Friday, November 16, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Falling Apart!!!
Wow, it's been months since I lasted posted!!! And now, it's only 6 (closer to 5) days until Ironman! I can hardly believe it's here, but at the same time it feels like it will never get here. Since Nathan's Olympic tri, I've also completed the Soma 1/2 Iron (for a 2nd time) and the Women's 1/2 Marathon (for a 3rd time).
The good news is that both races went well. I felt much better on Soma than I did on either of my two previous 1/2 Irons. My time was a PR, even though my swim and bike were both slightly slower than the previous 1/2 Irons--my run was just significantly faster. I have been trying to find a good balance with using salt tabs and eating more. I still find it a little difficult to get enough to eat during a race. I really need to stop if I'm going to eat more than a bite of something at a time. I am hoping that I will just be so hungry during IMAZ that I will have to eat. On my Soma swim, I felt like I was really moving--I think my overall time was a little slower than last year's for a couple of reasons. First, I was wearing a wetsuit and that takes longer to get out of (and the timing mat isn't until you are entering transition). Second, since we were swimming into the sun, I had a bit more difficulty spotting and actually swam 1.4 miles rather than 1.2 according to my Garmin. I think I veered too far center a couple of times when I was spotting off another swimmer. Finally, I am trying to walk my transitions in order to avoid getting too amped up and winded when I start the bike.
My ride times have been consistently slower this year. I am not sure what this is other than I have trained much more for distance than for speed, so I may just not be quite as quick as in previous races. Also, I did stop for a potty break during the ride, so I am sure that didn't help with the overall time. By the time I hit the run, I actually felt pretty good. I followed my walk-run pattern. I started with a run 5 minutes walk 90 seconds pattern that stretched to a 2 minute walk around mile 10. But, that's much better than my 2 previous 1/2 irons where I walked more than I ran. So, after Soma, I was feeling pretty good about the last month before Ironman. Then, things started to slide a bit...
First, we took a quick weekend vacation to Rocky Point, Mexico--where I did nothing (no running, biking, or swimming). Then, I had a conference in Atlanta, followed by an important presentation at work the following week. Between Atlanta and the presentation, I ran the Women's 1/2 Marathon. I had a good run, despite not having run anything more than 6 miles since Soma. It wasn't a PR, but it was an improvement over my previous times for the same race. Following all of that travel and stress, I had severe back and neck pain (like crying in my bed because I couldn't lift up my head pain). I have made 3 visits to the chiropractor in the last week and have one more scheduled before IMAZ. I can finally lift my head, but my range of motion with my neck is still limited.
What's worse is that I've definitely gotten sick. It started with a cough--this morning I woke up with a throat that felt like it was swallowing glass. The pain has gotten a little better, but I am just hoping the soreness and congestion ease up before Sunday!!!
As a result, I haven't tapered so much as quit training cold turkey. I have been doing some strength training (because it doesn't cause huge coughing fits), but little else. I tried a ride yesterday morning, but the cold, my lack of a spare tube (due to a flat on a training ride a few weeks back and me being too busy to get to the bike shop), and my compromised health resulted in a very short ride on the beeline. In retrospect, I should have skipped it altogether, because I felt like crap after I got home.
I did get my bike into the shop for some final tweaks. I replenished my tube and CO2 tank supply. I got a new back tire (a gator skin--so I better not get a flat!!!) and I had my brakes realigned, so I should be good to go with that.
My plan for the rest of the week is to rest and hydrate. I am hoping that will be enough to get me through the race--that and my sheer will to complete it! At this point, the main thing fueling me is the thought of hearing the words "You Are an Ironman!"
 |
| Soma 1/2 Iron Tri |
My ride times have been consistently slower this year. I am not sure what this is other than I have trained much more for distance than for speed, so I may just not be quite as quick as in previous races. Also, I did stop for a potty break during the ride, so I am sure that didn't help with the overall time. By the time I hit the run, I actually felt pretty good. I followed my walk-run pattern. I started with a run 5 minutes walk 90 seconds pattern that stretched to a 2 minute walk around mile 10. But, that's much better than my 2 previous 1/2 irons where I walked more than I ran. So, after Soma, I was feeling pretty good about the last month before Ironman. Then, things started to slide a bit...
