It's been a little over two weeks since the National Duathlon Festival and the multisport season is starting to kick into high gear with the inaugural Rocketts Landing Triathlon this weekend and many others in the area over the next two months. Up until the National Duathlon Festival, my training was going great. So where am I now?
Wetsuits
Back in the mid-80s when wetsuits started to enter the triathlon picture, I was always a purist. I never have used a wetsuit then, even though I needed it when I did a tri with water temperature of 58F! I always discounted the advantage of wetsuits until I did a tri last fall and a friend, who about the same speed as I am, beat my time in the 1500M swim by over three minutes. Okay, I think it's time to get a wetsuit. This winter I purchase a Farmer John suit and finally had a chance to try it out at the RTC open water swim clinic. The water temperature was a cool 60F so this would be a good test. I entered the water and was totally comfortable with the temperature! Also, I felt like a cork! After practicing some drills and swimming for a while, I can see why wetsuits are so popular. Also, it didn't chaff me! Basically, I'm sold and I look forward to trying it out at Rocketts Landing this weekend!
Chain Links
In my last post, I described the problem I had with a sticky chain link. Well, the chain has been replaced and the bike works great now. However, I still have pain in my left knee. Which leads to the next subject:
Knees
Here it is, over two weeks after the Duathlon, and my left knee still hurts. Looking back, I should have stopped when the chain kept sticking but being stubborn, I pushed through it! Hopefully, I'm a little wiser. (Probably not!) After the Duathlon, I was able to ride hard without problems but the run, with the pounding hurt really badly. Anyway, I am able to run on it now but I still feel it. I'm not sure if competing in an olympic distance tri would be wise right now. Therefore, I have change my entry to Aquabike and save my legs for the Power Sprint at the end of the month. I'll let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
National Duathlon Festival Championship
Have you ever had one of those races that when its over, you wonder why you did it? Let's think about it. Of the three events of a triathlon, the swim is my strongest leg, followed closely by cycling with running a very distant third. So why did I enter a national-level multi-sport event that has no swim and is run-centric? Is it because that it's in my hometown? Is it because there will be some national-class athletes? Or is it because they event has some great items in the packet?! The answer is "Yes" to all three. However, I knew that this would be a test for me. I've been working on my run and it's starting to pay off some but my run is still far behind relative to the swim and bike. So far this year, the longest running road race I've done was the Frostbite 15K. Even thought the run will be the same length, there wasn't a bike leg in between the 10 and 5k. Before the race, I felt fit. I met my goal at the Monument Ave. 10k and I had a good result at the Smithfield tri. However, I knew this event would test me and it did!
One thing about Richmond is that you'll never know what kind of weather you will have. While one year you may have a cold rain with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, the next may be hot with highs in the 90s with neither being ideal for this race. The forecast high for that day was the mid-90s! The organizers, in their wisdom, started the waves with the oldest first, which meant I was in the second wave! There were about 60 or so in my wave and I started towards the back so I wouldn't get in the way! I started out at a comfortable pace. I was looking for mile markers and didn't see one until mile-2, which I think was too soon based on the time. The route was circuitous and over varied terrain from smooth pavement to gravel to grass! Knowing that I still had a 38k bike and another 5k run, I kept my pace at a moderate tempo with a goal of 57 minutes. I finish the run at about 57:22, almost right on time! Maybe I could meet my goal of finishing in under 2:45.
After a decent transition of about 1:15, I started out on the bike with a short steep hill to start followed by a fast downhill where I reached a speed of nearly 40mph! The course is three laps of a rather technical course with many turns and some moderate elevation changes. I felt good and was maintaining a decent speed. However, because the course was technical and require many shift changes, I wasn't able to stay on the aerobars. Right at the end of the first lap, I started having problems with my chain. I had some repairs recently completed on my bike and the chain had a stiff link, which cause a skip in the drive each time the link passed the rear derailleur. I thought I had repaired it earlier that week but here it was, a third of the way into the bike, and it started skipping gears again. Also, the problem was intermittent, it would skip for five-ten minutes and then stop for a few minutes. It totally threw me off my rhythm since the impulse of the skip would reverberate throughout my legs. I finally finished, albeit about 2-3 mph average slower then my goal. Also, my legs were beat afterwards! Now I have to run another 5k!
