At last year's Cyman and before most athletes showed up, Big Creek was covered in green slime. It was so disgusting and I felt terrible for making people swim in that when I myself would not. This year, with the power of Race Director, we have moved the location to Lake Petocka in Bondurant.
We have started planning and have a nice run course and an interesting bike course planned, but not finalized yet. The small lake has provided some great opportunities we are taking advantage of: small enough where spectators can stand around the entire thing to watch the athletes in action. Kind of a rare thing to not just get to watch the start and finish. The run will finish with a loop around the lake also providing a nice opportunity for friends and family to watch their athlete finish as well as people be able to see who is in front of them for the last .75 miles.
Post race food, a couple years ago we had the flying burrito guy there. I personally loved it. We would like to bring something like that in this year if costs afford it.
By high demand last year, we will be having t-shirts for athletes as well as for sale.
We are trying to continue to listen to your comments as well as try to head off issues to keep continuing to provide you a great race. Since we are in the beginning stages, if there are any suggestions of things you would like to see or have at the finish, just let me know and we will see what we can do.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Cyman 2012
This year for the Cyman Triathlon, I will be co-race directing. Just to hopefully get you excited and want to come out and race, we are looking at relocating the race our of Algae ridden Big Creek. We are just in the first part of the planning, but have a potential winner. I can't reveal much since there are several votes that need to happen before we can do it. We will update the website as we get things figured out, but will also try to post here as well
http://sites.google.com/site/isutriclub/
http://sites.google.com/site/isutriclub/
Cyclodrome Race
This race was super fun to watch. About 30 people showed up to race. It was funny how one lap on the velodrome made people go from "Oh my gosh I don't think I want to do this" to "holy crap this is awesome." We had a 6 lap (I think) time trial for seeding for the persuit race. Both for men and women. The women's race only had a few women so that went fast. The girl that won the women's race also participated in the men's. I believe she finished 6th. We also had a tandom bike give it a whirl several times. Very fun and if you weren't there, you missed out.
The Cyclodrome was "sold" to the University of Texas or some place in Texas.
The Cyclodrome was "sold" to the University of Texas or some place in Texas.
Collegiate Nationals Race Report
Tuscaloosa, AL
April 2011
Race Start Air Temp: 90 Degrees
Water temp: low 60's
I have not been very excited to write this report, mostly because I have been super busy, but because it was by far the worst race I have ever had. The water was cold, the day was hot, but it was a great experience.
I started in wave 3 of 5. 1 Team member in each wave. The water temperature was cold - coldest I have swam in, but apparently not anywhere near what it was in Lubbock the last 2 years. It was around 62 degrees. I had a sleeveless wetsuit. Once I got going it wasn't too bad. It was an in water start holding onto the deck. It was crowded. I know I am not a fast swimmer so when the gun went off I hung out for a second then headed out. It wasn't too bad of a swim. Seemed like it took me forever. T-1 we had to run forever to get to it. It was tough when your feet are frozen. I stubbed my toe, but luckily couldn't feel it. I was in and out quick in transition.
On the Bike I was feeling really good. I think it was because of the warm day and just getting out of cold water. The women's Olympic distance race started at noon so by this time it was above 90 degrees. I was averaging a pretty good pace and passing a lot of people. After the first loop and on my way out on the second, I thought to myself, Man I am thirsty, but somehow I had already drank an entire bottle of water. Crap, I am going to be hurting on the run from dehydration. I had a second bottle of water, but it was super warm so I choked it down anyway. It wasn't enough. I died on that second loop. I needed Gatorade soooooooooooo bad.
I came into transition, dropped off my bike, grabbed my shoes and headed out. I grabbed 3 cups of Gatorade at the first station. Not even close to enough. I had to walk. The first mile was a mix of walk for 10 steps, run for 10 steps. Very slow going. I got to the second aid station - it was between 2 and 3. At this point I was so gone. I just stopped at the aid station and downed Gatorade. Pretty sure I drank an entire jug of it. I was there for about 3 min just drinking. Finally I continued on. It was still a lot more walking than running. At the next 2 stations I just stopped and drank as much Gatorade as I could. Finally at about mile 4.5 I could run and keep running. It was the longest race I have ever done.
After I drank more and more Gatorade and finally felt better. It was so miserable, but was fun.
April 2011
Race Start Air Temp: 90 Degrees
Water temp: low 60's
I have not been very excited to write this report, mostly because I have been super busy, but because it was by far the worst race I have ever had. The water was cold, the day was hot, but it was a great experience.
I started in wave 3 of 5. 1 Team member in each wave. The water temperature was cold - coldest I have swam in, but apparently not anywhere near what it was in Lubbock the last 2 years. It was around 62 degrees. I had a sleeveless wetsuit. Once I got going it wasn't too bad. It was an in water start holding onto the deck. It was crowded. I know I am not a fast swimmer so when the gun went off I hung out for a second then headed out. It wasn't too bad of a swim. Seemed like it took me forever. T-1 we had to run forever to get to it. It was tough when your feet are frozen. I stubbed my toe, but luckily couldn't feel it. I was in and out quick in transition.
On the Bike I was feeling really good. I think it was because of the warm day and just getting out of cold water. The women's Olympic distance race started at noon so by this time it was above 90 degrees. I was averaging a pretty good pace and passing a lot of people. After the first loop and on my way out on the second, I thought to myself, Man I am thirsty, but somehow I had already drank an entire bottle of water. Crap, I am going to be hurting on the run from dehydration. I had a second bottle of water, but it was super warm so I choked it down anyway. It wasn't enough. I died on that second loop. I needed Gatorade soooooooooooo bad.
I came into transition, dropped off my bike, grabbed my shoes and headed out. I grabbed 3 cups of Gatorade at the first station. Not even close to enough. I had to walk. The first mile was a mix of walk for 10 steps, run for 10 steps. Very slow going. I got to the second aid station - it was between 2 and 3. At this point I was so gone. I just stopped at the aid station and downed Gatorade. Pretty sure I drank an entire jug of it. I was there for about 3 min just drinking. Finally I continued on. It was still a lot more walking than running. At the next 2 stations I just stopped and drank as much Gatorade as I could. Finally at about mile 4.5 I could run and keep running. It was the longest race I have ever done.
