Week Almost Done

Yesterday, I got my fun packages in the mail - was like Christmas! 

• Package #1 - Hammer Nutrition products that I've been getting low on. 
• Package #2 - my new aero helmet for Chisago Half IM and IMWI! 

Yes, I decided to go for it and look like a dork. If the thing will save me a chunk of minutes off my bike time in IMWI (just by wearing the silly looking thing) - then I'm in! I mean I'm already dressed head-to-toe in spandex - it can't get too much worse! Can it?!?! So, the final decision to get the helmet was made when I saw one at Lifetime Fitness Tri last weekend on some girl's bike that was the same fancy one Jim wears (we call it Titleist One, because of the golf ball 'dimples')...but this helmet had a streak of 'pink' on it! I was SO close to accidentally walking off with the thing - that girl has no idea! Ha ha! It obviously was meant to be! So, found a good deal online this week and... Sold! The Pink streaks are installed and look sweet on it! 

I swam yesterday at Lifetime, however, did not know that water aerobics had moved from Wednesdays to Thursdays. Grrr.... So, ended up in the throws of that mess to deal with during my yardage. Then the lanes started to fill up with lap swimmers too. Which is fine, but the guy in my lane - just a pain to manipulate around. I ended up cutting my workout a bit short, just due to the annoyance factor. Then went home and foam rolled, stretched, and iced. What a great routine! This morning was core, bright and early. Didn't go too terribly bad. Oh! My run on Wednesday went OK - got 8 miles in on the bad wheel and didn't feel too bad. I kind of like the little loop that I have going around by my house lately. Let's see if we can do 10 this weekend... Plans for weekend: Long run Saturday (10+??? pending lower appendages), Century ride on Sunday (possibly short brick?)

Ouchy!

Yesterday was spinning, which went well with the usual crew. This morning was core at Jonny's - which was a treat, as always. We got to do some more calf strengthening - a la Jenny's weaknesses.

Then this afternoon, I had my appointment with Dr. Dave. Can we say 'painful'?!?!? Oh man! When those gloves came out for that deep muscle crap that he does in my calf (and now in my TFL, after Graniteman's lovely run on Sunday).... Oh.My.GOD! I seriously was welling up with tears today during his little 'session'. I really just want this crap to subside already!

Tonight, I'm planning on heading out for a run to see how things fly with my lower appendages. Is a toss-up... could go well, could go crappy. Never can tell! But, since the Half IM is a week and a half out - need to get a little bit of milage in on these suckers. Grrr.... wish me luck!

Zipps = 0, Staple = 1

Tonight, I went out for a little ride on Pink Lightning. Am still a bit tired from this weekend's races, but wanted to just go for a light spin and loosen up the legs a bit. Well, about a little over an hour into my ride, I felt like the road got a little more rough - which seemed weird. So I slowed down and checked my wheels. (I kept my Zipp race wheels on from yesterday's race...just for practice and was lazy to change 'em)

 

Wheel in back was flat. Hmmph.... but this is GOOD! Good, you ask? Why would a flat tire be good? Well, I have not yet had a chance to change my new Zipp wheels myself, and this would give me a great opportunity to try it out on a non-race day. And....boy am I glad that I did!

Things that would not have been good to learn on race day when riding my Zipps (either at my next Half IM or the big daddy... IMWI):

1. My valve extender that I bought at Penn (that they said would fit 'perfectly' on 808's) is a bit short. Only sticks out about a 1/4" to 1/2" from the rim. Not ideal.

2. My CO2 cartridge that I had in my flat kit doesn't fit on my CO2 valve-thingy - no tread on the lip.

Ended up, there was a staple lodged in the tire that pierced the tube. Lovely. So, pulled out the staple and got the tire changed. Wasn't too bad. Additionally, I managed to get just enough of the valve extender to protrude from the rim and pushed just hard enough on the CO2 cartridge to pierce it and hold it just long enough to get a slow trickle of air into the tire. I think it only got to maybe about 70-80 psi (by touch)... but I only had about 3 miles to get home. So figured I'd give it a try...or else get a good walk in tonight too.

