Gasparilla Ultra Challenge 2016

I think this is how the conversation went...

Tammy: "Hey, you know what sounds like fun? A little 5K at the Gasparilla races in Tampa.
Kayla: "We should just go ahead and do the 8K, 15K, and half marathon, too...haha!"
Tammy: "Okay."

And that is how this crazy idea of 4 races in one weekend with 5 ladies got started. But by golly, we had a lot of fun.

Pinappleman Triathlon

Pinappleman Triathlon is one of my favorite races and of course, how could I miss it this year? But with my focus on 2 70.3 races and a full IronMan races this year, I was in a completely different training mode. But heck, I knew I was putting in the work, so worth still racing and having a good time.

Of course, racing with my best training partner always makes the day better. Tammy and I setting up transition for the day and rocking our new tri kits. #badassisbeautiful

They switched up the swim course this year and I swear it got longer...if it didn't I got way slower. I felt like I was swimming strong in the water but seeing my time was frustrating and confusing at the same time. So what do you do when you aren't performing well? Push harder. And that is what I did. On to the bike I was determined to make some moves and make up the time that I felt that I was behind, so I hammered out as hard as I could. I managed to have my best course ride by almost 5 minutes that day, which I was stoked about. But, it was an extremely hot day, so by the time I got to the run, I might have overdone it. The run is one of the best because it goes through a neighborhood and everyone comes out to cheer on the racers. Even with the heat and pushing hard on the bike, I managed to pull through a solid run for a good finish. I was actually 4 minutes slower than last year...I've learned this year that training for an IronMan and for a sprint are two very different things. In fact, I might have been slower, but I was way less tired than years past due to some of the longer workouts I've done. Maybe next year I will focus on sprints and getting some big PRs!

Post race celebrations!

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.

A year to celebrate...

...leads to a year to work harder.

Over the last year, I found my inner athlete and took my running to another level, I discovered my drive to get faster, I found more inspiration and dedication to working out, and I finished 8 races including 4 triathlons and a tough mudder. I really couldn't have asked for a better race year.

2013 Race Results and Division Place:
(11/28/2012) The Annual Swenson 10K Super Run World Cup 56:41 (3)
(11/02/2013) Tough Mudder (12 Miles w/Obstacles)
(10/27/2013) Cooter Triathlon (.25/12/3.1) 1:39:55 (4/4)
(06/02/2013) Pinappleman Triathlon (.34/15.4/3.34) (1:56:18) (20/26)
(05/05/2013) Rocketman Triathlon (.25/34/3.1) 3:35:33 (27/35)
(04/11/2013) IOA Corporate 5K Finished
(04/14/2013) Cocoa Beach Triathlon (.25/12.5/3.1) 1:38:31 (8/10)
(01/13/2013) Color Run 5K Finished

Pinappleman Triathlon

Pinappleman was the triathlon that I was signed up for last year and didn't actually compete in it. So what better way to redeem myself, than get out there and finish it this year.

Tammy and I heading out to the start of the swim.  Team Extremeist gear and all.

First swim without the wetsuit (so real possibility of drowning) and it went pretty good.  This was a slightly further distance swim than the previous two races.

I have not mastered looking cool on the bike...but out there doing it.

All smiles on the run again.  I think I really love this part of the race.  Or maybe it is the fact that I am near the finish by this point. ?

Finish line celebration (it was raining...and on this hot day, the rain was welcomed).

Another finish line photo.

Team Extremeist post race photo with Tammy and Dave.

Rocketman Triathlon

Rocketman Triathlon was suppose to be my first tri, but since I got a practice run in with the Cocoa Beach Tri, I was feeling really ready for this one.  And this one was going to be a family event.  When I was back home in late 2013, registration opened for the first ever triathlon that would have you biking through Kennedy Space Center.  I figured this might be the only chance this would actually be allowed, so jumped on the opportunity. Both my Mom and Dad did as well.

