Team CARD now has 8 great members, JS, JH, JA, JF, PD, EK, SM and JG. How is that for giving you names...:). We are a very diverse group which is great. Some of us race some of us do not. Some ride only mt bikes, some only road bikes and some of us ride whatever we feel like. We are a group of ladies that likes to have a good time.
During the year besides riding we hope to spread what CARD is all about, educating people that cars and cyclists can use the same road AND get along.
Below are what I (JG) am thinking about as goals for the year:
BRR - February
CIRREM - short - February
Elkhart TT's April - August,
Urban Assault - August
Chequmageon 40 - Sept ,
cyclocross Sept - October
Aquabi ?
bike support DSM marathon. - October
I could be talked into swimming for a Exterra team.
Will I get them all accomplished I don't know, I might take some off and add new ones. That is what is so much fun the ability to change your mind. :)
There will also be many many gravel, road and mtb rides. We are hoping to do a Full Moon ride on Fridays and Saturdays when there is a full moon! We will also have the Women's Friday Night rides to Cummings to harass Bob. :)
Stop back often and see how things are going for the new CARD Women's Cycling Team.
Until then PEACE
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New For 2011
It is hard to believe that 2010 is almost over and 2011 is almost here..where does the time go. I am not going to bore you with all of the things I did this year here is a quick update:
4 Elkhart TT
Swam for an Exterra Team we got 3rd.
2 MTB races 1 was good 1 was bad
7 Cross Races 3rd overall in 45+ catagory for the Scheels series.(pays to do all of the races..:))
Countless hours of riding, supporting, heckling and just being the basic nutcase that I am.
Ok that was 2010 here is what is on tap for 2011!
A New Womens Cycling Team in DSM. The Julie's have been talking about this for a long time, starting another womens cycling team in Des Moines. We had tossed around the idea of a womens BikeIowa team however that was not feasible at this time, so after more thinking and stressing JS hit on a perfect team. Team CARD Iowa. CARD stands for Cyclists Against Reckless Drivers.... Team CARD was started in Arizona by Steve Donaldson. Team CARD Mission is "Make our streets a safer place to ride and bring public awareness to reckless driving"
Julie S. had chatted with Steve a couple of times and after she told me her idea to ask Steve if we could start an Iowa Chapter I was like "Go For It" and that is how we are starting Team CARD Iowa. Steve have been very gracious in helping us get things going. Team CARD Iowa is even getting it's own unique kit, in place of the pink we are going to have Lavender.
4 Elkhart TT
Swam for an Exterra Team we got 3rd.
2 MTB races 1 was good 1 was bad
7 Cross Races 3rd overall in 45+ catagory for the Scheels series.(pays to do all of the races..:))
Countless hours of riding, supporting, heckling and just being the basic nutcase that I am.
Ok that was 2010 here is what is on tap for 2011!
A New Womens Cycling Team in DSM. The Julie's have been talking about this for a long time, starting another womens cycling team in Des Moines. We had tossed around the idea of a womens BikeIowa team however that was not feasible at this time, so after more thinking and stressing JS hit on a perfect team. Team CARD Iowa. CARD stands for Cyclists Against Reckless Drivers.... Team CARD was started in Arizona by Steve Donaldson. Team CARD Mission is "Make our streets a safer place to ride and bring public awareness to reckless driving"
Julie S. had chatted with Steve a couple of times and after she told me her idea to ask Steve if we could start an Iowa Chapter I was like "Go For It" and that is how we are starting Team CARD Iowa. Steve have been very gracious in helping us get things going. Team CARD Iowa is even getting it's own unique kit, in place of the pink we are going to have Lavender.
So far we have 7 women who have said yes to becoming a team member. I know that I am thrilled with the prospect of what Team CARD can do to bring awareness to the recklessness of some drivers.
That is all the news for now, until next time Peace!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Fall Review
When exactly is Fall: Sept 21st - Dec 21st. I learned that in school and that is what I go by...
Ok now that Fall has been established onward...It has been a very busy Fall. The cyclocross season is very short and intense. The Scheels central Iowa Cyclecross series started the last week of Sept with Capital Cross and ended Oct 31st with Spooky Cross. 7 races in 5 Weeks, with a couple of weeks with no races. My goal was to do 3 of the races. I ended up doing all 7.
Capital Cross started the season out wet and muddy while Spooky cross ended it dry and bumpy. Inbetween we had to battle the dutch letters at the dirty wooden shoe, the long and winding course at Altoona Cross and the crowds and lights at Oakley Night Cross. I can say I have learned to ride in all types of weather, on all terrains and day or night. I noticed that my riding, bike handling skills and finess have improved from last year. I do cross to keep a base level fitness.