 |
| Women's 1/2 Marathon |
First, we took a quick weekend vacation to Rocky Point, Mexico--where I did nothing (no running, biking, or swimming). Then, I had a conference in Atlanta, followed by an important presentation at work the following week. Between Atlanta and the presentation, I ran the Women's 1/2 Marathon. I had a good run, despite not having run anything more than 6 miles since Soma. It wasn't a PR, but it was an improvement over my previous times for the same race. Following all of that travel and stress, I had severe back and neck pain (like crying in my bed because I couldn't lift up my head pain). I have made 3 visits to the chiropractor in the last week and have one more scheduled before IMAZ. I can finally lift my head, but my range of motion with my neck is still limited.
What's worse is that I've definitely gotten sick. It started with a cough--this morning I woke up with a throat that felt like it was swallowing glass. The pain has gotten a little better, but I am just hoping the soreness and congestion ease up before Sunday!!!
As a result, I haven't tapered so much as quit training cold turkey. I have been doing some strength training (because it doesn't cause huge coughing fits), but little else. I tried a ride yesterday morning, but the cold, my lack of a spare tube (due to a flat on a training ride a few weeks back and me being too busy to get to the bike shop), and my compromised health resulted in a very short ride on the beeline. In retrospect, I should have skipped it altogether, because I felt like crap after I got home.
I did get my bike into the shop for some final tweaks. I replenished my tube and CO2 tank supply. I got a new back tire (a gator skin--so I better not get a flat!!!) and I had my brakes realigned, so I should be good to go with that.
My plan for the rest of the week is to rest and hydrate. I am hoping that will be enough to get me through the race--that and my sheer will to complete it! At this point, the main thing fueling me is the thought of hearing the words "You Are an Ironman!"
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Nathan's Race Report - Kristin
This was a last minute decision to do Nathans (thank you Michelle!). I hadn't done an Olympic since Marquee back in May, so I was anxious to just get in a good brick, and that's how I told myself I would treat it.
The Friday before I got in my first century ride, which was really hard at the end because of the heat. I was concerned again about the heat during Nathans. When the race started 40 minutes later than planned, I knew that meant we'd be running in the heat. Ughhh!
Luckily I had Kim there with me and we kept each other company between bathroom breaks while waiting for the start.
Because the particularly warm September we were having, the water was 81ยบ, not wetsuit legal. But I really enjoyed the swim without a wetsuit. I told myself not to go out fast, but just keep a strong, steady pace. I did just that and felt great! I also tried drafting in the water. Unfortunately I picked a swimmer who veered off to the right quite a bit, so I had to cut back to the left to get back on the course. I'm sure whatever time I may have saved was definitely lost on that one. Also I had my goggles fog so bad! And on the way back in, I was making sure to spot every six strokes, but since our caps were orange, and so were the buoys, plus the fogged goggles, it was so hard to see, and I found myself slightly off course again. Doh! So I need to remember to treat my goggles with anti-fog before my next big swim.
Swim: 1500 M - 32:23
On the swim exit, I heard my friend Lori cheer me out of the water. This was so exciting because I knew my family wouldn't be there, and was kind of bummed since they are world class cheerleaders.
Also, my tri top was gaping in the shoulders, so I took it in real quick the night before. Well I left the seem not so smooth on the neck area which rubbed my neck the whole swim. So I gave myself a nice raspberry that looked like a hickie. Classy.
T1: 1:49
The bike course is interesting. There are so many tight U-turns that ruin your momentum! But it is fun getting to see so many people on the course. Unfortunately I found myself behind some UofA and NAU tri team members, so I couldn't help but push myself to pass them. I passed three. Yes! But after a century just two days before, my legs were t.i.r.e.d. They are still feeling the tired ache when I get on my bike and push the speed or try to climb! But I'm happy with my bike time. I averaged over 20mph which is really good for me.
