tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52869317437471467282024-03-04T21:00:20.177-08:00TriLifeStylesBalancing family, triathlon and life...Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-16983416297340452712017-10-26T11:57:00.001-07:002017-10-27T14:21:12.393-07:00Ironman World Championships - Kona 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Wow... not great at updating my blog :) But I figured this one deserved to be written about so here I go....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Race Week:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhNPiB6fyyqR7iCX6nxMsT9_O2OtU3J6iFYUUavxY6Os6O-PZJOjqWREKXvxWm6QCjiSXpBJZ-1opEYrr2LnT2mM1_ITGlow1UYP9cSTE16LU9mdvYAMvnpHpnKorUTcqBMn7RNLjW5ZF/s1600/22308741_10159524001010077_692773330178667581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhNPiB6fyyqR7iCX6nxMsT9_O2OtU3J6iFYUUavxY6Os6O-PZJOjqWREKXvxWm6QCjiSXpBJZ-1opEYrr2LnT2mM1_ITGlow1UYP9cSTE16LU9mdvYAMvnpHpnKorUTcqBMn7RNLjW5ZF/s320/22308741_10159524001010077_692773330178667581_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get enough swimming in before the race! Loved it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The vibe in Kona race week is unlike anything I've ever experienced! I remember driving down Ali'i that first morning to get a practice swim in and there were runners and cyclists everywhere! The drive gave me chills! When we got to the pier it was more chills! The four days I had in Kona prior to the race were magic. I found the perfect combo of the crowds and finding relaxation at our house. My training went perfectly! All my swims were amazing and I felt so fast on my runs and confident on my bike. I knew Kona would be hard and I was prepared to work hard. I knew it would be hot and humid and I was prepared to go slower to deal with that. I knew it would be windy on the bike and I was ready with my HR and power plan to not fight the wind. No time goals, no placing goals for me. These things I knew and Kona threw out all the punches on race day and nearly knocked me out....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Swim:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpQd20BMtiX3QIwxXX7UcLpGCE1rx0Fz_SbKkpADNvhj5zTO13qnc6XJpNtojvSMvLn0xAghrcGJeNQFAByxsiFnPN6wsuvQfDfIWZ11lk2CbQR0Hmrsks748k-vkUd7Du0XO5g9Jzvm4/s1600/22519583_10159545006170077_8610278318259064859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpQd20BMtiX3QIwxXX7UcLpGCE1rx0Fz_SbKkpADNvhj5zTO13qnc6XJpNtojvSMvLn0xAghrcGJeNQFAByxsiFnPN6wsuvQfDfIWZ11lk2CbQR0Hmrsks748k-vkUd7Du0XO5g9Jzvm4/s320/22519583_10159545006170077_8610278318259064859_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew the swim would be the easiest part of the day for me. I knew the heat wouldn't affect me too badly here ( temps in the bay were 80F). I had done most of my training in the Didsbury pool which is kept at 86F so I was used to being hot in the swim. I knew I wanted to swim hard and get a jump on the wind and heat if possible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The swim out to the start line was kind of surreal. I kept thinking "I am really here!". I chose a spot in the middle and ranged from second to third row while we were treading water waiting for the race to start. The line morphed alot while we were waiting from having a good spot to an ok spot. Looking back I should have taken a spot in the front line for sure. The cannon went off ( The cannon!!!) and it was mayhem! I had to do head up front crawl for the first 30 seconds as it was so crowded. There was tons of contact! I started with one pack and swam through them and caught another pack. Swam through that one and caught a third pack! I was having a great swim! From there it seemed more stable but you were never alone, always swimming with a group around you, beside, in front, behind. Always. We started catching the men who started 15 mins ahead of us before we hit the turnaround. And it got solidly busier from there. It was hard for packs of women to go around groups of slower men smoothly and a few times I got boxed out and had to breast stroke and change course. It was one heck of a busy swim course. But I loved it! It was fast and fun! I was so happy with my swim!! I came out feeling good and no nauseousness at all. I rinsed off in the showers and went to grab my T1 bag but both the volunteer and I were having trouble finding it. All it had in it were sunglasses as I had my shoes and helmet on my bike. Once I had my sunglasses I went into the tent for a sloppy shot of sunscreen and I was off to grab my bike. Hit the mount line smoothly and was off....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Bike:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_A1wySufGG5b6FCtfxOuLE32e-kCXDz9HJwnmS2DOv_nnHvbAiPgs4Sr14QlhiyTnlAHLqtUqve2px4eMsEuCtUM8sR4SwEYfCPfeN79CMCbX58zAmh4xG0JdHCHzhAL2RDXvbtZweqi/s1600/22310513_10159545005710077_7197997145262255155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_A1wySufGG5b6FCtfxOuLE32e-kCXDz9HJwnmS2DOv_nnHvbAiPgs4Sr14QlhiyTnlAHLqtUqve2px4eMsEuCtUM8sR4SwEYfCPfeN79CMCbX58zAmh4xG0JdHCHzhAL2RDXvbtZweqi/s320/22310513_10159545005710077_7197997145262255155_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty happy to see my family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That rip through town was something else! We do a little loop around the transition area then head south on the Kuakini highway for a short out and back before hitting the Queen K of Misery. There were so many people on the course at once, it was heads up riding for sure! I got to see my family twice and slowed down the second time just a bit and was able to throw a high five out to Liam on the way by. Then it was time to climb Palani and hit the Queen K and settle in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was so crowded out there for the first hour on the Queen K. People moved in packs for the most part "flirting with drafting" and honestly there wasn 't really a choice. If you sat up to get out of a draft zone you would have sat up through a few hundred people. Things started to spread out better by Waikoloa but it was still a very congested course and very easy to draft. I would say I stayed draft legal for the most part after Waikoloa but not everyone else did! Up to this point I was holding just under my goal watts and although I was hot I was feeling pretty good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We really started to get into the big winds after the turn to Hawi at Kawaiwahae. They were everything you've read about and more. Such a long slog up to Hawi in those winds! I was starting to feel a little fried as I got into Hawi and got my second bottle of concentrate but soon after the descent starts you need to be firing on all cylinders to stay safe. I am a cyclist that loves to bomb down hills but here I can say I rode more conservatively than normal. The crosswinds do toss you around and that's scary at high speeds!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really started to feel tired towards the end of the descent back down to Kawaiwahae. I was pushing lower watts and it didn't feel right to try and keep them up, so I didn't. After Kawaiwahae I got really hot, hotter than I ever could have imagined. Hotter than I can find words to describe! Did I mention I was hot? I felt prepared to work hard and get tired on the bike but I wasn't mentally prepared to suffer on the bike, not like you do on the run. I really suffered on the back third of this bike. My daughter sent me a video the night before the race with some great wisdom and I had written down one of the quotes she gave me #magicinmisery on my forearm. I can't tell you how many times I looked at that in the last 60km on the bike ( and the run too! ). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I couldn't hold power and my stomach started to get upset and all I could think about was getting cooled off. I felt my mental alertness starting to slip so I made the decision to stop at an aid station with about 30km to go. I took my helmet off ( which was a nice hybrid well ventilated helmet!) and doused my head with ice water and the volunteers gave me ice from the coolers to put down my top, front and back. I felt like a new person for 20 min or so but it didn't take long to heat back up. Around this same time I really struggled to get fluids down too. My stomach was not good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was never so happy to be coming off the bike, getting into T2 felt like a huge milestone. When I came off the bike my left foot was so painful ( bunion fun ) that I had to walk part way into transition before I could run again. I hit the change tent and got my run gear on, got smeared with sunscreen again and then a porta potty stop ( should have reversed those last two!) and I was out onto the run...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Run:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqI7SC7CP-0ivDAbBv8mzzlrkx5SaqpQnsFcqwWzexDEgIA2RV47brjhSjO2h30TSXqjI8vtF4RWvZD8llJnZY5HvuyC5nJGn5W4fkr8OpknqIVooYEYZlZK7rrPCBdgIsyE6tqD6Btao/s1600/22549549_10159545005485077_5754461508012719235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqI7SC7CP-0ivDAbBv8mzzlrkx5SaqpQnsFcqwWzexDEgIA2RV47brjhSjO2h30TSXqjI8vtF4RWvZD8llJnZY5HvuyC5nJGn5W4fkr8OpknqIVooYEYZlZK7rrPCBdgIsyE6tqD6Btao/s320/22549549_10159545005485077_5754461508012719235_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fake it till you make it! Smiling and waiving.... and not feeling good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Holy cow did I feel awful starting the run! I didn't even have to tell my self to slow down because I couldn't go fast. I felt gross, nauseous and hot and I was scared. I was scared of what my stomach would do, I was scared I wouldn't be able get in enough fluids and calories to do the marathon. I was scared I wouldn't be able to finish! I saw Marty and Liam and my Dad as I left T2 and all I wanted to do was cry when I saw them. It was probably a good thing they were behind a barrier because if had stopped to talk I might have lost it. I smiled and waved and hoped for the best.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here starts the marathon. With a sloshy and nauseous gut as my companion, I headed out at what I thought would be an easy pace to run this marathon. I walked the first few aid stations and took advantage of the water, ice and sponges to cool myself off and took in very little by mouth. Sips at most. I was running with a great gal and she was walking aid stations too and we were a good match. After about 40 minutes of fighting my stomach I made the decision to try and walk to see if I could settle it. I walked for about 1km and never really felt better and decided I didn't want to prolong the suffering so I decided to start running again with a plan to walk aid stations and try to keep getting small amounts of fluids and calories in to support the rest of the marathon. The rest of Ali'i was hot and miserable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I saw Marty and Liam right before the climb up Palani back onto the highway and I just burst into tears. They walked a bit with me while I told them my woes. Marty gave me all the good tips, the ones I had already tried but in the end he could just leave me with the advice to battle through it. And I did. It was hard, harder than anything I've ever done or could have imagined. I suffered! I felt nauseous most of the run and in hind sight I probably should have just forced an exodus from my stomach but when you are hot and tired and feeling bad you don't always think straight. Every aid station felt like a brief miracle where I could pour water on myself and cool off but also a fight because I knew I needed fluids and calories but had no desire to take in any. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With around 5km to go I felt confident that I had enough in me to finish without taking any more in and this is when my stomach finally settled. Funny to say but the end of the race was when I felt the absolute best! I still walked the aid stations to get water and sponges and ice to cool off but I started flying! It felt so good to feel good and finally run the way I know I can! When I hit Palani I did a fist pump! So close! I flew down Palani, skipped the last aid station and just kept pushing. Marty and Liam gave me a cheer on Kuakini and then sped to the finish line. They couldn't believe how fast I was running. As I came down the short stretch of Hualalai before making that "final turn onto Ali'i" there were a couple ladies in front of me putting the speed on too. I know it seems silly at the very end of an Ironman but I didn't want to slow down and I couldn't visualize how far down Ali'i the finish line was so I poured it on some more to pass them so we weren't all in the finish chute at the same time. And there was a bit more to go.... I heard my mom and dad and mother and father - law cheer me on ( but didn't see them I was blind for anything but that finish line!). I passed a couple men ( looking back should have slowed down and enjoyed the crowds a bit more but I never wanted a finish line more than anything in my life!) and gave out some high fives on my way through the chute and heard Marty and Liam but didn't slow down one bit until I hit that arch! Holy cow was I happy girl! No tears, just pure joy at finishing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mTXuoS_YmYnAqwE9areoSNZb11e-bOvSod2cN6Jl2IDrAvzjLoNHW1DrZyqDXbLFwOfwxyglVP88ntjMXHwoRgUFM57xGSB-sne1k1pf-qEGr8_u3Vs4q0Ut6rtKgmfDgFWDi4Vm1QNR/s1600/22539869_10159545005320077_3848753096284022677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mTXuoS_YmYnAqwE9areoSNZb11e-bOvSod2cN6Jl2IDrAvzjLoNHW1DrZyqDXbLFwOfwxyglVP88ntjMXHwoRgUFM57xGSB-sne1k1pf-qEGr8_u3Vs4q0Ut6rtKgmfDgFWDi4Vm1QNR/s320/22539869_10159545005320077_3848753096284022677_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who passes people in the ironman chute?? I do! Get me to that line!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5yXoLPI37V_WmskOUsaccgZT6gdoqTGJxJoCJQ1Nhyphenhyphen47ODWa4iPktBsFpQch7WAJ2Qt6RSgZEBGmlxSLC_lfhAzx3BB0FNt71PJjKqpUDwVCBB2FAGjMt1yIwTGzsQpo9FO_fJDUw-jx/s1600/22688637_10159589913695077_8411263878036517161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5yXoLPI37V_WmskOUsaccgZT6gdoqTGJxJoCJQ1Nhyphenhyphen47ODWa4iPktBsFpQch7WAJ2Qt6RSgZEBGmlxSLC_lfhAzx3BB0FNt71PJjKqpUDwVCBB2FAGjMt1yIwTGzsQpo9FO_fJDUw-jx/s320/22688637_10159589913695077_8411263878036517161_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEST FINISH LINE EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reflections:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I type this I feel like something is missing. I know I had "good" day when you look at my times. And I am grateful, I truly am! Racing at Kona has been one of the best experiences of my life. I went into this race in the best fitness ever and completely healthy! It's hard to reconcile what you know you can do with what you did on the day when you are limited by factors other than your fitness and preparation. It leaves me hungry for more, to want another try - fast or not so fast - to prove myself on that course, despite the extreme conditions. Not for a time or a placing, but to do my absolute best. So... for awhile the Big Island will be calling me back and I do hope get back there someday soon! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you've read this far thank you! This experience wouldn't have been possible without so much support! My family, my coach, my friends, my athletes, my clients ( wow you should see a tired bootcamp instructor teach HIIT Cardio at the end of an Ironman build.... ) and our amazing triathlon community. I had so much love and support from all of you! I tried to channel the love so much on race day, you have no idea how much it helped knowing so many of you out there were tracking my day. I could not have done this without you all having my back. So thank you! Much love to you all. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw0WjN22nJgCoVs519AtMB1DiVfkxl_Lq-XNPSxyh-D1Zg3d_a8f_cl3Gsmlpsq2WhUs5axojkA5aumM6WBIhGoveCkzjaE06TTcYa2t0GiWLzOJXwLpcJfe_kRmA2eEcyq7rC5WkRGBg/s1600/22491865_10159545006520077_8735608727010390362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw0WjN22nJgCoVs519AtMB1DiVfkxl_Lq-XNPSxyh-D1Zg3d_a8f_cl3Gsmlpsq2WhUs5axojkA5aumM6WBIhGoveCkzjaE06TTcYa2t0GiWLzOJXwLpcJfe_kRmA2eEcyq7rC5WkRGBg/s320/22491865_10159545006520077_8735608727010390362_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH_zeKLsViP-0t9C9o6NvM92Vp9AmwpkZLFUEz4u_GcvI3h5ohn5RvoaFY7TeSFml15596hiYyB01lsae9QmH8LQ8-6YMmLHr4-kG3q2TNiXsGH9D9_Jz0LaukhC80ZsY4MG_ql_11_Bd/s1600/22550065_10159545005165077_7667607884473202991_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH_zeKLsViP-0t9C9o6NvM92Vp9AmwpkZLFUEz4u_GcvI3h5ohn5RvoaFY7TeSFml15596hiYyB01lsae9QmH8LQ8-6YMmLHr4-kG3q2TNiXsGH9D9_Jz0LaukhC80ZsY4MG_ql_11_Bd/s320/22550065_10159545005165077_7667607884473202991_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5oxBh4aPbGgECRVuKtGP5tKbTX_jdNA5fT5zVHHUrxBcBLg9J0feXxxVZZZIj2Lhim-lXgQBi8IPIwram49aUa53fVJTdqWRi5-33qf-ggyrDjH-UDF_0QPl5meR-Y2r4O3eMniXZr-a/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5oxBh4aPbGgECRVuKtGP5tKbTX_jdNA5fT5zVHHUrxBcBLg9J0feXxxVZZZIj2Lhim-lXgQBi8IPIwram49aUa53fVJTdqWRi5-33qf-ggyrDjH-UDF_0QPl5meR-Y2r4O3eMniXZr-a/s320/IMG_5838.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-29244114171788950742016-12-07T15:15:00.000-08:002016-12-07T15:15:01.693-08:00Ironman Arizona 2016<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Ironman Arizona Nov 20, 2016 race report</span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;"></span><br /><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;"></span>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I guess this starts way back in 2009 when I joined Angie with team TriLife..... So many from our team raced Ironman Canada that August and I remember reading the race reports and bawling my eyes out and thinking one day I would do one. I really started to get the itch about 4 years ago but decided to put it off for the year I turned 40 so I could put more time into chasing my teens around with their competitive sports. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that brings us to 2016 and 9 seasons of racing triathlons under my belt and 4 years of racing half IM's. So although I was a 40 year old IM virgin, I had a ton of triathlon experience under my belt and I wasn't racing this just to finish, I wanted to have my best day out there and as the date got closer the internal pressure was building. I finally decided that I had to let outcome goals go for this race and really just make the day about me and executing each event to the best of my ability. For those of you that know me I "race" every event I enter. I want to know what place I'm in when I get out of the water, off the bike, etc.... But for this race I knew I couldn't have my success be dependent on where I placed so I gave my supporters instructions not to tell me what place I was in until I was halfway through the run and only then if I asked for the info. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EdTgvwRgr2csvAiySV-wqc4j7ubUrLlD6k0iiAB4_ARHN6lFOOjwAecA9AnjPcfbD5uGfs8rjjIlIoKxPJ-QkKvg-rQUOMkhFVXBTCd81HQfhBnmpZ3LSw23Et6qMhMgmLoDjcPC-Qzt/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EdTgvwRgr2csvAiySV-wqc4j7ubUrLlD6k0iiAB4_ARHN6lFOOjwAecA9AnjPcfbD5uGfs8rjjIlIoKxPJ-QkKvg-rQUOMkhFVXBTCd81HQfhBnmpZ3LSw23Et6qMhMgmLoDjcPC-Qzt/s320/IMG_4419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Marty was doing while I was busy pulling my valve core out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But still....the nerves and expectations for myself created enough stress for a very poor night of sleep. I slept well for about 3 hours then tossed and turned until about 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off at 3:45am. The beauty of being up half the night with an anxious stomach was that by the time I got up and had to eat my stomach wasn't doing too badly. I was able to get most of my breakfast down and Marty and Tara and I were on the road on time and in transition nice and early. I got my special needs bags dropped off, set my nutrition up on my bike and as I was inflating my tires I pulled my valve core out! Eeek! I took a big breath and here I was thankful for arriving early as the line for the bike mechanics was short. He re tightened my valve core (now a tool I will be sure to have with me race morning from now on!) and inflated my tires. I double checked my bike and run gear bags and met Marty under the mill street bridge for wetsuit time. Event though I knew hands down I was physically ready to be honest I was still feeling pretty unsure and nervous at this point. I was really hoping the excitement would take over but it really didn't. So many unknowns of doing this for the first time were filling my brain. I finished getting suited up, Marty gave me the best pep talk and sent me on my way to line up for the rolling swim start. I walked away with tears in my eyes wondering what the day would hold for me.</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqb4SJo-NKptbhSSzSBxrycXvUbehZ4Z6oJzj-nigccGz7su0JZNn4xUyB82XNNGwcXgAPZVfkFAyT5tPG7dDp6fpWap8hndVhYoEPwhXLoB5syjf47wKY01a7X1KLkAmdN9NlssfrDnJ/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqb4SJo-NKptbhSSzSBxrycXvUbehZ4Z6oJzj-nigccGz7su0JZNn4xUyB82XNNGwcXgAPZVfkFAyT5tPG7dDp6fpWap8hndVhYoEPwhXLoB5syjf47wKY01a7X1KLkAmdN9NlssfrDnJ/s320/IMG_4420.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Start<img height="16" id="qdds028wobbf" src="data:image/gif;base64,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" width="16" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found Tanya Salomon as I entered the chute and we lined up at the one hour sign and kept each other company. She is an absolute champ and I have so much respect for her! I'm so glad I was able to wait with her. When the cannon went off we started funneling to the stairs and I went to the far left where there were fewer bodies entering the water. The first 100m meters was pretty smooth and then I started catching people that didn't seed themselves properly and ended up getting quite a bit of contact as I got boxed in a few times. I had someone pulling down on my calves quite a bit! I went a bit to the right for some clearer water and after a while veered back to the buoys on the left and found a bit of company. I may have swum a bit extra here. I didn't try to draft at all in this race. The water was so murky it was very hard to see anything (even worse than good ole last mountain lake back home in Sask). I was sighting a ton to make sure I didn't run into anyone, making my back a bit sore. I was surprised at how many people were still around me 1/3 of the way through the swim, but of course I had never done a race with this many people before! Definitely not many pink caps around me, mostly men. Sometime after the halfway turnaround I took one too many strokes without a sight and and got kicked square in the mouth. It shocked me so much I had to stop for a bit and tread water and gather myself. My lip was bleeding, I could taste the blood! My googles had been knocked askew and I fixed them and started swimming again. I ended up with water in my googles and it was burning my eyes so I had to stop again and fix the googles. All of this definitely messed with my focus and I know I slowed down in the final km of the race. I kept thinking "this is a really long time to be in the water"! But I was still really happy with my 1:03 swim time, right where I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