In amongst all of the cross races i did a MTB race..Ahquabi, it was alot of fun and I plan on doing it again next year. I also was support again this for the DSM Marathon. I was given the task this year of guiding and supporting a visually impaired gentleman around the course. Karolyn Zeller help me. It was a very rewarding and enlightening experience. Never let anyone or anything stop you from trying what you want to try.
Mixed in with all of that was trying to keep that house going and working. Keeping a clean house has failed miserably. I will admit that I was getting very tired before Spooky Cross and by the time it was over I was exhausted. My mind and body are both very tired. So I decided that Spooky was my last cross race for the year. I will be at State Cross and Jingle Cross heckling and cheering but not riding.
Taking up my time now is play practice. I am doing the Christmas play with the Newton Community Theater, they are doing Mrs. Bob Cratchets Wild Christmas Binge. It is a parody of a Christmas Carol. of course I am Mrs Bob Cratchet. It is a fun part. I will do a play every two years or so. I plan on trying to ride outside all winter if possible. if not i have the trainer in the basement. I have a few things that i need to work on before next year. Hopefully I can get them worked out.
Have a great Fall everyone!
Until next time Peace!
Ok now that Fall has been established onward...It has been a very busy Fall. The cyclocross season is very short and intense. The Scheels central Iowa Cyclecross series started the last week of Sept with Capital Cross and ended Oct 31st with Spooky Cross. 7 races in 5 Weeks, with a couple of weeks with no races. My goal was to do 3 of the races. I ended up doing all 7.
Capital Cross started the season out wet and muddy while Spooky cross ended it dry and bumpy. Inbetween we had to battle the dutch letters at the dirty wooden shoe, the long and winding course at Altoona Cross and the crowds and lights at Oakley Night Cross. I can say I have learned to ride in all types of weather, on all terrains and day or night. I noticed that my riding, bike handling skills and finess have improved from last year. I do cross to keep a base level fitness.
In amongst all of the cross races i did a MTB race..Ahquabi, it was alot of fun and I plan on doing it again next year. I also was support again this for the DSM Marathon. I was given the task this year of guiding and supporting a visually impaired gentleman around the course. Karolyn Zeller help me. It was a very rewarding and enlightening experience. Never let anyone or anything stop you from trying what you want to try.
Mixed in with all of that was trying to keep that house going and working. Keeping a clean house has failed miserably. I will admit that I was getting very tired before Spooky Cross and by the time it was over I was exhausted. My mind and body are both very tired. So I decided that Spooky was my last cross race for the year. I will be at State Cross and Jingle Cross heckling and cheering but not riding.
Taking up my time now is play practice. I am doing the Christmas play with the Newton Community Theater, they are doing Mrs. Bob Cratchets Wild Christmas Binge. It is a parody of a Christmas Carol. of course I am Mrs Bob Cratchet. It is a fun part. I will do a play every two years or so. I plan on trying to ride outside all winter if possible. if not i have the trainer in the basement. I have a few things that i need to work on before next year. Hopefully I can get them worked out.
Have a great Fall everyone!
Until next time Peace!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Mountain Biking
I have found a new love in Mountain Biking. I thoroughly enjoy being in the woods, not worrying about cars and trucks buzzing me while on the road. Even with my multiple bruises all over my legs right now...I'm ready for more!
This winter will be lots of gravel riding, spin classes, running, and swimming. Kind of like training for the Tri's again, but with the goal of being able to climb those hills on the Mt Bike courses SO much better!
With the ultimate final goal of joining in on the Cyclocross fun next year! I thought I'd do sprint tri's again in 2011, I'm just not ready for that route again yet. Maybe in another year or two...right now I want to ride my bike!!
JS
This winter will be lots of gravel riding, spin classes, running, and swimming. Kind of like training for the Tri's again, but with the goal of being able to climb those hills on the Mt Bike courses SO much better!
With the ultimate final goal of joining in on the Cyclocross fun next year! I thought I'd do sprint tri's again in 2011, I'm just not ready for that route again yet. Maybe in another year or two...right now I want to ride my bike!!
JS
Monday, September 20, 2010
Chequamegon 2010
This past weekend was the Chequamegon Fat Tire festival. Last Feb I kept hearing how fun Cheqy was so I decided at the last minute to sign up and hope for the best. Well I got a lottery pick so I was going to Cheqy. I had no idea what i was getting myself into. Cheqy is a 40 mile MTB race. I asked around trying to find out the best way to train. The one thing i kept hearing was ride Ahquabi by Indianola, well with all of the rain it was unridable. So I rode gravel ,tried to find as many hills that I could and hoped for the best.
