Back in February, my family was having dinner one night and J and were talking about sports. We were discussing how our son, D, doesn't like participating in team sports. We've tried soccer, basketball, baseball, etc....but he just hates them. Instead, he prefers individual based sports, like karate (he's about to test for his brown belt---black is the only color left to earn after this!) and running (just like his mama). He's also very interested in archery. But that night at dinner, the subject of golf came up---a sport that's individual, but yet social at the same time.
J started wondering if golf would be a good sport for our daughter, too. She hasn't ever played a sport before, as her balance and vision issues would get in the way. She did gymnastics for a while, but after breaking her neck last year she's not allowed to do that anymore. She also takes adapted swimming lessons, but still can't swim unassisted. Golf was intriguing to us.
A quick Google search found us a real gem: a PGA golf pro who specializes in helping children and adults with special needs learn to play. The coach, (whom I'll just call Coach in this blog) was delighted to hear from me and told me a little of his history. He has been helping people for the past 35 years play! He works with special needs of every sort---autism, spinal cord injuries, Down Syndrome, etc. When I told him about A, he said that golf would be the perfect sport for her. One reason is that she doesn't need to run in golf (A has a hard time running due to her balance). And the second reason is that the ball won't go anywhere until she walks up and hits it. Because of her vision issues, I don't want her around flying balls coming toward her (soccer, softball, etc). So golf did seem perfect. Coach said to bring her in----but wanted the whole family to come, not just her.
We've been going every Saturday since February, and I can't believe how much fun we're having. At this point, all four of us have our own set of clubs (J already had his own set, and the kids each got a set for their birthdays earlier this year. I myself am borrowing a set from a friend). It's the first family activity that we've ever done---something that ALL FOUR OF US are learning. We have our lesson, then go out to dinner after. Very good quality family time.
A is really enjoying it. Although she hasn't gone on the course yet, she is enjoying being on the putting green, chipping green, and driving range. Because of her vision limitation (bilateral colobomas) she has to work extra hard at seeing the ball before she swings the club. She truly is getting better and better, and she gets so proud of herself when she hits a ball particularly well, or sinks a ball into the hole on the putting green.
I myself have learned to like it. Until our first lesson, I'd never picked up a club, save for playing miniature golf. But I'm liking the challenge. I especially enjoy chipping and driving. The 7-iron feels so good in my hands, and I'm learning proper form and how to get a more aggressive swing. I love it when the ball goes farrrrrrrrr.........
Best of all, and perhaps most surprising, is my son. D has become a golf fanatic. He catches on very quickly, and is quite good for someone only playing a few months. In fact, last weekend he participated in his first golf tournament, in the 10-and-under category. I'm thrilled, as golf is one of those sports that can be done solo or with a group (much like running).
I've yet to go out on the course, but J and D have. Not only have they gone out with Coach on the rare days that A and I need to miss the lesson, but they have gone golfing on their own a few times at a local 9-hole course. One day I'm sure I'll get out there. In the meantime, I'm enjoying learning the basics, and watching my kids each learn a new and fun sport.
October 28, 2013
October 9, 2013
Mission Bay Triathlon Race Recap ('13)
Triathlon #9---done!
I hadn't planned on doing a triathlon this year. After last year's half-Ironman, I was pretty burnt out, and instead decided that 2013 would be the year of focusing on the sports individually. But since I am now registered for another half-Ironman (Ironman 70.3 California Oceanside) next March, I thought it might be wise to squeeze a sprint in this fall. I
Mission Bay was my first-ever triathlon, back in 2010 (see recap here). I did it again the following year, in 2011 (see recap here). Obviously this triathlon holds a very special place in my heart. Additionally, it holds a very special place in triathlon---it was the first-ever triathlon, back in 1974! I just found this great article, written by the event's founder, on the history of that first race. It's a wonderful event for first-timers, and now that I've done the same course 3 times, it's a nice measurement of my progress as a triathlete.
I actually didn't really train specifically for this event. I had just done a 2.4 mile swim race the week before, so I felt confident on the swim. As for the bike, I've mostly been spinning at home recently, on the trainer, although I'd had a few outdoor rides recently. And my run isn't in good shape, as I've been going very slowly and not too far as to not aggravate my herniated disc. My intention for this race was not to PR (spoiler: I didn't) but, as I wrote earlier, to practice transition and get rejuvenated for training.