<img height="16" id="c1lq10n7bp6k" src="data:image/gif;base64,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" width="16" /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qU5Y_QFbx2w1qadifSZnDUD975G4cl5tI3xnk6RNv7qhTnVlAABJ8R5g7FaF2VV83g9A-zatsGSBxaXCr1BJvu5mzGbcb6VnTAq979CHvCpC6sS0Kd6IFjVW0FNd2KyBJXFsKc4UVokI/s1600/IMG_4422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qU5Y_QFbx2w1qadifSZnDUD975G4cl5tI3xnk6RNv7qhTnVlAABJ8R5g7FaF2VV83g9A-zatsGSBxaXCr1BJvu5mzGbcb6VnTAq979CHvCpC6sS0Kd6IFjVW0FNd2KyBJXFsKc4UVokI/s320/IMG_4422.JPG" width="320" /></a>I saw Marty and Angie exiting the water and heard my name from a couple others but was too focused on finding my land legs and getting to my gear to see who it was. I rolled through transition, grabbed my bag, ripped it open before I hit the tent and was quickly in my helmet and shoes and on my way to my bike. I had my bike in hand and headed to the mount line and was off. As I made my way out to the street my Carstairs crew was there cheering and I offered a quick wave and was out to start the 180km ride. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SZ_NXimG2njb-XaRixwvKDJ44grp6kBE9lT_T0XPuIWws-vBsGJ3bXovkYeLJ9SI2-yXRij-R1AP2lX4YZudrKrXQwpILqrSondg1cVzCDMF3LQ-PC_v-znGn1NiMtqouzmOMveE45gq/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SZ_NXimG2njb-XaRixwvKDJ44grp6kBE9lT_T0XPuIWws-vBsGJ3bXovkYeLJ9SI2-yXRij-R1AP2lX4YZudrKrXQwpILqrSondg1cVzCDMF3LQ-PC_v-znGn1NiMtqouzmOMveE45gq/s320/IMG_4425.JPG" width="224" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7E_5zMXQH8jZC-cWHnB5nvOWNLV0qLZtpSHrmOkfPoN_1zmKMiXcyrnN8_j1YgAB2kzDzLe_QJ6s2SIHYqCqIlrSFm8b8QXPxxJ4MTPd-HF-EyMmDt6bNCasXrCOXVYgLH9gOnAVlQ_q/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>I settled in, started sipping fluids and went to have a look at my hr. My whole plan for the bike was to ride a few beats lower than my average at the Challenge Penticton long course race.... Except my hr wasn't reading! I scrolled through the settings hoping it would pick it up, but to no avail. No HR for the whole race! Ok.... Plan b I guess! RPE! I settled in and listened to my legs and lungs. The first lap was interesting for sure! Lots of age group men were already in "packs" not right on each other's wheels but no where near 6 bike lengths apart! Maybe 1 or 2! I did see draft marshals either giving some of them warnings or penalties but definitely not enough! The drafting by some of the men was terrible! I did as planned and dropped back through these packs as they passed me trying not to give away any energy to their tactics. I was really happy with how the ride played out for the most part, being able to ride a clean race without having to drop back too many times nor burn matches to get away. I did have a couple times where a guy would pass me and pull in front of me way too fast making me actually hit the brakes to avoid hitting him. I also had a close call at the turnaround on the beeline on the second loop when a slower gal on her first lap was having a hard time making the uturn while 4 or 5 of us faster cyclist were also trying to make it. Very sketchy! I found sitting in aero for so long was making it a bit harder on my stomach than what I was used to so was a bit slower than I usually am at getting my fluids down but was able to catch up as the ride went on. I did try taking in some solid food on the first lap, which I don't normally do in a tri and that seemed to work well. My stomach did feel a bit fuller than usual towards the end of the bike so I was a bit worried at how that would play out on the run for sure. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
I was able to see Marty and Angie and the TTL support crew at McClintock a few times so that was great. Marty moved into the underpass and it made the cheering nice and loud! I was pretty happy with how I paced the bike, riding the first two laps exactly the same, an hour out and 45 minutes back and the wind changed on the third lap making the way back a bit slower so I was an hour out, 19 minutes back for a bike time of 5:19. I think my rpe on the bike started around 4 and maybe only built to a 5 or 6. I really wish I could see the HR data from that ride!</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
My legs felt pretty good coming off the bike! I hustled through transition and decided for a quick portapotty stop, because, no I did not pee on my bike :). I was out pretty quick and settled into a 5:10 pace on the run. My plan was run around a 5:05-5:10 and then walk the aid stations to try for an avg of 5:15. My stomach was feeling off to start and I didn't feel like taking in anything sweet but I knew I still had to get the fluids and calories in so stuck to my fueling plan of taking a gel at 30 minutes and then one every 45 minutes after that. I took in water and Gatorade to start at each aid station, except when I had taken a gel and then only water. After 3 miles my stomach settled and my legs were coming around and it wasn't too hot so decided to run the aid stations. I was also dumping water on my head at every aid station and taking in some ice as well (great to chew on between aid stations). I starting taking in coke in the second half of the marathon and that went down really well. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHghLPtItMYvDfFZsB-COoKMoqGWl7fgqX-xV8eZHtQiE478K2YAJJaFCuO_S9i5TKjBIfL7eEarbdfoOV9KFb8gYe3mFfIjEk_DRBEl5rh6bkUZbqczsM1elq7TW6fa0fDrvbeV4dsax/s1600/IMG_4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHghLPtItMYvDfFZsB-COoKMoqGWl7fgqX-xV8eZHtQiE478K2YAJJaFCuO_S9i5TKjBIfL7eEarbdfoOV9KFb8gYe3mFfIjEk_DRBEl5rh6bkUZbqczsM1elq7TW6fa0fDrvbeV4dsax/s320/IMG_4430.JPG" width="232" /></a>The support I had on the run course was amazing!! Angie at the McClintock turn around twice, Toni and Dave on each side of rural a few times and Marty on both sides as well multiple times and locations. My Carstairs posse by mill street three times and one of the gals I coached in cross country and track was at the top of the hill (she surprised the heck out of me! I was so excited!), by run special needs... She got around! I saw Sarah VT a couple times too! Wow it was awesome!! Marty cracked me up every time I saw him! He was pretty excited by how well I was doing and feeling and I think the second last time I saw him I told him he had to stop it or I was going to cry! I don't know where this visual came from but every time I passed a timing wire I had this visual of a living room full of my supporters back home standing up out of their seats and cheering, like their favourite team had just scored a goal. Seriously.... I know I'm weird! I smiled a ton on the run course, always giving the people cheering a smile, maybe not as much in the final miles but I smiled a ton during the run! I cheered on those I passed or that passed me as much as possible, taking in the energy from around me and hopefully giving some back. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
The muscle pain started around the half way mark and I was worried about how the second half was going to feel so I slowed down a wee bit but my energy still felt great and I continued to try and work with a 5:10-5:15 pace as much as possible. I saw Angie at the 14 mile mark and told her, "ok, you can tell me now". But she didn't know so she and Trevor figured it out and texted Marty and when I saw him around 16 miles he told me I was in fourth and running them down. I was pretty happy with fourth to be honest and knowing my place wasn't going to change my pace or my plans but it was nice to know. I don't know when I passed third place but I passed Tanya at the far turnaround on the other side of the lake. She had absolutely annihilated the bike split, even with a flat. They changed her whole wheel and she didn't have enough gears so perhaps she had over biked a bit and was feeling it on the second lap of the run.<img height="16" id="9bjv4695yi26" src="data:image/gif;base64,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" width="16" /> I have so much respect for Tanya and she has been a great support for me building up for this race. I asked her if she needed anything, told her she was amazing and kept pressing forward. </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
The final two miles were so hard! I saw Marty and wanted to stop and give him a kiss but I knew if I let my legs stop it would be a bad idea. I saw the Carstairs posse one last time but was starting to get emotional so didn't swing across the road for high fives that time. I saw Jacque and gave her a pat on the back and told her she was doing great. We were going through the base salt station and they had loud music blaring. Once the music died down I heard her yelling at me to go! It was awesome! My legs hurt but that draw to the finish kept me going! I hit the bridge and knew once I crossed it that I would see the 25 mile marker and I was so excited I yelled out loud "I'm on the bridge!" </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KaU9LSw6ow0WNsltp0Ik_b6NXad5FRylXB4qMkTLYPSY9XDmxeVB5bFC0NLh3KtrvyK_rB4FfUlD3L8dGLg08G5xtaZk_X3X9NaeoWYRhJP08SeO2KRxm7zbCq-Ku3Y3nS4Z4hBZXP-d/s1600/IMG_4435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KaU9LSw6ow0WNsltp0Ik_b6NXad5FRylXB4qMkTLYPSY9XDmxeVB5bFC0NLh3KtrvyK_rB4FfUlD3L8dGLg08G5xtaZk_X3X9NaeoWYRhJP08SeO2KRxm7zbCq-Ku3Y3nS4Z4hBZXP-d/s320/IMG_4435.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best place in the world! The finisher's chute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I hit Rio Salado and the one mile marker I started getting emotional thinking about the finish line and I though a lot about my kids watching the finish line feed and of course the support I knew was going on back home. I had to say out loud to myself a few times "not yet" to keep my emotions in check. I had one last hit of coke (haha) at the last aid station and pressed on! I saw Angie a couple hundred meters from the finish and she was so excited! I was starting to lose my cool so I told her to stop, lol! I couldn't even look at her! I picked up the pace a bit going up the hill and made the final turn into the finishing chute and then finally let myself go emotionally. Marty and the Carstairs posse were in the stands and I hit them with high fives and was bawling! You know, the ugly cry where you can't breath very well? I was alone in the chute and once I hit the carpet I slowed to walk to take it all in and let the emotions flow. I threw my arms in the air... I had done it! I was an Ironman! Finally!!!! As soon as I crossed the line I made a heart with my hands around my eyes for my kids and blew them a kiss then burst into full on tears as my catcher wrapped a blanket around me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWXoPxb5kqlgFD8xhpQ_mA26eNiJlJdip2ry5DOayajtyDqluiLlPVGprqvsmlNElAqsNpi1QQTmCAaC96qDUUDC6HC4iIkcTTEeC9doMXKR1KUQrBsr-xS-oe3E56rQi3I6wDOztdVgY/s1600/IMG_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWXoPxb5kqlgFD8xhpQ_mA26eNiJlJdip2ry5DOayajtyDqluiLlPVGprqvsmlNElAqsNpi1QQTmCAaC96qDUUDC6HC4iIkcTTEeC9doMXKR1KUQrBsr-xS-oe3E56rQi3I6wDOztdVgY/s320/IMG_4441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I walked around a bit in the finishers area, afraid to sit down and made my way over to the fence to find Marty. I started crying again and gave him a big sweaty / Gatorade / coke soaked hug. The Carstairs crew and Angie came over and they got the same! After the hugs I went back into the finisher area and chowed down some pizza :) I was shocked I was able to eat! After eating I got changed and made it to the finish to see Tara cross and then decided to pack it in and head back tired and sore and completely thrilled! </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
By the numbers:</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Swim: 1:03:31 1:38/100m. 5th age group, 39 all women (including pros) 208 all competitors </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Bike: 5:19:11. 33.8km/hour. 6th Age group, 35 all women 221 all competitors</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Run: 3:43:21 5:18 min/km. 2nd age group, 27 all women 171 all competitors </div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
Overall time: 10:11:44</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
2nd age group, 7 amateur female overall, 27th out of all females including pros. 171 all competitors<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2fLNOU7CX6SbDoBHc5pmwj50HWgN5Thyszow8GVFW1vvI-p7wfyp32ZQxDrqjbTkYSY73O6oh598OiChJNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7T1NcS0yuKcZrPeX_jpCTuqEydlkxlPr2CTPX76y3hNo0YjTxqbNDm_dmH9ryjRWdnvElrDO14XWrh0wzY9H6kj77OPugwuaEyf0Ft6jbT5duYR7YWT1O_eud9c3c1aIWhFPO4OOnsM5/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7T1NcS0yuKcZrPeX_jpCTuqEydlkxlPr2CTPX76y3hNo0YjTxqbNDm_dmH9ryjRWdnvElrDO14XWrh0wzY9H6kj77OPugwuaEyf0Ft6jbT5duYR7YWT1O_eud9c3c1aIWhFPO4OOnsM5/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy... what a support he has been for me! I couldn't have done it without him!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIGT9ehKHYWZ27sMpKWlrTv3UKICS3Oax8rh0SetvjSlxNqRw3jHlAbdqC0XYeYJ-ZYi8QF6brBbiqLbitXU4-1zXlfyVsHaFtDVOKUW6mF-SMgPiAxsPIkywZc4pKfevLWNJ63ItMLH5/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Podium with the men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFgClOraLc4T2aDJXGvQ3n-fuXTtmq_PP_VLcpxlI3H-Ow7dNEzHcGLTjiMx97nyoUEQyzU1Z4iOR8YSgTvbCG4LpFsUUfrlWNpAtXrRGhUEVIyZ12K5j3Twx5X5-uS8ReH9Cuo3u6NuO/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFgClOraLc4T2aDJXGvQ3n-fuXTtmq_PP_VLcpxlI3H-Ow7dNEzHcGLTjiMx97nyoUEQyzU1Z4iOR8YSgTvbCG4LpFsUUfrlWNpAtXrRGhUEVIyZ12K5j3Twx5X5-uS8ReH9Cuo3u6NuO/s320/IMG_2570.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kona bound!! And with this awesome coach who got her spot a week later! <br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH6qB-ScPt5NPVH5Y0k26zmaOxieN0GxiXF_85aX4m00r1W8zF5484IFH0bWv_6rfq31OAFQpZu1Jf31PmT2MUz-t3922l5rC89G2PbXOEbIFxMrRHexeaz0sG8joVnfGpRUpzs6jMmbZ/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH6qB-ScPt5NPVH5Y0k26zmaOxieN0GxiXF_85aX4m00r1W8zF5484IFH0bWv_6rfq31OAFQpZu1Jf31PmT2MUz-t3922l5rC89G2PbXOEbIFxMrRHexeaz0sG8joVnfGpRUpzs6jMmbZ/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superstar stalking! Canada's own Lionel Sanders who set a new IM World Record at IMAZ!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-4696113597737055302015-10-05T13:02:00.001-07:002015-10-05T18:50:29.808-07:002015 Summer Triathlons Wrap Up!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWjng4WdnqG6FPDmaII7CE8baRxAR_3Op7hThiPeyE5R2HE_aDBVE6f85XDQQv2vtB-Uficc7am8ejyLUoJIEKwl0fsn2y9nIzcPJ3ZhoibAojWKWjM6ZxGLe4gjxMMFLIyA7qiDFSaFJ/s1600/wasa+lake+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWjng4WdnqG6FPDmaII7CE8baRxAR_3Op7hThiPeyE5R2HE_aDBVE6f85XDQQv2vtB-Uficc7am8ejyLUoJIEKwl0fsn2y9nIzcPJ3ZhoibAojWKWjM6ZxGLe4gjxMMFLIyA7qiDFSaFJ/s200/wasa+lake+run.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into the finish. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up first in June was the Wasa Lake Triathlon. I was fit and ready going into this race and I think being ready is what makes me so nervous! I had also won this race last year and was assigned the #1 bib so was extra nervous! I had a strong swim, very typical for me on this course, 24:57. I had a strong bike, was a few seconds faster than last year in less favorable conditions, made a few passes and rode myself into third place in 1:03:19 which was the fastest women's bike split of the day. I moved into second on the run around the 4km mark and stayed strong hitting my goal pace finishing the run in 40:42 and holding on to second place. A new Olympic Distance PR and a nice $500 prize!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzvdQ911iDEQskwMOOd6wa5D8fk3eqLsra8keEfslGM3zbvoLAPlTk3paNoNNS7uZwC8C4JQYJZOGDwFrAx7Rf12A8b_x5wYLRLJ247uEhmY-KoH2VLBjQjpmGG3MGdaxFQnva4D0DnhY/s1600/wasa+lake+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzvdQ911iDEQskwMOOd6wa5D8fk3eqLsra8keEfslGM3zbvoLAPlTk3paNoNNS7uZwC8C4JQYJZOGDwFrAx7Rf12A8b_x5wYLRLJ247uEhmY-KoH2VLBjQjpmGG3MGdaxFQnva4D0DnhY/s200/wasa+lake+team.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team TriLife Crew Post Race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After Wasa Lake the focus turned to half iron distance training for one of my favorite races, Great White North Triathlon. I had been 4th in 2014 and was very focused on getting on the podium in 2015. I nailed all my training going into this race. My running was fast and holding race pace in training felt easy. I was riding fast and was able to get three really good long rides in before race day. I was ready for this race! Unfortunately my body had other plans and I became ill with a stomach bug 8 days out from the race and remained ill for the whole 8 days. I had no idea how my energy would be on race day. I swam strong and was quite happy with my swim time 27:38. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzcz0f34Mc3gP-AxJYPDiflMFZDE1gJqrioV5Uf73cXox9mTL3RukWOLEq7MZuuDjTaCnRw5PYhUvGsoY2Ut1WSrcKv9i3lubQzxQNUHVOrcQDIpdtquESwmTMAlnE4-xGTCPFTe47pdM/s1600/gwn+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzcz0f34Mc3gP-AxJYPDiflMFZDE1gJqrioV5Uf73cXox9mTL3RukWOLEq7MZuuDjTaCnRw5PYhUvGsoY2Ut1WSrcKv9i3lubQzxQNUHVOrcQDIpdtquESwmTMAlnE4-xGTCPFTe47pdM/s320/gwn+ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Ken Anderson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Out on the bike it was cold and windy and I was riding hard. I felt like I was missing some energy on that ride and although my time was good, 2:31:43 I knew based on my training I was capable of doing this ride faster. Out on the run I held my goal pace for the first 5km and that's when I knew the wheels were coming off the bus. I had no energy and my legs were heavy and flat. I struggled on the run and finished the slightly short run course in 1:31:02 knowing that it wasn't close to what my potential was. Final time was 4:30.22 and 4th place overall in the women's race. It was disappointing to fall short of my goals after being so well prepared to smash my course record for this race. After chatting with Coach Angie I was able to feel somewhat better knowing that I did give 100% of the 80% I had to give that day. Hopeful there will be redemption next year!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4lY29cuwhd5Q6uEowzq7QngM4-DZFxqXMQIkz21H13QSoUexTciFRAyR3dO9YKimyV6WLGQ6ske8v5gn3bWVS2RjiEQQs0cK7wdXUM4M_y6LCVPD1hauzZ_5MgFGnXWB2vBd2dHvj0qj/s1600/outdoor+track+prov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4lY29cuwhd5Q6uEowzq7QngM4-DZFxqXMQIkz21H13QSoUexTciFRAyR3dO9YKimyV6WLGQ6ske8v5gn3bWVS2RjiEQQs0cK7wdXUM4M_y6LCVPD1hauzZ_5MgFGnXWB2vBd2dHvj0qj/s200/outdoor+track+prov.jpg" width="133" /></a>I took a week off training after GWN to help my body recover not only from the race but from the illness. After that it was back to short and fast work to get ready for ITU World's in Chicago. Before getting to my next tri I decided to throw one more track race in at the Athletics Alberta provincials for a nice little visit to the pain cave in the 3000m. I didn't taper going into this race so knew it wouldn't be a PB day but was thrilled to finish it just short of my pb in a time of 10:43.<br />
<br />
<br />