After I drank more and more Gatorade and finally felt better. It was so miserable, but was fun.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Velodrome
My absence from my blog has been tied up with summer school. I have a summer class that involves a service project. The project couldn't be more perfect - It is building a velodrome. If you do not know what a velodrome is, look it up because is it awesome. With summer class coming to an end, so has the completion of the track and now an opportunity for all who want to come out and ride it. There will be a minimal cost for insurance, but all details have not been worked out yet. What I do know is that it will be July 7th. Starting at 6pm the track will open for practice. The time trial race to start at 7pm. This will seed people for the pursuit race to follow. The race will be held on the Iowa State University campus in the College of Design building's King Pavilion. You can bring any bike you wish, but no knobby tires will be allowed.
As soon as we started this project I have been super excited to ride this. I got my opportunity this week. I was scared, but it was awesome. I "wiped" out twice getting started, but because the corners are steep, it was more of a slide down a hill wipe out. The hardest part is by far getting started, but once you do you keep going until you get dizzy. It is awesome - You can pass this up!
As soon as we started this project I have been super excited to ride this. I got my opportunity this week. I was scared, but it was awesome. I "wiped" out twice getting started, but because the corners are steep, it was more of a slide down a hill wipe out. The hardest part is by far getting started, but once you do you keep going until you get dizzy. It is awesome - You can pass this up!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Where have I been?
I have been doing quite well, but being lazy. I have finally managed to organize my time to get in my workouts, school and work, but the problem is, I have been lazy about doing my workouts. I am so wore out and have my mind other places - mostly on what I need to do for school - that I haven't completed all of my workouts for the week. I need to work on that.
This was a quick update, hopefully I will have more time in the near future to update more.
This was a quick update, hopefully I will have more time in the near future to update more.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Gear and training, but mostly gear
One of the best things about triathlon is that there is an endless supply of gear to buy and try out. I think that is why the sport is called TRYathlon. :) I could spend hours looking at things that I would love to have, but then I have to pay for them which is sad so I spend hours looking for the best deal. I had to buy a new top to race in for the collegiate race and came across the new 2xu comp top.
2XU Comp Tri Top - It is going to look sweet with the ISU logo on it.
I also decided it was time to get new shorts because they are too big and plus this would be my 5th season in the same shorts. So I spent hours trying to find a site to purchase both to avoid shipping charges. I did not find this, but I did find free shipping on separate sites when you spend so much. Well, I got free shipping on the top and on the shorts and also got more gear.
Bellwether J Pants - I don't own any tights so I figured now was as good of a time as any to get some.
Workouts this week went great except for Wednesday. I was just so tired and wore out that I only was able to finish 50 min of my 60 min bike. It has been so long since I have been sore and this tired. It is great. I miss it. It makes me feel like I am actually doing something. Today I have a 100 min bike and a 70 min run/15 bike Sunday. I was able to run for the full 60 min last Sunday and complete my runs this week with no pain other than the "good" pain. I think that week off and a lot of stretching was the key. Last Sunday's run was probably the best run I ever had. It was cold, but it did not feel cold. The path had some snow on it which kept others off of it. Blue sky, bright sun and the peace and quiet. I ran so relaxed and smooth which equated to a surprisingly fast run. I wish I could feel like that all the time. I loved it. This week has been tough for running outside. So much ice and slop everywhere. I am hoping it will be better tomorrow. Next week is my first recovery week. I was kind of worried about not really feeling like I was going to need it, but I can be safe to say now it is a much welcomed week especially because I have a project due in two weeks so I can use this coming week to work ahead a bit.
2XU Comp Tri Top - It is going to look sweet with the ISU logo on it.I also decided it was time to get new shorts because they are too big and plus this would be my 5th season in the same shorts. So I spent hours trying to find a site to purchase both to avoid shipping charges. I did not find this, but I did find free shipping on separate sites when you spend so much. Well, I got free shipping on the top and on the shorts and also got more gear.
Sugoi Blast Shorts
Sugoi Top - because it was 50% off and it looks cool
Bellwether J Pants - I don't own any tights so I figured now was as good of a time as any to get some.
Workouts this week went great except for Wednesday. I was just so tired and wore out that I only was able to finish 50 min of my 60 min bike. It has been so long since I have been sore and this tired. It is great. I miss it. It makes me feel like I am actually doing something. Today I have a 100 min bike and a 70 min run/15 bike Sunday. I was able to run for the full 60 min last Sunday and complete my runs this week with no pain other than the "good" pain. I think that week off and a lot of stretching was the key. Last Sunday's run was probably the best run I ever had. It was cold, but it did not feel cold. The path had some snow on it which kept others off of it. Blue sky, bright sun and the peace and quiet. I ran so relaxed and smooth which equated to a surprisingly fast run. I wish I could feel like that all the time. I loved it. This week has been tough for running outside. So much ice and slop everywhere. I am hoping it will be better tomorrow. Next week is my first recovery week. I was kind of worried about not really feeling like I was going to need it, but I can be safe to say now it is a much welcomed week especially because I have a project due in two weeks so I can use this coming week to work ahead a bit.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Good Start to the Year
So far school, work and triathlon have been well in balance. I have kept up with work, been able to get a little ahead in school and have been able to maintain my workouts with slight modification.
Week 1/10:
Monday: No workout but did get a new closet built at my house.