One side note---the race was affected by the government shutdown. I got this email the day before the race:
Mission Bay Triathletes,
We are looking forward to a great event tomorrow!
Unfortunately we have learned from our medal supplier that due to the government shutdown, our medal shipment is being delayed in customs and will not arrive in time for the race tomorrow. Your medal(s) will be mailed to your provided address as soon as they arrive. We are extremely disappointed and apologize for this inconvenience.
I wasn't expecting a medal in the first place, as the past two times I did this race they gave out pins. In truth, I don't care about the medal.....but after reading the email I was shaking my head yet one more time about the wide-strewn effects this shutdown is having.
Every year I've done this race they do things differently in terms of packet pickup. This time we had to go to Road Runner Sports, which I did the Friday before. I got my swimcap (pink for the first time), timing chip, strap, and event tech shirt. I did some bike prep Friday as well, cleaning and my lubing my chain, pumping my tires, etc. Saturday they opened transition to rack your bike if you wanted. I did, and was able to snag a prime spot on the end of my wave rack. I packed my gear (and double checked, and triple checked) and before I went to bed Saturday night had everything loaded in the car. I was in bed by 8:30, and pretty much slept soundly until 4:05, which was 5 minutes before my alarm was due to go off. I rarely sleep so well the night before a race, so I was happy!
When I did this race in 2011, I left the house at 5:15 and ran into TONS of traffic getting down there. This time I left the house at 4:30, and got there in plenty of time. I didn't hit any traffic and even got a great spot in the front parking spot. Getting 30 minutes less sleep was totally worth this. I waited in my car about half an hour, then made my way to transition. Set up was easy, and I had lots of time to get bodymarked, double check everything, and ease my wetsuit on. A woman two bikes down from me recognized me. She's a reader of my blog and we have a mutual friend on Facebook, and had conversed a bit on Facebook about a half-Ironman she did. It was great to finally meet her in person! I had eaten a Luna Bar on the way down to Mission Bay, but before I left transition I grabbed a Honey Stinger Waffle for extra fueling.
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| transition set up! |
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| ready to TRI! |
As we were waiting for the horn to blow, we kept moving past the start buoy and had to keep backing up. The current would be with us! When the horn finally blew I was off! I wasn't expecting the swim to be hard; after all, only 7 days before I had swum 2.4 miles in the ocean! Yet the 500 meters seemed to take forever. I got stopped momentarily here and there by women cutting me off, but never got hit or kicked. I had someone on my feet for a while, and was almost hit by a woman doing the swim entirely in backstroke and going off-course, but overall I had plenty of water and space. Only halfway through, however, I started to tire. This always happens to me on sprints, as it takes me 500 yards to warm up, and in a sprint, by the time I'm warmed up the swim portion is over. And the water started to feel warm, too warm. But I just kept my head down and kept one arm in front of the other. Soon enough I saw ground below me. I kept swimming until my hands actually hit the earth, stood up, trudged through the rest of the water, smiled for the camera, and walked up to transition. It was my fastest time yet swimming at this triathlon.
Once in transition I felt befuddled. I had no clue what to do first. Everything was organize nicely, but I was disoriented and couldn't think straight. Finally I figured it out--take off the wetsuit, rinse my feet (they were covered in dirt, rocks and grass from the walk up from transition), put on socks, bike shoes, helmet, Garmin, sunglasses and race belt---but it seemed to take me forever. One neat thing for me was there were LOTS of bikes still there---I beat many, many women out of the water. I guess all my Tiki Swim training paid off! I certainly wasn't one of the fastest, but my placing was very good for me.
One humorous thing that happened here---as I took off my wetsuit, I noticed that my tri shorts were on inside out. What? That's what happens when you get dressed so early in the morning. By that time, of course, I couldn't do anything about it. I had to do the bike and run with the padding and tags on the outside! So funny and embarrassing at the same time!