Up next was the Chinook Olympic Distance Pro Chase! I was so excited to be part of this race with male and female pros from Canada and the US. The ladies were given a head start on the guys and then the chase was on!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyvU2mHR0ov3Qh4M_WhYm-tygX4p3N94jH2TZ6E0yIOxx0D93bJ_MfytviQywet-OLNHmafowx6Ve6H7t0OtIg6pVWgEnvcbtJRlbXrVWpNgEtMUWVx3E6O0i6gY6n48uh4WcrEOfxykm/s1600/sylvan+lake+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyvU2mHR0ov3Qh4M_WhYm-tygX4p3N94jH2TZ6E0yIOxx0D93bJ_MfytviQywet-OLNHmafowx6Ve6H7t0OtIg6pVWgEnvcbtJRlbXrVWpNgEtMUWVx3E6O0i6gY6n48uh4WcrEOfxykm/s200/sylvan+lake+team.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team TriLife Crew post race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKWaxLOQBQu4CDiYz9c5pPFZxkTKN0FEyWUGVmrAguJkA1C9I1HX_dhBWQuDlsfqNcwBod8Feavm_zTBsJKXyHZdP8xZqFZE_usFviE8GxhMFbgc3fE-SfE-uq0tkCtAESjteIMfsSKiL/s1600/syvlan+lake+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKWaxLOQBQu4CDiYz9c5pPFZxkTKN0FEyWUGVmrAguJkA1C9I1HX_dhBWQuDlsfqNcwBod8Feavm_zTBsJKXyHZdP8xZqFZE_usFviE8GxhMFbgc3fE-SfE-uq0tkCtAESjteIMfsSKiL/s320/syvlan+lake+run.jpg" width="240" /></a>The swim was pretty rough and I missed the lead group (they were so fast!!) but still had a great swim on a slightly long course in 26:28 and 9th out of the water. I rode my way into 6th female on the bike and was at the 40km mark getting ready to make the final short climb before the nice long descend back into Sylvan and dropped my chain on the inside of my chain ring. I quickly hopped off to put it back on but it had become wedged under the chain catcher. No amount of pulling was going to get it back around the chain catcher and I was most certainly looking at DNF when an age group racer from the half race that had started earlier pulled over to help me! I was so relieved when I asked him if he had a tool and he said yes! I was able to loosen the chain catcher off and get my chain back on and rejoin the race. Unfortunately my mechanical cost me several spots and finished the ride back in 10th place out of the women in a time of 1:22:35 (bike was ~ 43km). I was so upset to have lost so much ground on the bike and was determined to have a good run. My wonderful husband was there on the run course cheering me on telling me to forget the bike and focus on a great run. Which is what I did. I avg 3:55 per km on the 10km and it felt so good! I ran my way back into 6th place and finished the slightly short run course in 38:28. I was so happy with how I raced the whole race, but just frustrated knowing that I could have been 3rd or 4th female overall and top 10 in the chase with the men. Again... redemption next year!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMAkpAtHaecgcX4Yp7K1VgFJAJRP8LtiPKDRkQ3WLb-Xp7P0YUmWgE0WjdblPClkAwumvRDLYEzeE8FM9UHMN4GBU22IPkaf0f54ByxeBUlbQ1E7a7ZT4ZLEhjz451RW-FdnRjd3j7OG_/s1600/heather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMAkpAtHaecgcX4Yp7K1VgFJAJRP8LtiPKDRkQ3WLb-Xp7P0YUmWgE0WjdblPClkAwumvRDLYEzeE8FM9UHMN4GBU22IPkaf0f54ByxeBUlbQ1E7a7ZT4ZLEhjz451RW-FdnRjd3j7OG_/s320/heather.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah that's me and one of the best in the world! Heather Wurtele!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
|After Chinook I had a big 5 week break from racing to really focus on training for Chicago and have everything firing on all cylinders. Two weeks before Chicago was the Edmonton ITU race and Triathlon Canada Age Group Sprint Nationals. The plan was to do the sprint race as a warmup / final test before Chicago. I trained into this race with just a small taper, but was feeling so strong and fast. Race day ended up being awful weather so the race became a Du, with a 5km run, 20km bike and 2.5km run. With the last minute changes there was some confusion on my part on the run course for the first run and I ended up running a bit extra but was thrilled with my avg pace of 3:45 and a time of 20:05. The bike was wet and cold and windy so I was more cautious than normal on some of the descents and corners but still had a great time of 34:15. On the second run I just went as hard as I could knowing it was only 2.5kms and I was able to avg 3:45 again and do the second run in 9:56. I do run well in the cold! I finished the race in 1:07:25, first female in my age group and first female overall! Bring on Chicago!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N01mEwOzY196GlfuFOLHPQkGecVTKX8btNm1e-zS_3WNXbBV6ojvoNbg8lFAm6NsI-jkzQLHmw8-iXZO_6kXrhFYf8KdY8KPWLUW6LJUDf_nSDYhraJ3bd6ET22nm_hgaTc8Gk7ud9EK/s1600/chicago+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N01mEwOzY196GlfuFOLHPQkGecVTKX8btNm1e-zS_3WNXbBV6ojvoNbg8lFAm6NsI-jkzQLHmw8-iXZO_6kXrhFYf8KdY8KPWLUW6LJUDf_nSDYhraJ3bd6ET22nm_hgaTc8Gk7ud9EK/s320/chicago+run.jpg" width="240" /></a>I went into Chicago fit and ready to go and hungry for a podium. I knew if it was warm and humid it be a lot harder for me but I was confident in my fitness that if it did slow me down, it wouldn't be much! I had an awesome swim despite very choppy conditions and averaged 1:30/100m and a swim time of 23:36 6th in my heat and 14th in my age group. The bike was very congested and quite technical. Part of the course was underground in tunnels! We didn't have a chance to preview the course so I had no idea what the course would be like other than seeing it on a 2D map. Despite the corners and ramps and u-turns I rode very hard in my first lap to stay out of the draft zones and didn't slow down much in my second lap. I was very happy with my bike. I had the 7th fastest bike split in my age group and a time of 58:36 on the 38km course. I went out on the run hoping to hold 3:55 like I did at Chinook. The aggressive ride and humidity slowed me down some, but I was still able to hold 4min/km. The run felt hard and I gave it everything I had in the tank, not knowing at all what place I was in. My run time was 42:19 on the 40.5km course. When I crossed the line I was done! When I learned I had finished fourth and missed the podium I couldn't even be disappointed because I had my best race ever. I had raced to a new OD pr in a final time of 2:10:30. It was a great way to finish the tri season off and even better was two full days to enjoy and explore the city with Marty and the kiddos. Bring on the deep dish pizza!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh49f0KTilR279TxP9mpW4BlGNNYcc6zuG-C4iWPtTCqhai16dMm3ucR7SH-e2o9kf856wUwpP1odSzeRBRHyhQGvjgAMTPQa9yoooLr87AqQP2n7d0cNE0Yk9n2yXVZJjeZhje6zTiOs/s1600/chicago+post+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh49f0KTilR279TxP9mpW4BlGNNYcc6zuG-C4iWPtTCqhai16dMm3ucR7SH-e2o9kf856wUwpP1odSzeRBRHyhQGvjgAMTPQa9yoooLr87AqQP2n7d0cNE0Yk9n2yXVZJjeZhje6zTiOs/s400/chicago+post+race.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to have my husband and kids there to support me and celebrate after the race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would like to wrap this blog post up by making some thank-yous. First and foremost to my husband Marty for his support. I wouldn't be able to follow this passion of mine without his love and support. To my kids for their support and putting up with me. They are teens and I'm thrilled that they will still come out and cheer their mom on and even give me hugs post race :) To my coach Angie... You are always there for me and know just how to push me and when to back off. I have learned so much from you over the years and respect your experience and vast knowledge in the sport. By being my coach you have not only made me a better athlete, but a better coach! To my Team TriLife athletes, teammates and triathlon friends from across the province and the country. You inspire me with your own training and racing and I am blessed to have you in my life. Following you and your races is as exciting for me as racing myself. To my family and friends... I feel so fortunate to have such a group always supporting me and checking in on me. The messages of support you send me via text, email, facebook or phone mean the world to me. Also a special thanks to Cranked bike shop in Airdrie and Louis Garneau bikes for helping set me up this year on the speedy GennixTR1!<br />
<br />
And finally, the running and triathlon world and my own family has lost one of the very best of us this year. A woman who always put others first and had the kindest heart. She was always one of the first I heard from to get a good - luck wish or a congrats on a race. And she was a damn good runner too! Doris Henry, your family and friends will miss you fiercely and you will never ever be forgotten. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_A9wWVNC3e8deU-cpoptE9GvmPTvxLCSQIPcWZuXCE2CkET0fgtpO9Y4ZV6hoxludLHXM29HLB8TcAOG5AVm6NGaemxxDqiA3ZehCnm_K462oGm4ou5_T7IPB1O-vuCGjYk4pwm2Tpw4/s1600/doris+and+sharon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_A9wWVNC3e8deU-cpoptE9GvmPTvxLCSQIPcWZuXCE2CkET0fgtpO9Y4ZV6hoxludLHXM29HLB8TcAOG5AVm6NGaemxxDqiA3ZehCnm_K462oGm4ou5_T7IPB1O-vuCGjYk4pwm2Tpw4/s400/doris+and+sharon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-65586499352862368452015-07-13T11:25:00.000-07:002015-07-13T11:56:28.686-07:00Spring Road Racing and a Duathlon!This spring I did 4 road races a duathlon and they all get to share one blog post (because I am behind like ususal!).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PUBTYQ06CzxmfnBbxtwVIMhx50UKtCvD2EFbt7fE9AlBImomiQgsN65iD3RMQzaqCN7x-k2Yh7ZO8-1QNr7Y0Yb3Krzgwj47VfqAWkgcYtd2AycAj6OWiVFOwl5pFgI0-JSsUk1UA8X8/s1600/chick+chaser+awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PUBTYQ06CzxmfnBbxtwVIMhx50UKtCvD2EFbt7fE9AlBImomiQgsN65iD3RMQzaqCN7x-k2Yh7ZO8-1QNr7Y0Yb3Krzgwj47VfqAWkgcYtd2AycAj6OWiVFOwl5pFgI0-JSsUk1UA8X8/s320/chick+chaser+awards.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chick Chaser Awards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up first was the Chick Chaser 5 miler in March. I have done this race a couple times before and it's a total blast! I didn't want to go too hard here because I had one more track meet to go the week after. I settled into a fairly comfortable pace (after those 3000's on the track it felt so nice !). My goal was to do the race in 32 minutes and average 4 min/ km. I was a bit behind with one km to go so I kicked it in nice and quick to finish the race in 32 minutes and a fun second place prize too :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlMKXf8H0dB2dKfIf6GQZp_lOlXmw2op-4WZdh2smCh778N3Rgx14BqRXvT0GIWA65gxklul1s_eED8oLagKlncLh54ev1B1M9pF9nDhe-wnDviVX-Vq35qyUGfFqo4vvPWNWeBLpihpc/s1600/glencoe+early+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlMKXf8H0dB2dKfIf6GQZp_lOlXmw2op-4WZdh2smCh778N3Rgx14BqRXvT0GIWA65gxklul1s_eED8oLagKlncLh54ev1B1M9pF9nDhe-wnDviVX-Vq35qyUGfFqo4vvPWNWeBLpihpc/s320/glencoe+early+race.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early in the race with Lindsay Winters (photo cred Jordan Bryden)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next race was the Glencoe Icebreaker 10km at the end of March. This is not a fast course with a good size hill and some false flats but I was feeling good from running track and really felt I could run 39 minutes on this course this year. I went out waaay to fast, but it felt good so went with it. I was doing this race with my training partner Willie and we stuck together for the first 3km and then he pulled ahead slightly. I kept<br />
him in my sights all the while thinking about my goal of 39 mins. I caught back up to him around the 7km mark and the two of us worked really hard together ( and deeply in the pain cave) to try and hit our goals. He edged ahead of me at the very end and I was thrilled to come away with a small PB and a time of 38:57. This also gave me 3rd place overall for the ladies! It was a great race early season race for me!!!<br />
<br />
Up next was the Calgary Police Half. I was feeling really good going into this race and had set a goal to run it in 1:29 despite the tough course and uphill finish. Off the start of the race I was running in 6th place and settled in behind Andrea Glover, a super speedy marathoner. I kept her in my sights and passed a couple ladies to move into 4th around the 7km mark. I was feeling really good at this point so decided to pick up the pace and try and catch up to Andrea. I caught her around the 9km mark and settle in at her shoulder. We caught second and first place and the two of us had moved into the lead around the 16km mark. I was still feeling really good so at this point decided to stick on her shoulder and see what the rest of the race would bring. With about 3 km to go a found myself a few steps ahead of her and decided to make my move at this point. This is also around the time the course starts a climb to the finish. I dug in and worked really hard to not slow down in the final kms. I was able to hold pace and win the ladies division of the race in a time of 1:27:57 just two seconds off my half marathon PR. I was absolutely thrilled with this race! Everything clicked.... you could call it a zen race!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGcAbQZu40uxCiH4xuxNBeojYJKH3wPT5yBZO90hti0W3zQ44fz9FqYF_I8AwYn3ej-W53iCH2genMQHffFkVt7TFLS7wJ3yACFMD-8tQYJb3na3p4xMqCKqaHQ8UAlhYKoaXw9O4pYHX/s1600/sylvan+lake+du.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGcAbQZu40uxCiH4xuxNBeojYJKH3wPT5yBZO90hti0W3zQ44fz9FqYF_I8AwYn3ej-W53iCH2genMQHffFkVt7TFLS7wJ3yACFMD-8tQYJb3na3p4xMqCKqaHQ8UAlhYKoaXw9O4pYHX/s320/sylvan+lake+du.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leoni, myself and Hillie after the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have some bad luck when it comes to my ankles. I joke that I like to sprain my ankle every two years.... so this year was the year, and 6 days before the Sylvan Lake Sprint Du I sprained my ankle getting out of my truck....yup! I'm that coordinated! I gave it some good rest and did some swimming as pull only and some easy cycling when I could do that pain free. I still really wanted to race at Sylvan Lake so I braced it up and decided to run the first run (only 3km), bike as hard as I could, and only run the second run if I had no pain. The first run was pain free, I was up at the front with some younger guys, it felt great! Up next was the bike and I put the hammer down and rode it pretty darn quick! I avgerage 39km /hour over the 26km! I got off the bike and went out on the run. I passed two runners ahead of me from an earlier heat and realized I was in front of everyone, even the men! I worked pretty hard in the last 2-3km of the run to hold the guys off and crossed the finish line in first overall! So much fun and almost pain free :)<br />
<br />
Just one week after the Syvlan Lake Du was the Calgary Marathon 10km. This is a flat and fast course and was a PB for me last year. I knew I was faster than last year based on my times from the Police Half and Glencoe so I set a pretty lofty goal of under 38:30. I went out too fast (again) and may have burned my legs in the first km. I struggled! It might have been the effects of the du the week before had taken their toll or having had missed some key run workouts while the ankle was healing. Either way my legs were not happy during this race. I struggled to hold my goal pace and decided to modify my goal for a 39 min run. I struggled to hold that pace as well. It was a tough day for me and finished in a time of 39:18, good enough for 4th overall and first in my age group. <br />
<br />
And that catches me up to end of May! Up next race reports from Wasa Lake and GWN!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-71374402669724370932015-04-14T18:25:00.001-07:002015-04-14T18:25:25.967-07:00Adventures in Track and FieldMy son Liam runs track and field with the Airdrie Aces. I really enjoyed watching him race in 2014 and often wished I had entered some of the masters events at the meets he went to. So this winter....I went for it! I returned to the track after almost 20 years. My plan was to attend 3 meets, Golden Bear Open in Jan, Alberta Indoor Games in Feb, and Athletics Alberta Provincials in March and do the 3000m at each one.<br />
<br />
I had some downtime in Nov/ Dec due to injury and illness so didn't have a ton of prep for the first meet. I set a goal of 11:15 and felt comfortable I could achieve that. They had the masters women run with the youth girls (grades 10 and 11). When I toed the line the young gal next me asked me what my time was ( I remember asking other racers the same thing back when I was that age ). I had a little laugh and told her I didn't know, I hadn't ran track in 20 years. She kindly told me that anything under 12 was really good (again, I remember thinking the same thing at that age :)). I went out with the leaders and quickly settled in second place behind a speedy gal from MAC Track. I wasn't able to stay with her but ended up running 11:00.56 which I was really happy with. Did I mention I those 11 minutes were some of the hardest racing I have done in awhile?? It was a much faster pace than I was used to!<br />
<br />
After the first meet was done I got a little ambitious. I looked up the masters records and saw for my age group the record was 10:47. I figured that was a great goal to shoot for by March. So my plan for the meet in Feb was to pace for 10:46 and try and hold on, knowing I had another shot in March. Before this race I did an 800m speed work session just trying to hold 10:46 race pace and it was so hard! In this race they put the masters women in with the Senior women (ages 19-34). I got to race against the speedy triathlete and U of C dino Sarah McArthur. I let her go and ran my own race, sitting in second the whole time. With 3 laps to go I was right on pace so dug in and went for it and ended up finishing in 10:44.15 and getting the record. Again, for me, so fast and sooooo hard!!!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GYGMDYQKJz0uW0OnBYqa-0T2GLzq8LMn9_BoWDTITvdvlu8BVms7MxCD4D7m-O-wOm6QZn2ACBqsh3kYKoE-ak52_Grm2LWx518Qm2OZ2hmIc1D7bVXOcu3D1SbieS_MBmdg3sBlAGhx/s1600/track.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GYGMDYQKJz0uW0OnBYqa-0T2GLzq8LMn9_BoWDTITvdvlu8BVms7MxCD4D7m-O-wOm6QZn2ACBqsh3kYKoE-ak52_Grm2LWx518Qm2OZ2hmIc1D7bVXOcu3D1SbieS_MBmdg3sBlAGhx/s1600/track.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1500m sprinting :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After achieving my goal in Feb I got all crazy and decided to try a 1500m.....what was I thinking! I never train at speeds that fast, literally! If you had asked me to sprint 100m that's my 1500m race pace! Again for this meet we were paired with the youth girls and after looking at the entry list I figured I needed to go out in 3rd spot. I was a bit nervous of the start, it was a full heat and I hadn't ran anything as fast as a 1500m in a very long time. I was right to be nervous because I got boxed out right away and found my self running the first 300m out in lanes 2 and 3. I was finally able to get in behind the first two gals and settle on their heels. It was at this point I realized I was literally sprinting! Holy smokes! I did my best to hold onto these girlies and stayed fairly close to them crossing the line in 4:56.22, 4 seconds faster than my goal of 5 minutes flat. Did I mention how hard this was? Definitely taking me to new levels in the pain cave.<br />
The next day was the 3000m and after how hard the 10:44 was, and running the 1500m the day before, I definitely didn't have plans of setting a new PB. I was in with the youth women again and was once again up with the speedy gal from MAC track. I figured I would go out with her based on her previous seed time of 10:40. Well she had other plans and went out way faster than a 10:40 pace....oooops. As my son said she burned me. I eventually let her go and held on for dear life and finished with a a new PB and record in 10:40.66. I was thrilled to set a new PB!<br />
<br />
My lessons learned from track and field as a 38 year old? I am faster and fitter than I was when I ran track from 15-21. I have defined new levels what it means to work hard in a race. I know exactly how my son feels when I'm telling him to "pick it up in the middle". It's not so great. But, I loved it, it was a lot of fun and look forward to squeezing in some races in the outdoor season.Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-72987275396319063932015-04-13T20:01:00.000-07:002015-04-13T20:07:12.352-07:002014 Year in Review!In 2015 my goal is to update my blog more.... we shall see!<br />
<br />
Ok 2014....here we go! <br />
<br />
Rock and Roll Arizona Marathon - January<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lmWdBrgOhBIsXXGn1JdVEF2RSRzfPPpRHHlwtCYixCiuV_lSyD2plzErQLk2JW8TP1TZpTBqFIMbH5_UdLBYv8pIeKrFtIRTDrbBFOQP5TNUesBHM6OQBTYG96mllWJemrZCDl098nFg/s1600/rnr+az+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lmWdBrgOhBIsXXGn1JdVEF2RSRzfPPpRHHlwtCYixCiuV_lSyD2plzErQLk2JW8TP1TZpTBqFIMbH5_UdLBYv8pIeKrFtIRTDrbBFOQP5TNUesBHM6OQBTYG96mllWJemrZCDl098nFg/s1600/rnr+az+post.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me barely upright post race, they had to get the car for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was fit and ready to go for this race! I'd put in some grueling long runs in a nasty winter, and some wicked interval sessions. Most of them with the help of my training partner Willie. This race went as perfectly as possible. I was able to stay at my coach Angie's home, cook my pre-race supper and have a good night's sleep. I got dropped off quite close to the race start and was warmed up, familiarized with the start area, etc and ready to roll. The weather was perfect. Low teens to start, high teens to finish. My goal was 3:15 for this race but I also had a goal of rrunning as close to an equal split as possible. So when I rolled through the half way mark in 1:36 I decided that I needed to aim higher than 3:15. The muscle pain that hits you in the last quarter of a marathon started a bit earlier in this one than the last one, so I was worried that I had gone out too fast, but just focused on my technique and pacing. The last few kms were quiet but I focused on the people that helped me along the way, held pace for the most part and passed quiet a few that were hitting the wall! I crossed the line in 3:12:57, 2 minutes ahead of my goal and completely thrilled (and unable to walk, lol!)<br />