I was so wrong, I did not train correctly at all. I was so out of my league that they should have thrown me off of the starting line. ok I need to back up. Friday I meet up with Dave, Dee, Maria, Heather, Karolyn and Kim in Ankeny and we car caravan ed to Cable to pick up our packets and do a test ride.
We got there to early for packet pick up so decided to ride first. We were going to ride the last 3-5 miles of the course to test our legs and test the bikes. The Saturday before I had broken a chain on one of my training ride, Bill got it put back on and I took it out for a ride Tuesday. It held fine so all was good, right?, wrong. The last few miles of Cheqy are very hilly off road. I was going up the hill and had my second "oh Shit" moment in a week, the chain broke AGAIN. I could not believe it another broken chain, I got the chain off of the bike and started to walk to the car which meant pushing the bike up and down hills. Heather stayed with me bless her heart until the mosquitoes go to bad. Many gentlemen stopped and offered to help however I needed to walk and think things out. I did not have another chain, I did not really know what to do. I was crying at this point because I was so frustrated. By the time I got back to the car I told them I was packing up and heading home. I actually told Kim that If I left then and went home I would never get on a bike again. All she said was " I know". I called Bill ,he had no idea why it would be breaking, he talked me into going to the TREK tent and seeing if they could fix my chain.
I took the bike to the TREK tent asked if they could fix the chain, thinking they would fix my broken chain, however the mechanic took the bike and put a new chain , a step up from the one that I had on, then proceeded to make sure it was adjusted correctly. He only charged me 20 dollars for the chain nothing for his labor but I gave him a tip. I am sorry to say that I didn't get his name. He said that this was his 18th year of either riding or working Cheqy. I went to pack pick up got my stuff and ran into the rest of the group, they were happy to see that I had at least picked up my packet that I had not given up yet.
I found out that the way you save your spot in line basically was first come first serve, So Dave, Dee, Kim and Karolyn got up at 4 am and set their bikes at the starting line. Maria and I decided we did not expect to win so we waited until 8 am to set our bikes, it was an incredible site to see all of those bike flipped upside down.
Dee and Daves' Tandem doing it's own thing...
very fun to see all of the bikes upside down.
The race started at 10 so at about 9:40 they had the "Bandit Patrol" remove any bikes that did not have numbers on them, then at about 9:50 they had them remove any bikes that were not occupied. They have this down to a science. After the National Anthem was sung they did the count down.5 4 3 2 1 *BOOM* and we were off, kind of, it took a little bit to get back to us but not more than a minute. You just had to hold your line otherwise you were getting ran over. The start of the race is about 3 miles of pavement until you get to Rosie's Field which is grass, next is Berkie Trail......I put Cheqy into three sections, Gravel, dirt/rock trails, and the Birkebeiner cross country ski trail. The Berkie as it is call is a cross country ski trail that hosts many activities thru the year, running races, Fat Tire Festival and various cross country ski races. Do not let anyone tell you "oh it is a cross country ski hill it cannot be that tough". It was hell. I have never had anything sap my energy so fast. It didn't help that Wisconsin has been getting rain so it was like riding on an energy sapping sponge.
It usually takes my legs a few miles to warm up and the thighs to quit hurting. They never quit hurting, I rode up some of the hills and walked others. I was walking more than I normally would however i was riding on an untested chain and didn't want to push my luck. I soon found that for me to even make forward progress on the Berkie trail i needed to put the bike in the granny gear, so I just prayed that the chain would hold.
The chain and bike did great. The rider(me)sucked. I tried to ride my own race take it easy breath easy, however there was no breathing easy on this trail, I would catch up with people on the gravel and the mud, rock trails however I would just die on the grass.
I thought that I could just take my time poke my way along. However that was not to be either at about mile 14 I started to hyperventilate going up hills, I am sure my heart rate was well into the 200's which is not good for an old lady like me. I knew that we would cross hwy 00 which was at mile 16. Once I got there I sat down and was done. I could barely move, my legs were burning, my heart was racing and I was toast. I had done 16 miles of a 40 mile race and was done.