Out of transition, past the mount line, and finally I was able to get on my bike, Bullet, and clip in. I couldn't concentrate, though. I was wearing my friend (and new coach!) Steve's Garmin, and in my hurry and disorientation in T1 I hadn't fastened it correctly. I was worried it would fall off! So once I got in the Sea World parking lot, I pulled over (off the course), fixed it, and was able to get on with a new peace of mind. The course is advertised as 15k, which should be 9.3 miles, but every year I've done it it's actually about 10 miles. It goes over an overpass (the only "hill"), through the Sea World parking lot, around one lap of Fiesta Island, then back again. Although it's a very flat course, it was very windy. I hunkered down in aero and rode as fast as I could---but when I looked at the Garmin, I was only going 14 mph! Ah, silly wind. Of course, turning some corners made the wind help me, and I was able to average 17-18 mph. I felt like I held my own on the bike. I was 3 minutes slower than last time I did this race, but last time I had just trained for and completed an Olympic distance race and was really bike-ready. This time I wasn't. Still, I felt good, never felt too tired, and although I got passed by all the fast people on their race wheels, I myself passed many people. So different from my first triathlon, when I got passed by EVERYBODY! Although I ate a few Clif Shot Blocks on the ride, it wasn't until about mile 7 that I realized I should drink something. Oops! Luckily with such a short race it was fine, but I really need to start nailing my bike nutrition and hydration better.
Clip-clopped into T2, and this time had an easy transition. Helmet off, running shoes on, and go! One stop at the bathroom and I was ready to run. As I was changing my shoes, I head the announcer say that someone was about to get proposed to at the finish line. I was sad I had to leave, as I would have loved to have seen the proposal!
The run was where I started to have issues. I took along my new Galloway timer, which allows me to set intervals and have it vibrate against me so I know when to run/walk. I set it for my usual 2 minutes run, 30 second walk, which is what I've been doing lately. It was only 5k, but at about 1 mile my sciatic pain started acting up. Grrrrr! I kept my ratio, although started to do a little more walking than I intended when the pain would ramp up. The run is always nice here---it goes around the model boat pond, and is full of happy runners. The pain wasn't awful, and I was able to keep going with a smile on my face.
Toward the end, I did something I've never done in a triathlon before: I started gunning for women in my age group. Usually in triathlons I don't care where I place. I usually place toward the bottom of my age group, and always try to swim/bike/run my own race. But in the last half mile, I saw 3 women ahead of me, all with 42 or 43 written on their calfs (our ages are bodymarked on our left calfs). I wanted to beat them! In the end, because I didn't want to push it too hard and hurt myself, I passed only one of them....but for a moment there I was uncharacteristically competitive!
Finally the finish line was in sight and I was done! Although I didn't PR (I was a few minutes off my 2011 time) I was proud of myself. Considering how little I've been biking and running recently I did great. And I accomplished my goal, which was to practice my transitions and re-enter the world of triathlon. I'm glad I did it--not only did it highlight my current strengths (ie swimming) but showed me what I need to work on (um, hello T1?).
Now to wait for my medal to clear customs......
September 30, 2013
Tiki Swim Race Recap ('13)
At the beginning of the year, I set some new athletic goals for myself. I had just finished my first half-Ironman, and wanted a new challenge for myself. As I have no interest in doing a full Ironman, I decided to focus on each sport. I set a goal to do something in each sport that scared me. Overcoming fear was to be the theme of 2013.
For running, that meant my first trail race, which I did in February. For cycling, that meant my first century ride. Although I signed up for one in June, I did not do it, as I was advised to rest completely due to injury (which turned out to be a herniated disc; resting did nothing to help). Although I did not do the century, I did a lot of training for it, including conquering my fear of biking up a huge hill, Scripps Poway Parkway, which I biked three times. And for swimming, that meant doing the Tiki Swim, a 2.4 mile open water swim race.
Yes, 2.4 miles, which is an Ironman distance. This would be a huge jump in distance for me, as the half-Ironman I had done was "only" a 1.2 mile swim. Over the past few months, I kept my swim distance in the pool to my usual 2000-3000 yards until mid-August, when I bumped up to some 3500 yards swims. (For comparison, 2.4 miles is about 4224 yards). At the beginning of September, I started to get coached by my Ironman friend Steve, who added more mileage and drills, drills, drills! By the time race day came yesterday, I had completed a 4250 yard pool swim, as well as multiple 3500 yarders with drills, paddles, and using the pull buoy, all designed to make it tougher and to make me stronger. In addition, I joined some of my friends for a few ocean swims over the past few weeks, all the better to get used to my wetsuit again, remember how to get through waves, and get used to swimming in the swells and currents.