<br />
Glencoe Icebreaker 10km April 2014<br />
<br />
After the marathon I took some time off so this was my first post marathon test of fitness. I felt fitter than previous years this time of year so knew I could likely set a course PR here. Conditions were great and I finished in 40:20, a great time for me for April!<br />
<br />
Calgary Police Half April 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzkIGiNm_oOOC9fnPH-CkHKzYKNXOX8S9KJ3_btIsXRkhfDAdJFf2RgCBlwdIB9VvTHbBJ-l1bRXjKahCaQsNPgrYIeS2UyZl9ERgEaPygZ_Er6l5zVJVyjmE7Tr7oN3kRNsbjtqTSQ3s/s1600/florence+with+ayden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzkIGiNm_oOOC9fnPH-CkHKzYKNXOX8S9KJ3_btIsXRkhfDAdJFf2RgCBlwdIB9VvTHbBJ-l1bRXjKahCaQsNPgrYIeS2UyZl9ERgEaPygZ_Er6l5zVJVyjmE7Tr7oN3kRNsbjtqTSQ3s/s1600/florence+with+ayden.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Florence, Italy with my girl Ayden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This race is a great prep for the upcoming half ironman race season so decided to do it again, despite the fact that I would be only 3 days home from a trip to Italy. After eating a lot of cheese, chocolate, bread and salami/prosciutto I knew this race wouldn't be perfect.... The tough course didn't disappoint and the last 5km were so hard! I finished in 1:31:13 just a few seconds slower than the year before so considering the travels and bad eating habits I was pretty happy with it!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOzMK6aPm-hErDkquhRJJ803woYzIDzWkm_1DnS144h22ajSHvLuTOt9J0dlVzpPCoCeXTOqWKSpOiEMIGzrYxkmI1oDO_HemQKbKBgZLCLee5zPqrfLTnyVcd3CR1gG6TGcT21U62pF/s1600/police+half+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSOzMK6aPm-hErDkquhRJJ803woYzIDzWkm_1DnS144h22ajSHvLuTOt9J0dlVzpPCoCeXTOqWKSpOiEMIGzrYxkmI1oDO_HemQKbKBgZLCLee5zPqrfLTnyVcd3CR1gG6TGcT21U62pF/s1600/police+half+award.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet award!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sylvan Lake Sprint May 2014<br />
<br />
This is one of my favorite tri's! So well run and organized and awesome volunteers. I didn't taper for this race and felt like it was an equal performance to the year before ( I was a minute faster than 2013, but didn't have race wheels in 2013 so call it even!). A good indication that the season was off to a good start. The swim and bike were strong and the run almost felt effortless! My time was 1:16:21 ( a sprint with a 26km bike course).<br />
<br />
Calgary Marathon 10km June 2014<br />
<br />
This race was late add on. I was planning on attending the race to support my athletes doing the half and full marathons so decided to throw in the 10km as I would be there anyways. I went out pretty quick but discovered that it was feeling pretty great so decided to go for it. Around the 5km mark I realized I was on my way to a new PB and quite possibly a sub 39 min 10km, which is a standard I never thought I would hit. I dug in as hard as I could in the last 3 km and crossed the line in 38:58! A new surprise PB!<br />
<br />
Wasa Lake Triathlon June 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoYGoizYwUNJSqmN0ml7PEkKx1iqo70DLX-AnVydJh_jKm7E6So8GNMYlTMF4MJX50Oi2H7dba-B6yK9kQ7rts1NEVhl2fWNWRhyphenhyphenGUCg0ep3nJiA9vqr4fbKJXXTMbSOTe5rYMu1KUsf4/s1600/wasa+speech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoYGoizYwUNJSqmN0ml7PEkKx1iqo70DLX-AnVydJh_jKm7E6So8GNMYlTMF4MJX50Oi2H7dba-B6yK9kQ7rts1NEVhl2fWNWRhyphenhyphenGUCg0ep3nJiA9vqr4fbKJXXTMbSOTe5rYMu1KUsf4/s1600/wasa+speech.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardest part of the race! Winner's speech!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My run in Calgary gave me some great confidence going into the Wasa race. I really wanted to do well here. I was 3rd last year, and 5th the year before. I was focused on swimming a strong swim leg, swimming hard from start to finish with no mental lapses. Check! On the bike my goal was to maintain the same effort start to finish. I had a couple gals ahead of me and knew I had a couple fast gals behind me. To my surprise I passed the ladies ahead of me and held off the ones behind me and went out onto the run in first. I ran scared and hard. I passed one of my teammates on the out and back course, around the 5km mark and he yelled at me that I was having the race of my life and to go for it. It was at the point that I decided it was indeed possible for me to hold off the gals behind me and win this race. The last 3kms were so hard but I was able to hold my pace and hold onto first and win at Wasa! It was such a thrill to win such a competetive race and finish ahead of gals I have been chasing in past races!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Great White North Half July 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEveayqdFTpI1iRdqUJ13cTi2WnSZ5iXQVA7zlcKoEk5lDGZb5AuyShkWJDJvAPUXvBIipfDSmHL4EQty3hpvCFCa2sIENgeVozso8TpdCDAgbrpLeqgbF7yhriw-yxE_RGTFmt5AloSCQ/s1600/GWN+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEveayqdFTpI1iRdqUJ13cTi2WnSZ5iXQVA7zlcKoEk5lDGZb5AuyShkWJDJvAPUXvBIipfDSmHL4EQty3hpvCFCa2sIENgeVozso8TpdCDAgbrpLeqgbF7yhriw-yxE_RGTFmt5AloSCQ/s1600/GWN+bike.jpg" height="213" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bike, thanks Ken Anderson for the pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The problem with exceeding your own expectations is that you start to put higher ones on yourself. I was crazy nervous at the start of this race. A flat tire in transition threw me for a loop but thankfully the ever supportive Marty was there to keep me calm and help me change it.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgMDTeJHkJLf2qP-s3DByUa-NP2wOuZoeA3ScgSvr-P-5iFUvYC0vS3ublhCf9Jjp0Xnk_g-i7dyU2EIWcZeiSOC_vGdFk-RLiGeupSzjuwILhDmLI3wbM2QHzlxseNv_8DCslAH0hWnn/s1600/gwn+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgMDTeJHkJLf2qP-s3DByUa-NP2wOuZoeA3ScgSvr-P-5iFUvYC0vS3ublhCf9Jjp0Xnk_g-i7dyU2EIWcZeiSOC_vGdFk-RLiGeupSzjuwILhDmLI3wbM2QHzlxseNv_8DCslAH0hWnn/s1600/gwn+run.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurting on the run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had set some pretty big goals for this race for myself. My swim was great! I found feet right away and was able to stay on feet almost the whole race. I came out right around the time I wanted to and went out and had a great ride. I was back and forth a couple times with Kelly-Lynne Marcott in the second half of the bike but was able to pass her in the last 8km and hold her off heading into T2 in fourth place. I ran a hard half marathon in 1:33 (oh man did that hurt!) but wasn't able to move onto the podium. Nonetheless I was thrilled with my final finish and time, a new PR is 4:32:44. I was fourth overall female, but first amateur female. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lake Chapparral Olympic Distance Aug 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ejmsNW0S33lCg1QpgzeVfzbxyfta6sEgDahjSG8wuNDagVOsoGWGzx4uvbf_zNsFD5Bpm6yneCno0fmfIw2ARlKeUY_5a_HTJgF2QppFni6UlqoSM1x2RXu6S4CIWyhUEqY-LCc71tfe/s1600/chapprral+swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ejmsNW0S33lCg1QpgzeVfzbxyfta6sEgDahjSG8wuNDagVOsoGWGzx4uvbf_zNsFD5Bpm6yneCno0fmfIw2ARlKeUY_5a_HTJgF2QppFni6UlqoSM1x2RXu6S4CIWyhUEqY-LCc71tfe/s1600/chapprral+swim.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim start! That's speedy Kristina Schulz with no wetsuit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After GWN I took a full week off to recharge and<br />
refocus on the upcoming age group world champs.<br />
Part of this build was to do another OD race before Sept. This was right in between the two races so was the perfect option. All went well, I had a strong swim, stayed right on the feet of strong triathlete and swimmer Kristina Schulz. I passed her early on in the bike and stayed in first for the rest of the race. Went out on to the run feeling good but around 7km I started getting pain in my hamstring so pulled up and slowed down as I have history of pulling hamstrings :). I was still able to hold onto first and good time as well. 2:12:52. <br />
<br />
<br />
Grizzly 1500m open water swim, Aug 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMkEE34S0_aSM3wD6jObdrnrtUhhtULlMn4CrtZO9zfwqag4Z10pxP5P8LoweNAh-f4gGa_2HU5HMv-KsUWX1qXlTyaLSGdWJ72LkErLmxLi9ScPJQKQUEsyJdBoa6JjA7ve7HAap8YOD/s1600/grizzly+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMkEE34S0_aSM3wD6jObdrnrtUhhtULlMn4CrtZO9zfwqag4Z10pxP5P8LoweNAh-f4gGa_2HU5HMv-KsUWX1qXlTyaLSGdWJ72LkErLmxLi9ScPJQKQUEsyJdBoa6JjA7ve7HAap8YOD/s1600/grizzly+group.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TTL gang post swim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was a late add on but was so glad I did it! Such a great race /great atmosphere. It was so much fun to do "just" the swim. Not nearly as many nerves as for a tri! It was 3 laps of a 500m loop. By the time I hit the first buoy I had found myself swimming with another gal. We seemed to trade lead off and on for the rest of the race (as we did the "beach run" and went around bouys) and as we rounded the final buoy we came out side by side and it was a race to the finish. We both seemed to want to get the other and swam hard and straight to the finishing chute side by side for 200m. As we hit the beach I was able to get a better line and out sprint her to the finish line. So much fun to do a swim race like this! I surprised myself by placing in the top 3 women overall and winning my age group. <br />
<br />
ITU Age Group World Champs Sept 2014<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ksC4n-phaSjWuStFha-koaBEqW3nflzK6PQ-ST1kqw2b1y_B97P_z03DpSahNGCd3idpEBuTIBGN5us8FLF5SkRsQWyZIlZqWFAfufhRioVUpcyVwQUU3pn4g4EF4m41YD4k5U0ru5ih/s1600/edmoton+opening+cer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ksC4n-phaSjWuStFha-koaBEqW3nflzK6PQ-ST1kqw2b1y_B97P_z03DpSahNGCd3idpEBuTIBGN5us8FLF5SkRsQWyZIlZqWFAfufhRioVUpcyVwQUU3pn4g4EF4m41YD4k5U0ru5ih/s1600/edmoton+opening+cer.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening ceremonies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All the great races this year and all the great training had come down to this. I knew if I raced well I had a good shot at the podium. I'm not going to lie, I would have been disappointed with anything else. I had several days in Edmonton to do some workouts and review the course. The experience as a whole was so much fun. From the opening ceremonies, to the team activities, to watching the elites and para-triathletes race, it was an experience like none other! Race day came and the temps were cool! I sought out a spot in the pavilion by the lake to stay warm. There were alot of triathletes in there doing the same but I had headphones and tried to relax. I put my wetsuit on in the building, went and checked my bag and joined my age group in the athlete area. We were walked down to the lake by bagpipes, definitely sent chills and excitement through me. We lined up in the corrals by the lake waiting our turn to go in. I finally was able to see my family on the other side of the fence and I just started tearing up. I was so happy to have my hubby and kids there to cheer me on! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GNnk9D8kZW9Cf1HwvbCz1s3XVYKqpJUb075hFD0P9TfAh1jB4i6G_UYwd4PMmUOoSHv1eU7lGWFRW6Nohrna2CIJ92mVzIasPKBJFuDD28uWxEDMyqb7Mgnz6lgiDEH0VR5dR1w9qF-I/s1600/edmonton+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GNnk9D8kZW9Cf1HwvbCz1s3XVYKqpJUb075hFD0P9TfAh1jB4i6G_UYwd4PMmUOoSHv1eU7lGWFRW6Nohrna2CIJ92mVzIasPKBJFuDD28uWxEDMyqb7Mgnz6lgiDEH0VR5dR1w9qF-I/s1600/edmonton+bike.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>We lined up and I chose a spot I had practiced on a couple days earlier. I had a good start and was off quickly. I swam most of the race on my own, in 4th or 5th place. I came out of the water 5th, and passed one gal after the exit so I could cross to the other side of the chute to high 5 Leoni and Hillie who were hard to miss in their TTL gear. I ended up passing another gal in transition but didn't know it. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKchVHQVI0r2nb-hQCqPImHWXLRKROBSspM_TYz4MNv1WE4iePUYB3lhGx8JV2QRK5T5rFK5Vg3y63ana0rTkaRF4ckTDCliclkAfDWrm6Jk2XaTGwUgazN47S8PyfEoPGo3gV3rQ-NT3P/s1600/edmonton+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKchVHQVI0r2nb-hQCqPImHWXLRKROBSspM_TYz4MNv1WE4iePUYB3lhGx8JV2QRK5T5rFK5Vg3y63ana0rTkaRF4ckTDCliclkAfDWrm6Jk2XaTGwUgazN47S8PyfEoPGo3gV3rQ-NT3P/s1600/edmonton+run.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First lap of the run course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a very strong bike and thought I was in 5th for most of the ride, passing one gal and moving up to fourth. In reality I had rode most of the ride in 3rd and the pass had put me in 2nd. It was a crowded race course with other age group waves out there so very hard to know what place I was in. I hit T2 in second, but thought I was 4th. I passed the gal ahead of me just before we exited T2, now thinking I was 3rd (side note, everyone tracking me on the live results knew I was in first but me!). I wanted a podium spot so badly so I ran so hard. I had a good first lap and found another gear in me for the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2kaqtv_8Q2J7YuU0GEDhvydliNvagpJF0gJpzw-odGFPJ7XZ-dQDQX9SHFSJ0pwWfUVBDEi95dF6Ys7igzsiWT0CIE5-LTUxi9zM8ON4yaXSx3G-hgPRHBqZ-cj_PpKeCGVhEpMMEqwy/s1600/edmonton+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2kaqtv_8Q2J7YuU0GEDhvydliNvagpJF0gJpzw-odGFPJ7XZ-dQDQX9SHFSJ0pwWfUVBDEi95dF6Ys7igzsiWT0CIE5-LTUxi9zM8ON4yaXSx3G-hgPRHBqZ-cj_PpKeCGVhEpMMEqwy/s1600/edmonton+finish.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fam with swag :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
second lap and was able to run faster. I crossed the finish line having left everything out on the course and happy that I snagged a world championship medal. After I crossed the line there were no other ladies from my age group waiting and I wasn't sure what was going on. The gal who won silver came across and told me that I won, and then the gal who won bronze came across and told me the same thing. I didn't believe them until a race official pulled up the live results on his phone and showed me. This is right around the same time my family saw me on the other side of the fence and I broke into tears. They waved me to to the exit and we just had the biggest group hug ever. <br />
I had done it! I think I cried a few more times that day, running into other people who had supported me or chatting on the phone with people... and the text messages and facebook posts..... it was so overwhelming. Snagging the gold medal later that night at the closing ceremonies and holding up the Canadian flag is a memory I will never forget!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LRIXOGtbH7HAYcbZZHJgoGKUivvoW4idSO8P5umn1r19OxBUY0g8xMg96ARNUeoO7GB97a7qDOE25nKlqGK3fXtMJcSnuJ3KYlRbu0r0zjR4NlhVRbhG81Km4PT1EDRDnS6icODA4adC/s1600/edmonton+poduim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LRIXOGtbH7HAYcbZZHJgoGKUivvoW4idSO8P5umn1r19OxBUY0g8xMg96ARNUeoO7GB97a7qDOE25nKlqGK3fXtMJcSnuJ3KYlRbu0r0zjR4NlhVRbhG81Km4PT1EDRDnS6icODA4adC/s1600/edmonton+poduim.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claiming the gold for Canada!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Melissa's 10km Sept 2014<br />
<br />
I took a week off after Worlds and then it back to a couple weeks of training to do Melissa's. I had been having some hip pain so wasn't sure how that would go, but knew I was fit and set a goal of running this race in 39:00. With the big hill I knew I would have my work cut out for me but wanted to give it a try. I did have some pain in my hip for most of the race but nothing that I couldn't manage. I had a quick first couple kms and then settled in to "effort" for the climb up the hill. Once I crested I worked on making up a bit of time on the downhills and then running strong the final 5kms in town. This run hurt (do I say this about all my races???)! I managed a 39:07 which I was thrilled with! It was a 2:05 course PR! Good enough for 4th overall and 3rd in my age group.<br />
<br />
After Melissa's I ramped up the training for Last Chance Half. My hip was slowly getting better and the workouts were going really well! I was excited at the chance (weather permitting) to have a PB day. However, my body had other plans and I pulled my hamstring 4 days out from the race. I celebrated the end of a good season with some chips and dip and a bottle of wine (together, I know....gross!).<br />
<br />
On to 2015.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #e0e0e0; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0500001907349px; line-height: 15.4700002670288px;">
<br /></div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-48328626608905161252014-11-02T15:27:00.002-08:002014-11-02T15:27:33.189-08:002013 Races Part TwoSo....just trying to catch up on recapping all my races and I seems I am over a year behind. So here goes, a quick recap of the rest of 2013.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
GWN July 2013</div>
<div>
This was my first time at this race and it didn't disappoint. There was a huge TTL crew there and this was a big part of why my day went so well! I swam, biked and ran well across the board. Quads tried to cramp a bit on the run and I had to pull back at times, but other than that this race was near perfect. Swim was 28:31 (according to sources around 150m too short), bike was 2:33:55 and run was 1:34:47 for a total time of 4:37:12. When I crossed the finish line of this race I was bawling because I couldn't believe how fast I had gone!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Calgary 70.3 July 2013</div>
<div>
After GWN I was pumped to do another half so signed up for this race right after. This race also went so well! Everything really clicked across the board. Swim was a bit rough catching up to the men who had started 5 minutes ahead of us (got kicked a few times). 31:00. Bike was 2:31:53 (a shorter course). I had some trouble with a group that was drafting in the last 5km so elected to slow down rather than try and blow by a group of around 10 that were all "flirting with drafting". You know the ones that stay just inside the draft zone, enough to get a benefit but not close enough to make it blatant. Run was great 1:35:59 on a tough course. Total time 4:38:52. I was so excited by how well I did I claimed my 70.3 world's spot for Sept.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Calgary Women's Run Aug 2013</div>
<div>
I didn't taper for this race, my legs were bagged but I still really wanted to go sub 40 on this course again. Hung on for dear life and finished in 39:52 good enough for 4th overall and 3rd in my AG</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ironman 70.3 World Champs</div>
<div>
I was just flat out disappointed with my performance at this race. I can't pinpoint one thing as being the problem but the end result was I underperformed. My swim was 2 minutes slower than normal and my swim typically doesn't fluctuate. The bike was hard, lots of hills and heavy rain followed by heat made it tough. Things fell apart on the run and I wasn't able to run to my ability at all. Swim was 34:08, Bike 2:48:30, Run 1:42:46. 18th in my age group when I knew in my heart I should have been top 10, if not top 5. I wanted redemption for this race..... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Melissa's 10km Sept 2013</div>
<div>
My plan for this race was to run a good pace to the hill, hold effort up the hill, cruise down and work really hard on the flats to finish. I did this in a new course PR of 41:12 which on the day was good enough for 2nd overall and 1st in my age group. Always fun to win some $$$</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last Chance Half Nov 2013</div>
<div>
I wanted a PB at this race but mother nature dictated otherwise! There was more than a few fresh centimeters of snow at this race making conditions tough for everyone. On top of the fresh snow it was also quite cold. Must have kept the fast gals home because my 1:31:04 in the snow was enough for 1st overall and $500 paycheck :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-41172380256609480932013-07-12T10:17:00.000-07:002013-07-12T10:17:11.093-07:00An update of many races :)Since San Antonio's tough half I have gotten in quite a few races. This blog is mostly for my own record of things so bear with me if you are reading for interest sake.<br />
<br />
<br />
In February I did an indoor tri put on my the TNT youth tri club in Red Deer. Although I had been sick with a nasty case of influenza I really wanted to check this event out. It was really well run and alot of fun (despite wheezing and coughing). The short run hurt alot but the kids counting laps and handing out water were so quite uplifting! Definitely one to go back to!!<br />
<br />