Also, on the bike course, I heard my friend Althea cheer for me. I had forgotten her husband was doing the race, and she was there to support him. Another boast!! It's so funny how that can help your mental game in a race. I so appreciate that!
Bike: 25Miles - 1:13:36
During transition 2, I ran past my bike rack! Arghh. So I ran under the bar with my bike and racked my bike backwards. Oh well.
T2: 1:37
The run, as expected, was hot. The first lap I was still trying to make my tired/dead legs wake up, but at least was able to make myself run through all the aid stations. But by the time I made my second loop around Tempe town lake, I was steaming. Where you can feel how hot the air is coming out of you with every breath. So I stopped at each of the three aid stations and downed some water and powerade, and put ice down my sports bra, down my shorts, and in my visor. Oh man, that felt so good and helped so much!
Also, along the run course were Kate and Patty. They were the cherry on top! I went to the race expecting no cheers since my family was not there, but I had encouragement the whole time. Thank you so much for that!
Run: 10K - 56:23
So despite the slower run, I still had an Olympic PR of 2 minutes.
2:45:49
And besides my neck hickie, my other souvenir from the day was the mosquito bites that were all over my legs! Turns out Kim wasn't the only one I was hanging out with waiting for the race to start, the mosquitos were there too!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
lessons
I attended a lecture a couple weeks ago on race day nutrition. It was very informative and I'm really REALLY glad that I went. Nutrition is often referred to as the "fourth leg" of the Ironman. Mess up this one leg, and your day is going to miserable, cut short, or end up in the hospital.
The golden rule of race day nutrition is not to try something out that you haven't already tried during training.
So, these past couple of weeks I've been trying out what I learned from this lecture.
Hydration is not about drinking as much fluid/water as possible whenever possible. That approach can actually get you real sick, or even lead to hyponatremia which is superbly dangerous and can become fatal. Ideally, fluid consumption should be about 20ml per hour. I think on rides with my Little Giant, I was drinking too much water, but the next topic is where I was really faltering.
Electrolytes. Ideally, sodium should be taken at 400mg per hour. That may seem like a lot, but I know for me at the end of a ride, my skin is very salty. That means that I've used a heck of a lot of sodium. I've also been experiencing thigh cramping at the end of some longish rides, and calf cramping at the end of the Marquee run this Spring.
I got some salt stick tabs and a little coin purse to keep them in during a ride. I tried them out during this morning's ride. One, I wanted to see if they were going to have a negative effect on my tummy - no. Second, I wanted to see if my leg cramping would be helped. I tell ya....IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!! Although I could feel muscle fatigue, I did not have that just about to cramp sensation. HOOOOORAAAAY!
Calories. During the bike leg plan on taking in about 150-300 calories per hour. Half that amount during the run. The body is definitely burning more calories, but the stomach can only process about that amount per hour. During my reading of Rich Roll's "Finding Ultra" he talks about bio-available foods. These are foods that your body can quickly put into use without extended processing. Think trying to run, or anything else, after a huge steak dinner. ugh.
I experimented with making some rice balls and I've been trying them out the past couple of weeks. Again, to see if my tummy gets upset or gurgly, and to see if my energy levels are maintained, or at least don't bonk.
My rice balls are made with brown rice, quinoa, chia gel and pink himalayan salt as a base. Variations include roasted seaweed, with flax meal and coconut oil, or almond meal, goji berries and coconut oil. i make little balls and bake. So far, so good. No upset tummy, and no bonking. I'm not sure of the calorie content, but If I eat two every hour or so, seems like I'm doing well.
A few more weeks to perfect the nutrition plan in time for the Big Dance, but I feel like I've taken a HUGE step in the right direction.
The golden rule of race day nutrition is not to try something out that you haven't already tried during training.
So, these past couple of weeks I've been trying out what I learned from this lecture.