By this time, I knew I wouldn't make my goal but could I still break 3 hours? I dunno! I was beat! After a lackluster transition, I started on the run.... errr... more like a shuffle. After a few hundred meters, I was walking. Many participants passing me would shout encouragements and that would get me going again but it didn't last. (Multi-sport athletes are so supportive!) I continued to run as long as I could and walk when I have to. Finally, I knew I was near the finish when I went by the Tredegar Iron works. I started running again at the turn around near Virginia Power then ran up the hill, pass the old Iron Works toward the finish line with a time of 2:55:20, ten minutes slower than my goal but I finished!!!!
After cooling down and downing water and sport drinks, I took advantage of the tailgate party Richmond Tri Club put on! At that time, I wasn't feeling the effects...yet! When I got home that afternoon, I promptly when to the den, laid down on the sofa and fell asleep! When I awoke, my legs were screaming at me! At that point, I was saying to myself, "Why did I sign up for this!" And I as I sit here writing this post, over a day after the event, my legs are still sore. Well, the answer is that I could. A year and a half ago, I wouldn't even think about entering this event! Yes I was slow, I hurt, but I did it! Plus, I have a great backpack to use for my next tri!
Richmond Sportsbacker put on great events and this one is no exception! I do have a few suggestions. On the bike course, there was at least one intersection with a traffic light where there wasn't any traffic control or police officers. This was an accident waiting to happen. Pads put down over bridge joints sometimes did not lay flat and became more of a hazard then the joint itself. Also, the 5k leg seemed to be a little short (not that I was complaining at the time!)
One thing about Richmond is that you'll never know what kind of weather you will have. While one year you may have a cold rain with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, the next may be hot with highs in the 90s with neither being ideal for this race. The forecast high for that day was the mid-90s! The organizers, in their wisdom, started the waves with the oldest first, which meant I was in the second wave! There were about 60 or so in my wave and I started towards the back so I wouldn't get in the way! I started out at a comfortable pace. I was looking for mile markers and didn't see one until mile-2, which I think was too soon based on the time. The route was circuitous and over varied terrain from smooth pavement to gravel to grass! Knowing that I still had a 38k bike and another 5k run, I kept my pace at a moderate tempo with a goal of 57 minutes. I finish the run at about 57:22, almost right on time! Maybe I could meet my goal of finishing in under 2:45.
After a decent transition of about 1:15, I started out on the bike with a short steep hill to start followed by a fast downhill where I reached a speed of nearly 40mph! The course is three laps of a rather technical course with many turns and some moderate elevation changes. I felt good and was maintaining a decent speed. However, because the course was technical and require many shift changes, I wasn't able to stay on the aerobars. Right at the end of the first lap, I started having problems with my chain. I had some repairs recently completed on my bike and the chain had a stiff link, which cause a skip in the drive each time the link passed the rear derailleur. I thought I had repaired it earlier that week but here it was, a third of the way into the bike, and it started skipping gears again. Also, the problem was intermittent, it would skip for five-ten minutes and then stop for a few minutes. It totally threw me off my rhythm since the impulse of the skip would reverberate throughout my legs. I finally finished, albeit about 2-3 mph average slower then my goal. Also, my legs were beat afterwards! Now I have to run another 5k!
By this time, I knew I wouldn't make my goal but could I still break 3 hours? I dunno! I was beat! After a lackluster transition, I started on the run.... errr... more like a shuffle. After a few hundred meters, I was walking. Many participants passing me would shout encouragements and that would get me going again but it didn't last. (Multi-sport athletes are so supportive!) I continued to run as long as I could and walk when I have to. Finally, I knew I was near the finish when I went by the Tredegar Iron works. I started running again at the turn around near Virginia Power then ran up the hill, pass the old Iron Works toward the finish line with a time of 2:55:20, ten minutes slower than my goal but I finished!!!!
After cooling down and downing water and sport drinks, I took advantage of the tailgate party Richmond Tri Club put on! At that time, I wasn't feeling the effects...yet! When I got home that afternoon, I promptly when to the den, laid down on the sofa and fell asleep! When I awoke, my legs were screaming at me! At that point, I was saying to myself, "Why did I sign up for this!" And I as I sit here writing this post, over a day after the event, my legs are still sore. Well, the answer is that I could. A year and a half ago, I wouldn't even think about entering this event! Yes I was slow, I hurt, but I did it! Plus, I have a great backpack to use for my next tri!