A couple weeks after the indoor tri I did the Crave Chick Chaser 5 miler. I was still feeling the effects of being sick so I treated this race like a training run (something I am not good at, but my wise coach asked me to find a way to define success for this race…so for me it was execution). I ran it at an even split, so found my own success there. Time was 34:07<br />
<br />
In March I stayed indoors once more and competed in the Talisman center aquathon. This was a mass start 400m swim in a 50m pool in a triangle pattern and a 2km run on the indoor track. Despite feeling I was "behind" due to my illness last month I was pretty happy with the results. The swim was definitely slower than what I would do swimming normal laps but that's what you get when you turn around buoys like a bus :) Swim 6:32, Run 7:31. <br />
<br />
At the very end of March I was slowed down by foot pain caused by a bunion. I changed shoes, taped, ultrasound, spend more time on the TM and was able to work through it. Although the nagging pain did last all through April and now (in July) I still get some days with discomfort but it’s holding up!<br />
<br />
In April I tackled two road races. The Glencoe 10km and the Police Half Marathon. Glencoe was a good race despite very icy conditions from freezing rain the night before. I ran 40:50 which was :30 seconds slower than last year but given the conditions I was happy with that. I was 6th overall and 1st in my age group.<br />
<br />
10 days before the Police Half I sprained my ankle. I did some resting, physio, massage, chiro, cold laser and by some kind of miracle I was able to race. My ankle did hurt a small amount coming down the hill into the weasel head flats but the pain went away after a few minutes and I was able to continue. This was a very tough course! I really struggled in the last 3-4km and my pace dropped each km. I had nothing left in the last 500m so I know I ran my best race on this day. Couldn’t have squeeked out another second! Finishing time was 1:31:08, 8th overall and 6th in my age group (speedy age group!!)<br />
<br />
In May for the 4th year in a row I did the Sylvan Lake Sprint. I love doing this race, it’s so well run and a great way to open the tri racing season. I had a good swim 11:42, an okay bike (some technical issues with a rubbing tire)42:40 for 26kms and a solid run 21:47 for 5.3km or so. Total time was 1:17:26 which I was happy with especially after putting a good long ride a few days before. <br />
<br />
In June I raced both Wasa Lake and Edmonton ITU. Wasa was a blast! I traveled with Marnie and we roomed with Chris at the Wasa Motel and Phil was also staying there as well as several other TTL’ers were in attendance so a great team event. My swim was ok there, I think I took a wider path than I should of, wasn’t able to get on any feet so swam the whole thing (which ended up being about 200m long) alone. Bike was phenomenal. It was my first ride with my new race wheels and I put them to the test! I may have overbiked slightly because the run HURT! Overall super happy with my day and new OD PR. Swim 26:13, Bike 1:05:01, Run 42:56, overall time 2:15:37. I was 3rd female overall and earned a paycheck!!<br />
<br />
It was not my intent to race Edmonton but when they announced that Edmonton would host the worlds in 2014 and the 2013 race would have 8 qualifying spots I really wanted to go and earn my spot! I didn’t taper for this race but felt good and ready to go. Swim was good although I got a little beat up off the start and was kicked in the mouth. Bike was good, technical with lots of hills and corners. Run was absolutely outstanding. It went out and back four times so lots of people to see and cheer on. It felt so good and was so fast I was sure the course was short, but I was assured by the Garmin wearers that it wasn’t. Swim 22:16 ( a bit short ), Bike 1:07:25, Run 41:20, total time 2:14:48 ( another new OD pr, but….swim was short so not sure I want to count this one ) I was 4th overall and 1st in my age group and I am registered for World’s 2014!!!<br />
<br />
That catches everything up….GWN gets it’s own race report!<br />
<br />
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-86583178199485092052013-01-14T11:21:00.001-08:002013-01-14T11:25:15.212-08:00The Race that wasn't really about the race....San Antonio Rock and Roll Half, Nov 11, 2012I am not quite sure when we decided to do this race but at some point along the way I felt pretty sure I wanted to do another full marathon. We had all signed up to do Melissa's Road Race in September and in my infite wisdom decided to the half marathon. My coach, who is often (always) my senate ( you know, the sober second thought ) told me that I should do a zone build for the half mary and not "race" the race. And, in my brilliance told her, "uh, that's not within my range of capabilities"...."I'm gonna race it". Well, mistake #1. The race was fine, but I promised I would be carefull with my recovery the week after so I would be ready for my next long run a week after the race. Mistake #2 was running the Terry Fox Run 5km 4 days later with my pretty darn speedy 12 year old son. Mistake #3 came later that day when deciding that my cross country running team had ran enough at the Terry Fox Run that we should play grounders and tag instead practicing. Did you know when you play tag that you have sprint? Yeah, not so smart. Did something to my hip that day, and because of it made the decision to do the half marathon instead of the full. I ended up running with pain up to and including the race in San Antonio (well, that was a long build up, wasn't it?).<br />
<br />
So back to San Antonio.... I wasn't the only one in our group having troubles. There were a couple other injury issues in our group and there was a definite feeling of uncertainty. Wondering if we could finish the race, wondering if the whole race would be in pain..... There was definitely alot of mixed feelings about this race. But who can worry about racing when you are staying in town down San Antonio with your best friends and eat every meal on the riverwalk and walk past the Alamo 4 times a day?? We had the best times enjoying the city of San Antonio and especially the downtown area. Absolute beautiful and it was so warm...you could tell who the Canadians were, wearing shorts in the 70's!<br />
<br />
Despite all the fun, race morning came eventually. I will sum this race up quite quickly, because, as the title suggests, the trip and time with the girls was (for me) the best part about this race. My hip started to hurt 2 miles in, right after I realized the humidity was super high (it was low 20's but I was soaked by the first mile). I held my goal pace for 5 miles then slowly, mile by mile, started slowing down. I checked and rechecked my HR to see what was going on, and it was right up there. I was definitely going as fast as I was able to on that day. I finished the race more than 5 minutes slower than my personal best and 4 minutes slower than my goal time. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed at first. It took me some time to take my own advice on races like this....I did the best I could do on this day.....<br />
<br />
As it turns out, the rest of the crew struggled in the hummidity. In various turns there were deydration problems, pain from injuries, technical issues, bathroom issues, and an overall "slowness" due to the high humidity (even the locals were slower than normal). But, there was also a couple negative splits, brilliant execution and mental toughness, and some amazing team work and support out there. Lara and Marnie were there for Mel and Jen in more ways than one! And despite being in pain from start to finish I think Lara was the only one that was "happy" with her race. <br />
<br />
Now after the race (after we dealt with two dehydrated teammates)???? Let's just say that there are a couple establishements on the riverwalk, Fogo de Chao and Dicks, that will never be the same after 5 post race crazy Canadian gals were done with them. But that's not a story for this blog.... you will have to ask me :)Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-44599467999368200012013-01-09T12:53:00.001-08:002013-01-09T12:53:59.591-08:00Another loooong overdue update! Calgary Women's Run August 2012Was casually visting my own blog and realized I hadn't even written a race report for Calgary Women's Run at the end of August....so here goes!<br />
<br />
I had some decent early 10kms and some good 10kms in tri's this year, so though I would take a shot at my 10km PR that I set waaaay back in my 20's, and that sub 40 minute 10km that eluded me all through my 20's (back before I was a triathlete when I was pounding the pavement 6x a week).<br />
<br />
After recovering from Calgary 70.3 ( I was sick for a week after) I had a wicked 2 week run focus, a short taper and it was go time. There was something special about this race... in my 20's my husband Marty and my young kids accompanied me to all those 10km races and I came so close to sub 40 so many times, but never did get there (40:11 was my best). When I told Marty was going for sub 40 at the Women's Run he told me that he and the kids would be there (keep in mind they are now 12 and 15 and an 8am 10km race is not all cool). I felt so wonderfully supported but also so much pressure!! I know it sounds strange, but in so many ways I wanted to do this for Marty and the kids, so knowing they would be there at the finish meant there was no wimping out in the last km!<br />
<br />
I rode into the race with some girlfriends (which is amazing for calming my race nerves - thanks girls!) and Marty and the kids showed up right before the start. Marty sent me a text during my warmup telling me to basically get it done and my time would be 39:41.<br />
I never did see that text... but they were there at the starting line and there for me 1km out from the finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1aVDHyXn_PB_zd8h5jrGJxM2yZtByw8aXV43vFAPkeXysssjXuo6wpuvIBC5WrqHiNfuVN9C2l71lvV6T-ITPS26PUvZOfHoZxyN-BRzLbNAPeKmCDzHhP6axl7hmvJ9im9pC2WAQ_9n/s1600/IMG_6190.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1aVDHyXn_PB_zd8h5jrGJxM2yZtByw8aXV43vFAPkeXysssjXuo6wpuvIBC5WrqHiNfuVN9C2l71lvV6T-ITPS26PUvZOfHoZxyN-BRzLbNAPeKmCDzHhP6axl7hmvJ9im9pC2WAQ_9n/s320/IMG_6190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I went out fast off the gun and had a really good first 5km ( a nice tailwind for sure ). I hit the halfway mark at 19:17 so I was off to a good start (this is also a 5km pb!). Usually in a 10km race I hit the "pain cave" around the 7km mark. In this race as soon as I hit the 5km turnaround (it was an out and back) I was in the pain cave! 5 tough kms for sure. I definitely slowed down after the turnaround around, but knew if I could hold the slightly slower pace I would be able to do it. At 9km I was at 35:50. I had 4 mins and 10 sec to get it done. Marty and the kids were there and hollered and yelled and it was just the push I needed. I dug deeper into that pain cave and pulled off a sub 4 min last km to cross the finish line in.... yeah you guessed...39:41. Marty predicted to the second!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQYOeAR2z2jlo1T5fQvvkQ8bktxvYqsFf0WGSeQrjlwiZ4ZFcuS0kJc-xjiJWU-tGiMysrHU2v-tRGZUwjmuLF6GK3SxotRTdqVDjBNYeK7mupevyS3TyDBE8iw_Yy2Ws4BaivQT1qtkW/s1600/IMG_6200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQYOeAR2z2jlo1T5fQvvkQ8bktxvYqsFf0WGSeQrjlwiZ4ZFcuS0kJc-xjiJWU-tGiMysrHU2v-tRGZUwjmuLF6GK3SxotRTdqVDjBNYeK7mupevyS3TyDBE8iw_Yy2Ws4BaivQT1qtkW/s320/IMG_6200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firmly in the pain cave at 9km!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I turned around and started making my way back to where Marty and the kids were and they met me half way. I was so excited to celebrate this personal victory. I accomplished something that I had laid to bed years ago as being untouchable. To do this, and have Marty and the kids there to cheer me was a pretty big moment for me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3E9NRoWKn3NtDSMMOa8hUriOBZMoQ0k0lgXRY9FrmwUDsw4LQnCZJXD4_Ht9exdX3HsKZOran-NrBLnytjje_PjF5EgKqnmMnDvnfZjOgstnPwxGmAtgcF4QvvhtqePODXgrc3_kljpt/s1600/IMG_6204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3E9NRoWKn3NtDSMMOa8hUriOBZMoQ0k0lgXRY9FrmwUDsw4LQnCZJXD4_Ht9exdX3HsKZOran-NrBLnytjje_PjF5EgKqnmMnDvnfZjOgstnPwxGmAtgcF4QvvhtqePODXgrc3_kljpt/s320/IMG_6204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my reaction when I came around the corner and saw my family (followed by very sweaty hugs!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The story gets even better.... I had three of my Team Tri Life Athletes there with me, and all three of them also had personal best days! Jen and Lara entered their own pain cave and set new 10km PB's and Cherra-Lynne who is a new runner, finished her 2nd ever 5km in a personal best time. There was a lot of smiles followed up by a celebration lunch together. Most definitely a day to remember :)<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShX9Lz-UdthpkADTeUI1IbGmb-YSbZL4MF5-NqBZt0X6JL0NMyh52jlpdwvLP9z9ZFqWbG_aMdtPLC0QImmvJYl9qzRxSCoAdSppHHbsXJqCwcjhrXfT3ZPdQhLjQmbbP9jOEHTdRbVqT/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShX9Lz-UdthpkADTeUI1IbGmb-YSbZL4MF5-NqBZt0X6JL0NMyh52jlpdwvLP9z9ZFqWbG_aMdtPLC0QImmvJYl9qzRxSCoAdSppHHbsXJqCwcjhrXfT3ZPdQhLjQmbbP9jOEHTdRbVqT/s320/IMG_6214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little goofy over there on the left....nice work ladies!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-38854703358042718442012-09-06T20:50:00.002-07:002012-09-07T13:04:35.389-07:00Calgary 70.3 Race Report-July 29th 2012This is my 6th year doing triathlon, so I can easily say I know how to execute an Olympic distance triathlon, and yes after 6 years this was my first half ironman race. I felt very ready going into this race, I was healthy (with the exception of burnt lips), had no injury issues and had put in some solid training. I really like to hammer hard in an Olympic distance race so for me key in this race was going to be execution. Angie and I had talked it to death and I had a plan. The last thing I did say to Angie Saturday night was my biggest fear wasn’t blowing up on the run, it was underperforming on the bike….<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCG6C4IHSk2Z2iHq7AUSEtO_Vq64IOYaADsVshWobqO5gtRPFmKXJYoogP7Cdm3Ky2REaD2F8V2TzEeX9il66eCdI3CiCSbtwmOPw4Eg465KC16BdNs2dVonXAo_IM4mvhw0J4NY5znmN/s1600/IMG_6130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCG6C4IHSk2Z2iHq7AUSEtO_Vq64IOYaADsVshWobqO5gtRPFmKXJYoogP7Cdm3Ky2REaD2F8V2TzEeX9il66eCdI3CiCSbtwmOPw4Eg465KC16BdNs2dVonXAo_IM4mvhw0J4NY5znmN/s320/IMG_6130.JPG" width="320" /></a>The swim went really well. I had a great start and found fast feet by the first turn. I stayed on the same feet for almost the entire race. It was hard to sight so far to the turnaround buoys so I did rely on the swimmer in front of me and we seemed to hold a decent line. Coming back under the bridge I heard a whistle I couldn’t mistake and on a breath rolled onto my side and offered a wave to my gear mule for the day, my biggest supporter, my rock, my husband Marty. He saw me and I saw him…so nice to connect in such a long race. In the last quarter of the swim I did feel myself tiring and was falling off her feet. I told myself I had two choices. Slow down and swim alone or speed up and catch her feet again and probably end up exerting the same effort with the draft than I would alone. I sped up. At the last buoy things were getting very congested with us catching up to the men’s heat. Around the corner I lost her with swimmers everywhere and the sun in our eyes. I went way wide and swam a bit farther than I needed to but managed to get around quite a few men without getting kicked. My swim time was 31:31, slower than I thought I would be but not too bad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKqgmite0ya8gsxQYbsMvcP1E3V_7H000ty1mQjnT3nsu4cg2SsTiNoNmREDdurNIlDBQs7eWredWHQ7TUHeAiGdqx1Z2q9r1Tzj-f4lAagbpd_XfMg9k5oJGKZTS0eaDcV4CG7d6WR-H/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKqgmite0ya8gsxQYbsMvcP1E3V_7H000ty1mQjnT3nsu4cg2SsTiNoNmREDdurNIlDBQs7eWredWHQ7TUHeAiGdqx1Z2q9r1Tzj-f4lAagbpd_XfMg9k5oJGKZTS0eaDcV4CG7d6WR-H/s320/IMG_6152.JPG" width="320" /></a>T1 was fast and I was out and on my bike in 1:59. Once on the bike I reminded myself that until I hit the top of grand valley that my job was to ride like a tourist (unlike my mantra in an oly distance race which is to tell myself this is no vacation….). My chain fell off somewhere going up grand valley, tried to get it on without getting off but couldn’t manage so pulled over and fixed it. On the bike I was passed my 4 females (including Sheila Croft and Tanya Saloman-no surprises there) and passed 2 myself. I kept my hr in a target that I thought would be good over the 94km distance, 10 beats below what I hold in an oly distance race. I did enjoy this ride, it felt good from start to finish. Marty surprised me in 2 spots on the bike it was great to see him out there, ringing the cow bells for me! There were some other familiar faces out there as well, some TTL’ers, Tri-It staff (Madi and Rose) and my fav preggo triathlete gave me a high five coming up Cochrane hill (thanks Richelle). I got lots of cheers from people stuck in traffic on the 22 including these 2 girls in a convertible that I saw 3 times on the bike course and gave me the hugest cheers….thanks ladies! I took in all the fuel I had planned to take in and by the time I came off the bike my stomach was settled and ready to tackle the run. Bike time was 2:44:14, definitely what I thought I would be, BUT, with winds out of the west I should have been faster. I won’t over analyze the bike here, but I will say that I now know I can push harder on the bike over this distance and definitely hold a higher heart rate. So for next time….no more riding like a tourist!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtylw36o8e8YrXG8MFnLipR4PlrmB50VGof9wfl0CqaP3EcbzR1LQ-wcecb_HORmNpwxcjGD6rTuTb77_4W2tt2esQUpUp8RoMvZy1nxDxcHcQo0_4J8VAEkl99dcqixJ39XvTYDu27_hm/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtylw36o8e8YrXG8MFnLipR4PlrmB50VGof9wfl0CqaP3EcbzR1LQ-wcecb_HORmNpwxcjGD6rTuTb77_4W2tt2esQUpUp8RoMvZy1nxDxcHcQo0_4J8VAEkl99dcqixJ39XvTYDu27_hm/s320/IMG_6164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching out for a high 5 from the boys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am not sure how he made it but Marty caught me coming into T2. He gave his best transition cheers (he always knows how to keep me moving fast) and I was out on the run in :57. Once I started the run my body did what it always wants to do off the bike- go hard! I actually said out loud to myself to slow down. The first 18km of the run went very smoothly. I was a little slower than I thought I would be but the pace felt right and I was using RPE to judge effort on the run. I took in as much as I could at each aid station took the downhills slowly to prevent those quad cramps that have hampered me in the past. Got to see Steve W. on the out, it was so great to high five him as I went by, he looked so strong! Climbing up weaselhead on the way out I could actually hear the TTL aid station before I could see them. As soon as I came into view they went crazy! I almost started crying at the emotion of so much support! I was so choked up that I had to keep my head down and waived the cheers off just to keep moving forward! What a rush to go through that aid station! Angie ran with me and gave me some good advice and I was on my way again. I high fived the marshal at the turnaround and was pretty excited that the run was halfway done. Back through the TTL aid station where I think I had more composure and back down the hill. I saw Leslie-Anne here and again, that high five was awesome! The climb back out was hard, but not too bad and I was still feeling good. I saw my family at the top of the hill and got some good cheers and high fives from my son and his friend Jacob. And then….3km to go….and it got hard! The same kind of muscle fatigue that you feel in a full marathon! What?! Those last 3km were so tough, my legs hurt so much and I just couldn’t get them to go any faster! Again Marty and the boys showed up at just the right time and the boys ran along side me as the finish area came into view. My daughter Ayden and her friend Layne were there yelling as I came into the chute to cross the line. Run time, 1:41:36. A little slower than I thought I would be but still within my goals so was happy with that. Total time was 5:00:17.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb-sHtuKMaNLcn1S2qEUujDTlF02X7wXpTvUcJU9CCDnS-qCE1BCXkU1gqjqg-kiJGUXAnhHV3hwpkAliYi-ifSIUISV7p8U6rfYRyvNNEMTb0eJgJoEz3cxbzfUpNUieBPYAvtts76qg/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb-sHtuKMaNLcn1S2qEUujDTlF02X7wXpTvUcJU9CCDnS-qCE1BCXkU1gqjqg-kiJGUXAnhHV3hwpkAliYi-ifSIUISV7p8U6rfYRyvNNEMTb0eJgJoEz3cxbzfUpNUieBPYAvtts76qg/s320/IMG_6174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was 7th female overall and 2nd place in my age group.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In retrospect, I think I could have been alot faster on the bike but that is water under the bridge. It was my first half ironman and I had no idea how my body would react to racing this distance. I will definitely be tackling this race distance again in 2013....Just like in olympic distance racing I want to see what I am capable of, I want to challenge myself!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwRL0WWKsqt5EhOvf9ZM7vE6GFxXVH9ql9zWttRP1ASa0ktzcUsFiUSwcd_Z6Wo0e4QkhSiqWYaEkzSmlP_wJ1fw0yBdPGYmEHEpJhFKlaYyUEjAZ3VFIwG3m0x0kxpIQ47zHZ6UO0pt6/s1600/IMG_6179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwRL0WWKsqt5EhOvf9ZM7vE6GFxXVH9ql9zWttRP1ASa0ktzcUsFiUSwcd_Z6Wo0e4QkhSiqWYaEkzSmlP_wJ1fw0yBdPGYmEHEpJhFKlaYyUEjAZ3VFIwG3m0x0kxpIQ47zHZ6UO0pt6/s320/IMG_6179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Coach Angie, and Leslie-Anne (2nd in her AG too!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-64691088908661691732012-09-06T20:28:00.001-07:002012-09-06T20:28:04.453-07:002 Sprints and 2 Olympic Distance Tri's- an update!Well....next year I really need to be more timely with my blog/race reports!<br />
