IronMan!

Excited to announce that I am officially registered for my first FULL IronMan! 2015 is going to be an EPIC year. 70.3 New Orleans, 70.3 Augusta, and 140.6 Florida. Who is ready to train? (Josh, my Dad, and my Uncle better be...they all registered for the race ready combo too!)

I've Finally Arrived!

If you've been following me on twitter, you know that I have been working extra hard (biked 1305 miles, ran 765 miles, swam 82,700 meter , and lifted weights for over 23 hours in 6.5 months to be exact) on the #Road to Augusta and well, I've finally arrived!

After dealing with some challenges leading up to the race, I was nothing less than excited the entire week before hand. By Monday that week, I was already packing and preparing and couldn't shut up about Augusta. I know social media loved the way I flooded the pages with everything Augusta related.

Although I was extremely excited I knew that I was also very anxious, so I decided to make a mini road trip of heading to Augusta to help break things up. Thursday, we headed out early from work for a pit stop in Jacksonville and then a late night check-in into Savannah. This put us just two hours away on Friday morning to Augusta. After a leisure morning, brunch on the riverwalk, and some site seeing, everything hit. Literally in the middle of a store while shopping, I looked at Josh and told him "we needed to go". Not sure why, but I had the sudden urge to get to Augusta and be there right then. Lucky for me, he knows I am a little narcotic when it comes to races, so he obliged and we were on our way.

We arrived to Augusta just as my parents were also arriving. Perfect timing...or great instincts to leave Savannah as quickly as we did. Back in December, I got a tip from my friend Dave about hotel location and we were able to score a room that was walking distance to the expo, the swim start, and the finish line (score!). So as soon as we arrived, we headed to the expo for packet pick up to avoid the Saturday morning/afternoon rush (not that I knew there would be a rush, but my IM experienced father expected one and well, I just trust his judgement). Registration was a breeze, literally no line at all.  The moment we walked in, my heart sank...in a good way. It finally felt real. Just two years ago I couldn't even swim, just 16 months ago I did my first triathlon, and just three years ago I couldn't even imagine being in good enough shape to do any one sport of a 70.3 by itself. But here I was and I was so ready for the experience.

IM photo at the expo with my mom. She somehow was super calm this day and but was also super excited to be competing in her first 70.3. In fact, it was my dad's first IM 70.3. Yes, he has done like 12 IMs, a double iron distance, and 3 half iron distances; but never and IM 70.3. So it was a cool family moment.

More pictures. I mean honestly can you have enough?

My dad on the left and Dave on the right. Throughout the process and training for Augusta, both these guys have been super helpful and encouraging. My dad has given endless training advise and wisdom and Dave has kept me accountable for long weekend rides and making me push harder and faster. It was great for the two of them to meet.

Back to being a little narcotic about racing; turns out my father is the same (must be genetic) and neither of us like to do things last minute. Which means we usually show up early than necessary or the second transition opens. As you can see, we were at transition so early on Saturday to rack out bikes, the place was nearly empty. But with our bikes in place, the only things I needed to do was breathe, eat, breathe, stay calm (I hear breathing helps with this), breathe, and rest. Oh, and breathe some more.

And then there was time for more photos. Here is me, mom, and dad; all ready for the day ahead of us.  After racking our bikes, I ran through both T1 and T2 to mentally prepare what I needed to do the next day. Following this we walked back to the hotel and then had dinner. The afternoon seemed to fly by but my restlessness that evening definitely slowed the evening down a bunch.

Just like that, race morning was here. The weather that day was great perfect. Low 70s in the morning and mid 80s mid-day with great cloud coverage. However, the water was only 68, so it was definitely a wetsuit kind of day. My mom and dad started the race at 7:48a and 8:00a, respectively; yet, I wasn't starting till 9:00a, so they were suited up and ready to go before me. Snapped a great photo (I had only cried once before this photo), wished them luck, and then I was stuck thinking about the race for the next hour.