Tuesday: No workout again - another snowy day and finished up house work before actually making it to class
Wednesday: 30 min Run, Bike 60 min - Endurance
Thursday: 30 min swim, 15 min Run
Friday: 30 min Bike - Interval
Saturday: MECTC Triathlon Clinic Individual Race - 10 min swim (500 yards), 20 min bike (5.67 miles), 15 min run (1.85 miles)
Sunday: MECTC Triathlon Clinic Team Race - 5 min swim (275 yards), 10 min bike (2.9 miles)
This week 1/17:
Monday: Off
Tuesday: 30 swim, 60 bike - Threshold
Wednesday: 45 Run, 60 Bike - Endurance/Interval
Thursday: Run 20 min, 10 bike
Friday: Off
Saturday: 85 Bike - Endurance
Sunday: 60 Run/Bike
I will start off with why my run workouts are rare. From all of the snow in the last two weeks, I have been wearing my snow boots which caused me to develop a bit of tendinitis in my heel. It first came about Wednesday of last week, but I just thought it was that stiff feel in my ankles I get every once in a while until I went running Thursday. Ouch. I cut my run pretty short because it was painful, came home, put ice on it and got on the computer to figure out what it was. I tried to stay off of it as much as I could Friday and Saturday. I decided I wanted to gauge my fitness a bit at the tri clinic so I popped a couple Aleve before the race and this allowed me to run pain free - for the most part. I passed on running Sunday for the team race. My Wednesday workout "run" was on the elliptical. I am just glad I can get my heart rate up to a relative decent level on that thing - although I looked like a crazy lady on it. I did run for a short while outside last night. I could feel a slight pain there, but nothing that bothered me. I am going to gauge Sunday on how I feel and then supplement my run with an extended bike workout as to not push my heel too quickly.
Ok, back to the MECTC clinic. For this being my second time in the pool since September, I felt awesome. It is one of those pools you get in and feel fast, even though you might not be. I felt really smooth. The good thing is that I was able to maintain my previous pace. The bad thing is that I wasn't and still am not fast, lol. Oh well. Minor details. The bike was good, but not the actual bike. We rode on T9 trainers. Problem for me: when I found a comfortable place, slightly leaning forward, I would slide forward on the seat so I would move back, but then I was too short to reach the peddles. My needs started getting cramped. I just concentrated on keeping my heart rate at my target level of 160-164. I didn't get as far as I would have liked but I also wasn't on my bike that I have been training on for 4 years. I think it comes out to 15. something miles per hour. I think I could ride that fast on my mountain bike for 6 miles. The run, I felt great. It was on a 1/8th mile indoor track. We started out already breaking into "groups". 3 girls took off in front of me pretty quick. I just wanted to maintain a relative "tough" pace which wound up being a heart rate of 178 and kept creeping up - my anaerobic threshold level is 177 so I was pushing myself. There was a girl next to me on the bike who wound up a little under a quarter mile in front of me, but she was breathing hard so I hoped she would die on the run and I was correct. I ended up lapping her twice and catching the other girl with relative ease. The last girl I caught on the last lap and then I was able to sprint out another 1/16th of a mile to get in front of her as well. I averaged about 8:10 per mile which was definitely in front of where I thought I would be at 8:30. The results haven't been posted. All I know is I did not win, but I would like to see how I compared to the rest of the girls to gauge my fitness level. I feel pretty good about where I am at. I really am going to hit the bike hard the next 10 weeks because I think that will help me the most in the race. I am going to take it easy on the run so I can make sure my foot heals and then hopefully be able to push the run the last 6 weeks or so. The swim, I just don't feel I am going to gain anything. All I want to accomplish is to make sure my arms don't get tired during the swim so I kick more and end up being tired for the bike. I can get into the pool once a week and probably twice most weeks - it just sucks swimming. I also learned a few drills at the clinic to do to help my stroke as well as out of water drills to help improve on days I can't get into the pool. February 5th and 6th the tri club is having "trials" to determine 10k run and 1 mile swim times to seed and decide who will be racing the official championship race. I am unable to make it to those so I will have to time myself around those dates so I can compare myself to the rest of the team and my past levels to see what I need to do prior to the race. I am getting nervous because I want to do well, but it is getting exciting as well, I ordered my tri top which is the fun part of tri - the gear. And just in case I don't get to it, next weeks workouts 1/24:
Monday: 60 Bike - Threshold/Interval
Tuesday: 30 Swim, 30 Run?
Wednesday: 60 Bike - Speed
Thursday: 30 swim if I don't have class, 45 Run?
Friday: Off
Saturday: 90 Bike - Endurance - Livestrong Ride
Sunday: 60 run endurance?
Run workouts are still up in the air depending on heel healing. That sounds kind of like magic.
Week 1/10:
Monday: No workout but did get a new closet built at my house.
Tuesday: No workout again - another snowy day and finished up house work before actually making it to class
Wednesday: 30 min Run, Bike 60 min - Endurance
Thursday: 30 min swim, 15 min Run
Friday: 30 min Bike - Interval
Saturday: MECTC Triathlon Clinic Individual Race - 10 min swim (500 yards), 20 min bike (5.67 miles), 15 min run (1.85 miles)
Sunday: MECTC Triathlon Clinic Team Race - 5 min swim (275 yards), 10 min bike (2.9 miles)
This week 1/17:
Monday: Off
Tuesday: 30 swim, 60 bike - Threshold
Wednesday: 45 Run, 60 Bike - Endurance/Interval
Thursday: Run 20 min, 10 bike
Friday: Off
Saturday: 85 Bike - Endurance
Sunday: 60 Run/Bike
I will start off with why my run workouts are rare. From all of the snow in the last two weeks, I have been wearing my snow boots which caused me to develop a bit of tendinitis in my heel. It first came about Wednesday of last week, but I just thought it was that stiff feel in my ankles I get every once in a while until I went running Thursday. Ouch. I cut my run pretty short because it was painful, came home, put ice on it and got on the computer to figure out what it was. I tried to stay off of it as much as I could Friday and Saturday. I decided I wanted to gauge my fitness a bit at the tri clinic so I popped a couple Aleve before the race and this allowed me to run pain free - for the most part. I passed on running Sunday for the team race. My Wednesday workout "run" was on the elliptical. I am just glad I can get my heart rate up to a relative decent level on that thing - although I looked like a crazy lady on it. I did run for a short while outside last night. I could feel a slight pain there, but nothing that bothered me. I am going to gauge Sunday on how I feel and then supplement my run with an extended bike workout as to not push my heel too quickly.