Richmond Sportsbacker put on great events and this one is no exception! I do have a few suggestions. On the bike course, there was at least one intersection with a traffic light where there wasn't any traffic control or police officers. This was an accident waiting to happen. Pads put down over bridge joints sometimes did not lay flat and became more of a hazard then the joint itself. Also, the 5k leg seemed to be a little short (not that I was complaining at the time!)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Smithfield Triathlon
On Saturday, April 4 I participated in a nice short triathlon in Smithfield, VA with a 300 meter pool swim, 10 mile bike and a 5k run. Since this was a pool swim, the registration form requested an estimated swim time for 100 yards for seeding. I didn't know if this was the time one could do a 100 yard sprint or the average 100 yard time for the 300 meter swim. (Note the mixed units!) I figured that the time was for an average so I put an estimate of 1:20/100 yards, which means I should finish the 300 meter swim in about 4:30. About a week before the event, I received an email from the race organizers making sure I entered a correct time since the time entered would seed me towards the front. In short, they wanted to make sure I didn't put in a 50 yard estimated time. I explained that I swam competitively, albeit many years ago, and gave them a swim time from a tri last fall. I greatly appreciate the diligence of the organizers since the last thing I want to do was to hold up a faster swimmer, nor do I want to be held up. I ended up seeded 17.
I entered in the Master Clydesdale category since it was offered, even though some of the category participants could be as much as thirteen years younger then me. But what the heck! The race started at 10 so I could just drive from home in Richmond. Also, my wife came with me to keep me company and also because we had some friends from church who also participated. The weather was nice albeit windy. The race started without problem. I started the swim and kept pace with the person who started before me and the person behind feel somewhat behind. The swim went smoothly and I finished with a time of 4:35, just 5 seconds off the estimate.
The first transition was okay, not great. The air was cool but I warmed up quickly. However, the bike leg started slow with a major headwind. The middle part of the race had a major crosswind, which made it hard to stay on the aerobars. The final leg was fast with the tail wind. The bike time was under my goal of 30:00 minutes and I was feeling pretty good.
T2 was okay like the first transition and I started on the run. Immediately, my calves started to cramp and I had to stop to stretch them out. The run started slow but then I found my rhythm but being a master clydesdale, I was passed by some really fast runners and not so fast runners! The run time was 27:19 and slower than my goal of 27 minutes but still not bad for me. My final time was 1:03:43, under my goal of 1:05. I ended up second in the master clydesdale category.
I felt good about the race and optimistic about future races. Next race is the National Duathlon race in Richmond and then Rocketts Landing.
I entered in the Master Clydesdale category since it was offered, even though some of the category participants could be as much as thirteen years younger then me. But what the heck! The race started at 10 so I could just drive from home in Richmond. Also, my wife came with me to keep me company and also because we had some friends from church who also participated. The weather was nice albeit windy. The race started without problem. I started the swim and kept pace with the person who started before me and the person behind feel somewhat behind. The swim went smoothly and I finished with a time of 4:35, just 5 seconds off the estimate.
The first transition was okay, not great. The air was cool but I warmed up quickly. However, the bike leg started slow with a major headwind. The middle part of the race had a major crosswind, which made it hard to stay on the aerobars. The final leg was fast with the tail wind. The bike time was under my goal of 30:00 minutes and I was feeling pretty good.
T2 was okay like the first transition and I started on the run. Immediately, my calves started to cramp and I had to stop to stretch them out. The run started slow but then I found my rhythm but being a master clydesdale, I was passed by some really fast runners and not so fast runners! The run time was 27:19 and slower than my goal of 27 minutes but still not bad for me. My final time was 1:03:43, under my goal of 1:05. I ended up second in the master clydesdale category.
I felt good about the race and optimistic about future races. Next race is the National Duathlon race in Richmond and then Rocketts Landing.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monument Ave. 10K
Although this race is not the first race of the year, it is the first race that I did in my return to triathlon and thus provides a benchmark to measure progress. I am the first to admit it that I am not a distance runner. My body shape has never been that of a distance runner and I was never more than a pretty good runner, even at my fittest. Therefore, running road races would be a good judge to measure progress.