It is funny that no matter how many times I swim or prove I can go the distance, I still freak out a bunch before entering the water. This day was no different. As I got in line and with the group of girls in my wave, the tears just started streaming down my face. Josh tried to comfort me as much as possible but I think that is just my way of dealing with all the anxiety and excitement. As we approached the dock my heart sank...in a bad way. Then everyone just jumped in the water and started swimming. I panicked and thought I missed the gun. Nope, just I missed that the start line was not the dock, it was some imaginary line about 25 yards out.  Not wanting to be left behind, I jumped in. Something about just getting in the water changed me completely. I stopped crying and the anxiety disappeared. I was in race mode!

I had heard that the race had a strong current, but to be honest I couldn't see the water moving so I assumed I would finish the swim in about an hour.  Once I was actually moving along, I felt great and all the nerves just became excitement. I focused on smooth strokes and not time. Although I underestimated the power of the current and finished in 38:16, I think there is a ton of room for improvement.  Although a way better time than I expected; the slow, smooth strokes were more like an easy swim day not a race swim day and I know that I could have pushed a little harder. None the less, you learn something new at every new race...so next year beware.

 

With a swim time like that, I was pumped and ready for the bike. I don't have another race of this distance to compare T1 to, it felt like I hustled though and clocked in at 6:08 and headed for the 56 mile ride.  I didn't use the new bike since I didn't get a chance to use it before hand, but the Trek had just come from the shop and was ready to roll. 

Never in a bad mood while racing and finally saw the camera on this course to capture a rocking, happy photo. Just after this photo, I had some complications with the bike. Given the time I had to take off before the race, I didn't get a chance to ride the bike before the race and after I got it from the shop. Turns out it wasn't really fixed. I might have had to stop twice to try and look at it myself, twice to talk to a tech, and twice to replace the chain. True story. But that is neither here nor there (and it gives me a huge opportunity to PR the bike course next year). What matters is that no matter how many times I stopped or had issues, nothing could get me down that day. I was there to have a good time and a good time is what was had. Even when I found myself getting frustrated that I could only use two gears to make it up the hills, I was reminded that hard work and good health conquer races like these. And even if I was the last one off the bike, I still had the run and the right attitude to make time up.  It was a very slow 4:01:37 and way slower than I would have predicted. T2 was 5:34 and I took a potty break, so faster than the first go around.

The run is always my favorite part and if this photo doesn't show how much I like this part and how much I enjoyed the race as a whole, I don't know what else would.

My favorite spectator, Josh, snapped a bunch of photos as I did the run. Augusta has such a spectator friendly course that I was able to see him like five or six times in the thirteen miles. I was also able to see others that came to cheer me on (and my dad who killed the race and finished before I even started the run...did I mention he also showered and changed clothes? He is fast!).  It was an awesome reminder how great the athletes and spectators are and I hope they know how much I appreciate their support (thank you Josh, Anetta, and Alex for cheering me on)! And thank you for everyone cheering me on from home ('Coach Tammy, Heather, Melanie, Kristen and everyone I missed). It was too cool to get done with the race and see that my facebook and twitter feeds were loaded with messages of support, pictures of my progress, and endless comments.  Now back to the run...again, a little (okay maybe a lot) slower than I expected. My legs were shot from powering up the hills on limited gears, so although I ran the whole thing (with the exception of aid stations), I ran slow.  I guess, that just gave me more time to enjoy the best part. I talked with so many athletes out there and was so impressed with the positive spirit that they brought and the encouragement they gave. My total run time was 2:32:46.

What a great first 70.3 race. I officially crossed the finish line at 7:24:21. I wish I got a better finisher photo, but at about an quarter mile to the finish I passed my husband, mom, and dad all cheering me on and I just balled like a baby. Not little tears. Like the 'ugly cry that is uncontrollable that you aren't suppose to do in public' cry. I guess my first instincts were to hide my face. None the less the crying wasn't because of my 30 minutes slower than anticipated time, it was out of pure joy and amazement.

I won, I won (in Ralph Wiggum voice).  Finished my first 70.3 and looked good doing it. What more could a girl ask for? A 140.6? Details to come...

Set backs or new challenges?

It is true, I spent the past 4 weeks having a one person pity party. I was so frustrated to find out that I had a small medical issue that required immediate attention and would take me out of any workouts five weeks before my big debut of a 70.3 race. And that is the entirety of the five weeks. Eeek.

