK0mJ-I4S5Ny3dXTMWZFrt_UY40FnIeM2f/s1600/medal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDTyQaxjZ1S5cBTSFV_jpphz1jiN68CzWRh_F76Ryqnw5FaPtnsM8TzNbR9Wlv9cPUDpoK8abnUAjB4uIFATZQuTp1nBaX-_uSlX2QVUpgLYK0mJ-I4S5Ny3dXTMWZFrt_UY40FnIeM2f/s1600/medal.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FtYsjsznUZyseXmuyRcrccDb7CFyptcqSyHPwAQ9PEqA-O_2sDI82onGsTkCG3x-mBIs9OM4oG1Srju57G4ZYIdAl1arz9kspBpSFnsS95yjAfTfsQUnUzsL_6J5XZupb7At_ZN0FGyM/s1600/shirtless.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<br />
Would I do this race again? I don't think so. I do recommend it, and had a blast doing it, but once was enough for me. I loved getting dolled up in the tutu and being in a women-centered race. The course was pretty and challenging. But for me, once was enough.<br />
<br />
And I'm thrilled with my PR. While I may never PR again, having this time as my PR, just a few days shy of my 45th birthday, feels very, very good.<br />
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<br />
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<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16071565706988591786noreply@blogger.com2