Hydration is not about drinking as much fluid/water as possible whenever possible. That approach can actually get you real sick, or even lead to hyponatremia which is superbly dangerous and can become fatal. Ideally, fluid consumption should be about 20ml per hour. I think on rides with my Little Giant, I was drinking too much water, but the next topic is where I was really faltering.
Electrolytes. Ideally, sodium should be taken at 400mg per hour. That may seem like a lot, but I know for me at the end of a ride, my skin is very salty. That means that I've used a heck of a lot of sodium. I've also been experiencing thigh cramping at the end of some longish rides, and calf cramping at the end of the Marquee run this Spring.
I got some salt stick tabs and a little coin purse to keep them in during a ride. I tried them out during this morning's ride. One, I wanted to see if they were going to have a negative effect on my tummy - no. Second, I wanted to see if my leg cramping would be helped. I tell ya....IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!! Although I could feel muscle fatigue, I did not have that just about to cramp sensation. HOOOOORAAAAY!
I experimented with making some rice balls and I've been trying them out the past couple of weeks. Again, to see if my tummy gets upset or gurgly, and to see if my energy levels are maintained, or at least don't bonk.
My rice balls are made with brown rice, quinoa, chia gel and pink himalayan salt as a base. Variations include roasted seaweed, with flax meal and coconut oil, or almond meal, goji berries and coconut oil. i make little balls and bake. So far, so good. No upset tummy, and no bonking. I'm not sure of the calorie content, but If I eat two every hour or so, seems like I'm doing well.
A few more weeks to perfect the nutrition plan in time for the Big Dance, but I feel like I've taken a HUGE step in the right direction.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Whew! What a ride!
I HAVE A NEW TRI-BIKE!!!!
I dubbed my new pony as Enzo Corleone Cervelo. Enzo to invoke the spirit of Signore Ferrari = SPEED. Corleone because I was made an offer I couldn't refuse, AND it's my favoritest film of all time. Cervelo because that's what it is. :)
I had my high tech bike fitting yesterday at Iron Gear Sports. Very involved and detailed including hooking up some sensors to get everything just right. Unfortunately, they didn't have all the parts needed to do a final customization. A shorter part is needed to ensure my elbows are closer to my body in aero position, and they needed a bracket to mount my computer. Other than that, I was ready to roll Sunday morning.
The planned route was meet at Sheepherders Park off McDowell, ride East on McDowell to Power, turn North to the Bush Highway and stay on that to Saguaro Lake marina....and back.
I met up with Rachel at 6a, and we took off. I was sooooo excited to try out my new pony, and to start learning to ride in aerobars. I tried aero position after about a mile - it was HARD! Not balanced at all, and wobbly all over....grrrrr. Kept going though. I also have a new pedal system - Speed Play. Yeesh.
Got to Power and started heading North to Bush Highway. Once Power ends and Bush highway starts, the road surface gets really REALLY rough! I likened the experience as the difference between riding in a high powered Italian sportscar on a smooth surface - the experience is fast and smooth, but once you hit a patch of rough road - you feel every single little bump. Yeah, it was like that....not fun at all. Then to add to the body jarring as we climbed some hills, one of my wheels starts squeaking...then it starting yelping like a lost scared puppy, and I could feel it catching somewhere. Mid-hill, I stopped and was looking at brakes and everything. Couldn't find the rub. Got back on but I forgot to gear up a bit to make starting off on a hill steadier. I started to lean right into the guard rail, and I couldn't get my right foot unclipped fast enough. Yup, I went down wedged between Enzo and the guard rail with my foot under the bike and I still couldn't get unclipped. After some sailor words, I was able to get maneuvered to standing enough to unclip. This was really starting to suck.
Got myself going again, climbing was really hard and loud. I finally caught up with Rachel and let her know that I was having some bike difficulties, and I'd rather just get to the four way stop and head back. Since there weren't any more big hills Rachel wasn't able to hear the squeak and yelp. Heading back we finally hit some hills and squeak was there. I was telling Rachel that I'll have to call the fit guy, but I forgot his name. All you locals know there's a big hill just as Bush Highway turns back into Power road. I started climbing, and forget it. I got off and just started walking up the hill.