Last year, my goal was to finish, without walking, and in under 62 minutes, or a 10min per mile pace, which I met with a time of about 61 min, 30 secs. So this year, I was going to shoot to finish in under 53 minutes, my 10K goal for this year, with a primary goal for this race to finish in under 54 minutes. Could I do it? Could I really finish nearly 8 minutes faster than last year? Training was going good, races earlier this year indicate that I should be able to finish in 54 minutes but 53 would be a stretch.
The day was similar to last year. It rained overnight and it was still misting an hour before the race. Fortunately, the air temperature was cooler at around 50F. I rather it would be drier but I take this over humid and warm or colder and wet. This years race was a little different in that they had seeded wave starts and those who estimated their time to be less then 56 minutes had to submit a race results that demonstrates that you're capable of running that time. (I applaud the race committee for implementing that rule!) I was able to get in the 53 minute bracket based on an 8K race result. How fortuitous!
By race time, the misting had stopped and it's incredible the amount of energy there is in a race that has over 32,000 participants! Music was going, people were cheering and giving high-fives. It was electric! By the time my wave started, everyone was hype-up and ready to go. The start was smooth, thanks to the wave start. And since everyone (or most everyone) were expected to finish about the same time, there wasn't a large discrepancy in speed so you didn't have to weave in and out to avoid slower runners, nor were you run over by faster runners.
At the start, I felt pretty good, the pace comfortable, fast but not overly so. The bands along the route were playing up-tempo music, which really helped keep the pace up. I love having the bands, cheerleaders, and spectators along the course! Then I saw the mile 1 sign and past it at about 8:10. Faster than I planned but I felt good. Okay, just keep the running at the pace of the music and hope the bands keep playing fast tempo music. I past the mile 2 marker at about 16:30, a little slower but still within my goal. The sight along the course was amazing! I remember looking west on Monument Ave and just seeing a sea of people running along the course. I wish I had my camera with me. Oh wait, I'm in a race! Gotta keep on running, gotta keep on running.
I past mile 3 at 24:52, still a sub 8:20 pace and hit the 5K mark at 25:48, now my new PR for a 5K since my return! Now I'm starting to feel fatigued. I'm asking myself if I can keep up this pace. I'm doing quick calculations in my head such as: if I keep up an 8:20 pace, what will my finish time be? (under 52). What pace do I need to maintain to finish under 54 minutes or even 53 minutes. I was starting to slow some and more and more people were passing me and I was wondering if I could meet my goal of 54, much less 53. I passed mile 4 at 33:21. After doing some simple math, which is difficult when you're tired, my pace had only dropped to about an 8:30/mile pace. Maybe I can break 53! But I was really feeling that I slowing even more and had to concentrate to keep my pace up. I past mile 5 at 42:17. Ugh! My pace was now around 9:00/mile. Okay, so I won't break 53 but I still good for breaking 54. I kept my mind busy by crunching more numbers. If I maintained a 9/mile pace would I break 54? Yes! Could I still break 53? Ummm... maybe. I figured my time would need to be 51:00 at mile 6 to ensure breaking 53. About that time, I could see the mile 6 marker and even the finish line, albeit still a long ways off, but it was enough to give me a little extra push. I past mile 6 at 50:59! I can break 53! And that was enough to give me the final push to the end with a time of 52:47! (unofficial!) I've just met my first goal of the year!
Last year, my goal was to finish, without walking, and in under 62 minutes, or a 10min per mile pace, which I met with a time of about 61 min, 30 secs. So this year, I was going to shoot to finish in under 53 minutes, my 10K goal for this year, with a primary goal for this race to finish in under 54 minutes. Could I do it? Could I really finish nearly 8 minutes faster than last year? Training was going good, races earlier this year indicate that I should be able to finish in 54 minutes but 53 would be a stretch.
The day was similar to last year. It rained overnight and it was still misting an hour before the race. Fortunately, the air temperature was cooler at around 50F. I rather it would be drier but I take this over humid and warm or colder and wet. This years race was a little different in that they had seeded wave starts and those who estimated their time to be less then 56 minutes had to submit a race results that demonstrates that you're capable of running that time. (I applaud the race committee for implementing that rule!) I was able to get in the 53 minute bracket based on an 8K race result. How fortuitous!
By race time, the misting had stopped and it's incredible the amount of energy there is in a race that has over 32,000 participants! Music was going, people were cheering and giving high-fives. It was electric! By the time my wave started, everyone was hype-up and ready to go. The start was smooth, thanks to the wave start. And since everyone (or most everyone) were expected to finish about the same time, there wasn't a large discrepancy in speed so you didn't have to weave in and out to avoid slower runners, nor were you run over by faster runners.