I think I cried for two of those weeks (I know I cry a lot...I always say that on an emotional scale of 1-10, if I am not in between 3 and 7, I will cry; happy and sad), not because I needed two back to back out patient surgeries, not because I possibly had something wrong with me, not because I hate going to the doctors, but because I was upset about the race. I have never worked so hard, ran/biked/swam so far, or been so invested in making my personal best happen that day. So yes, it sucks...it still sucks but hey, what am I to do?  The pity party has come to an end and I realized this isn't a set back, it is just another challenge on the 'Road to Augusta.' Good and bad days happen, that is inevitable; it is the triumph or failure that comes from those days that define the athlete you are meant to be. And heck, this is my first 70.3, so no matter what, I will PR.

So instead of thinking about this as a set back, I will focus on triumphing this challenge and kicking butt this upcoming weekend. Just 6 days till the big day!

Follow me on twitter for all the fun posts, awesome people I meet, and up to date photos from my journey this weekend: KaylaMManning

New Bike!

I am so excited that Josh stumbled upon a brand new bike (okay barely used) at a killer deal for me. After taking it for a quick test ride, I couldn't resist. I had to have it. It might not be the Cervelo P5 that I would love to have, but it is definitely an upgrade and I am so excited to start riding it.  And don't worry, I got a new helmet, new water bottles, and new gear to match. Got to look good on the road!

Training Day

With my first half ironman just over 3 months away, I wanted to get in a few back to back triathlons to fully go through the motions of quickly transitioning. Somehow I ended up with 3 triathlons in the month of June. Sounds like fun, right? I thought so until I got to the third one.  The night before I headed to the coast to grab dinner with a few friends and crash on their couch before the Indiatlantic Boardwalk Triathlon. I showed up with my bike, my gear, and a 'meh' attitude. I was really just not feeling like racing. After talking it over with them that night, I decided to take the pressure off of myself and go into this a merely a training day. Simply show up, be a good sport, and have a good time. Time didn't matter otherwise.

Woke up in the best of moods and was excited to get an ocean swim in that morning. Believe it or not, this would be the first time I did an ocean swim (of course, I couldn't stop thinking about sharks). Got transition set up in flash, met some new friends, saw some old ones, and just calmly waited for my wave. And like that, I was up. This might have the one and only time I didn't tear up before a race.  It was nice to be out there as a training day instead of focusing on a PR.  Did a few jumping jacks to get the blood pumping and I was off.

No rush in the water, so I let the really fast girls jump ahead, took my time, and then jumped in with enthusiasm.  As I rounded the first corner, things could not have been going any better. I felt strong with my stroke, calm and collected, and focused on a nice smooth swim. Before I knew it, I was already turning the second buoy and heading back to shore. Finished the last little bit of the swim and popped out of the water. I thought my watch was wrong, because I just killed that swim. Heck, I could PR this race...and yup, all of a sudden, I was racing.

On to the bike I went. I was on a runner's high on the bike (is there a such thing as a triathlete's high? It just doesn't sound right), climbing the bridges with fiery, cruising the straight-aways and talking to every person I rode with.  I love having those moments that remind me why I love this sport. Why I choose to get up before the sun on the weekends to workout. Why I spend more money that I care to admit on racing gear (so I can obviously look good doing it). And why I continue to push myself to be better and do better.

On to the run. I had a great pace going and knew that I was on my way to a PR. That made the run that much more fun. I tried to channel my Pinappleman run. Run hard, run fast, run fun.

I crossed the finish line at 1:29:55. Which not only was a PR, but was the first time I've ever broken the 1:30 mark. And not to mention a nearly 10 minute PR from a race the year before that had 3 less miles.  I could not have been more ecstatic to see that in a year, I went 3 miles further in 10 less minutes. This will be one of those races that I remember for a long time.

And that is what I think makes the idea of Competers and Completers so powerful. It is all about what you can do, how you treat other competitors, and with what kind of attitude you cross the finish line.

The Heart in Heartland

Last December, after completing only my first sprint triathlons, I (pretty much over night) decided to complete at half ironman in the 2014 season. With the race fast approaching and my uncertainty in the water, even after many Lucky's Lake crossings, I still wanted to test my swimming skills in a race longer than a sprint. And that is where the Heartland Olympic race comes in.