Rachel joined me, and we just chatted walking up the hill. Towards the top of the hill there's a parking area for hikers. I saw this young family getting ready for a hike, and they were using a baby backpack. I started telling Rachel about using one of those backpacks in law school as we were passing the parking lot when I hear, "Annette?" I turn around and its the young father calling me. "It's me Brian. I did your bike fit yesterday."
Cue the choir of angels!
I just about did a hallelujah dance, but settled for a fist pump and a "YESSSSSS!" He asked how everything was going, and I told him everything that happened since we started riding. He looked at the rear tire and found that it was rubbing on the frame, adjusted the horizontal and took some air out. He didn't have any tools otherwise he would've adjusted the saddle to be level again.
I thanked Brian profusely, apologized to his wife, who was really cute and nice, and we finished walking up the hill.
It's amazing how just a small adjustment makes a HUGE difference! I was back in my Italian race car. Tried out the aerobars again in my highest power gear, and it was FAN-freakin-TASTIC! I was cruising on McDowell finally enjoying the great morning, and I felt confident and stable enough to sneak a peek at my Garmin to check my speed. Typically, I average 12-14 mph with some effort. I was pretty sure that's what I was doing because it didn't feel hard. So I dared to sneak a peak and just about had a crash.....I WAS GOING 20 mph!!!!!!!!! HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!! It was like driving a brand new car for the first time on the highway and realizing you're going 90 mph.
At a stop light, I told Rachel I was feeling really good and did she want to keep riding more? She suggested we head up Gilbert road and we get on the Beeline. I was good with that and since we were going past the cars I wanted to stop and re-water and get my debit card. This ride I was also trying out my mad scientist rice ball concoctions to test how my tummy reacted, and whether I felt fueled. The tummy test was working out pretty good, no grumblies, and even after all the drama on Bush highway, physically I was feeling good.
On Gilbert Road I tried out the aerobars again. Once I got myself relaxed, and balanced the experience was awesome! Because my saddle stills needs adjusting, I keep having to skooch back when I slide down the front end. I found that little movement and semi-stand actually helps to steady myself.
Beeline was windy as heck. Didn't go very far north, and turned around at first opportunity, but headed down to JR's. Once we get to the level part after the landfill, I settle down into the aerobars again. There's lots of construction going on at the moment, so I had to stay steady enough not to be crashing into the cones.
About two miles from JR's, I hit a good bump and hear POP, pssssst. damn.
Well there's Rachel and I changing the tube, when Mr. Hottie stopped. He was riding Enzo's bigger brother. BIG smile! I was tempted to go the Damsel in Distress route, but I already had the back wheel off, and just about had the tube out. double damn. Instead I said that he could stick around to be entertained watching me change out the tube - sly smile. He chuckled and let us know that he'll still be doing loops if we needed any help. Okaaaaay....smile and a tilt of the head. He did let me know to blow a little air into the tube to keep from getting a pinch flat. Okaaaaay.....thanks! This is my first time changing this tube - that's TRUUUUUE!
Ok, got the tube in now getting the tire back on the wheel. You know how that last little part is hard, especially with new wheels. Yup, that's when Mr. Hottie #2 stopped. "No, I think we got it, thanks!" ENNNNNZOOOOO.....you little hottie magnet! : )
FINALLY got to JR's! Mr. Hottie #3 pulls up, "Hi, great morning for a ride, huh." Absolutely....smile. I go in to wash my hands and get something to drink after Rachel comes out with her Diet Dr. Pepper. When I come out, Rachel says, "Yeah, here's my friend that's her bike." to #3. Oh yes, I really like it...Oh, we've been riding for about 35 miles now....yeah, I'm training for this year's Ironman....why yes it is getting hot now.
His buddy walks out of the store, and he's riding a Cervelo too so we get to chat more about the difference between road bikes and tri-bikes. He's training for IMAZ too, yeah only 7 more weeks (EEK!), yup, we'll be seeing y'all out there more! Have a great ride.