Ok, back to the MECTC clinic. For this being my second time in the pool since September, I felt awesome. It is one of those pools you get in and feel fast, even though you might not be. I felt really smooth. The good thing is that I was able to maintain my previous pace. The bad thing is that I wasn't and still am not fast, lol. Oh well. Minor details. The bike was good, but not the actual bike. We rode on T9 trainers. Problem for me: when I found a comfortable place, slightly leaning forward, I would slide forward on the seat so I would move back, but then I was too short to reach the peddles. My needs started getting cramped. I just concentrated on keeping my heart rate at my target level of 160-164. I didn't get as far as I would have liked but I also wasn't on my bike that I have been training on for 4 years. I think it comes out to 15. something miles per hour. I think I could ride that fast on my mountain bike for 6 miles. The run, I felt great. It was on a 1/8th mile indoor track. We started out already breaking into "groups". 3 girls took off in front of me pretty quick. I just wanted to maintain a relative "tough" pace which wound up being a heart rate of 178 and kept creeping up - my anaerobic threshold level is 177 so I was pushing myself. There was a girl next to me on the bike who wound up a little under a quarter mile in front of me, but she was breathing hard so I hoped she would die on the run and I was correct. I ended up lapping her twice and catching the other girl with relative ease. The last girl I caught on the last lap and then I was able to sprint out another 1/16th of a mile to get in front of her as well. I averaged about 8:10 per mile which was definitely in front of where I thought I would be at 8:30. The results haven't been posted. All I know is I did not win, but I would like to see how I compared to the rest of the girls to gauge my fitness level. I feel pretty good about where I am at. I really am going to hit the bike hard the next 10 weeks because I think that will help me the most in the race. I am going to take it easy on the run so I can make sure my foot heals and then hopefully be able to push the run the last 6 weeks or so. The swim, I just don't feel I am going to gain anything. All I want to accomplish is to make sure my arms don't get tired during the swim so I kick more and end up being tired for the bike. I can get into the pool once a week and probably twice most weeks - it just sucks swimming. I also learned a few drills at the clinic to do to help my stroke as well as out of water drills to help improve on days I can't get into the pool. February 5th and 6th the tri club is having "trials" to determine 10k run and 1 mile swim times to seed and decide who will be racing the official championship race. I am unable to make it to those so I will have to time myself around those dates so I can compare myself to the rest of the team and my past levels to see what I need to do prior to the race. I am getting nervous because I want to do well, but it is getting exciting as well, I ordered my tri top which is the fun part of tri - the gear. And just in case I don't get to it, next weeks workouts 1/24:
Monday: 60 Bike - Threshold/Interval
Tuesday: 30 Swim, 30 Run?
Wednesday: 60 Bike - Speed
Thursday: 30 swim if I don't have class, 45 Run?
Friday: Off
Saturday: 90 Bike - Endurance - Livestrong Ride
Sunday: 60 run endurance?
Run workouts are still up in the air depending on heel healing. That sounds kind of like magic.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Year, New Excitement
It is hard to believe my last post was in September, well, no it isn't. If someone asked me 6 months ago if I would be able to juggle work, graduate school and triathlon, I would have said of course. How different can graduate school be from undergradute right? Well I found that out. Imagine undergraduate classes or for those that can't remember that far back, take a normal work day. Now take an entire months worth of work/classwork and pile that into one week. It was just non-stop all the time. I quickly learned that I could not treat grad school like undergrad. I fell behind quickly in about 3 weeks, spent the next 3 months catching back up just in time to be finished with the semester. My workouts were non-existant because my "free" time was spent working on homework and projects. I squeeked through with work. I worked "full time" which equated to about 25 hours a week and then using my PTO to fill in for full time hours. 2 of the 3 I could do, not all 3.
This semester I am taking a different route. First, I am cutting way back on work hours to about 15/week. Just enough to keep me a float financially. Second, I have planned out when I will workout. The ISU triathlon club has group sessions that are always more fun that working out alone. I will be doing those Monday and Wednesday. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have a class break from 12-2 so I will be swimming and doing my short runs during that time or doing my run workouts later in the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday I am just going to have to get my butt in gear and accept the fact that I won't have anytime to really just "relax". I think I relax better during long runs anyway so at least I am not sitting on the couch stressing out about all the stuff I should be doing rather than sitting on the couch. At least I am doing something. Since Christmas I have gained a million pounds and I feel it. I need to loose 10 pounds to be back into "race shape". I can only ever achieve that weight when I am working out like a mad person. My goal is to reach goal weight by April 9th which is the Collegiate national championship race which will be my last eligible year to compete in the "main event" so of course I want to kick butt. I wish I had more time and didn't procrastinate like I have been.
I finally got back into the swing of things the week after Christmas. After finals and prior to Christmas I kind of went crazy with having so much "free" time that I drew a picture for a Christmas gift so I spent all that time working on it. After Christmas I started out easy. Surprisingly I am in still relatively decent shape. The bike is where I can feel that I am in not-so-good-of-shape.
Workouts for the week of 12/27:
Monday: 45 min run
Tuesday: 30 min run
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 30 min bike
Friday: Off
Saturday: 60 min bike
Sunday: 6 mile run (53:30)
This weeks workouts:
Monday: 45 bike, 15 abs
Tuesday: 45 min run
Wednesday: 60 min bike
Thursday: 30 bike, 30 run
Friday: Off
Saturday: 70 min bike
Sunday: 7 mile/65 min run, 10 bike
Next weekend I am joining the triclub to Dayton, Ohio for a triathlon clinic. The weekend is filled with speakers/classes as well as an individual and team competition. It will be nice to kind of get an idea of where I am actually at with my training. Hopefully school doesn't take over my workouts this semester.
This semester I am taking a different route. First, I am cutting way back on work hours to about 15/week. Just enough to keep me a float financially. Second, I have planned out when I will workout. The ISU triathlon club has group sessions that are always more fun that working out alone. I will be doing those Monday and Wednesday. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have a class break from 12-2 so I will be swimming and doing my short runs during that time or doing my run workouts later in the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday I am just going to have to get my butt in gear and accept the fact that I won't have anytime to really just "relax". I think I relax better during long runs anyway so at least I am not sitting on the couch stressing out about all the stuff I should be doing rather than sitting on the couch. At least I am doing something. Since Christmas I have gained a million pounds and I feel it. I need to loose 10 pounds to be back into "race shape". I can only ever achieve that weight when I am working out like a mad person. My goal is to reach goal weight by April 9th which is the Collegiate national championship race which will be my last eligible year to compete in the "main event" so of course I want to kick butt. I wish I had more time and didn't procrastinate like I have been.