<br />
Here is the short version of some tri's I did this summer!<br />
<br />
Sylvan Lake Sprint- First off I want to say I love this race! So well run and organized! Cathy and Scott with Sylvan Lake tri club do an awesome job with this race!! I did this race 1 week after the Woody's Half Marathon so really didn't know what my legs would do, but it was a great race ( you will hear this alot in 2012, it was quite the year for me personally). Swim and bike were faster than last year, run was slightly slower but run course was 300m longer this year so probably right on par with last year so considering my tired legs was super happy with that! Loved being at the race with my athletes Jen, Marnie and Jim and cheering on lots of the Red Deer/Sylvan Lake athletes that I have come to know over the past few years. I was 1st female overall and 3rd out of the men and I was faster than last year on a slighly longer course! Yipeee!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup0GyFEeNkGfxwvoEYzTJltvSvB9ikzeQwyNEInANqQDervr1bZ5aGZKDuIz4SaNm8mss2dZrMMm1DZKYSZ_wXCpg3w74wizt4_oIM_g6M_GxH3YIn9LKNtUU_8yOvv1Og5b7A4VfIlRC/s1600/IMG_6226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup0GyFEeNkGfxwvoEYzTJltvSvB9ikzeQwyNEInANqQDervr1bZ5aGZKDuIz4SaNm8mss2dZrMMm1DZKYSZ_wXCpg3w74wizt4_oIM_g6M_GxH3YIn9LKNtUU_8yOvv1Og5b7A4VfIlRC/s320/IMG_6226.jpg" width="320" /></a>Wasa Olympic Distance - Made this weekend a road trip adventure with my daughter Ayden. On a side note she got her learners right before we hit the highway and drove 2/3 of the way there! WTG Ayden!! We also had great hosts with friends of ours, Ron and Leah and their two daughters. I kind of felt like a pro on a homestay! The water was brutally cold and they shortened the swim, which is too bad because I had a good swim, a good bike and my best triathlon 10km ever! 41:49! If this had been a full distance I think I would have been so close to a sub 2:16 time!! Ah well.... The cool thing was I was 4th female overall (2nd in my AG) and was "in the money". Wasa gives out cash to top 5 overall finishers. I was so pumped and thrilled to stand at the front among such speedy ladies! A huge thanks to Charlie with RM Events for putting on such a top rate triathlon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8SDz7ixvLTXmpwdv9dZr6978BFUS0PbnmbdZl0y3w_VXUWtgcqYf0Rb6B1hNJ0TSX-P2CrfcS1hPTcRnCrZjkEnqU2PydCHq7KSVVd_Q6XR1fafbyv2BYCZiM9Rx6bUiPKNQOJ_2yJT/s1600/IMG_5879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY8SDz7ixvLTXmpwdv9dZr6978BFUS0PbnmbdZl0y3w_VXUWtgcqYf0Rb6B1hNJ0TSX-P2CrfcS1hPTcRnCrZjkEnqU2PydCHq7KSVVd_Q6XR1fafbyv2BYCZiM9Rx6bUiPKNQOJ_2yJT/s320/IMG_5879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Woody's Sprint Tri - Another awesome race! Val does such a great job as RD! One cool thing about Woody's is they take the top 10 overall finishers (male and female) from previous years and group them together in the pool at the end of the swim. So it feels less like a time trial and more like a head to head race. Awesome fun! I was 2nd last year out of everyone, so got to race with the #2. And they kept announcing to watch out for the athletes with numbers 1-10. As I came into t2 someone hollered at me to go beat some boys, so funny, so I yelled back "I'm trying!". I was 2nd again out of the men and 1st overall female. A fun day...not quite as fast as last year, but super happy with my result.<br />
<br />
Edmonton Triathlon Festival and National Championships- This was my first non wetsuit legal swim and surprisingly I was faster this year than last year! Wooohooo!! I need to swim more without a wetsuit! It works for me! I had the bike of my life but unfortunately the heat hit me on the run and had my slowest run time ever! However, the strength of my swim time and bike time, even paired with a 45min run was enough for me to set a new OD personal best! 2:17:50. (now if only I could plunk in that Wasa run time I'd have that sub 2:15 I am dreaming of......) I was 4th female overall and 2nd in my AG. So exciting to be on the podium again at nationals!! <br />
<br />
Well, that's the short version of most of my 2012 tri season! Calgary 70.3 gets it's own post!<br />
<br />Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-42567067260422908482012-09-06T19:51:00.001-07:002012-09-06T19:51:26.203-07:00Red Deer Half Marathon May 20, 2012 (long overdue!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuo1g-Bo_uktLbXiAGHUWC4iHbo4dWnMWcLLFBLJMQrNDYd0_NozlmFs2LKl-iNfBXvDBK7e-H8lWsVzaeZpSCZDv7x184LwW31iXGNE83NISQBauPiQ2QMPQCnkeKXyJLg7qHR2TlREM/s1600/W11511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuo1g-Bo_uktLbXiAGHUWC4iHbo4dWnMWcLLFBLJMQrNDYd0_NozlmFs2LKl-iNfBXvDBK7e-H8lWsVzaeZpSCZDv7x184LwW31iXGNE83NISQBauPiQ2QMPQCnkeKXyJLg7qHR2TlREM/s320/W11511.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I signed up for this race to help me prep for Calgary 70.3 Ironman. The original purpose was to be a training tool. However, after running two good 10kms in March and April (40:51 and 40:29) I knew that this race had the potential to be personal best day. My previous personal best set in Nov of 2011 was 1:32:15. I set a goal of 1:31 flat thinking this would be a good challenge. I printed off one of those nerdy pace bracelets (because I am a NERD) with the splits for 1:31.</div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Off the gun I went out too fast! My suunto had been calibrated with my training shoes and I had decided to race in my tri shoes as part of the prep for Calgary 70.3, (the foot pod does not "move" well from shoe to shoe) so needless to say my pace was reading WAY off! As the first few km markers were ticked off I knew I was too fast, but it felt good so I kept at it and just resigned my self to the fact that either I was going to have a brilliant race and smash my pb or have a total blow up later in the race.... (My coaches mantra of race with your head to start and heart to finish was ringing in my ears).</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMjFB8gidRhzE0nw3KUboe553MbusdQuBBf9kG2jyiO9f3bt4MhhYHh6YxM_Zn38JZbGc-xbKe1PYGGvErHIQrJaXKKrmutpOz54qSGw6ArGqUBJ1HLAWyn3tBt7Nek2wKt9f_-KrWTkB/s1600/W31165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMjFB8gidRhzE0nw3KUboe553MbusdQuBBf9kG2jyiO9f3bt4MhhYHh6YxM_Zn38JZbGc-xbKe1PYGGvErHIQrJaXKKrmutpOz54qSGw6ArGqUBJ1HLAWyn3tBt7Nek2wKt9f_-KrWTkB/s320/W31165.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
As the race continuted the km's just flew by. I couldn't believe how fast this race was going by for me. The course was absolutely beautiful! There were hills, which I usually hate, but it didn't matter today. The weather was perfect, the course was scenic and I was on a roll. I kept referring to my pace bracelet and couldn't believe that I continued to gain ground on each split time. I soon realized that even if I blew up at the end I was still going to have a personal best day. I think the excitement of knowing that I was going to be faster than I thought pushed me to hold that pace and go for it! I caught up to a guy around that 16-17km mark, and if you have done a half, you know this part of the race. This is where pace slows a bit and things really start to hurt. He was chatty and positive. I told him we were going to beat 1:30 if we can hold this pace and he said, "uh oh, my back half is going to be slow". He was doing the full!! We ran together for a couple kms and then he realized he should slow down, but he urged me ahead to go catch the next guy (which I did). It's always great when you get a bit of mental mojo at a point like that in a race. As my husband would say that was the TSN turning point.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As I approached the dreaded uphill that takes you to the downhill finish I just dug in and went for it. Checked my watch and realized that if I gave it my all I could do this in under 1:28. The crowds were amazing and brought me across the finish in a time of 1:27:55 -- 4 minutes and 20 seconds faster than my previous personal best! It is still unbelieveable as I type this....I never imagined I could run a half marathon that fast. It felt good from start to finish, it was a "zen run" as my coach Angie would say. I was 3rd overall, but after a race like this, placings really don't matter. It was me versus me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJptJcI_q1L-KYaXipKi3sD-Y2vX8ySFxL1y8PChm1o61qUTwFvBq9UfMYY-OnqeicGOQCSPusaj8EKDgImEHiRuxdBoQdjS_V_CwlhWa_1051MQDNZq2d_NjjRGcQ8EzN4Y0oJSMnwWr/s1600/Woody's+half+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJptJcI_q1L-KYaXipKi3sD-Y2vX8ySFxL1y8PChm1o61qUTwFvBq9UfMYY-OnqeicGOQCSPusaj8EKDgImEHiRuxdBoQdjS_V_CwlhWa_1051MQDNZq2d_NjjRGcQ8EzN4Y0oJSMnwWr/s320/Woody's+half+finish.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-38480838435805655502012-01-18T11:54:00.000-08:002012-01-18T12:29:19.332-08:00Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon - January 15, 2012Drumroll please.....My First Marathon!!!<br /><br />I really don't know why I waited 20 years to do my first marathon. I think I had so many overuse injuries in my days before triathlon that I just didn't think my body could handle marathon training. Well...I was wrong! I did use my chiropractor (Thanks Dean!!!) and my travel roller to keep me in one piece, but I actually loved the training for this race (Thanks coach Angie!!!)<br /><br />I traveled to this race with the 3 athletes that I coach, Jen, Lara, and Marnie. And lucky for me, I also get to call these 3 ladies my friends! Little did I know when I arrived in Phoenix how much I would rely on these ladies on race day.<br /><br />The morning of the race went well, I was able to eat my usual pre race bf without my race nerves giving me problems and was off on the hotel shuttle to catch the light rail to the start. Once there I quickly figured out the basics, porta potties, my start corral, and the gear drop. I had a great warm up and got throught the porta pottie line up 10 minutes before race start. There was a back log in the transportation from the finish to the start of the point to point race, and the race itself was delayed 30 minutes! So....off I ran to the porta potties for one more time, for good measure! On a funny note, I was so excited for the race to start that I forgot to lock the door...and well, you can imagine what happened next. Oh well, I was doing my first marathon, I was too excited to care!!!<br /><br />My plan for this race was to pace for a 3:20 and try and hold on. The guy beside me at the start also wanted a 3:20, but he was going to go out faster and plan for the "fade". So, off we went. My job in the first 10k was to run like a tourist, and I did! I enjoyed the crowds, the bands, the other runners and hit my splits bang on!<br /><br />From 10k to the half my job was to run loose, and I did that, but I was still running like a tourist! I was absolutely loving every part of this run!!! I hit the half just under 1:40-perfect!!From the half to 20 miles my job was to stay sharp and focused. It was at this point that I was feeling so good that I picked it up slightly. I picked up a running buddy around this time and we chatted and I remained super postitive and totally confident that I would come in under the 3;20 mark. <br /><br />Everyone says the race starts at 32k and I was getting so excited to hit the 20 mile mark so I could just run and not worry about holding back....Ha! Was I in for a surprise! I had planned on thinking of specific people to movitivate me each mile from 20 into the finish. At 20 miles I was still feeling really good, and was busy thinking about my in-laws and how much they have supported me. At mile 21 I was thinking about my mom and dad and how proud I knew they were of me and then around 21.5 miles it got hard. I knew it was going to happen, but this part of me just really didn't belive it. You mean I wasn't going to cruise into the finish all happy and smiley?? What???<br /><br />Mile 22 was my daughter, and I thought about how she would cheer me in and what she would say. I thought about how she knows what this feels like, she has raced her heart out in track and cross country, but boy, this was getting really hard, and it was tough to think about her.<br /><br />Mile 23 was my son. At this point I had tears and my legs were on fire. At some point there was a small hill, but I am not really sure which mile that was. I do remember bring Liam to mind, the look on his face at the finish of one of his xc races, where it looked like he raced to his limit. I remember thinking, be tough like Liam.<br /><br />Mile 24 was my husband, but to be honest, at this point I was in so much pain that I could barely bring him to mind. I do remember thinking he would be proud of me but I just couldn't think of what he would say. <br /><br />At Mile 25 I was really starting to slow down and I thought, "what would Angie say". The answer that came to mind was a simple "GO SHARON!!" Loud and Clear! At this point I was doing my very best to hang on through what was the worst I have ever felt at the end of a race, EVER! I knew I just had to hang on a little longer because my girls told me they would be there to run me in. When I saw them I wanted to cry, but I tried to compose myself for a picture! They ran me in and promised me the finish line was just around the corner, although it was hard to believe! <br /><br />I crossed the finish line in 3:20:34! I was thrilled!!! When they say the race starts at 32k, they mean it!!! When they say it's a different kind of pain from other distances, they are right!!! But, wow!! I did it, I finally ran my first marathon!!<br /><br />I was caught by not 1, but 2 volunteers at the finish. They held onto me awhile and once they were sure I could walk without falling over I made my way through the food, out of the secure area to find the girls. And when I saw them I just started crying. I don't know if it was emotion from finishing my first marathon, or just simply relief that they were there for me, I am not sure. But we all had a little cry and I got to hear how their own races went in the half (VERY GOOD, BY THE WAY!). From then until we got to the hotel, these girls took care of me! I could barely walk (I felt like I was the only one walking funny, but they were quick to point out other people to make me feel better). I think they were scared to let me into the porta potty!!<br /><br />In the end, this was an amazing experience for me! One I will never forget!! Big thanks to my husband and kids for supporting me and even though you weren't there, YOU WERE THERE! Thanks to my coach for preparing me perfectly, to my chiro, Dr. Dean for keeping me in one piece, to my "girls" for being the best fans ever, and to the people of Phoenix (especially all the cheer teams-they were the best) and the organizers of the race for an awesome, super charged event! It was fantastic!!!Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-18452846577903578272012-01-18T11:39:00.000-08:002012-01-18T11:54:07.220-08:00Wow....I've been neglecting this site!!!Well since the last post that was well over due I have done quite a few races!!<br />I am going to highlight all of them in one post...and yes that is almost my entire 2011 race season. Let's see if I can do better in 2012 :)<br /><br />I was all set to head to Wasa and race the fast girls when 2 days before the event I pulled my hamstring...yes, my hamstring!!! How does a distance runner do that?? Long story short I was able to race Chinook Oly the following weekend. I biked really hard, not knowing if I could run and the result was a slow run with some quad cramping, but the hard work on the bike was enough to hold onto the win!<br /><br />Next up was the Woody's sprint my athletes Jen and Marnie (and sadly missing Mel who fractured her elbow just a few days before). I have since learned that racing with these girls is good medicine for me as they keep my nerves at bay every time I'm out with them! The bike was a tough,windy, hilly course, but I pushed hard and had a great day and a great run and a huge sprint distance pb and overall win.<br /><br />In July it was the Edmonton ITU age group olympic race. I was worried about this one being a hilly and technical bike race in the rain. I must admit I didn't push as hard on the bike as I probably should have, but was able to pull off a really fast run for what would be at the time a new OD PR for me. I was 5th overall and 1st in my AG.<br /><br />In August it was back to Kelowna. Other than really hot temps everything went really well here for me in the swim and start of the bike. Past problems of quad cramping began to creep up at the end of the bike and the beginning of the run but I was able to stave them off with electrolyte pills and pull off another OD PR, a time of 2:17:54. I was really happy with this time given the heat and hilly bike course. I am still chasing that elusive 2:15, but each year I creep a little closer to it so hopefully I can get there one day!!<br /><br />After the Apple it was a series of runs that kept me busy until the end of the year. Dino Dash in Sept was a good fast 10km, just short of a "30's pb" in a time of 40:53. Next up was a course best at Melissa's (and who are we kidding, I was there for the food and fellowship of great friends, the race was a great excuse!). In October was 15k (or so) at the Gorrilla Run in prep for the Last Chance Half in Nov. This was a personal best day for me in which I happy pulled off a negative split to finish in 1:32:15. But the best part of this day was getting to watch my athlete Lara pull off the same thing, a negative split and a HUGE pb herself. It was a zen run day for both of us!!<br /><br />So...that catches you up, short and sweet??Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-3038836717493355472011-06-02T15:02:00.000-07:002011-07-23T17:19:00.614-07:00Time for an update - Las Vegas and Sylvan Lake - a couple sprints!It's been awhile, I have been neglecting this. So here you go, 2 for the price of 1.<br /><br />At the end of April I did the Iron Girl Lake Las Vegas sprint triathlon.<br /><br />This was a few firsts for me...first time flying with a bike, first girls only trip, first time trial start in a a lake swim. I will keep it short and sweet, this trip/race was so much fun! I had such a good time being with my teammates and getting to know them better and cheering them on in the race. I hope I am able to do it again next year, because it was great!<br /><br />The race itself went well. Swim was ok, not great. Bike was good, hilly and windy so not terribly fast but I watched my hr to make sure I was putting in a solid effort at all times. The run was so cool! The whole time I was running (well except for the hill at the end) I was thinking "I'm running in the desert!". I wasn't really sure if I could actually do the run as I had a bad ankle sprain 10 days before (yep, only me...stepped on a dog toy while running in my own driveway). There was even some smack talk at the race expo by a certain coach (not naming names) so no pressure....LOL.<br /><br />End result....<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632704521011486834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzCvt5Bnf9Axm2aK6Iboi6mcU024JBG21uUUMWRdJ0kRVCeIGMZmlc7TLDSJCcLD5IYT_1qpzGAAe9MUWchQBC9xTKJOF47fPV-fmxJ2e40Ppnnj9Nas8vHspvbviUQtn33kodCFDC7MJ/s320/peanut+butter-irongirl+2011.JPG" />I won a jar of peanut butter...oh yeah!! I was first overall!! I also won some Iron Girl merchandise.</p><br /><p>KGH Sprint....</p><br /><p>So for this one I was really hoping to duplicate what I can do in the pool for training in a race...but it wasn't to be this day. A good swim, but not as fast I wanted. Out on the bike it was...Windy!! You guessed it!! A good solid bike, not much to comment on except I came into T2 a little hot...and couldn't hold the corner while trying to take my feet out of my shoes (duh!!) and layed the bike down with me on it. Embarassing, but no injury! My run here was smoking! It was a great course, flat and fast! As soon as I crossed the line and looked at my watch I went to RD SCott McDermott to confirm the race course was accurate because I ran the 5km in 20:02!! Woop woop!!! End result....1st place overall and second fastest run out of the men!!</p><br /><p>For you people considering this early sprint, I would highly recommend it! Very well organized and supported!!</p><br /><p>Stay tuned...2 more olympic and 1 sprint to report on!