Nothing new, as I approach transition, the nerves set in and I realized that I would actually have to not drown in the water and then somehow ride 40K and run 10K following the potential drowning situation. The morning was filled with nerves, doubt, and of course tears.

First shot of the lake. Looks calm, so that is good, but 1.5K is a really, really, might I add really far way to swim. Trying to fake not being nervous, but it wasn't much after this that my tears began to fill a bit with tears. The race had both the sprint and olympic distance races that morning. So I tried to focus and warm up as the sprinter's waves each set off into the water. Once it was our turn to line up and wait for the gun, nerves came over me and the tears that filled my eyes finally started to stream down my face. A nice lady came to reassure me that everything would be alright. And I tried to reassure myself, that is what training is for and I got this.  The gun went off and I took a second to let the others go ahead and walked out to the drop off. Finally I jump in. Once I got going (maybe 25 meters out). The nerves disappeared and I was finally getting in a groove. I just focused on swimming; not fast, not hard, just strong and consistent. I never looked at my watch or worried if I was ahead of people, I just swam. Turns out, I can swim! Making it to the end and then popping out of the water to cross the mat and head into T1 was such a good feeling that day and at that moment, I knew this would be one of the most memorable races of my life.

I was seriously so thrilled with completing the swim and coming so far from just two years ago when I took swimming lessons and attempted to get in triathlon mode. And what better way to celebrate than to take take this lovely photo while trying to focus on the bike.  Okay, probably not the safest thing I've ever done, but you have to live every once in awhile!  The bike and run were great. Not my fastest but still my best effort for the day and with a smile on my face the entire time. The run portion of this race is both interesting and fun in itself. It is a 5 star loop, so lots of spectators and opportunities to talk with the other athletes, cheer each other on, and meet some new racing friends. I gave it my all that day and I think that is what puts the heart in Heartland. For my first OLY, it was one for the books and obviously now my current PR. It was a great distance and lots of fun, so I am certain I will be back next year to see what more I can do. 

I Aced the A Race

I have two "A" races this year.  Augusta 70.3, because all this training is part of my "Road to Augusta 70.3" and my first half ironman. And Pinappleman.  Pinappleman Triathlon is the only race this year that I've done before and since sprints vary so greatly, this would be the only race this season that I could directly compare to last year to judge improvement (this goes back to competing with myself).

This year, as both my parents are also training for Augusta, they decided to also register for this triathlon.  It is so cool do these kinds of events with them.  They are beasts!  Prior to the race, we were able to capture this great photo of the three of us.

And your standard pre-race, dorky smile, hiding nerves photo that I always take.

I did better in the water than I expected.  Compared to the race the previous year, I had improved by over 4 minutes in the water.  As I ran to the transition area, I was all smiles and very excited to see this accomplishment in action.  And of course, that dang beard is back!

Bike time.  Check out those fancy clip-less shoes.  I just put these on my bike days before and only had 2 opportunities to try them out prior to the race.  Regardless of that, I clipped in with ease and was off on the bike.  I knew the course was nearly flat, but expected there to be a lot of wind.

 Just as I got going on the bike, a mini-storm came through.  The winds picked up, the rain poured down, and the fun of riding through puddles and playing in the rain began. (You can't see it in this picture but I promise you...it was storming.)

Although we had a mini-storm on the bike, the sky cleared up and the sun came out for the run.  So not to disappoint, it was incredible hot for the run.  I told myself..."run till it hurts, then run through the hurt till you finish, or till you pass out."  And that is what I did.  I ran...and it hurt.  I didn't even have any push left for me to give a little gusto cross the finish line but it felt nice to definitely be cruising along faster than the previous year.

Look at that intensity...or is that the look of, "I might kill over and die."  Either way, a finish for the records.  I had accomplished over a 15 minute PR from previous year.  No matter where I finished in my age group, I couldn't help but celebrate that as a win.  The biggest win was in the swim...no the bike...no run.  Okay, lets be honest, for someone that shows up to 'Complete' races, I sure did an awesome job 'Competing' against myself in this race.