At the start, I felt pretty good, the pace comfortable, fast but not overly so. The bands along the route were playing up-tempo music, which really helped keep the pace up. I love having the bands, cheerleaders, and spectators along the course! Then I saw the mile 1 sign and past it at about 8:10. Faster than I planned but I felt good. Okay, just keep the running at the pace of the music and hope the bands keep playing fast tempo music. I past the mile 2 marker at about 16:30, a little slower but still within my goal. The sight along the course was amazing! I remember looking west on Monument Ave and just seeing a sea of people running along the course. I wish I had my camera with me. Oh wait, I'm in a race! Gotta keep on running, gotta keep on running.
I past mile 3 at 24:52, still a sub 8:20 pace and hit the 5K mark at 25:48, now my new PR for a 5K since my return! Now I'm starting to feel fatigued. I'm asking myself if I can keep up this pace. I'm doing quick calculations in my head such as: if I keep up an 8:20 pace, what will my finish time be? (under 52). What pace do I need to maintain to finish under 54 minutes or even 53 minutes. I was starting to slow some and more and more people were passing me and I was wondering if I could meet my goal of 54, much less 53. I passed mile 4 at 33:21. After doing some simple math, which is difficult when you're tired, my pace had only dropped to about an 8:30/mile pace. Maybe I can break 53! But I was really feeling that I slowing even more and had to concentrate to keep my pace up. I past mile 5 at 42:17. Ugh! My pace was now around 9:00/mile. Okay, so I won't break 53 but I still good for breaking 54. I kept my mind busy by crunching more numbers. If I maintained a 9/mile pace would I break 54? Yes! Could I still break 53? Ummm... maybe. I figured my time would need to be 51:00 at mile 6 to ensure breaking 53. About that time, I could see the mile 6 marker and even the finish line, albeit still a long ways off, but it was enough to give me a little extra push. I past mile 6 at 50:59! I can break 53! And that was enough to give me the final push to the end with a time of 52:47! (unofficial!) I've just met my first goal of the year!
Monday, February 23, 2009
2009 Goals
Here we are, nearly two months into the year and I haven't set my goals for the year. Yeah, I am a big procrastinator. However, I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish, usually during long runs. The reason I returned to triathlon was mainly for health reasons. However, the sense of accomplishment after finishing a race, regardless of the time, is truly gratifying.
Because the health aspect is primary, the first goal is to get my weight below 200 lbs by the end of the year. Last year I lost about 25 pounds so losing another 18 or so shouldn't be difficult. (Yeah, right!) Eventually, I would like to get below 180 but that will take a lot of work and may take a few more years. Oh yeah, I'm getting older too so that will make it even more difficult.
Swimming has always been one of my stronger segment in the past and is fairly strong now. My stamina is coming back and my time relative to the field has been good. Still, I need some goals to push myself to become an even stronger swimmer. Therefore, my swim goals are to complete the swim leg in pool-swim triathlons faster than a 1:35/100m pace and complete the swim leg in open-water swim triathlons at 1:45/100m pace.
To help with the open-water swims, I finally purchased a wetsuit. I remember when wetsuits were the exception and the debate the sport had regarding wetsuits in the 1980's. I didn't think I needed a wetsuit since I was a relatively strong swimmer and I thought wetsuit were for wusses. However, during the Naylor's beach triathlon, a friend of mine who I usually swim faster than in the pool bested my swim time by nearly three minutes convinced me to get a wet suit.
My cycling is starting to come back although hills still crush me. That will come back as I continue to shed pounds. Also, I am competing on my nearly twenty year old antique bike. It was a great bike when I bought it; a nice Columbus SL/SP frame Italian style frame made in Canada with Mavic Groupo, and it had the latest development at the time, indexed shifting! Right now, the bike is not slowing me down much since the motor (me) is still underpowered. So my bike goal for this year is to complete bike legs in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons faster than a 20mph pace (unless there are a lot of steep hills, then all bets are off!)
Running has always been my weakest leg, even twenty years ago. And today is no different. During the winter, I have been concentrating on my run, running much longer distances and trying to work in some speed training. Still, my running goals are modest and are: complete triathlon 5k run legs in less than 27 minutes and complete triathlon 10k run legs in less than 56 minutes. For running races my goals are: complete a 5k run in less than 25 minutes and complete a 10k run in less than 53 minutes.