Needless to say...I think that these two items were very important things to learn on a non-race day and I believe that I will be heading to my local bike shop this week to rebuild my flat kit with the appropriate tools and materials.

Graniteman Race Report

This morning was day #2 of getting up at 4 AM for a race...a little bit harder to do on the second day! I got my gear in the car with 2 thermos mugs of coffee and headed up to St. Cloud (little over an hour drive). I swear I was doing the head nod a bit until that coffee kicked in - was pretty bad!

I raced up there with Cindy, Noelle, and for the second day in a row...Ironman Jim and Ironman Heidi! Maggie came up to cheer on Kevin too - so we had our token cheerleader in the crowd, which was awesome!

So, the swim went out well...we had to swim (literally) around a string of water noodles for 1/3 mile. Is great - cuz sighting is not necessary... just don't run into the noodles! Was 6th out of the water in my wave and was glad that I didn't feel like I was standing still in the water like yesterday's sensation while racing. Whew!

I then took off on the bike course with Pink Lightning. For the first few miles, the legs were feeling a bit lead-like. It definitely felt like this may be a long 15 miles if I didn't get my energy back up (here is where I was thinking the double-header was affecting me most). But, I just kept spinning...

About mile 5, Miss. Noelle came up and passed me. I started thinking that since she is going to pass me on the run...I better give her a little friendly run-for-her-money on the bike and pass her back. (Love you Noelle!) We definitely push each other when we get out on the course - which is great! So, off I went... rest of the ride was pretty uneventful. Was a pretty good head wind on one stretch, but pedaled her in for a 20.4 mph average (5th in age group). (Above 20 mph = good in my book!)

Then to the run. Noelle was racking Moon Goddess, as I was at run out and praying that the leg would be good today (every day is a toss up, I've accepted). I was a bit limpy (at least Mags commented on it afterwards), but kept 'er going. Not quite as peppy as last weekend's run, but averaged 8:46 - which I will take a sub-9 in this condition. I finished the race in 1:22:54, which was roughly about 4 minutes faster than last year's race. PR (my goal)! Finished in 9th place out of 68 in my age group (can you say LARGE field today?!?!)

Noelle swiftly ran past me around the 1.2 mile mark (this seems to be a trend...) and was looking great! I didn't see Cindy on the course, but she pedaled herself in just a little behind me and had a great race too! Was awesome to have these guys on the course today! Great job you two! Heidi and Jim? Well, those speedsters just rocked the course (as usual). Heidi even set a Master's course record, winning her age group. Way to go TCMC'ers!

At the awards/door prizes I won AGAIN! This week it was a $150 towards a sleeveless wetsuit! (Last weekend I won $250 in swim lessons at Minneman). I guess it's my lucky streak! Keep it coming!

On the drive home, there was an accident on 94 (overturned gasoline tanker) that closed down the road in both directions (the road is actually still closed down right now as I blog...8+ hours later). We sat in traffic for 1.5 hours until we could get to the manditory exit ramp. While waiting in traffic, I decided to change in the car (behind the wheel) out of my tri uniform and into clothes (what else was I supposed to do?). Man, I am good!

Once we exited 94, us girls quickly grabbed a bite to eat (starving!) and then headed home. But the traffic out of Monticello / Big Lake was just as bad with all the diverted traffic + a parade in town. So, all-in-all, it took me 4 HOURS to get home from this darn race!!! What a nightmare! Oh well...

Lifetime Corporate Challenge Relay

Today was the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon where Ironman Jim, Ironman Heidi, and I were doing the Corporate Challenge relay (Olympic distance). I swam, Jim biked, and Heidi ran. I got to transition not as early as I usually do...but I didn't have to find a place for my bike either. All I had to tote along today were my goggles, swim cap and wetsuit.

 

The race went well for the team...we are all racing tomorrow at Graniteman - so we weren't pushing things too hard. Just there to have fun. The swim went OK...I'm still peeved that they make the Corporate Challenge relays go in the 3rd wave. 1st & 2nd wave are the Pros. Then it is us... then the Elites go 2 minutes after us! WTF?!?! We basically just get plowed over by those guys.