</p>Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-17806644139184019312011-04-17T13:41:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:01:21.919-07:00Smile!A couple nights ago I hopped on my bike for an 1:40 ride to be followed up by a 20 min brick run. I had been feeling kind of off all day, sluggish and tired. I thought if I waited for my hubby to get home and I had someone to tackle the ride with it might make it better/easier. Well....by the time he got home and we both climbed onto our bikes it was 8pm! And, to make it worse the main set of the ride was absolutely cruel...in an awesome kick butt kind of a way. It was 3 x 15 minute zone 4 intervals with 8 second bursts at 4, 8, and 12 minutes. Just looking at this workout made me want to groan. Dear Marty had hurt his hammstring the weekend before snowboarding (hammy versus tree...tree won) so he got off after the first 15 minute interval. So, there I was alone, in my basement, 9pm, cranky, tired and unmotivated to work hard. I was in the middle of the 2nd interval feeling very sorry for myself and trying to come up with a good reason to get the heck off my bike. I was hanging my head (not even watching a very hot Brad Pitt in Troy) when I glanced over at the water bottle still on Marty's bike. It was one of those bright orange ones from Tri-It. It had all these great inspirational words on it, like "courage", "determination", "commitment". I seriously scoffed at these words. I wasn't in the mood to be inspired. I WANTED OFF MY BIKE!!!!!!!!!!! And then, out of the corner of my eye I caught this one word, smaller than all the others..."smile". Wow, one word changed the rest of that workout. I put a smile on face and it all went uphill from there (uphill not a good analogy when taking about a bike workout, but for lack of a better word....). I began with a smile and from there, my nasty mood improved. I was thankful that I had the time to spin that night, that I was healthy and not injured, that I have a bike and a trainer! Thankful that I am able to participate in a sport like triathlon, that I have wonderful people around me supporting me! My husband, kids, coach, athletes and teammates! Now don't get me wrong, the rest of the workout still hurt, but my head was in the right place and that made all the difference.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596659956779648082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1In29f1azEIeIa0Bk7QSCGuynzEQqqAuprPpCe2doPgDt9gXpnLHqSRWcQbUiLHm_DBG9uv_C_ZBMs6NbZnRRMZsnT7ndgyl5JWBvtC023kvomv0CKPQcORyE80HC30v-3SerDMLkAiC/s320/SMILE.JPG" border="0" /> So, next time you are having a bad workout, day at work, kids frustrating you....just take a moment...and SMILE!Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-73617867878944578062010-10-18T09:01:00.000-07:002010-10-18T09:51:16.580-07:00Gorilla Run, Oct 17th 2010 (15.something k)I think the thing I loved the very most about the run was seeing so many people I knew at the race!! For years I would go to running races and not know a soul (hazard of small town training). Sunday morning I a saw a couple from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carstairs</span> (that actually I see at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">a lot</span> of races). I had a short visit with them ( saw their daughter and her friend on the course, 2 "kids" that I used to coach track). Then I ran into some of my Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tri</span> Life teammates, got to visit with them and hear about their post <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ironman</span> fallout. I ran into a group of runners from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Carstairs</span>, had a short visit with those lovely ladies (and got to see them on the course and we did the run by high fives!!!). Then I spoke with 2 different random people about Team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tri</span> Life (was wearing the team running shirt...). Well for girl who is usually very antisocial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">prerace</span> (neurotic and brooding) I was loving seeing so many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">familar</span> faces!! I think I will say goodbye to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">prerace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">neurotic</span> Sharon, and say hello to social, chatty Sharon. It's way more fun and there are no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">prerace</span> nerves!! <br /><br />On to the race....I got lucky for most of this race and had someone to run with. The first 12k I can only describe as smooth, effortless, and strong. I felt like one of those people that get described as having great form, or looking strong. It's just how I felt. I was guaging effort by hr, I wasn't really sure about pace as my Suunto was broke, again... and the km markers were not very accurate. I was patient in the first 5km, and that definitely paid off. The last 3km were definitely more challenging, I was really feeling it in my calves. I think I need to spend more time running on pavement and get off the gravel roads. All in all, it was a great race that felt good from start to (almost) finish.<br /><br />I finished in 1:07:08, and is the same pace I need to run if I want to go sub 1:30 for my half mary next month....that will be tough.... It's a tough goal, one that I might not achieve this fall, but definitely one shooting for!! Bring on the intervals and long runs!!!Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-2921403633122197772010-09-27T06:17:00.000-07:002010-09-27T06:19:00.873-07:00P.S. My Quads are TrashedOh yes, that downhill did trash my quads. Did you ever see a bootcamp instructor teach class when she can barely walk? Oh I was entertaining for my ladies this morning!!Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-16245541588646780272010-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:002010-09-26T14:46:58.348-07:00Melissa's 10km, Sept 25, 10<div align="left">42:16</div><div align="left"></div><p>....not really what I was expecting in a stand alone 10k after consistently running sub 43 mins in triathlon 10's this sesason. However, considering that giantic, huge hill I think I am supposed to be happy with that time.<br /><br />Let me back up....I started coming down with a cold on Tuesday, and I knew about the hill, so I knew it wasn't to be a superbly fast day, but still, I was looking for something around the 41:30 mark. Between finding parking, race number line up, and porta potty line ups, I didn't really do the warmup I am used to, but hey, it's just a 10k right?<br /><br />I found my running buddy from the 10k at Footstock in June. There I ran the last 4km with this nice guy who kept encouraging me and I ran 40:48. He told me he had ran a sub 40 two weeks ago and we talked about running together and not taking the first km out too hard. The start went well despite the huge crowd and the tight turn and we were able to stay together. At the first km marker we were 3:55--a good first km. At the hill we stayed together and pushed through it. There was a short out and back on the down hill and I got to see Marty, we tried for a high five and missed, which is funny, because we tend to do that on purpose. I flew down the long hill thinking about making up time and wondering how much this fast downhill running was trashing my quads. Missed the odd km marker through out the whole race, which was good, because with the hill my splits were not at all where I wanted them to be...better to not know in a race like this. I used hr to guage my effort. ONce we started the down hill my running buddy and I got split up a few times. He walked a bit as well, he was having a rough day. With 2km left to go I saw that I was closing in on 4th place. This was encouraging. I was hurting and really needed something to focus on! With about 700m to go I passed a couple guys on a tight corner and yelled out that I was coming on their left. The girl in front heard me and just took off! On this day, I wasn't going to catch her! I came crusing into the finish line hearing my kids and family cheering me in. 42:16, 5th overall, 3rd in my AG. </p><p>Once I finished I headed back out to cheer in my hubby in his first 10km, he had a great finish, 49 mins!!!! But we both agreed this race hurt and maybe was too soon after the Banff tri to bring the pain. </p><p>We gave away our free beers to our brother in laws, Marty headed back east to Airdrie for Liam's soccer tryout and the rest of us? We went and hiked Sulpher Mountain...and yes, my legs are very sore today!!!<br /></p>Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-13154966565873521712010-09-13T10:13:00.000-07:002010-09-13T10:29:16.765-07:00Subaru Banff TriathlonWarning: This might be long.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgyuX2DXtw7W8YqIvrRSsDyC-WYljnfr06-uWEBiCfTDR9lwtVaILVvc9lm3axfYb2EjV3whuWM4TlvqRKirG0rvtfvgVUWKrLg7ZheFPBlUGVlDCoMsuNa-sEiHA4B7QZsyqr50_GmzH/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgyuX2DXtw7W8YqIvrRSsDyC-WYljnfr06-uWEBiCfTDR9lwtVaILVvc9lm3axfYb2EjV3whuWM4TlvqRKirG0rvtfvgVUWKrLg7ZheFPBlUGVlDCoMsuNa-sEiHA4B7QZsyqr50_GmzH/s320/IMG_3870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516448978815166130" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the sun did come out for the finish....</span></span><br /></div>You were warned....<br /><br />Despite frigid water temp, air temp, and looming rain I was in a really good mood before the race started. They had shortened the swim from 1500m to 750m and although I would prefer the full distance, I was okay with that. Ally and John from Team Tri Life were there as supporters and kept us entertained while we were waiting to hit Two Jack Lake. I slipped into the water found a good spot and somehow got pushed into a not so good spot, race started and I have never been so beat up in a race before like I was in this race. Pulled under by a hand/arm on my back/butt 3 times, legs, feet pulled on multiple times...WOW! Not used to that! I was prepared for cold hands/feet/face, but I wasn't prepared for my body to be so cold. It felt so hard to get my arms out of the water, I couldn't keep my fingers together, and I breathed mostly to just one side. It was so HARD! Got out of the water in 10:41 so actually it turned out to be a very good swim for me, although it didn't feel like it at the time. I was so very happy to get out of the water!!<br /><br />Ran up the hill to T1 not too bad, struggled to get my cap off a bit, ran to my spot and that's where things started to fall apart. I really struggled with all my gear in T1. My hands didn't want to work, couldn't do up my coat, actually physically couldn't! Couldn't get my gloves on...longest T1 of all time. Saw Ally as I was leaving T1 and begged her to do up my coat for me...should have had her put my gloves on too but obviously my brain was frozen too.<br /><br />Other than wasting time trying to get my gloves on while riding (dumb) and being pretty darn cold, and the rain...the first 20k went pretty well. Then right at 20k the cable for my front delrailer broke. I didn't know what to do, the thought of doing the rest of the ride in my small ring really upset me. After a minute of thinking I hopped off my bike to see if I could but the chain in the top ring manually and leave it there...well darn, I wish I knew more about bikes because that didn't work. At this point I was cold and frustrated at knowing that I wasn't going to have my best ride and put in my best possible result. I got back on my bike and for about a minute very seriously wanted to quit. I was cold, wet, mad...and then I remembered Shane McKechney at the REgina Beach tri, he crashed early on the bike, broke his front derailer and finished the race bruised and bloody and spinning like crazy on the tailwind portions of the bike. Then I thought of Christine, who crashed in Kelowna and finished, then I thought of John Bosma... John!! Who did Ironman after a crash so bad it could have killed him! This was my mantra for the next 2 minutes while I rediscovered my race mo-jo "John Bosma, John Bosma, seriously? Suck it up!!" From that point on I did the best I could on the bike, it wasn't great, wasn't pretty but I put in a half decent bike time (would have been better if I would have just stayed on my bike and kept working!!). Having John and Ally on the course was extremely uplifting, just knowing they were there and cheering me on kept me pushing. When I was coming into town I had the privilege of calling out a cheater who was very blatantly drafting, that was fun....<br />T2 was another struggle. My feet were completely numb, my hands were partially numb. Marty was right there (he had already finished, 4th in his AG by the way, and 10th overall in the sprint!!!!) on the side of T2 hollering at me to push through it. I changed my socks and put on my runners, an experience that was both frustrating and painful. Marty's encouragement was vital in my getting out on that run. He was hollering that I had to push through the first 200m and then it would be okay...and here I was actually thinking of Running in Socks Angie, she ran the end of a half iron in socks...man suck it up!! Well I actually didn't feel my feet until around 6km but that's when my legs started cramping up...What??? So I walked a little, did some butt kicks, rubbed my quads a bit and the cramps let up enough for me to run again. At this point, knowing that the bike wasn't good and I likely wasn't going to finish where I wanted to I just wanted to put in my best run possible. During the last 3km I kept checking my "status" and it was good so I tried to pick it up...I think this resulted in actually holding pace and I was able to run 42:21- a 10k tri PR!! With a walk to work out leg cramps!!<br />So all in all...a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> very tough</span> mental day! Couldn't have done it without my family there cheering me on in the run and John and Ally supporting me out of the water and during the bike. Awesome swim and run times, terribly slow transitions, and the best bike I could muster despite mechanical difficulties. Celebrated after by having a chocolate chai late and a dip in the hot springs.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I did end up placing 2nd in my AG, got to stand on the podium and get a medal, but the coolest part was my prize, it was a red and black jacket from IMC!! I told Marty it was foreshadowing...and that if it fit it was a sign....he claims it doesn't fit...LOL!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-AzmmFJr5Pc70SCxDUra8pAxhkB3-DlAEfBS0BTycZf3cDDMLTKWm9gBBNACR8vedxdcR7RE9xl2pIXH8eTIDWnc6qVs2opKwquLHW79gYYm7b6e2GgnEDJqDsjpA7IN-xIELfuJapn5/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-AzmmFJr5Pc70SCxDUra8pAxhkB3-DlAEfBS0BTycZf3cDDMLTKWm9gBBNACR8vedxdcR7RE9xl2pIXH8eTIDWnc6qVs2opKwquLHW79gYYm7b6e2GgnEDJqDsjpA7IN-xIELfuJapn5/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516447951460221282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The jacket that fits pretty darn well...it must be a sign!</span></span><br /></div>Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-34462276773758705802010-08-31T10:54:00.000-07:002010-08-31T11:59:40.966-07:00Kelowna Apple 2010Sharon’s Kelowna Apple Olympic Race Report <p class="MsoNormal">I have to admit, I had some big outcome goals for this race.<span style=""> </span>I knew the bike was going to be more technical than I was used to, so wasn’t exactly looking for a personal best time, but what I really wanted was a top 3 finish in my age group, and a top 10 finish.<span style=""> </span>Of course knowing that these goals were also dependent on my competition I also decided that if I raced my best race and missed these goals that I would be disappointed but not devastated.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIUJygCDG1ueEvH477K3lBPc5TZ0muflI6VObktnkKKKiam4jzKVdeWkLdAwbhxMI8pDGnHkCmufrnAXUtGpcslLsFKl8UhVFkXy2vxQi-Esxoy8qndozRMNd1oUYfOWtYaRxb1RF41Of/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIUJygCDG1ueEvH477K3lBPc5TZ0muflI6VObktnkKKKiam4jzKVdeWkLdAwbhxMI8pDGnHkCmufrnAXUtGpcslLsFKl8UhVFkXy2vxQi-Esxoy8qndozRMNd1oUYfOWtYaRxb1RF41Of/s320/IMG_3501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511634992134512322" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The couple days leading up to the race I had these feelings of dread, like I wasn<img src="file:///Users/sharonstyles/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Originals/2010/Kelowna%20Aug%202010/IMG_3501.JPG" alt="" />’t quite ready to bring the pain.<span style=""> </span>Even race morning on the beach I was feeling unready to bring it. Always my number one supporter, my husband reminded me why we were here and that I would bring it as soon as I got into the water.<span style=""> </span>Even during the swim warmup I was having a tough time getting my race “mo-jo” on.<span style=""> </span>I am not sure why I was feeling this way, my only explanation I can think of is I worked my nerves out on Friday and Saturday watching other events<span style=""> </span>and at the prerace meeting and I just wasn’t as nervous as I usually am.<span style=""> </span><img src="file:///Users/sharonstyles/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Originals/2010/Kelowna%20Aug%202010/IMG_3501.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once the race started I found my mojo in a hurry.<span style=""> </span>From what I could tell after the initial plunge into the water was that I was in second, although I wasn’t sure.<span style=""> </span>I was following the trail of bubbles, losing them from time to time.<span style=""> </span>Around the second last buoy on the first lap I became confused and was looking at one of the buoys on the log boom, a nice kayaker pointed me to shore…<span style=""> </span>At this point I know I slowed down some and felt a couple swimmers on my heels.<span style=""> </span>As I exited the water for the beach run and got back in 3 swimmers had caught me and I was swimming alongside two of them while the third was tucked in behind.<span style=""> </span>This is when I got smart and tucked in behind and we became a pack of 4, 2 in front and 2 getting the draft.<span style=""> </span>This worked well until we started running into some of the men from the wave that went before us and we became a train of 4.<span style=""> </span>Earlier I had realized that this group was swimming pretty darn straight so I had quit sighting and was simply following the bubbles.<span style=""> </span>At one point the lead swimmer had turned to the left too early and was leading our foursome <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpqXmegHfg-aj887CZwddxxTKhZzPKmPpTPoZ4PrFiR3-Apapzyje2alXRdaH4seSMqr7V27VvfRgtM3FehycpKO6SWVGbzJfG5oJkGI1qQY6U1SdiD9r4OiE4CYrXlPjMWBRYYr-dL94/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpqXmegHfg-aj887CZwddxxTKhZzPKmPpTPoZ4PrFiR3-Apapzyje2alXRdaH4seSMqr7V27VvfRgtM3FehycpKO6SWVGbzJfG5oJkGI1qQY6U1SdiD9r4OiE4CYrXlPjMWBRYYr-dL94/s320/IMG_3511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511640490880196482" border="0" /></a>off course.<span style=""> </span>A seadoo came and turned us back on course, but as I was the fourth in the line I was the last to turn back and so lost the pack.<span style=""> </span>I worked hard to catch back up and unknown to me we had become two packs of two.<span style=""> </span>Once I realized this I pulled along side the girl I was drafting and and decided we were doing okay and dropped back behind her.<span style=""> </span>I was 5<sup>th</sup> out of the 30-39’s out of the water, with a bigger gap between first and second and the next four of us pretty close together.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My transition went pretty well, Marty had made his way to the pathway along side transition and was loud enough that I could hear his encouragement where I was.<span style=""> </span>Could have been a little faster, but all in all, not too bad.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMIEYanFjxYkn166Ox1gz6b7W_wf96Tqx1mva92_B6nuHTeDX-_3IXeEXe9B3aeguYfduhtXbAYkweADBNg5ArLI09DYVaLT4VcDJOJU2U3vijFoB54Nb4dcQ0PVf2HPjDJdkkwU0jtWE/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMIEYanFjxYkn166Ox1gz6b7W_wf96Tqx1mva92_B6nuHTeDX-_3IXeEXe9B3aeguYfduhtXbAYkweADBNg5ArLI09DYVaLT4VcDJOJU2U3vijFoB54Nb4dcQ0PVf2HPjDJdkkwU0jtWE/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511641712706214418" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To the best of my knowedge I exited transition in 4<sup>th</sup> of the 30-39’s and passed 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> (although I didn’t know it at the time) as we ran to the mount line as they were in shoes and I was barefoot and faster!<span style=""> </span>First lap went well, I had some trouble with my rear derailer cable and had to get off my bike at the top of the hill to put it back where it belonged ( it was rubbing on the derailer sprockets as I went up the hill, somehow it became flipped down??).<span style=""> </span>I was a little hesitant on the corners and there was lots and LOTS of bikes I had to pass from earlier waves.<span style=""> </span>I got faster on the second and third lap and saw a female walking a bike on either the second or third lap. <span style=""> </span>I belie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvCIpJ45Ls2yIHLmDlw_QAJr1Hh-wSKwlgZ8GqcZH1vll6_REI0Qyd9GhaCRl_cp6gCijjOe6IUaSB632OggnYE1-43buTvV24hp2XVOzNO0kD7sEPqzju0B6CGmdEe6JoYEcMJVEl3V5/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvCIpJ45Ls2yIHLmDlw_QAJr1Hh-wSKwlgZ8GqcZH1vll6_REI0Qyd9GhaCRl_cp6gCijjOe6IUaSB632OggnYE1-43buTvV24hp2XVOzNO0kD7sEPqzju0B6CGmdEe6JoYEcMJVEl3V5/s320/IMG_3521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511646091394876194" border="0" /></a>ve she was a lady from my AG, but I am not sure.