I had 4 goals. My "A" goal was to finish in under 1:45 (my 2.4 mile pool swim had been 1:50). My "B" goal was to finish in under 2:00. My "C" goal was to finish in under 2:20, which was the official race cutoff time. And my "D" goal was just to finish, regardless of time.
As an aside, about a month ago I was on one such a swim with my friends, when my hands and feet suddenly got freezing. The water temperature was not that cold, and I myself was warm in my wetsuit. But my fingers were frozen, and my feet weren't much better. After the swim, I bought a pair of swim booties, worrying that during the Tiki Swim I would be frozen. However, at my last ocean practice, my hands and feet were fine, so I returned the booties to the store. During Tiki, I was sad about this.
Now, back to my race report!
The day before the race was packet pickup. They also had packet pickup the morning of the race, but I was getting anxious and wanted to get it early. I headed to Oceanside with my daughter, A. Big mistake. I had forgotten that the swim was taking place during Oceanside's Harbor Days, which apparently was a two-day festival literally set on the harbor. Parking was awful, and I had to catch a shuttle to get to the festival. If I do the swim next year, I won't get the packet the day before. For this race, the morning of is just fine. Regardless, I got my packet (swim cap, timing chip and velcro strap) and goody bag. There is no t-shirt given out (they give a trucker hat out at the finish instead) but I ended up buying a Tiki Swim hoodie. I know I'll proudly wear it all winter. I got home and packed my gear and of course, got a poor night's sleep (I rarely sleep well the night before a race!)
My alarm was set for 4:40, but I was up at 3:30 for good. I got dressed and waited to be picked up by my friend C, was was doing the 1.2 mile version of the Tiki Swim (my husband was supposed to do the 1.2 mile swim, but since he had the brain surgery in August, he wasn't able to participate. I convinced my friend C to take his bib). C picked me up at 5:15 and we made the half hour drive to Oceanside in the dark. We parked in the paid lot by the pier (it was recommended to park here, which was close, or several blocks way at the Transit Center for free). My friend Ted showed up, and the three of us waited in C's car for a while. It was dark, windy, and freezing outside!
Finally the sun started to rise and it began to warm up a bit. We got out of the car so that C and Ted could get their packets. They also bodymarked everyone, putting our race numbers on our hands (this was new to me....usually in triathlon you get marked on your shoulder and calf, but of course, in an event where most people are in wetsuits for the entire time, the hand makes sense!) Soon we also met up with other friends (Rebecca, Stuart, Leah and Leo). all of whom I met on Dailymile. C left to take the shuttle to the 1.2 mile start. We suited up and I got in the water to test out the temperature, my suit and my goggles. Everything seemed fine! The temperature was roughly 67 degrees---very lovely. My goggles seemed to be leak-free, and I got water in my wetsuit to warm myself up. I saw another buddy of mine, a man who swims at my gym and has done this race the previous two years. Back to the beach for some instructions from the race director, and it was time to line up! I had been thinking of taking some Clif Shot Blocks with me in my wetsuit sleeve, as I always munch on them in the middle of super long swims. But I didn't like how they felt in my wetsuit, so decided to just stop at the aid station midway for a gel and a drink. I had fueled myself with a Luna Bar at home before I got picked up, and a Honey Stinger Waffle while waiting with my friends in the car.
The Tiki Swim, now in it's third year, is a point-to-point swim. The 2.4 milers start just south of the Oceanside pier. The plan is to swim out to an orange buoy, then turn right and head north, again following the orange buoys. We were instructed not to sight off the pier, as that would get us off-course. Sight on the buoys only. Eventually we would be joined by the 1.2 milers, who would be in a different colored cap (them in orange, us in yellow). An aid station in the form of a boat (an outrigger canoe, I think) would be at that point too. Soon we would all approach the harbor and head toward the right, into it, following the buoys which would now be green. After swimming to the end of the harbor, we would finish at a boat ramp.