Rest of the ride is pretty uneventful. More aero position riding. More "I'm going fast!!!" moments then its over. WHEW!
In one ride - both the WORST and BEST ride EVAH!!!!!!!
I dubbed my new pony as Enzo Corleone Cervelo. Enzo to invoke the spirit of Signore Ferrari = SPEED. Corleone because I was made an offer I couldn't refuse, AND it's my favoritest film of all time. Cervelo because that's what it is. :)
I had my high tech bike fitting yesterday at Iron Gear Sports. Very involved and detailed including hooking up some sensors to get everything just right. Unfortunately, they didn't have all the parts needed to do a final customization. A shorter part is needed to ensure my elbows are closer to my body in aero position, and they needed a bracket to mount my computer. Other than that, I was ready to roll Sunday morning.
The planned route was meet at Sheepherders Park off McDowell, ride East on McDowell to Power, turn North to the Bush Highway and stay on that to Saguaro Lake marina....and back.
I met up with Rachel at 6a, and we took off. I was sooooo excited to try out my new pony, and to start learning to ride in aerobars. I tried aero position after about a mile - it was HARD! Not balanced at all, and wobbly all over....grrrrr. Kept going though. I also have a new pedal system - Speed Play. Yeesh.
Got to Power and started heading North to Bush Highway. Once Power ends and Bush highway starts, the road surface gets really REALLY rough! I likened the experience as the difference between riding in a high powered Italian sportscar on a smooth surface - the experience is fast and smooth, but once you hit a patch of rough road - you feel every single little bump. Yeah, it was like that....not fun at all. Then to add to the body jarring as we climbed some hills, one of my wheels starts squeaking...then it starting yelping like a lost scared puppy, and I could feel it catching somewhere. Mid-hill, I stopped and was looking at brakes and everything. Couldn't find the rub. Got back on but I forgot to gear up a bit to make starting off on a hill steadier. I started to lean right into the guard rail, and I couldn't get my right foot unclipped fast enough. Yup, I went down wedged between Enzo and the guard rail with my foot under the bike and I still couldn't get unclipped. After some sailor words, I was able to get maneuvered to standing enough to unclip. This was really starting to suck.
Got myself going again, climbing was really hard and loud. I finally caught up with Rachel and let her know that I was having some bike difficulties, and I'd rather just get to the four way stop and head back. Since there weren't any more big hills Rachel wasn't able to hear the squeak and yelp. Heading back we finally hit some hills and squeak was there. I was telling Rachel that I'll have to call the fit guy, but I forgot his name. All you locals know there's a big hill just as Bush Highway turns back into Power road. I started climbing, and forget it. I got off and just started walking up the hill.
Rachel joined me, and we just chatted walking up the hill. Towards the top of the hill there's a parking area for hikers. I saw this young family getting ready for a hike, and they were using a baby backpack. I started telling Rachel about using one of those backpacks in law school as we were passing the parking lot when I hear, "Annette?" I turn around and its the young father calling me. "It's me Brian. I did your bike fit yesterday."
Cue the choir of angels!
I just about did a hallelujah dance, but settled for a fist pump and a "YESSSSSS!" He asked how everything was going, and I told him everything that happened since we started riding. He looked at the rear tire and found that it was rubbing on the frame, adjusted the horizontal and took some air out. He didn't have any tools otherwise he would've adjusted the saddle to be level again.
I thanked Brian profusely, apologized to his wife, who was really cute and nice, and we finished walking up the hill.
It's amazing how just a small adjustment makes a HUGE difference! I was back in my Italian race car. Tried out the aerobars again in my highest power gear, and it was FAN-freakin-TASTIC! I was cruising on McDowell finally enjoying the great morning, and I felt confident and stable enough to sneak a peek at my Garmin to check my speed. Typically, I average 12-14 mph with some effort. I was pretty sure that's what I was doing because it didn't feel hard. So I dared to sneak a peak and just about had a crash.....I WAS GOING 20 mph!!!!!!!!! HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!! It was like driving a brand new car for the first time on the highway and realizing you're going 90 mph.