The day before the race, the three of us headed over to Titusville to check out the course, pick up our packets, drop off the bikes, and get marked for the following morning. And while we were there...might as well take a dip in the water.  Since the previous race, I hadn't had any more open water time, so this would be a good way to get out the pre-swim jitters.  Surprisingly, I did fine. Didn't panic and felt really comfortable out there. I'm sure it helped having my experience tri dad there (I'm pretty sure he wouldn't let me drown...pretty sure) and the fact that there weren't 100 other triathletes competing to be out front.  But still, a successful swim helped calm my nerves and get my head right.

Even though my nerves were calmed the night before, I still woke up feeling anxious for the race (I don't actually think that feeling will ever go away).  Quick change, double bag check, triple bag check, chug morning smoothies...and we were off to the race.

Swim was great!  I really felt like I killed it and was all smiles coming out of the water.

What a cool bike ride. The course took us 38 miles (that is what I calculated) across the beautiful water and on and around Kennedy Space Center.  

The run was very hot that day (despite the photos, there was actually very little shade), but how could you not be happy after surviving the swim and bike.

Finish line!

Triathlete!

Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote about trying a tri; not getting though the swim, struggling with the bike and then not living up to actually doing a triathlon later in the year.  Fast forward one year, I now get to write about actually finishing a tri!

In September, I signed up for a triathlon at the beginning of May.  That would give me plenty of time to get through my Marathon, take a quick break (which ended up being almost a full 4 weeks off...and it was nice), and change gears to biking and swimming; with maybe a little running along the way.  So mid January hits and I get back in training mode.  I got lucky that early in my training I met another triathlete (and a super successful one at that) at the pool who introduced me to some improved stroke techniques, a near-by (and pretty car-less) 11 mile bike loop and some other triathletes working towards a half iron-man a little later in the year.  That is just what I needed; some pros at this sport that were nice enough to teach me the tricks of the trade and keep me accountable for time in the water and on the road.  And thanks to them, I finally over came my fear of biking.  There had been few and far between rides after the "accident" that happened in September of 2011.

With some solid training behind me, I was getting anxious for the big day.  Literally couldn't wait and decided to do a race before the "first" race.  Cocoa Beach Triathlon was the chosen winner!

Pre-race prep photo.  I honestly had no idea what I was doing.  Just tried to copy everyone around me, keep the nerves low, and the excitement high. Luckily I had my very own cheerleader with me that morning.  Josh did a good job keeping from looking inexperience and crazy; all while pumping me up.

Check me out center of photo with the pink cap.  Fake smile much?  I was definitely getting very nervous at this point.  Ready to hit the water.

As I entered the water, reality set in.  I was swimming in open water for the first time.  I was swimming with other competitors for the first time (nothing like taking a foot to the face for the first time). And I was swimming in a wetsuit for the first time.  Yes, I panicked.   I got out there and immediately didn't know how to swim or breathe.  It was actually very scary.  Even though I knew that I would not sink in a wetsuit, something told me I was going to die.  When I heard the whistle for the next wave, I tried to get myself together.  All of a sudden, the next whistle went off.  Who knows where my head was...but it wasn't there.  I did some doggy paddling, some breast stroking, some frog kicking and a bunch of other things to move in the water that were not free style swimming; like I practiced.  Finally to the end and feeling defeated, I exited the water.  Actually the yellow caps started 2 waves after me...leaving Josh a little concerned how many people got out and I didn't.

As I entered transition, defeated and upset, I decided to do what any 3 year old would do.  Throw a tantrum and whine.  Yup sat there for nearly 5 minutes saying things like: "This is stupid," "Why would I even want to do a tri," "I almost died," "ERRR." But I'm here and I ain't quitting.  So on to the bike I went.

Something happened on the bike.  Something really good.

I found myself realizing why I wanted to do a triathlon.  Not to win the race, but to win for myself.  Finally being able to say I can swim; finally being able to say I got back on the bike; and finally being able to say "I am a triathlete!"

It was nice to get my head right...and at that moment all was good in the world and I was happy to be there.

The Run!  I love the run.  I'm not fast, but I run it. It was a great day for a run and I couldn't be happier at that point.  As I turned the corner and saw the finish line, I had to restrain myself from crying.  I sprinted forward and finished with all I had.