A man blew on a conch shell, and the race was on! Exactly one year ago, on September 30, I did the SuperFrog Half Ironman in horrific wave conditions---the waves were about 6 feet tall. It was awful. Today the waves were small, about 2-3 feet. I hung back a bit as most of the swimmers ran in, wanting to give myself plenty of space. It didn't take too long for me to get past the breakers, and soon enough I was able to start swimming.
And swim I did. I kept swimming, and swimming and swimming, and still wasn't getting out to the first buoy. I don't have a waterproof Garmin, so I don't know how far out the first buoy was or how long it took me, but it seemed to take forever! Finally, FINALLY, I got to the first buoy and rounded it. I had hardly any swimmers around me on the way there, but it got a bit congested making the turn. Once I got there, I was already tired, which didn't surprise me. Even with the mild waves, it still takes a lot out of me to swim against the tide and get out there. Also, even in the pool, it takes me a good 500 yards or so to warm up. I wasn't warmed up yet. There were a few swells even past the break, and some currents to fight, notably near the first buoy, by the pier, and near the entrance to the harbor. Nothing horrible, but enough of a current that I had to work just a bit harder.
I decided to swim from buoy to buoy, and give myself a quick break (a few seconds) at each one to orient myself. I was sighting during swimming, of course, but it was good for me to take these quick stops to see where I was heading to next. Soon, my feet were cold. Darn it, I should have worn those booties! I passed a man who was wearing some and I was instantly jealous. I had a brief chat with this man; I passed him and he was bobbing in the water, trying to find the next buoy. All of the buoys were orange circles, but there was one triangle one that signaled where the aid station was and also where the 1.2 milers would be merging in with us. He didn't see the triangle until I pointed it out to him. I asked him the time (he had a watch on) and he replied it had been 52 minutes since the start. I was happy, as I knew we were about halfway and that was a good time for me.
One note about course support---there was a ton! Throughout the entire race, there was always at least one lifeguard on a stand-up paddle, kayak or boat nearby. One even shouted at me to move toward the left as I drifted a bit off-course. I always felt safe, knowing they were there. Swimmers were allowed to rest on the boats if they wanted, as long as they didn't have any forward movement. I never needed to rest, of course, but it's nice that the option was there. And the lifeguards were so nice, shouting out words of encouragement as I passed and giving me time of day when I asked.
I kept swimming and swimming and swimming. I wasn't too bored, which was surprising; on most of my long swims (any pool swim 2500 yards or longer) I use a waterproof iPod to keep my mind occupied. I was thinking, racking my brain, trying to think of all my kids' past Halloween costumes from each year (this was harder than you'd think; I still can't remember one of my daughter's costumes, and thinking about it during the swim kept me busy!) I started to get thirsty, as I had been swallowing a lot of salt water. I looked for the aid station, which should have been near, but I had passed it! Ugh! A lifeguard asked me if I wanted him to get me something, but I said no. After not bringing my Clif Shot Block with me, I ended up eating and drinking nothing on the swim! I kicked more than I usually do. Normally I don't kick at all, only use my legs to balance me, as I need to save my legs for the bike and run portions (it's the triathlete's way). but since I didn't have to bike or run after, I felt free to kick and propel myself a little faster. I tried to go stronger with my arms, too, as per my race plan, but when I did I tired out easily. I decided to just keep it nice and steady.
Finally, I passed the last orange buoy and was directed to swim toward the mouth of the Oceanside Harbor. Here the buoys were green, and the water was flat and calm. As soon as I turned into the harbor, the smell of food overwhelmed me. The Harbor Days festival was getting underway just above me! I especially smelled something sweet, probably funnel cake. It also smelled briny too. I just kept swimming, looking through the green-tinted water, watching my hands as they entered. This part of the course is actually the swim course of the Ironman 70.3 California Oceanside, a race that I will be doing in exactly six months I kept thinking that the next time I'm in this water it'll be during my next half-Ironman!