At a stop light, I told Rachel I was feeling really good and did she want to keep riding more? She suggested we head up Gilbert road and we get on the Beeline. I was good with that and since we were going past the cars I wanted to stop and re-water and get my debit card. This ride I was also trying out my mad scientist rice ball concoctions to test how my tummy reacted, and whether I felt fueled. The tummy test was working out pretty good, no grumblies, and even after all the drama on Bush highway, physically I was feeling good.
On Gilbert Road I tried out the aerobars again. Once I got myself relaxed, and balanced the experience was awesome! Because my saddle stills needs adjusting, I keep having to skooch back when I slide down the front end. I found that little movement and semi-stand actually helps to steady myself.
Beeline was windy as heck. Didn't go very far north, and turned around at first opportunity, but headed down to JR's. Once we get to the level part after the landfill, I settle down into the aerobars again. There's lots of construction going on at the moment, so I had to stay steady enough not to be crashing into the cones.
About two miles from JR's, I hit a good bump and hear POP, pssssst. damn.
Well there's Rachel and I changing the tube, when Mr. Hottie stopped. He was riding Enzo's bigger brother. BIG smile! I was tempted to go the Damsel in Distress route, but I already had the back wheel off, and just about had the tube out. double damn. Instead I said that he could stick around to be entertained watching me change out the tube - sly smile. He chuckled and let us know that he'll still be doing loops if we needed any help. Okaaaaay....smile and a tilt of the head. He did let me know to blow a little air into the tube to keep from getting a pinch flat. Okaaaaay.....thanks! This is my first time changing this tube - that's TRUUUUUE!
Ok, got the tube in now getting the tire back on the wheel. You know how that last little part is hard, especially with new wheels. Yup, that's when Mr. Hottie #2 stopped. "No, I think we got it, thanks!" ENNNNNZOOOOO.....you little hottie magnet! : )
FINALLY got to JR's! Mr. Hottie #3 pulls up, "Hi, great morning for a ride, huh." Absolutely....smile. I go in to wash my hands and get something to drink after Rachel comes out with her Diet Dr. Pepper. When I come out, Rachel says, "Yeah, here's my friend that's her bike." to #3. Oh yes, I really like it...Oh, we've been riding for about 35 miles now....yeah, I'm training for this year's Ironman....why yes it is getting hot now.
His buddy walks out of the store, and he's riding a Cervelo too so we get to chat more about the difference between road bikes and tri-bikes. He's training for IMAZ too, yeah only 7 more weeks (EEK!), yup, we'll be seeing y'all out there more! Have a great ride.
Rest of the ride is pretty uneventful. More aero position riding. More "I'm going fast!!!" moments then its over. WHEW!
In one ride - both the WORST and BEST ride EVAH!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
GRI--Gu Related Injury!!
A race update will follow, but I wanted to share my bizarre race "injury" from the Nathan's oly today. About 10 miles into the bike, I decided I needed a power bar gel to boost my energy. Since it was already HOT out, the gel was warm and much more runny than usual. As a result, I got gel all over my leg, bike, and arm. The gel oozed down my leg and on to the back of my knee. For the remaining 14 miles, the skin on the back of my knee stuck together and pulled apart with every pedal stroke. By the end of the ride, I had rubbed the back side of my knee raw. Lesson learned--beware the gels!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
my tri bike!!
I've met some ladies who live close to me to train with! One of them is also doing IMAZ this year, and the other is just an incredibly fit, incredibly good friend who likes waking up at 4:30 to go on rides with us.
They have been my saving grace!
We've done many rides, and seen some gorgeous sunrises.
I'm beginning to feel more confident in my biking abilities.
So why not mix it up by switching bikes?
My new baby, my Specialized Shiv.
Now all I want to do is ride my bike.
11 weeks to go.
Man, I've got to get some century rides in!
But that won't happen this weekend. Saturday I'm doing a Sprint, it should be fun!
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