Last year, I only completed sprint triathlons and did the aquabike in an Olympic distance tri. This year, my goals are to complete an Olympic and a half-ironman distance triathlon (or at least the aqua-bike)and if I do only the aquabike of a half-ironman, the goal is to complete a half-marathon run.
Well, these are my goals as modest as they may be. I would welcome any comments or suggestions you may have.
Because the health aspect is primary, the first goal is to get my weight below 200 lbs by the end of the year. Last year I lost about 25 pounds so losing another 18 or so shouldn't be difficult. (Yeah, right!) Eventually, I would like to get below 180 but that will take a lot of work and may take a few more years. Oh yeah, I'm getting older too so that will make it even more difficult.
Swimming has always been one of my stronger segment in the past and is fairly strong now. My stamina is coming back and my time relative to the field has been good. Still, I need some goals to push myself to become an even stronger swimmer. Therefore, my swim goals are to complete the swim leg in pool-swim triathlons faster than a 1:35/100m pace and complete the swim leg in open-water swim triathlons at 1:45/100m pace.
To help with the open-water swims, I finally purchased a wetsuit. I remember when wetsuits were the exception and the debate the sport had regarding wetsuits in the 1980's. I didn't think I needed a wetsuit since I was a relatively strong swimmer and I thought wetsuit were for wusses. However, during the Naylor's beach triathlon, a friend of mine who I usually swim faster than in the pool bested my swim time by nearly three minutes convinced me to get a wet suit.
My cycling is starting to come back although hills still crush me. That will come back as I continue to shed pounds. Also, I am competing on my nearly twenty year old antique bike. It was a great bike when I bought it; a nice Columbus SL/SP frame Italian style frame made in Canada with Mavic Groupo, and it had the latest development at the time, indexed shifting! Right now, the bike is not slowing me down much since the motor (me) is still underpowered. So my bike goal for this year is to complete bike legs in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons faster than a 20mph pace (unless there are a lot of steep hills, then all bets are off!)
Running has always been my weakest leg, even twenty years ago. And today is no different. During the winter, I have been concentrating on my run, running much longer distances and trying to work in some speed training. Still, my running goals are modest and are: complete triathlon 5k run legs in less than 27 minutes and complete triathlon 10k run legs in less than 56 minutes. For running races my goals are: complete a 5k run in less than 25 minutes and complete a 10k run in less than 53 minutes.
Last year, I only completed sprint triathlons and did the aquabike in an Olympic distance tri. This year, my goals are to complete an Olympic and a half-ironman distance triathlon (or at least the aqua-bike)and if I do only the aquabike of a half-ironman, the goal is to complete a half-marathon run.
Well, these are my goals as modest as they may be. I would welcome any comments or suggestions you may have.
Monday, February 9, 2009
2008 Review
I know, it has been over two months since I posted. However, during that time, which included the holiday season and spending time with the family, I had a chance to ponder on where I was at this time last year when I made the commitment to myself to get back into triathlons. At the beginning of 2008, I weighed over 245lbs and was considered obese, had sleep apnea that required me using a CPAP at night, and could barely run a half mile. My energy level was picking up because months earlier, I had finally went to a specialist for my thyroid problem. We began the process of tweaking my meds so that instead of just being satisfied with my T3 and T4 levels in the broad "normal" range, the doc wanted my levels to be in a much narrower optimum range. This takes a lot of time and we are still tweaking now!
Because my energy level was returning the itch was back! My doc said I was healthy to begin a training program so I set a modest goal of doing the PowerSpring tri. In the meantime, I had the sub goal of completing the Monument Ave. 10k without walking which I did in just under 62 minutes, a little faster than 10 min/mile pace. I was really disappointed that I couldn't compete in the PowerSprint but I was running a 102F fever the night before! I did compete in the Tavern tri later that month and other events since then, which I wrote about earlier and won't rehash here.
So where am I now that 2008 is over? First, I weigh less than 220 and no longer considered obese, just overweight! I no longer require using a CPAP at night nor do I snore and keep Beth up at night! and I can run much more that a half-mile without stopping! I also am even more excited about the sport and have even more goals for 2009, which I will post shortly.