I finally got back into the swing of things the week after Christmas. After finals and prior to Christmas I kind of went crazy with having so much "free" time that I drew a picture for a Christmas gift so I spent all that time working on it. After Christmas I started out easy. Surprisingly I am in still relatively decent shape. The bike is where I can feel that I am in not-so-good-of-shape.
Workouts for the week of 12/27:
Monday: 45 min run
Tuesday: 30 min run
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 30 min bike
Friday: Off
Saturday: 60 min bike
Sunday: 6 mile run (53:30)
This weeks workouts:
Monday: 45 bike, 15 abs
Tuesday: 45 min run
Wednesday: 60 min bike
Thursday: 30 bike, 30 run
Friday: Off
Saturday: 70 min bike
Sunday: 7 mile/65 min run, 10 bike
Next weekend I am joining the triclub to Dayton, Ohio for a triathlon clinic. The weekend is filled with speakers/classes as well as an individual and team competition. It will be nice to kind of get an idea of where I am actually at with my training. Hopefully school doesn't take over my workouts this semester.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cyman Race Report
My final triathlon, and probably race, of the year was last Sunday. It was a gorgeous day minus the wind, well only the wind when on the bike heading into it :) Race didn't start until 10 so I was able to sleep into my normal time which was nice. I arrived at Big Creek state park at about 9. I headed to transition to set up. People do not understand that you do not need 5 feet of space. You only need enough space to fit your bike on the rack. You do not need to layout a towel, the long way inbetween spaces. I squeezed into a spot in the area I wanted to be in because everywhere was full and figured if I had to squeeze in I mine as well be some place I wanted to be. I rack my bike and start pulling things out of my bag. During this time, others are arriving and looking for space. Across from me there is a towel hanging on the rack. I assumed someone just had their bike out and wanted to save their spot. No, the guy next to it wanted to "encourage space". Are you serious? First you have your bike, your towel laid out and another towel space "saved". Holy crap dude, move your $hit over. I set up my transition, put on the wetsuit and head to swim start. It was a little chilly so the wetsuit was nice to have on before the race started.
Goal: beat my previous race time from 2 years ago (1:19:46)
Although I knew my bike wasn't where I wanted it to be I was going to try.
Swim: 9:04 (9:27)
I decided I was going to start up front because 2 years ago there wasn't too many fast people and I only say this because I had the fastest swim time in my age group. The water was cold, for me. 68 degrees. I have a sleeveless and I was cold. I felt pretty good and actually stayed right online. Not much in and out from the bouys like I normally do. My arms got tired again. I still contribute that to swimming better and just not having time to work on those muscles.
T1: 0:43 (0:57)
T1 was slightly uphill through transition and it killed me. I jogged to my spot and slowly took off my wetsuit. I put on my helmet while I finished taking it off, grabbed my bike and I was off.
Bike: 0:48:12 (43:02)
My legs were not wanting to do what I wanted them to do. They weren't tired, they just didn't react. This was an out and back. With the wind on the way out. I finally got going about half way out. I didn't have the half way split that I was hoping for so I just pushed as hard as I could on the way back and hoped for the best. I am just glad it was a sustained 15 mph wind so it didn't blow me around.
T2: 0:30 (0:33)
I came in off the bike, racked my bike, threw on my running shoes, grabbed my visor and race belt and I was off. It felt quick and smooth.
Run: 24:52 (25:49)
I felt pretty good on the run. That hill coming out of transition always seems to be tough. After about a half mile I could really feel myself relax and get running smooth. There was one place my calves started to get tight on an uphill, but push through and finished strong.
Finish: 1:23:20 (1:19:46)
Far short of my goal time, but still happy with the race. I have not had time at all to train like I would have liked. School has completely taken over my life. I have found myself getting up early to work on homework, go to class, homework in between class and get home to work on class work for the next day. If I don't "have" to work on class stuff it is because I have softball. I haven't had a free day in so long. I am going on 3 weeks of not mowing my lawn. I think it has gotten to a point where it just isn't getting any longer. Overall, I was mentally ready and was prepared to push my body to what I know it is capable of. My body just didn't deliver. My time was still good enough for 1st in my age group and 14th overall female. I was very happy with my swim and run times. I am dissapointed in my bike just because that is normally my strongest. Hopefully I will have time to hit it hard over the winter on the trainer.
Goal: beat my previous race time from 2 years ago (1:19:46)
Although I knew my bike wasn't where I wanted it to be I was going to try.
Swim: 9:04 (9:27)
I decided I was going to start up front because 2 years ago there wasn't too many fast people and I only say this because I had the fastest swim time in my age group. The water was cold, for me. 68 degrees. I have a sleeveless and I was cold. I felt pretty good and actually stayed right online. Not much in and out from the bouys like I normally do. My arms got tired again. I still contribute that to swimming better and just not having time to work on those muscles.
T1: 0:43 (0:57)
T1 was slightly uphill through transition and it killed me. I jogged to my spot and slowly took off my wetsuit. I put on my helmet while I finished taking it off, grabbed my bike and I was off.
Bike: 0:48:12 (43:02)
My legs were not wanting to do what I wanted them to do. They weren't tired, they just didn't react. This was an out and back. With the wind on the way out. I finally got going about half way out. I didn't have the half way split that I was hoping for so I just pushed as hard as I could on the way back and hoped for the best. I am just glad it was a sustained 15 mph wind so it didn't blow me around.
T2: 0:30 (0:33)
I came in off the bike, racked my bike, threw on my running shoes, grabbed my visor and race belt and I was off. It felt quick and smooth.
Run: 24:52 (25:49)
I felt pretty good on the run. That hill coming out of transition always seems to be tough. After about a half mile I could really feel myself relax and get running smooth. There was one place my calves started to get tight on an uphill, but push through and finished strong.