Well, as predicted... at the first corner buoy - the elites were 'a coming. I literally treaded water for 20-30 seconds to let a majority of them just swim by. It was not worth getting hit, kicked, and banged up with those peeps charging through. The rest of the swim was alright...I felt like I wasn't going very fast and seriously was not going to be surprised if I came out of the water and seen a 35:00 on my watch. Felt that slow! Fortunately, my time wasn't too bad - came out of the water at 28:17 (which is almost exactly the same time as I did last year). Then I had to pretty much run about .2 mile into transition to get to Jim (our spot was the absolute furthest rack in transition!). 

Jim took off and did us proud - averaging 24.1 mph on his 25 mile bike. Then Heidi was up...with her new Zoot shoes (pink!). She rocked too! Average pace 7:33 min/mi for the 10K. Total time: 1:21:58. We placed 8th out of 19 relays (our goal was top 10...there are some fast teams out there!) [Last year's total race time: 2:25:44] I want to say "hi" and thanks to all my friends that made it out to watch and cheer today (Naomi, Heidi, Andrea, Noelle). You guys rock and it is so much fun to hear your name as you are running out of the water and can see some familiar faces in the crowd. :) 

Now, just finished washing up the tri-uniform for tomorrow and getting Pink Lightning all packed up in the car. No specific goals for tomorrow's race, except to have fun (another sprint race - yeah!). Would be nice to PR from last year's time....which if it isn't windy out - I'm guessing shouldn't be too hard to do (as last year was 20+ mph winds). Look for tomorrow's race report for results.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is Jake and my 4 year anniversary! I cannot believe that 4 years ago today I was prepping for the ceremony with all of my closest friends and family! It was a HOT (95 degrees) and windy day out - but went off beautifully! Except for that darn tent that blew over during the ceremony. Ha ha! So, in honor of that day and to spend some quality time with my wonderful husband, I am taking today off from training. What?!?! I know, crazy talk! Tonight, Jake and I are going out to dinner at a new hibachi restaurant that just opened up near our place. We'll see how it is - gotta get in some good carbs for this weekend's races. Yes...I said races - plural. Saturday is the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon corporate challenge (relay) that I'm swimming in and Sunday is Graniteman sprint. Should be a fun weekend.

Just Keep Running...

  

Minneman 2009

Minneman 2008

I had to chuckle a little bit, after checking out the yndecam.com race pictures from Minneman last weekend. I think that this photo (top) could be the exact same as the one taken last year at Minneman, only swap out the tri uniform (bottom). My FINGERS are even in the same positions! Wierd! 

Sunday I met Noelle and some of her P2 friends to ride the Chisago Half IM course. Was a nice and windy day - but was good training. We then headed over to Betty & Verns to chat and have some muchies. (Sounds like Stacy just signed up for Chisago short course...so we'll probably be back to ride the course together prior to that race). 

Yesterday I saw Dr. Dave again for my weekly check up and taping. Things seem to be getting better. Then I had spin class. This morning I did core, and Jonny again tailored the workout to give me personal pain. Today's target area - the calf. Calf raises, lunges, jumps, whatever... So sorry Heidi, Jen & Jim. Then tonight, I decided to go out for a run and see just how much better this leg is getting. (Is hard to tell during races - as I think the adrenaline masks pain pretty well) Verdict...I think I'm on the mend - officially! It took about a mile to get the calf loosened up (had a bit of a small limp going in the first 8-9 minutes), but then it seemed to even out pretty nice. Ran for about an hour and didn't seem to have any issues. (crossing fingers) The one thing that did pain me tonight were these running shorts! (I almost never wear running shorts - always tri shorts or running skirts with built in spandex pants) Memo to self: Do NOT wear running shorts at Ironman - you will chafe and probably start bleeding! Ouch!!! 

Now, find some food and ice calf & foam roller. And since our 52" plasma TV is broken (won't turn on...repairman coming tomorrow) - I'll have plenty of time this evening to do all these wonderful things, since I cannot watch TV except for in bed.