At last I was in the final few hundred yards. I saw the boat ramp ahead, and the lifeguards nearby cheered me to finish. There were a lot of people lining the boat ramp watching. As I am so slow (most of the 2.4 milers had already finished [although I was NOT last at all] and I never even saw ONE of the 1.2 milers, as they had all finished already) I was the only one finishing at that time. All I kept thinking was "don't slip in front of all these people!" I swam until my hand hit the ground, then I stood up. Luckily there was not one, but FOUR volunteers at the bottom of the boat ramp to catch people. I needed all four to help me, as the boat ramp was very slippery and I was disoriented from suddenly standing up. I ran, or rather stumbled, up the boat ramp and crossed the timing mat. One volunteer placed a medal and a ribbon lei around my neck; a second gave me my finisher's trucker hat. I was done. I was on dry land. I had finished! Not only that, I had smashed my "B" goal by about 10 minutes or so, easily finishing within 2 hours. And, I had energy left over to boot. I was glad to be done, but if necessary could have swam further.
Stuart was at the finish, and eventually we met up with Rebecca and Leah (Ted and Leo had already left). My husband, J, came after dropping the kids off at Sunday School, and while he had missed my finish, he was so proud of me. Although a pancake breakfast was free for all finishers, we decided to leave and hit up a local cafe for a more hearty, and private, breakfast.
A day later, I am still in shock at how much fun I had. I love my running races, and enjoy triathlon, but didn't expect to love this swim-only event so much. I didn't love every minute, but overall it was fantastic. It was a very well organized event, and I thought it was pretty unique. And for me, the date (to the day, it was exactly a year ago that I did SuperFrog and exactly six months until Ironman Oceanside 70.3) was poignant. A great anniversary and a great kickoff to my next training. If I am in town next year for this event, I will most likely sign up again. The only thing I would do different is apply glide to my neck---I never do, as I'd never chafed before, but after the event the entire back of my neck is chafed badly. Ouch!
Next up is the Mission Bay Triathlon, which I'll do next week!
For running, that meant my first trail race, which I did in February. For cycling, that meant my first century ride. Although I signed up for one in June, I did not do it, as I was advised to rest completely due to injury (which turned out to be a herniated disc; resting did nothing to help). Although I did not do the century, I did a lot of training for it, including conquering my fear of biking up a huge hill, Scripps Poway Parkway, which I biked three times. And for swimming, that meant doing the Tiki Swim, a 2.4 mile open water swim race.
Yes, 2.4 miles, which is an Ironman distance. This would be a huge jump in distance for me, as the half-Ironman I had done was "only" a 1.2 mile swim. Over the past few months, I kept my swim distance in the pool to my usual 2000-3000 yards until mid-August, when I bumped up to some 3500 yards swims. (For comparison, 2.4 miles is about 4224 yards). At the beginning of September, I started to get coached by my Ironman friend Steve, who added more mileage and drills, drills, drills! By the time race day came yesterday, I had completed a 4250 yard pool swim, as well as multiple 3500 yarders with drills, paddles, and using the pull buoy, all designed to make it tougher and to make me stronger. In addition, I joined some of my friends for a few ocean swims over the past few weeks, all the better to get used to my wetsuit again, remember how to get through waves, and get used to swimming in the swells and currents.
I had 4 goals. My "A" goal was to finish in under 1:45 (my 2.4 mile pool swim had been 1:50). My "B" goal was to finish in under 2:00. My "C" goal was to finish in under 2:20, which was the official race cutoff time. And my "D" goal was just to finish, regardless of time.
As an aside, about a month ago I was on one such a swim with my friends, when my hands and feet suddenly got freezing. The water temperature was not that cold, and I myself was warm in my wetsuit. But my fingers were frozen, and my feet weren't much better. After the swim, I bought a pair of swim booties, worrying that during the Tiki Swim I would be frozen. However, at my last ocean practice, my hands and feet were fine, so I returned the booties to the store. During Tiki, I was sad about this.
Now, back to my race report!
The day before the race was packet pickup. They also had packet pickup the morning of the race, but I was getting anxious and wanted to get it early. I headed to Oceanside with my daughter, A. Big mistake. I had forgotten that the swim was taking place during Oceanside's Harbor Days, which apparently was a two-day festival literally set on the harbor. Parking was awful, and I had to catch a shuttle to get to the festival. If I do the swim next year, I won't get the packet the day before. For this race, the morning of is just fine. Regardless, I got my packet (swim cap, timing chip and velcro strap) and goody bag. There is no t-shirt given out (they give a trucker hat out at the finish instead) but I ended up buying a Tiki Swim hoodie. I know I'll proudly wear it all winter. I got home and packed my gear and of course, got a poor night's sleep (I rarely sleep well the night before a race!)