Finish: 1:23:20 (1:19:46)
Far short of my goal time, but still happy with the race. I have not had time at all to train like I would have liked. School has completely taken over my life. I have found myself getting up early to work on homework, go to class, homework in between class and get home to work on class work for the next day. If I don't "have" to work on class stuff it is because I have softball. I haven't had a free day in so long. I am going on 3 weeks of not mowing my lawn. I think it has gotten to a point where it just isn't getting any longer. Overall, I was mentally ready and was prepared to push my body to what I know it is capable of. My body just didn't deliver. My time was still good enough for 1st in my age group and 14th overall female. I was very happy with my swim and run times. I am dissapointed in my bike just because that is normally my strongest. Hopefully I will have time to hit it hard over the winter on the trainer.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Training moves on
Workouts last week were very lazy. A lot going on. I did do spin class Monday and swim Wednesday 1500 yards because that was my last week for the gym. Other than that I did things at home. It was nice to get a big chunk of that done. This week has been a different story. I have had some great workouts. Monday I ran for 60 minutes. I got in 6.5 miles. I felt nice and relaxed and was even able to take the last hill at a reasonable pace. Tuesday my muscles were sore from Monday, but it was a good sore in just the right places. Nothing that hinders working out. Calves were pretty tight. Since it was raining, I jumped on the trainer indoors. I thought I would be on there for 10 min and just be dieing. I hate the trainer. I ended up being on there for a solid 45 min: 10 min warm up, 3x3:00 Variable gearing (1:20 medium gear 90 rpm, :40 easy +120 rpm, 1:00 hard 80 rpm) with :30 second rest after the first two then one minute rest after the last then right into a 10:00 time effort (75%-80) after that 3x3:00 Isolated leg training (20 sec right, 10 sec together, 20 sec left, 10 sec together x3 = 1 set) with :30 sec rest in between sets then a 4:00 cool down. Wednesday a 35 min bike followed by a 20 min run. I felt great. I pushed myself hard on the bike and worked hard on the hills then came back and ran 2 miles hard (7:30 mile pace) with 5 min cool down jog. I was exhausted but it felt good. I was pretty sore all week and thought today I would be even more sore, but I actually am hardly sore at all. I am taking tonight off then will run tomorrow night. I start school next week so I will get in the pool then. Going to shoot for 2 times a week in the pool and hopefully hook up with the triclones (Iowa State Triathlon Club) for workouts during the week. It will be nice to have someone push me. I canceled my Y membership since I am paying for the athletic facilities in Ames. I will actually get to swim in a nice pool - sorry Grubb Y, but your pool sucks and is disgusting.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Big Creek 30 Race Report
I learned a couple things Sunday at Big Creek: 1 - I have work to do, 2 - hot is hot. I arrived late at the site because usually they have the bike racks separated by numbers so I was going to be in the same row no matter what time I arrived. I arrived at 7:15 to hear an announcement of the race being shorted to 1000m swim, 40k bike, 5k run. Only the swim and run were shortened. This boads well for me since the bike is my strong suit. Transition closes at 7:30. Ok, I was a little later than expected, but it worked out perfect. I got marked and picked up my timing chip then headed into transition. I was way at the end of the bike rack, but really didn't care. I ended up with a lot of space which I didn't need, but it was always welcomed. I get my transition set up and got out of there right at 7:30. I didn't have time to jog or warm up, but it was already pretty warm and I also wasn't going to go out hard like I normally would in the swim. We stand on the beach for the pre-race talk. I chatted a bit with a friend who this will be his first triathlon. I gave him some pointers then he was off while I waited for my wave.
Swim: 22:36 (~33:45 for 1500m) - goal 38 min for 1500m
I was off at 8:16. I started in the back because it has been awhile since I have raced. Once we started I remembered why I don't start at the back. It takes everyone forever to get going. I got impatient and jumped in. It worked out well. I picked up a draft and another girl swam right next to me so I didn't have to site and I had a draft the whole way out. Thank goodness because my arms got exhausted. I ended up having to kick more because my arms were so tired. I guess I should have gotten in the pool more than 5 times this year :) Anyway, I was happy with my swim time especialy no wetsuit because the water was 84 degrees.
T1: 0:56
I still got it. I had a quick transition. The only thing that slowed me down was the fact that my spot was in a really crappy part of the parking lot. Tons of rocks and cracks that killed my feet. I am just glad it wasn't glass. I should have payed more attention to this before the race and tried to clean up the area a bit. Oh well.
Bike: 1:19:04 - 18.9mph - goal: 1:18 - 19mph
I was slower than I liked, but considering the swim completely wiped me out and I did not have my legs the entire ride, I thought I did well. I passed 7 girls in my age group which turns out I was 3rd to last out of the swim and gained my spots on the bike. I would really have liked to average 20mph if I had more time to train. I think I would have if I could have been able to push harder at the beginning when I was riding with the wind. Oh boy it was windy too.
T2: 0:58
I was a little slow here and it was again because of the rocks and at this time the pavement had heated up quite a bit. I would have like to get it under 0:40, but I think my spot wasn't going to allow that as I was quite a ways off of the path.
Run: 27:08 - 8:44/mile
No going to lie, I was dead. For as many times as I have raced at big creek (4 times before this) I have never realized that the first mile was all slightly up hill. It's funny how you never notice these things until you are hurting. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel considering I have done a couple bike/run bricks, but never included the swim before any of those. I felt good for about the first 1/2 mile then it was painful. It was hot. I was having trouble keeping water down on the bike. I would burp and I would get a mouth full of water I just spit out because it was discusting. I went through 2 water bottles on the bike. I just kept forcing it down knowing it was going to be hot. I am pretty sure the heat is what killed me. My legs weren't tired and I wasn't breathing hard, I just had no energy. I started right behind a girl and finished right behind her. No one passed me, but I passed a lot of "tough" looking people. The heat got to everyone. Didn't pass anyone in my age group or even see anyone that could be. It turns out the next closest one was 6 min in front of me.
Finish time: 2:10:42 9/18 age group
This was a good race and helped me realize what I need to keep working on. I am right where I thought I would be and can dial in my training to meet my goals for the National Collegiate race this spring. Hopefully it works out that I get to go.
Swim: 22:36 (~33:45 for 1500m) - goal 38 min for 1500m
I was off at 8:16. I started in the back because it has been awhile since I have raced. Once we started I remembered why I don't start at the back. It takes everyone forever to get going. I got impatient and jumped in. It worked out well. I picked up a draft and another girl swam right next to me so I didn't have to site and I had a draft the whole way out. Thank goodness because my arms got exhausted. I ended up having to kick more because my arms were so tired. I guess I should have gotten in the pool more than 5 times this year :) Anyway, I was happy with my swim time especialy no wetsuit because the water was 84 degrees.