Finished!  I AM A TRIATHLETE.

Color Run Fun

Nothing better to get back in training mode than to do a fun run after a not so great marathon.

On your mark, get set, run with the unicorn!

A little color fun!

Lots of fun.  But if you ever run this race...know it is not a easy as they say to get the color off of you.

Trying a Tri

This past weekend, I attempted my first trial run of a triathlon.  That's right...I tried a tri.  And what an awesome try (or tri) it was! 

It is no secret that I didn't grow up around water and well, my swimming is less than good.  I decided to take swimming lessons about 4 weeks ago and they have been great help getting me to where I am...but I still have a long way to go.  I am still building my cardio in the water.  It is a very different kind of cardio verse the bike or the run.  And swimming in the ocean is very different than swimming in the pool.  So when I got out there Saturday morning...I panicked.  Thanks to Josh and Suomi I didn't drown but I definitely had to turn back only about 50-75 meters out.  Although I didn't make it the 800 meter distance, I still feel like it was a triumph.  I may have turned back, but I didn't get out of the water.  I ended up doing laps in the area I felt comfortable in.  Out of the water and on to the bike...

Another non-secret is the fact that I have not taken the bike onto a road with cars since my accident in September.  My knee still doesn't seem to be fully healed and neither is my brain.  All the boys took off far ahead of me.  I just didn't want the pressure of trying to keep up while I was trying not to freak out any worse than I did in the water.  But when I finally made it out there to the main road, it felt good and my spirits began to raise.  I only went out for a slow 11 mile ride, but I think it was exactly what I needed to feel good back on the bike.  And then there was running...

By the time we all got back to the meeting point, it was already at least 85 degrees and super sunny.  But the run was only 3.4 miles. I averaged 8:30 minute miles even with the heat.  So after a small workout in the water, 11 miles on the bike and on to a run - that isn't too bad for me.  With some work, I definitely would like to make the swim, speed up the bike and cut the run down till about 8 minute miles.  Can't wait for the real deal in June.

Below is our little "trying a tri" group.  The 9 year pictured totally kicked my butt!

Scope It Out 5K

I am up in Washington DC this week and ran a 5K race this morning.  The weather went from the mid 80's and sunny on Friday to in the 50's and rainy this morning.  Not the best of weather but that was part of the fun.

Melanie and I did a warm up run from the hotel to the starting line at around 8:10 this morning. After a small detour and about 3.5 miles we found our way to freedom plaza and the start of the 5K Scope it Out Race.  We got there just in time to stretch, use the restroom, walk to the front of the starting line...and then we were off.  We were very lucky that we were able to easily make our way to the front, so there was no fighting for road space once the race started. My intentions were to hold pace with Melanie for the first mile, but I quickly lost site of her after about .1 miles in.  None the less, I had a great first mile, clocking it at 7:42. I think this might be my fastest mile since I started back up running.  Second mile was 7:56 and third was 8:05 with a strong finish of 24:50.  A new PR for me by 1:03.  I love 5K's!!

Reindeer Run 5K

To be honest, the last thing I wanted to do yesterday morning at 6 am was get up and go running - but I did.  The starting line was just around 2 miles for the house, so I did a nice jog over there.  The weather was perfect, over cast and in the low 70's. I've only done one other recent 5K and I wanted to beat that time and create a new PR. Since I've been doing longer distances and consistent training (first ever half marathon is less than a month a way), I decided to go all out.

The start was, as always, hard swerving in and out of people but I settled into a nice groove at a pace that was way faster than I expected.  I finished the first mile at 8:17 and kept going at that pace.  I was even able to sustain a similar pace doing the second mile in 8:26.  At mile two I could tell that I slowed a bit but it wasn't getting me down because frankly I had already finished the first two miles more than a minute faster than expected.  The third mile, a little slower, but still good by me; 8:26.  Sprinted for a strong finish with :48 on the .1 mile (7:02 pace - would really like to eventually run that pace for the entire 5K). Had a final time of 25:49 and finished in the top 25% of the people there.  Good by me and working towards getting a lower and lower PR.