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| packet pickup |
My alarm was set for 4:40, but I was up at 3:30 for good. I got dressed and waited to be picked up by my friend C, was was doing the 1.2 mile version of the Tiki Swim (my husband was supposed to do the 1.2 mile swim, but since he had the brain surgery in August, he wasn't able to participate. I convinced my friend C to take his bib). C picked me up at 5:15 and we made the half hour drive to Oceanside in the dark. We parked in the paid lot by the pier (it was recommended to park here, which was close, or several blocks way at the Transit Center for free). My friend Ted showed up, and the three of us waited in C's car for a while. It was dark, windy, and freezing outside!
Finally the sun started to rise and it began to warm up a bit. We got out of the car so that C and Ted could get their packets. They also bodymarked everyone, putting our race numbers on our hands (this was new to me....usually in triathlon you get marked on your shoulder and calf, but of course, in an event where most people are in wetsuits for the entire time, the hand makes sense!) Soon we also met up with other friends (Rebecca, Stuart, Leah and Leo). all of whom I met on Dailymile. C left to take the shuttle to the 1.2 mile start. We suited up and I got in the water to test out the temperature, my suit and my goggles. Everything seemed fine! The temperature was roughly 67 degrees---very lovely. My goggles seemed to be leak-free, and I got water in my wetsuit to warm myself up. I saw another buddy of mine, a man who swims at my gym and has done this race the previous two years. Back to the beach for some instructions from the race director, and it was time to line up! I had been thinking of taking some Clif Shot Blocks with me in my wetsuit sleeve, as I always munch on them in the middle of super long swims. But I didn't like how they felt in my wetsuit, so decided to just stop at the aid station midway for a gel and a drink. I had fueled myself with a Luna Bar at home before I got picked up, and a Honey Stinger Waffle while waiting with my friends in the car.
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The Tiki Swim, now in it's third year, is a point-to-point swim. The 2.4 milers start just south of the Oceanside pier. The plan is to swim out to an orange buoy, then turn right and head north, again following the orange buoys. We were instructed not to sight off the pier, as that would get us off-course. Sight on the buoys only. Eventually we would be joined by the 1.2 milers, who would be in a different colored cap (them in orange, us in yellow). An aid station in the form of a boat (an outrigger canoe, I think) would be at that point too. Soon we would all approach the harbor and head toward the right, into it, following the buoys which would now be green. After swimming to the end of the harbor, we would finish at a boat ramp.
A man blew on a conch shell, and the race was on! Exactly one year ago, on September 30, I did the SuperFrog Half Ironman in horrific wave conditions---the waves were about 6 feet tall. It was awful. Today the waves were small, about 2-3 feet. I hung back a bit as most of the swimmers ran in, wanting to give myself plenty of space. It didn't take too long for me to get past the breakers, and soon enough I was able to start swimming.
And swim I did. I kept swimming, and swimming and swimming, and still wasn't getting out to the first buoy. I don't have a waterproof Garmin, so I don't know how far out the first buoy was or how long it took me, but it seemed to take forever! Finally, FINALLY, I got to the first buoy and rounded it. I had hardly any swimmers around me on the way there, but it got a bit congested making the turn. Once I got there, I was already tired, which didn't surprise me. Even with the mild waves, it still takes a lot out of me to swim against the tide and get out there. Also, even in the pool, it takes me a good 500 yards or so to warm up. I wasn't warmed up yet. There were a few swells even past the break, and some currents to fight, notably near the first buoy, by the pier, and near the entrance to the harbor. Nothing horrible, but enough of a current that I had to work just a bit harder.
I decided to swim from buoy to buoy, and give myself a quick break (a few seconds) at each one to orient myself. I was sighting during swimming, of course, but it was good for me to take these quick stops to see where I was heading to next. Soon, my feet were cold. Darn it, I should have worn those booties! I passed a man who was wearing some and I was instantly jealous. I had a brief chat with this man; I passed him and he was bobbing in the water, trying to find the next buoy. All of the buoys were orange circles, but there was one triangle one that signaled where the aid station was and also where the 1.2 milers would be merging in with us. He didn't see the triangle until I pointed it out to him. I asked him the time (he had a watch on) and he replied it had been 52 minutes since the start. I was happy, as I knew we were about halfway and that was a good time for me.