T1: 0:56
I still got it. I had a quick transition. The only thing that slowed me down was the fact that my spot was in a really crappy part of the parking lot. Tons of rocks and cracks that killed my feet. I am just glad it wasn't glass. I should have payed more attention to this before the race and tried to clean up the area a bit. Oh well.
Bike: 1:19:04 - 18.9mph - goal: 1:18 - 19mph
I was slower than I liked, but considering the swim completely wiped me out and I did not have my legs the entire ride, I thought I did well. I passed 7 girls in my age group which turns out I was 3rd to last out of the swim and gained my spots on the bike. I would really have liked to average 20mph if I had more time to train. I think I would have if I could have been able to push harder at the beginning when I was riding with the wind. Oh boy it was windy too.
T2: 0:58
I was a little slow here and it was again because of the rocks and at this time the pavement had heated up quite a bit. I would have like to get it under 0:40, but I think my spot wasn't going to allow that as I was quite a ways off of the path.
Run: 27:08 - 8:44/mile
No going to lie, I was dead. For as many times as I have raced at big creek (4 times before this) I have never realized that the first mile was all slightly up hill. It's funny how you never notice these things until you are hurting. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel considering I have done a couple bike/run bricks, but never included the swim before any of those. I felt good for about the first 1/2 mile then it was painful. It was hot. I was having trouble keeping water down on the bike. I would burp and I would get a mouth full of water I just spit out because it was discusting. I went through 2 water bottles on the bike. I just kept forcing it down knowing it was going to be hot. I am pretty sure the heat is what killed me. My legs weren't tired and I wasn't breathing hard, I just had no energy. I started right behind a girl and finished right behind her. No one passed me, but I passed a lot of "tough" looking people. The heat got to everyone. Didn't pass anyone in my age group or even see anyone that could be. It turns out the next closest one was 6 min in front of me.
Finish time: 2:10:42 9/18 age group
This was a good race and helped me realize what I need to keep working on. I am right where I thought I would be and can dial in my training to meet my goals for the National Collegiate race this spring. Hopefully it works out that I get to go.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Pre-Big Creek
Big Creek is Sunday. Am I ready? I suppose. I am not mentally in it yet. First off, I didn't even realize it was on Sunday until Tuesday of this week. I almost forgot about packet pick up on Saturday. I still need to practice my transitions since I haven't actually done a real transition since Hyvee of last year. I am a little rusty getting my bike shoes on on the bike. I need to change my laces in my shoes, clean my bike, and gather up my gear that has been in a box for almost a year. I was hoping for a wetsuit swim because I know I will be a little anxious for the swim start, but decided I will just start at the back and avoid the crazyness at the front. I am feeling good for the rest, but not sure about putting them all together. It has been a long time since I have worked out for 3 hours. I am going into this race as a "I need to get the tri-fever" again to get me some motivation for this winter. I will try to get the race report up before December.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Progress
I have officially registered for Cyman and Big Creek. I have been doing well with workouts. It feels great to be back on the bike. I finished up my long bike leading up to Big Creek. 1:45 followed by a 10 min run. I felt really good. I don't think I will get my average I would like to see on the bike, but I know right now I can finish it with a decent time. I have one more 1:30 bike and 15 run brick and a couple shorter ones. Swimming is going well. It is amazing how taking time off and coming back makes you realize how terrible your form was so I have been working on that. I wish I had more time before I needed to start working on distance work, but I can come back to it right after the races. I need to get out in the open water a couple times to get use to it again. Other than training, starting to wrap up softball season and get back to school. It is going to be a busy fall.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Ok, here we go...
After 10 months of not thinking about triathlon, I have decided tonight is the night I begin my obsessive compulsive thinking of triathlon. If you can believe it, I have not been on my bike since IMKY or been in the pool. I am dusting off the bike and heading out for a short ride. I am excited, but at the same time remember the time commitment the training requires. Also, probably should mention my new goals: Collegiate National Championships 2011 and Ironman St George 2012. I decided that I really like the IM training and want to get back to it. This time it will be over the winter when nothing is happening except it will be tough to be on the trainer for 3-4 hours. I am also going back to school this fall which makes me eligible to race at the nationals. You have until you are 28 which I will be in the spring so this would be my last opportunity to do it. I am planning on joining the ISU triathlon club which takes a spring trip down to Texas for that event. I am pretty excited about racing with some of the best "youngsters". I have decided I need to get a race or two in this year so I am going to do Cyman and debating whether or not to do Big Creek since I have yet to get on my bike or get in the pool. I am going to take the next couple week to evaluate my situation and then make the call from there. I am almost thinking of registering just because so I get back into tri. The only thing stopping me is with it being the Midwest regional championship race, there is going to be some fast times which mine will not be. Really don't want to come in last, but for now, I need to get my bike gear together and find my swimsuit...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
This is where I am at
I have been out of the triathlon loop for about 9 months now going on ten. I have just had little interest in getting back on my bike and in the pool. I am still running because I find it very relaxing and a nice stress reliever which we all need. I am running the Dam to Dam this weekend. Not in as good of shape as I would like, but I still think I should PR in it. My time lately has really been preoccupied with softball. I joined a fast pitch league and really love it. It is a nice change. I just wish it was more often. I have also joined 2 other slow pitch leagues which are fun as well. I am going back to school in the fall which is stressing me out. Just the work and hectic schedule that goes along with it is something I am not looking forward to. The three years will fly by, right?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Life's importancies - is that a word?