Finally Made Podium!

Last year I jokingly was 'plagued' with getting 4th place in my races. Yesterday, I finally broke that streak and made it into the top three for my age group. Specifically 2nd! (Missed 1st place by 2 seconds....aw! Will still take it!) It was the Minneman sprint tri yesterday up where my husband works the course as it goes through his jurisdiction. Stacy (my sister-in-law) was doing her first tri and Heidi was back in the swing of races and was joining us too! I was SO excited to do a sprint race...as I haven't done one this year yet (all longer distances). And plus it was with these guys - all the better! 

The swim went out great - except it was like an obstacle course on the swim back to shore with all the people in the wave before us to manipulate around. Grrr.... We even had pink swim caps! I ended up 1st in my age group out of the water. Then to the bike... hopped on Pink Lightning and took off on this crazy FLAT course (compared to last weekends hills - this was crazy fun)! Weather and wind were cooperating and I was flying the whole course at well over 20 mph. I passed quite a few guys from the wave ahead of us, and absolutely no one passed me on the bike - which I was pretty proud of. I got to wave at Jake directing traffic at his corner and then took off for the finish of the bike leg. I ended up with a 20.7 mph average and 2nd in my age group on the bike. I'll take that! 

The run I was a little worried about with the calf, but Stacy and I had warmed up prior to the race and it felt decent. So, took 'er out and tried to keep the legs moving. I was about a mile out and watching the people ahead of me coming back on the course and noticed that there weren't too many females, and the ones I saw I knew were not in my age group. Hmmm.... At the turn around I saw Jen M. and Heidi R. right behind me, and figured I'd be seeing them passing me soon. One girl passed me with about .5 mile left and I thought she had a '27' on her calf (not in my age group) - but was wrong. She was the winner of my age group (see pic below). Oh well... I ended up with a 8:24 pace - 4th in my age group for the run.

Final time: 1:15:53 - 2nd place in age group. 20th female overall. Yeah!!! I was so excited when I saw that on my results slip. We got water bottles for awards, which were nice. And I won a door prize for being closest to the race # called for swimming lessons (worth $250). I'm not terribly sure I need these...but we'll see what I do with em. 

 
Now....Stacy did fabulous too! Her first race and she finished in great time! She survived the swim (which she was worried about), did great on the bike (17 mph - I think we have a biker!) and had an excellent run to finish it off with (9:49 min/mi)! Ended up finishing 5th in her Novice division!!! I think we have another triathlete in the family now! Yeah Stacy!!! I am so proud of you!

Heidi did great too for her first race back (after her injury), and was so happy to be back in the races again - I'm hoping she signs up for some more races this year so we can either race together again or I can cheer her on (with a cool sign, right Heidi?).

Jon & Laike (above) - - - TCMC crew (below)

After the race, Jake and I went over to the lake at Sarah's parent's house - as we do every 4th. Relaxed, had a few beverages, watched the boat parade, ate.... At one point, Jake and I went out on the jet ski - I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time!

We took a donut and flipped the thing...both of us went flying off. It took us a bit to re-flip it and then we attempted to get back on it. Jake got on...I'd attempt and the second I shifted my weight - flip! This happened, I swear, 4-5 times!!! I could NOT get on the thing! Oh was hilarious! Then we went and watched the fireworks in Forest Lake, headed home and I was done by midnight - zonked!

Another Week...

Here's a picture of the training group out in Madison prior to our second open water swim.

Yesterday, I had a session with Dr. Dave again and got the calf worked over again. Is starting to get better (I'm telling myself). Then was spinning with Jonny. He was super nice to us that are racing this weekend....allowing us to not strive for wattage, but just spin lightly all evening. Additionally, I did do the 'stairs' sets - but very lightly and slowly. Haven't done those for almost over a month with the calf injury. So that was good.

This morning was core with Jim & Heidi - had lots of fun with that. Tonight, I'm meeting up with Stacy (and Noelle & Leanne) out at the Minneman course to ride it and possibly do an open water swim. Should be a good time - hopefully this drizzly rain will let up for this session.