<span style=""> </span>On the third lap I encountered too much bike traffic at the bottom of the hill, all going pretty slow.<span style=""> </span>I had some good speed and didn’t want to lose it so<span style=""> </span>I took a small risk and went through some hard packed gravel on the left…it paid off and my last climb up the hill was great!<span style=""> </span>Overall the bike was a blast!!<span style=""> </span>The volunteers and crowd were amazing, and it was so great to see and hear my family 3x during the ride.<span style=""> </span>All the corners at the end of the loop were actually fun and I think I had a big smile on my face for most of the ride.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">T2 was fast and as I was leaving one of the kids I coached in cross country from a few years ago was there in transition as I went by and yelled out “pick up the pace, coach!”.<span style=""> </span>Thanks, Mike—that was awesome!<span style=""> </span>My pace felt good and smooth, much like it did at Chinook.<span style=""> </span>I did some butt kicks to make sure the quads wouldn’t cramp and I settled into a good rhythm.<span style=""> </span>I was making some passes, but no one with 30’s on their legs, and really didn’t see anyone from my AG chasing me.<span style=""> </span>It was really frustrating not knowing where I was positioned in my AG.<span style=""> </span>Looking back I think I might have been able to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV9rinz4Iq73PnJ8DX7YjSbjYLO7WC6qRLVbIbyNHf5KLWNo1zJTDGEW9mqhN7OCLwfnzDvhdVImaaSj77xW0QMdUS1bG9hXsrZ2bHTG6ZJtB02y7hK-hZpOV3P6Qtc5ZzHool8A1gHzD/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV9rinz4Iq73PnJ8DX7YjSbjYLO7WC6qRLVbIbyNHf5KLWNo1zJTDGEW9mqhN7OCLwfnzDvhdVImaaSj77xW0QMdUS1bG9hXsrZ2bHTG6ZJtB02y7hK-hZpOV3P6Qtc5ZzHool8A1gHzD/s320/IMG_3525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511648545365762114" border="0" /></a>push harder in the run and maybe be a little faster, but it felt good at the time.<span style=""> </span>Again, on<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>the run course the volunteers and crowd were awesome!<span style=""> </span>Seeing my family and hearing them cheering me on was such a big boost!!<span style=""> </span>I picked up the pace a bit on the last km and my son and father in law were 300m out to cheer me in.<span style=""> </span>My son started running alongside me up on the grass and he tripped on a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFN0n0WxNA38DgaDuFY5uqOaR10zCCQ0zKRYR0KRB0VJ2S5B2A8D64JCFtGDyvl3DMC36S1QZrLVHw3od9PdEO1wdNpskeAnTwy0DtpIky-q0X01Hc-RN-c0lrHqDpfrkLRCFsMe_R109/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFN0n0WxNA38DgaDuFY5uqOaR10zCCQ0zKRYR0KRB0VJ2S5B2A8D64JCFtGDyvl3DMC36S1QZrLVHw3od9PdEO1wdNpskeAnTwy0DtpIky-q0X01Hc-RN-c0lrHqDpfrkLRCFsMe_R109/s320/IMG_3526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511649521746295682" border="0" /></a>hole and did a complete summersault in the grass, it was so funny I started laughing and other spectators were laughing too (not sure if at me or at him).<span style=""> </span>Just made the race that much more enjoyable…<span style=""> </span>My daughter was at the bridge cheering me in and my hubby right at the finish line taking pictures.<span style=""> </span>So cool to run on the blue carpet and have so many people cheering at the finish line!<span style=""> </span>One thing that really stood out in my mind at the finish was the fact that the volunteers weren’t accosting me for my timing chip.<span style=""> </span>I am so used to being ready to fall over and someone wanting me to take that thing off, it was weird, they were all just standing back waiting for the athletes to come to them when they were ready…weird!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was so great running into all the TTL athletes at the finish line and hearing how everyone did, and Ally, well I am not sure how one girl volunteers in so many different spots!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overall this was an amazing race for me.<span style=""> </span>Swims leave little time or energy for thinking, but I can definitely say I biked and ran happy the entire time.<span style=""> </span>I had more smiles in this race than I can ever remember doing in any other race, ever.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are the final results:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Swim: 24:24 (20<sup>th</sup> in the women, 4<sup>th</sup> in AG), T1: 1:40 (26<sup>th </sup>W, 6<sup>th</sup> AG), Bike: 1:08:56 (6<sup>th </sup>W,3<sup>rd</sup> AG),T2: 1:00 (20<sup>th </sup>W, 3<sup>rd</sup> AG), Run: 42:48 (9<sup>th </sup>W, 1<sup>st</sup> AG)(21:20 and 21:29 laps).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overall time: 2:18:46 7<sup>th</sup> out of all the women, and 1<sup>st</sup> in the 30-34 AG.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I very much want to thank my family for the awesome support and putting up with my quirky prerace activities (oh my gosh and putting up with all my training time when it interfered with family stuff!!<span style=""> </span>And I could truly write an entire blog about my terrific hubby!!<span style=""> </span>Maybe I will….), my teammates for being so supportive, and my awesome coach Angie!!<span style=""> </span>You know me so well, kick my butt when I need it and give me “rest” when I need that too, and you are in my head just when I need you to be!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg8aBc5ADn5fDqivfFn8bnlOO-QoREk_XwJsY1yTqkU1v4NOqGF1fDvhxsxaW_Rpo2CybXk2i9hV0DpVJDFanXpdiE2ZzwMAVRwWQj42LIhLBLTb6nXDF8-yz8puP3vzeFINrNDtuL9w6/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg8aBc5ADn5fDqivfFn8bnlOO-QoREk_XwJsY1yTqkU1v4NOqGF1fDvhxsxaW_Rpo2CybXk2i9hV0DpVJDFanXpdiE2ZzwMAVRwWQj42LIhLBLTb6nXDF8-yz8puP3vzeFINrNDtuL9w6/s320/IMG_3557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511650320471505874" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-18234416200607338362010-07-29T22:12:00.000-07:002010-07-29T22:36:41.505-07:002010 Regina Beach Race Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmSzVHH2NI4dtxa2qsrCYeawpJU6L9CXbKjU3pplUzNOFQuK4KJ3Qrfvq6kfBnGj5B7W-2KK0sh9P0n-PsHdDp8g5F2DPKAdAHlYbSLRHzisLZxJcaFc-dkxLR1qHuEsfwzglJSgHlC3A/s1600/IMG_3204.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmSzVHH2NI4dtxa2qsrCYeawpJU6L9CXbKjU3pplUzNOFQuK4KJ3Qrfvq6kfBnGj5B7W-2KK0sh9P0n-PsHdDp8g5F2DPKAdAHlYbSLRHzisLZxJcaFc-dkxLR1qHuEsfwzglJSgHlC3A/s320/IMG_3204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499564280803502210" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">There is something about being at the cottage that makes me want to eat junk food and drink pop…we arrived at my family’s cottage 2 days before the race and I tried really hard to behave myself nutritionally, and I didn’t even go wakeboarding even though the lake was like glass both days.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I slept terribly the night before the race, the whole family was out and there lots of activity in the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Race morning came early, but nevertheless I felt great!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My stomach actually tolerated all the food I feel I need to stuff in it race morning and it was the first race that my hubby and I were both doing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Having him with me for the drive and registration/transition set up/warmup was an awesome distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He helped me with my wetsuit and kept me calm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Usually I have a stomach ache from the nerves, but on race morning it felt great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have to admit I had been creeping on my competition…I had checked her race results from a June race so I knew she was faster than last year, but then again so was I.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Marty was doing the sprint, which started 45 min after the oly so he told me he’d be at the swim exit to tell me how far ahead of me she was when<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I got out ( last year she beat me out of the water by 1:07).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The swim went pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was between two swimmers for most of the first leg and the guy on my right kept running into me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was working pretty hard to keep up with both of them so made the decision to drop behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The effort immediately felt easier, and I stayed on his toes until rounding the second buoy at which point I began doubting my effort and passed him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had clear water for the rest of the first lap and all of the second lap.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was completely surprised when I came out of the water and Marty was pointing to Emma just in front of me!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I came out just 2 seconds behind her!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The RB tri has a unique element in it….the lake is in the Qu’Appelle Valley so they have a T1 where you strip off your wetsuit, put on your shoes and run 650m to the top of the valley to head out onto the bike.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They actually take the time from the hill and add it to your total run time, and subtract the distance off the final run (this makes for a slow run split) We jogged up the hill together and had a brief chat about how long the swim course seemed (she was 2 mins slower than last year and I was 1 min slower than last year).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once I got out on the bike I realized I was pushing a little harder than I wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Emma was behind me so I was the prey being chased.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I figured I would be able to outrun her so decided on a little experiment…I was going to push really hard on the bike and see what the result was on the run.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The bike was great, I wasn’t passed by any men and really enjoyed digging in and seeing how fast I could go.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My bike split was 5 and a half minutes faster than last year although the conditions last year were not as favorable as this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I finished the bike I saw my family there cheering me in; that was awesome!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After speeding through transition I hauled off down the 650m hill thinking of the time I wanted to make up because of how slow it is going up (I really wanted a fast run split on this course).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Felt great, got to the bottom, they announced my name, went through the first water station at breakneck speed and then it happened…my vastus medialis on both quads started to cramp up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I slowed down and did some butt kicks, finally had to walk, couldn’t stretch them because then the hamstrings wanted to cramp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So did some walking butt kicks for awhile, then eased into a slow jog and finally got back up to a reasonable pace.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I walked through the next two water station<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>to make sure I got enough, took it really easy at the turn around point which involved a good hill climb before turning around to head for home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was passed by a couple of guys on the run which made me mad because I knew<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could be faster, but I hung in there, ran through the last water station and finished the run.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> T</span>he guy at the finish line was asking for my chip and I told him I couldn’t stop walking because my legs would cramp up…managed to get it off while walking, which was kind of impressive….<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Almost my whole family was there at the finish line which was fantastic, Marty had come in just before me too so got to congratulate him on his first open water triathlon.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd2lAY5AjGG3Hc_dBZMvYXnYBtrDOx3CB9QdnPWZcxo78Ar_IA44LlKh2NKIZAn9p2WJlFBjGKvXCHxyDpUsv9wDn18vC8d7R1F3RIuxXoWCxvZxOjk_uvB14yFKxu9ODlLR38v3IuUR2/s320/IMG_3196.JPG" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Final results: swim 25:07 (7<sup>th</sup> with the men,last year 24:12), bike 1:06:58 (5<sup>th</sup> with the men, last year 1:12:28), run 48:22 (11<sup>th</sup> with the men,last year 50:31) total time: 2:20:26 (1<sup>st</sup> female overall, 6<sup>th</sup> with the men, last year 2:27:10).</p><p class="MsoNormal">Oh, and Marty was 7<sup>th</sup> overall in the sprint and 2<sup>nd</sup> in his AG!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Side note:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think the muscle cramps were perhaps a direct result of my fast bike, but also the fast run down the hill…I need to try the experiment again when there are no huge descents at the start of the run!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh and the aftermath of muscle cramps-delayed onset muscle soreness, it’s like doing a thousand squats with heavy weights, severely aggravated by wakeboarding and waterskiing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 days post race, having trouble going down stairs or hills and sitting down in chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Easy run scheduled for tomorrow…might not happen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-51450639163317151522010-06-23T07:18:00.000-07:002010-06-23T12:59:36.805-07:00Chinook Olympic Race Report-June 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD46_dFRw01C1UnPVvhUW_TNnv_V1SMJZO57RBEPwUA5aB4MFwqvOIYvyIYImbrriKRyaTYLhiDSLxLnv2LrkMtIi6QWYsVtrN16lhU8d8yrkkMsnatzreIPXfOvcCBn7dRv0bT3tZ78v3/s1600/chinook+run+june+2010.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486061056852466754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD46_dFRw01C1UnPVvhUW_TNnv_V1SMJZO57RBEPwUA5aB4MFwqvOIYvyIYImbrriKRyaTYLhiDSLxLnv2LrkMtIi6QWYsVtrN16lhU8d8yrkkMsnatzreIPXfOvcCBn7dRv0bT3tZ78v3/s320/chinook+run+june+2010.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aaMEo1_SwugJGdK4yU3pu5Q_IymePmZRL0JLYqmKJaBBxxEAk5uU3uN7hJCTA9PlwA0fXe5A6WstqpdQMmT0WTDU_E1B30AgWeF_cmnn7Uv3uHBxUS83LsPZuvppWobm8WtyDhFA9kZr/s1600/chinook+run+june+2010.bmp"></a><br /><br /><div>Are all distance runners superstitious? I am….so after my success in the 10k at footstock last weekend I had to replicate the night before food. Last Friday, I had popcorn before bed, so I made sure to do the same the night before Chinook….must have been the popcorn!<br /><br />I was nervous all week about this race…first race of the season, first race after rediscovering my speed in the 10k. I do everything wrong when it comes to race goals, everything we are told not to do…I could do “this” in the swim, “this” on the bike, “this” on the run, I should be under “this” time…. I put so much pressure on myself to do well instead of just appreciating the opportunity to train, race, be healthy and develop friendships with a great group of people. I definitely do appreciate those things, usually after the race is done!!!<br /><br />Woke up feeling great, but of course nervous!! Hard to force breakfast down with my race nerves, but I got it done (it’s a strange combo of oatmeal, banana, and wait for it…canned salmon—don’t ask why). Got transition set up and proceeded to be a recluse and go hang out by myself. I think I probably would do better with the nerves by staying with the group, but it’s an old habit I developed in high school track.<br /><br />Swim wasn’t great, my sighting to the first buoy was off and I couldn’t see the second buoy for part of the second leg. Every time I found feet it felt too slow and I had to pass. Second lap was better, less congestion, better sighting. I had to remind myself to swim smooth lots, and probably not enough! I though I would have been faster out of the water, but I will definitely be thinking about ways to improve the swim for next time.<br /><br />T1 was fast, but should have done the elastic band trick for my shoes on the bike (first time leaving my shoes on the bike!!). Bike felt good, keep my hr in the 160’s (my last tri I over did it on the bike and crashed on the run). Only one glitch, riding through the water that was on the road I got some gravel between my rear tire and my aero frame so at the risk of a puncture I jumped off my bike (going up a hill), and wiped my rear tire down with my hand. Coming into T2 I came off the bike great, doing a gliding dismount (first time!!). I had a tough time getting my running shoes on because my feet were still numb, and it definitely hurt my feet the entire run, both when they were numb and as they thawed.<br /><br />Other than the feet, the run felt awesome for the first 8km. My pace was on or under what I wanted and it just felt great…then at 8km I saw the first place female and I looked at my hr and new I could go higher. I made up my mind to catch her and the last 2 km were tough, a real mental challenge going up that hill “second is really awesome”…”you can catch her”….”second is good!!”….”nope, go get her!!!!”. I caught her with 600m left to go and thank goodness she didn’t make a move to go with me because I did not have much left! I hung on and followed the bike in (yes, a bike!! That was cool!!). There was lots of cheering down that last stretch as I came in, it was absolutely amazing!! It was so thrilling, an experience I won’t forget!!<br /><br />After the race I wound my way down to the home stretch to cheer my fellow teammates in. It’s so much fun going to these races knowing there are teammates supporting you (and having teammates to support!!).<br /><br />I came in under my goal time for the season ( I know…goal times are bad….) so I was thrilled with that. I was absolutely thrilled with my run time, running only 5 seconds slower than my first stand alone 10k of the season at St. Patty’s Day. I will continue to push for my super secret goal time of the season ( under good conditions…I know!!). All in all it was a great opener to the season!<br /><br />I will definitely be thinking of the team on the 4th….I hope everyone has a great day at GWN!!</div></div>Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5286931743747146728.post-31088865062748766432010-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:002010-05-13T13:14:37.224-07:00Sometimes the long run makes it all better...Last week I felt I had the worst training week ever ( little did I know the stomach flu was around the corner and worse was yet to come...). Monday's swim was slow, I was mentally and physically exhausted at Tuesday night's ride after an interval run earlier in the day. I actually quit working on the last interval...I don't think I have ever done that!! Wednesday's swim was slow and I felt so tired on Thursday that I totally skipped my workout and went to bed. Friday was a new day. I went to the pool and silently thanked my coach that it was a swim workout that wasn't on the clock. The swim was fine, nothing spectacular. After my swim I went out for a 90 min long run. It was my first long run outside in a while. I had some issues with my feet so I had slogged out my last few long runs on the treadmill. The run was amazing. It felt easy from start to finish and the route itself was healing. I ran my regular route, which involves heading north on my gravel road. Along my path I was witness to all the awesome signs of spring. Ducks, geese and red winged blackbirds were all around. New calves in the pastures, and even a herd of deer watched me warily as I strode by. I was listening to my ipod on shuffle (ALL my songs) and felt almost giddy at hearing a couple of really old faves ( I HAD to repeat Calling Baton Rouge by Garth...). I ran farther than I had since the half marathon training in the fall and it felt good to know this was the farthest I had ran this year. I finished this run feeling rejuvenated and revived. This one long run seemed to wipe clean the slate and remind me why I train. And the week, although almost over, would continue to get better.<br />On the weekend I was off to Sylvan Lake for a coaching course where my own coach reminded me that it was okay to be tired and take a day off (guilt gone!!) and we had a couple great workouts while we were there, including a great indoor ride with the group and outdoor run down by the lake with Angie and Sarah. <br />I went to bed Sunday night vowing to take better care of myself so a week (well, half of a week) like this wouldn't happen again. <br />And in the end, it all was made to seem really small when an email came to me from my coach reporting on our injured teammate who was hospitalized after a horrible bike crash. He is happy to spin free on a recumbent bike and kick on his back in the pool... It makes me a whole lot more grateful for those "crappy workouts"...Sharon Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00123073969551936702noreply@blogger.com0