I have been a little preoccupied and not updating my blog. I don't know if it is the lack of triathlon interest at this point or other things are just more important. I hope it is the later. I have been working out, but not triathlon specific workouts. I finally got on my bike and trainer the other day to find it was very uncomfortable. The steep geometry was not like the spin bikes at the gym. I remember when I use to find them uncomfortable because they weren't steep enough. I have been going to spin class about twice a week and the other days have had random workout classes or just me on the treadmill running. I have not been in the pool for a long time and I don't want to. It is funny that I love triathlons and hate when they cancel the swim portion, but I do not want to train for the swimming. I think it is because I put in all the work, but don't really know if I am doing it right or not. I feel I can put in 5 min or 500 hours and still come out the same. I will worry about that later. For now I am using the spin class to push me on the bike. Even though the bike is my strongest, I feel that I can gain so much more if I could just push myself in training like I do when I am racing. Same goes for running. I have gotten into and love the long slow runs. Working on pushing myself a little more in that too. In the mean time, I have applied to get my Masters of Architecture. Still waiting to hear back. I spent about a week of constant getting my application together. I missed the Jan 1st deadline. Not because I was lazy and put it off, it was because I decided Jan 21st that I was going to apply. I got my portfolio together and studied for the GRE and took the exam all within a week. It was pretty intense. I just hope they still consider my application. I am very excited about going back to school, but at the same time I love my job and could not have asked for a better opportunity than I get now. It will really make the decision hard when fall comes. For now I am still trying to get back into the flow of working out and slowly making the transition over to race focus. That reminds me, I still have not registered for any races this year. Last year by January 1st I had registered for all of the races I was doing. I am still in the post-Ironman depression stage. Hope the weather will help me snap out of it soon.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Oh my
Where have I been? Being lazy. So much, yet so little has gone on in my life. December was all a blur. I "started" working out again because I was starting to put on a few pounds and wanted to nip that in the butt right away. I got to the gym about 3 days a week. I was trying to find a women's basketball league to play on, but no such luck so I have been randomly taking on 8 year olds at the gym. Only been beat once, lol. I have been fighting off getting back in the pool. Mostly because I hate the pool at my gym because it is disgusting, but also, it is boring. I have been doing the spin class twice a week which I really like because it takes me out of my comfort zone that I have been training in for the last year and a half. Christmas was good and I enjoy a lot of food and great company. The snow storm almost kept me from visiting my family, but it came early enough it really wasn't an issue. I spent Christmas eve and day with my boyfriend and his family. It was very enjoyable. For Christmas, my boyfriend's parents bought us tickets and a whole trip to the Orange Bowl so New years eve, off to Miami, well Fort Lauderdale the first 2 days. It was so nice those first 2 days, then it just got colder and colder. It would have been great had a prepared and brought proper clothing. All in all it was good. I was able to get out and run out in the "warm" weather. It definitely helped my winter laziness. This week I am getting back into the swing of things. I discovered a machine at my gym that I really like. It actually challenged me. At first I thought it was worthless until I figured out how to run it. I have no idea what it is called, but it has "floating" foot pedals and the moving arms. Basically simulates cross country skiing. I am on level 1 because the resistance was so tough during the cardio training. I will conquer this. It has also got me excited to go back to the gym on the days there is no spin class. I have had my trainer set up in my house now for about 2 months. I have been on it twice. Can't do it this year. I think it was the hours and hours I spent on it last winter that I can't bring myself to get on it or even want to look at it. Sorry bike, I love you, but I am not ready to spend that much time with you right now. I have been trying to find alternate training tools rather than just swim bike and run. I feel that the Ironman not only sparked some interest, but burnt me out. I think it is just the fact that I am not training for an Ironman anymore. It makes me sad. I have decided on a few goals this year, things that I have lacked on during the IM training:
1. Get moving. No more long slow training all the time
2. Get involved with activities outside the triathlon world
I just need to get my mind back into the whole training thing. Hopefully spring and the warm weather will re-motivate me.
1. Get moving. No more long slow training all the time
2. Get involved with activities outside the triathlon world
I just need to get my mind back into the whole training thing. Hopefully spring and the warm weather will re-motivate me.
Friday, December 4, 2009
IAFE 5k
This race, if you want to call it that, I do every year at the International Association of Fairs and Expos trade show that my work exhibits in Las Vegas. This race consists of 10-15 people doing a 1 mile walk and 5-10 people doing the 5k. The people that do the run are the people you would typically see starting in the back of a regular 5k race. Last year I won this race so I was back to defend my title. Haha. There is one guy that beat me the first year I did it, I beat him last year and this year...he won. I just did not have it again. I looked up the elevation differences: Des Moines 900ft, Las Vegas 2,000ft. That slight difference I can really feel when I am running. This year I ran 2 miles before the race even started because they don't warm up. Well, they do, you run down the hall of the conference space and group stretch. Not enough for someone looking to get out and get moving right away. The course is around Bally's. Some areas are scary because we are running through the drop off/pick up area and the service parking lot where there are lots of trucks. All 7 of us lined up to go. Dudes #1 and #2 appear to be a father and son pair and they take off first. Last year Dude #1 took off way to fast and so I was not worried about him being in front of me. Dude #3, the winner, follows close behind those 2. I knew I was going to have to keep him in my sights, but I was not wanting to start out that fast. So I was 5th, with Dude #4 in front of me. He was a bit older and wasn't to worried about him. We do 3 laps. Lap number one - I passed Dude #4 at about a half mile. Dude #3 gets into first after about 3/4 mile. I could see dudes #1 and #2 losing their form so I knew they had started to fast and I would soon catch them. I passed Dude #1 at about .9 miles. I passed Dude #2 just after mile one. Now I was feeling tired but did not know why. I think it has to be the elevation changed because I felt the exact same way last year. After about 1.25 miles, Dude #3 was almost a 1/4 mile ahead of me so I had to pick up the pace. I couldn't I tried, but I think my effort to go 10 seconds faster/mile was so much more work than just running at my pace. after 2 miles he was way to far ahead of me to catch him so I just tried to finish strong. We had dominated everyone else by a good 5 min. I really noticed my long training has hurt my short fast races. I need to get some speed work going. I did run the next 2 days as well for a total of about 15 miles for 3 days. My foot started hurting on the last day so I took Wednesday off and Thursday was my travel day back so I did not workout. I am thinking I will sit on the trainer tonight. I don't want to injure my foot again, especially now when there is no need to push myself. I have moved my kickoff starting day from January to December because I eat to much and need to get back into working out. I don't think I am going to go full blown into triathlon training. I am going to try to do some different stuff so I am not getting burnt out.
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