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!

Okay...so I PR'd.

I've been told from a several people that I should be happy with my new PR at the half marathon, but I'm not.  It isn't the time that is bothering me, cause I can't complain about a 12 minute PR, but my performance was sub-par.

The night before the race, I was pumped but still relaxed so I felt good about what was to come.  I set out my morning nutrition and gathered my running necessities to ensure that I wouldn't leave anything behind, set my alarm for 4:30 am, checked my goals and settled in for the evening. Then...a party broke out next door and it sounded like it was actually taking place in my room.  I am not one to complain, especially on a Saturday night. And considering the neighbor has like 40 years (seriously) on me, I didn't want to be an old lady; so I just sat there, twiddling my thumbs and watched the minutes turn to hours and pass by.  The noise died down around 3:45 am, so I got about 45 minutes of sleep in.  I'm already a cranky person in the morning, but tired and cranky is not a fun side of me. None the less, got dressed and headed south.

Showed up in time to get some good stretching in and some extra fluids before the race.  At 5:30 in the morning it was already 72 degrees, so I knew it was going to be a warm run. Testing the waters a bit, I lined up in the estimated 2 hour finish area and waiting for the start.

And the race was on! Getting started on this race was by far easier than the previous race; people weren't crowded in, they weren't in a rush to get to the front of the line and there was plenty of road space. I quickly identified others that were that were intending a 2 hour finish in order to help with pacing and maybe make a friend if things got tough. I knew that I would slow down a bit after the the half way point, so my goal was to average 9:05 for the first 6 miles, then do a 9:35 for the 7 mile that took us over the bridge.  When I got down the down the bridge and saw the beep for the 7 mile, I was surprised to see that I was actually a few seconds ahead of the time frame I wanted to be in.  Great...then mile 8 happened and I started feeling a little, well just - done.

I quickly became aware that my body had decided to hate me for the lack of sleep (or I'm assuming that was the issue since I had put in several miles leading up to this point). My body slowed and my frustrations grew.  I was pushing so hard and my legs just weren't moving. I glanced down at my watch several times to make sure it didn't just jump to a plus 10 minute mile pace (those watches can be tricky) for a quick second or two.  But after multiple glances, I knew I just wasn't moving any faster.  Although frustration can get the best of me, I tried to focus on a goal that I always have in mind - just keep running.  Even if it was slow; shuffling my feet in an attempt to run was better in my mind than walking.  I also got out my gummies a little early thinking some nutrition would help.  Still, mile 9, 10 and 11 passed by with no positive change.  As I rounded the corner of mile 11 and stared up at the final bridge before me, I almost burst into tears.  I didn't have the gusto for the last 5K that I wanted and I still had to do another uphill. It was a grueling uphill battle to get to the 12 mile marker, but I was grateful to be at the top, heading downhill and gaining on the finish line.

I found enough energy to push a little harder for the finish line.  It was the best of the last 5 miles but definitely not the finish I wanted. I immediately decided to throw myself a pity party but sucked up a smile for the finisher picture (I get a double chin when I frown, didn't need that captured for life). It was great having my cheerleaders, Josh and Mike, at the finish but the party continued. From my half marathon last month, this finish was 11 minutes and 58 seconds faster - which I am great with, but must work on consistency and gusto for the next run. I'm done pouting about this and focusing on training for the next half marathon, which is just 4 weeks away.

Sub 2 hour run...eventually we will meet.

Under-Prepared, Overly-Excited

This last week of running has been a bust.  Josh and I decided to do sprints on Monday and since don't like letting him be faster, I really pushed it, and pushed it too hard - strained something in my left calf that has kept me from a full run since. I keep telling myself that one bad week isn't going to mess up an entire 6 months of training but I can't help but feel under-prepared for the Melbourne Beaches and Music Half Marathon this coming Sunday. But being under-prepared can't stop me from being excited to run another race and that I am.  I have been talking about this race non-stop for a month, to the point of annoyance for others, so I think being over-excited is compensating a bit.

After just 4 weeks of completing my first half marathon, the Disney Half - I will be racing my previous time and setting a PR for myself this weekend.  I had dreams of running a sub 2 hour race but am feeling that I am just not ready for that speed.  So although I intend to save this goal for another race, I do have several things I want to accomplish this race.

1. Don't freak out.  If I learned anything from Disney, I learned that I freak out way too much.  I mean what is the big deal; I know I won't win this thing - why can't I just go out and have a lot of fun? I have to admit I am doing a lot better knowing I've done this once before.

2. A little Gusto at the end.  I've been working hard to push at the end of my runs, teaching myself to have a little Gusto for the finish.  The last 5K - I will crush you!

3. Don't let the bridges intimidate me. I've been doing my long runs over the bridges just to prepare.  But since Florida is relatively flat with an exception of these bridges, I definitely struggle and so does my mile time.  I am not going to let these slower miles get in the way of a strong race.

4. PR! I have a time in mind, but not wanting to share it a loud. As corny as it sounds, no matter the time, I'll be proud that I am going strong with my training and doing what I can to improve.

5. Lastly - find another race.  I think that is the trick for me; as long as I have something to train for...I am training.  Maybe the Gasparilla Classic in March?

Just two of these stand in my way of the finish!