Pineappleman is the race I signed up for in 2012 and didn't have the water confidence to even start, then in 2013 it was my third race of the season and this year, I finally had the confidence up and the training consistent.  I took 4:01 off my swim, :23 off T1, 3:38 off my bike, and 7:18 off my run.  Aced that race!

The Triathlon of Horrible Photos

Not everyone can be "ridiculously photogenic guy," but lots of people are taking great tri photos.  At the Tomoka Triathlon this year, that wasn't the case for me. In fact, these photos were so bad, they were hilarious.  And when something is that hilarious, you just cannot not share.  Enjoy and be reminded, life is too short not to laugh at yourself every once in awhile.

I was really excited for this race as I knew I was ready to redeem my water time from the previous race. So bright and early we drove to Ormond Beach.  Josh was gracious enough to join me, listen to my freak outs (I had more than one this race), cheer me on, and snap chat all my friends each leg of the race before any of them were even out of bed that morning.  And this is where the laughter begins...

Have you ever seen a more graceful, pretty, water exit?  Probably.  This is just horrible.  I look like a drunk guy with a five o'clock shadow that wanted to wear very bright lipstick (I swear I didn't have lipstick on).  Some may call it the "Josh" look (sans the lipstick). And even though you can't tell, I am very pleased here with my efforts in the water and ready to knock out the causeway crossings for both the bike and the run.

Why do I never see the camera?  I could at least smile if I did.  Instead, I look miserable. I look like I hate this sport, and I look like I am ready to be done.  Again, you can't tell, but I rocked my way through that transition and hopped on my bike proudly, ready again to have "strong mind, strong legs."  The causeway crossings were tough, but I made it up and finished the bike stronger than any race previous to this one.

See I was happy...yeah, a decent photo...but, what's that?

At closer look, I hadn't known I had a beard.  So yes, I was gabbing on the bike course with many people all while my drunken 5 o'clock shadow still existed on my face.  Why don't people tell you these things? But yes, you can tell that at least I am having fun.  A reminder of why I do this.  And I love the run.  It is my favorite part.

Some point during the run, I wiped sweat from my face and managed to finish the race without my beard. Happy with my overall effort and time.  Tomoka Sprint Triathlon will be a definite race for next year.

Ice Blocks

The start of the race, Ocala Hits Triathlon, was delayed to wait for the sun to rise; not sure if they wanted the sun for the light it would provide or for the potential heat it would provide.  Waiting on the shore that morning, the air was 52 degrees and the water was 64, I noted that doing a triathlon in March may be too early in the season...even in Florida.  This was the first race of the season and the kick off for my official "Road to Augusta 70.3."  I was, as usual, nervous.  Super nervous in fact.  I always doubt myself when it comes to the swim. And even with a few open water swims for the season (at Lucky's Lake), I was still nervous about the 750 meter swim.  Most sprints are only 400 meters.

Pre-race nerves setting in. Trying not to freeze, cry, or quit.

Coach Tammy giving me a prep talk.  Still dying inside here.

And we are off!  Yes, I am one of the people still running at that point.  I am always confused to when the right time to start swimming is, when the water is barely waist deep.  But eventually I had to start swimming.  And that I did.  When it comes to open water, I am hesitant to just "swim." I know that sounds strange, but I constantly check my watch, stop to breath "extra," and worry about people around me.  So my goal was to worry little about time and focus on only looking up to site.  I did stop a few times, but my swim felt good...

But when I saw my time, I was mad...I was really mad.  This is me stomping and pouting my way out of the water cause I was 3 minutes slower than what I wanted.  For a brief moment, I was questioning why I even wanted to do a tri. I spend several hours a week in the gym, I give up some social time, I give up sleep, I give up my weekends...for what?  To get up at 4am on a Saturday, drive to another city, freeze my booty off, stand among people thought to be crazy by their friends, and swim a crappy time after all that hard work...EEERRRRRR.