One note about course support---there was a ton! Throughout the entire race, there was always at least one lifeguard on a stand-up paddle, kayak or boat nearby. One even shouted at me to move toward the left as I drifted a bit off-course. I always felt safe, knowing they were there. Swimmers were allowed to rest on the boats if they wanted, as long as they didn't have any forward movement. I never needed to rest, of course, but it's nice that the option was there. And the lifeguards were so nice, shouting out words of encouragement as I passed and giving me time of day when I asked.
I kept swimming and swimming and swimming. I wasn't too bored, which was surprising; on most of my long swims (any pool swim 2500 yards or longer) I use a waterproof iPod to keep my mind occupied. I was thinking, racking my brain, trying to think of all my kids' past Halloween costumes from each year (this was harder than you'd think; I still can't remember one of my daughter's costumes, and thinking about it during the swim kept me busy!) I started to get thirsty, as I had been swallowing a lot of salt water. I looked for the aid station, which should have been near, but I had passed it! Ugh! A lifeguard asked me if I wanted him to get me something, but I said no. After not bringing my Clif Shot Block with me, I ended up eating and drinking nothing on the swim! I kicked more than I usually do. Normally I don't kick at all, only use my legs to balance me, as I need to save my legs for the bike and run portions (it's the triathlete's way). but since I didn't have to bike or run after, I felt free to kick and propel myself a little faster. I tried to go stronger with my arms, too, as per my race plan, but when I did I tired out easily. I decided to just keep it nice and steady.
Finally, I passed the last orange buoy and was directed to swim toward the mouth of the Oceanside Harbor. Here the buoys were green, and the water was flat and calm. As soon as I turned into the harbor, the smell of food overwhelmed me. The Harbor Days festival was getting underway just above me! I especially smelled something sweet, probably funnel cake. It also smelled briny too. I just kept swimming, looking through the green-tinted water, watching my hands as they entered. This part of the course is actually the swim course of the Ironman 70.3 California Oceanside, a race that I will be doing in exactly six months I kept thinking that the next time I'm in this water it'll be during my next half-Ironman!
At last I was in the final few hundred yards. I saw the boat ramp ahead, and the lifeguards nearby cheered me to finish. There were a lot of people lining the boat ramp watching. As I am so slow (most of the 2.4 milers had already finished [although I was NOT last at all] and I never even saw ONE of the 1.2 milers, as they had all finished already) I was the only one finishing at that time. All I kept thinking was "don't slip in front of all these people!" I swam until my hand hit the ground, then I stood up. Luckily there was not one, but FOUR volunteers at the bottom of the boat ramp to catch people. I needed all four to help me, as the boat ramp was very slippery and I was disoriented from suddenly standing up. I ran, or rather stumbled, up the boat ramp and crossed the timing mat. One volunteer placed a medal and a ribbon lei around my neck; a second gave me my finisher's trucker hat. I was done. I was on dry land. I had finished! Not only that, I had smashed my "B" goal by about 10 minutes or so, easily finishing within 2 hours. And, I had energy left over to boot. I was glad to be done, but if necessary could have swam further.
Stuart was at the finish, and eventually we met up with Rebecca and Leah (Ted and Leo had already left). My husband, J, came after dropping the kids off at Sunday School, and while he had missed my finish, he was so proud of me. Although a pancake breakfast was free for all finishers, we decided to leave and hit up a local cafe for a more hearty, and private, breakfast.
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| right after the race, soaked and dazed |
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| dry and happy! |
A day later, I am still in shock at how much fun I had. I love my running races, and enjoy triathlon, but didn't expect to love this swim-only event so much. I didn't love every minute, but overall it was fantastic. It was a very well organized event, and I thought it was pretty unique. And for me, the date (to the day, it was exactly a year ago that I did SuperFrog and exactly six months until Ironman Oceanside 70.3) was poignant. A great anniversary and a great kickoff to my next training. If I am in town next year for this event, I will most likely sign up again. The only thing I would do different is apply glide to my neck---I never do, as I'd never chafed before, but after the event the entire back of my neck is chafed badly. Ouch!
Next up is the Mission Bay Triathlon, which I'll do next week!
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