But it isn't all about health and getting back into shape. I was also able to reconnect with old triathlon friends, meet new tri friends, and connect with friends who I didn't even know were into triathlons. Some old friends include one who is my age and use to (and still can!) kick my butt but no longer runs due to knee injuries (he rules in the aquabike!). And another, who I knew twenty-plus years ago when he was my age now and is now dominating his age group today! Impressive! To new friends, especially those in the Richmond Tri Club, who have made me feel welcomed! (You know who you are!). And to friends at church who I didn't even know were doing triathlon (You also know who you are!). To all, thank you for your encouragement!
Because my energy level was returning the itch was back! My doc said I was healthy to begin a training program so I set a modest goal of doing the PowerSpring tri. In the meantime, I had the sub goal of completing the Monument Ave. 10k without walking which I did in just under 62 minutes, a little faster than 10 min/mile pace. I was really disappointed that I couldn't compete in the PowerSprint but I was running a 102F fever the night before! I did compete in the Tavern tri later that month and other events since then, which I wrote about earlier and won't rehash here.
So where am I now that 2008 is over? First, I weigh less than 220 and no longer considered obese, just overweight! I no longer require using a CPAP at night nor do I snore and keep Beth up at night! and I can run much more that a half-mile without stopping! I also am even more excited about the sport and have even more goals for 2009, which I will post shortly.
But it isn't all about health and getting back into shape. I was also able to reconnect with old triathlon friends, meet new tri friends, and connect with friends who I didn't even know were into triathlons. Some old friends include one who is my age and use to (and still can!) kick my butt but no longer runs due to knee injuries (he rules in the aquabike!). And another, who I knew twenty-plus years ago when he was my age now and is now dominating his age group today! Impressive! To new friends, especially those in the Richmond Tri Club, who have made me feel welcomed! (You know who you are!). And to friends at church who I didn't even know were doing triathlon (You also know who you are!). To all, thank you for your encouragement!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Turkey Trot 10k - What a Challenge!
On Thanksgiving day, the Richmond Road Runners Club held their annual Turkey Trot 10k at the University of Richmond. I have never ran the race but heard that it's "technical", which means there are hills on that thar course. And boy were they! Going in, I knew it was going to be a hard course since I grew up near there and I know the area. But knowing the area and running it are two different things. Being an over-fifty Clydesdale makes it even harder. The morning was cold with a temperature around 27F. I arrived about thirty minutes before the race and milled around and talked to some friends I saw there. I seeded myself about midway in the pack of 1000.
Then the race started and it took about twenty seconds or so before I even cross the start line. Unfortunately, many folks up front didn't seed themselves and it was real slow going for the first mile, which was mostly uphill. That hill wasn't that bad and the crowd was thinner when it went back down the hill. The course was rolling with several stretches of up and downs. Then the course went on a wooded trail and up a very steep hill with tiers made of railroad ties. This is were I almost got sick! Then it went to a steep downhill on the trail with an uneven surface and roots just waiting for me to sprain my ankle! (and I have weak ankles!). However, I think the last uphill was the worse. It wasn't the steepest but it was long, you knew you were near the finish and you're tired! I saw a neighbor nearly get sick! The final leg was downhill and you kept up some speed for the finish line to make sure you look good finishing.
I had a goal of 56:00 for the race and my official time was around 55:56 and my unofficial time was around 55:38, so goal met! But I was really drained after this race but at least I was able to enjoy the big meal!
Then the race started and it took about twenty seconds or so before I even cross the start line. Unfortunately, many folks up front didn't seed themselves and it was real slow going for the first mile, which was mostly uphill. That hill wasn't that bad and the crowd was thinner when it went back down the hill. The course was rolling with several stretches of up and downs. Then the course went on a wooded trail and up a very steep hill with tiers made of railroad ties. This is were I almost got sick! Then it went to a steep downhill on the trail with an uneven surface and roots just waiting for me to sprain my ankle! (and I have weak ankles!). However, I think the last uphill was the worse. It wasn't the steepest but it was long, you knew you were near the finish and you're tired! I saw a neighbor nearly get sick! The final leg was downhill and you kept up some speed for the finish line to make sure you look good finishing.
I had a goal of 56:00 for the race and my official time was around 55:56 and my unofficial time was around 55:38, so goal met! But I was really drained after this race but at least I was able to enjoy the big meal!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