But, I would at least finish.  Let's be honest, the race shirt was pretty cool; and you can't wear it unless you finish.  So get it together; run through transition, strip the wet suit, grab the helmet, and hop on the bike is exactly what I did. I wasn't much happier on the bike for the first mile or two.  I was wet and cold and pissed...really pissed.  But then, that anger turned into something glorious, strength.  I reminded myself, that just because my swim was weak, didn't mean that my bike or run had to be weak; strong mind = strong legs.  I repeated that mantra in my head over and over and over.  All of a sudden, I was having fun again.  Hauling butt out there and taking names.  Before I knew it, I was back at transition and ready to rock the run.

The combination of wet feet and then the cool breeze created on the bike, made for an interesting run.  I hadn't noticed on the bike, but once I hopped off, I realized my feet were ice blocks. And every s-i-n-g-l-e step HURT.  Or maybe it burned.  Either way, I didn't like it.  But since my attitude had changed so dramatically, I didn't care.  I just thought, "the faster I run, the faster my feet thaw." So I went hard and fast and tried to make up those 3 minutes from the water.

Doing work and pushing hard AKA huffing and puffing my way to the finish line.

What could have easily halted my training for triathlons turned into an amazing race with great lessons and hunger for more.  I say all the time that there are completors and competors that show up to these races. I've always considered myself to be the completor.  There for the race, but more importantly the experience.  But this race help me to realize that even though I am not winning these things, I am winning against myself (I know corny...but true). And every time I wake up earlier, go further, push harder; I get stronger both mentally and phsically.  That is winning in my book.



And by some strange happening, I place that day too.  I took second place in my age group. Tammy totally rocked in the OLY taking second in her age group as well.  Here is us celebrating the win for the day and the kick off to an amazing season ahead and the Road to Augusta 70.3.

Not so Savage

This was the calm before the storm.  Literally, a super crazy storm. We took our pre-race photo and lined up to start the race.  It began to sprinkle and a mile in, the sky just opened up.  It down poured like crazy, followed by thunder and lightning.  The closed the obstacles, closed the course, and we could finish.  Luckily they were willing to accommodate us with free race entries to the October race...so we will be back to dominate.

I forgot the best part...

They crowned us and gave us booze.
That's the perfect end to an awesome race!
Excalibur 10 Miler

Run, Fun, and Finish

What could be more fun than waking up at 4am on Sunday morning to go run 10 miles?  How about waking up at 4am to run 10 miles with a theme!  That's right, the Excalibur 10 miler was in full renaissance mode last Sunday morning.  And I was in full running mode.  This was actually my first 10 miler race, so my expectations were low.  Just finish, have fun, and run.  Well, and if I broke 1 hour 30 minutes...that wouldn't be a bad thing either.

Starting the day with Tammy and a few new friends.

Great start to the morning.  First 3 miles flew by.  I was in my running/music zone and didn't notice how fast they flew by.

 I might have been having too much fun out there.  I ruined this poor ladies picture.  But yeah, I kinda love races like this.

Speaking of having fun.  Tammy was having more fun than anyone.  She was taking photos, facebooking, and meeting new friends.  She always makes this look way too easy.  But she kept me motivated to keep a solid pace.  We scored this sweet goofball photo along the way.

Somewhere around mile 7 and I was still having a good time, jamming to my music, dancing, and of course smiling.  This was probably around the time that I realized I could actually run a sub 1:30. Maybe all the effort, time, and of course intervals were paying off.

With a strong sprint, I managed to finish 1:28:51.  8/83 for my age group.  Definitely can't complain about that.

Lucky's Lake

So maybe I can swim...in a pool.  But open water is a different story.  I pretend to not being dying inside...but I usually am.  Simply at the fear of really dying.  I've been avoiding Lucky's Lake for some time now, but with Augusta just 7 months away...it was time to sink or swim.  I mean swim, definitely swim.

It was a cold morning and the water was just about 64 degrees.  So not only did I have to conquer to idea of drowning or being eaten by a gator, I also had to worry about not freezing to death.  This is the look of fear covered with a fake smile.  But heck, there were tons of people and Tammy was there to hold my hand (she literally same the first length right next to me).

And that's what a real smile looks like.  I completed a Lucky Lake's crossing and went back for more ("Coach" Tammy kicked in and decided one crossing wasn't enough).

Signing the wall.  Let's do it again!!