I caught a ride with a very nice lady to Cable, found Heather our Sherpa/pack person, changed my clothes and cheered everyone else in. It took me 2 hours to get to mile 16 as I was sitting there waiting for a ride to Cable I heard their radios crack that the person in 1st was at mile 39, the winner did it in 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Chequamegon is a test of endurance, strength and mental fortitude. I had none of them Saturday, I was very unprepared. Was I discouraged, not really. When we hit the grassy fields I knew that I had not trained right and that I was in for a very long day. When I started to hyperventilate and had a hard time breathing I knew that I was done.
I can say that I did start the raced after I wanted to just go home after the chain broke on Friday, I had every intention of finishing, however It didn't happen. I plan on being there next year to conquer Cheguamegon. I have even booked my room at the lodge I stayed at this year for next year.
So what do I need to do diff:
1. I need to lose weight, I am carrying to much weight
2. my hydration pack was way to heavy, I need to lighten the pack
3. I need to get back in the pool. I need that cross training.
4. find sand and just ride through it getting my legs use to the energy sucking terrain
5. I need to ride Aqhuabi over and over again.
6. keep riding gravel.
It seems that for some people competing comes easy, it does not for me, alot of times i have to force myself out the door. I get really nervous and anxious. So for the next few months I am just going to try to relax ,enjoy cyclocross and work on base fitness.
Fun Cheqy take aways :
1. Met John and Phil from Minneapolis great guys who looked me up after to see how I had done then informed me I was going to do it next year.
2. The people are very friendly and helpful.
3. I can do the polka with a stranger from Chicago.
4. Spotted Cow beer is wonderful, so I now have a case of it. :)
5. What a fun group of people Dave, Dee, Karolyn, Kim, Maria and Heather. Dave and his women! They had us me laughing.
6. Heather and Maria make good roomies for a weekend.
...there are more but sometimes you just have to keep it to yourself...:)
My pics from Chequamegon
Cheqy didn't beat me it just set me back a little bit! Just wait until next year.. :)
Peace
I was so wrong, I did not train correctly at all. I was so out of my league that they should have thrown me off of the starting line. ok I need to back up. Friday I meet up with Dave, Dee, Maria, Heather, Karolyn and Kim in Ankeny and we car caravan ed to Cable to pick up our packets and do a test ride.
We got there to early for packet pick up so decided to ride first. We were going to ride the last 3-5 miles of the course to test our legs and test the bikes. The Saturday before I had broken a chain on one of my training ride, Bill got it put back on and I took it out for a ride Tuesday. It held fine so all was good, right?, wrong. The last few miles of Cheqy are very hilly off road. I was going up the hill and had my second "oh Shit" moment in a week, the chain broke AGAIN. I could not believe it another broken chain, I got the chain off of the bike and started to walk to the car which meant pushing the bike up and down hills. Heather stayed with me bless her heart until the mosquitoes go to bad. Many gentlemen stopped and offered to help however I needed to walk and think things out. I did not have another chain, I did not really know what to do. I was crying at this point because I was so frustrated. By the time I got back to the car I told them I was packing up and heading home. I actually told Kim that If I left then and went home I would never get on a bike again. All she said was " I know". I called Bill ,he had no idea why it would be breaking, he talked me into going to the TREK tent and seeing if they could fix my chain.
I took the bike to the TREK tent asked if they could fix the chain, thinking they would fix my broken chain, however the mechanic took the bike and put a new chain , a step up from the one that I had on, then proceeded to make sure it was adjusted correctly. He only charged me 20 dollars for the chain nothing for his labor but I gave him a tip. I am sorry to say that I didn't get his name. He said that this was his 18th year of either riding or working Cheqy. I went to pack pick up got my stuff and ran into the rest of the group, they were happy to see that I had at least picked up my packet that I had not given up yet.
I found out that the way you save your spot in line basically was first come first serve, So Dave, Dee, Kim and Karolyn got up at 4 am and set their bikes at the starting line. Maria and I decided we did not expect to win so we waited until 8 am to set our bikes, it was an incredible site to see all of those bike flipped upside down.
Dee and Daves' Tandem doing it's own thing...
very fun to see all of the bikes upside down.
The race started at 10 so at about 9:40 they had the "Bandit Patrol" remove any bikes that did not have numbers on them, then at about 9:50 they had them remove any bikes that were not occupied. They have this down to a science. After the National Anthem was sung they did the count down.5 4 3 2 1 *BOOM* and we were off, kind of, it took a little bit to get back to us but not more than a minute. You just had to hold your line otherwise you were getting ran over. The start of the race is about 3 miles of pavement until you get to Rosie's Field which is grass, next is Berkie Trail......I put Cheqy into three sections, Gravel, dirt/rock trails, and the Birkebeiner cross country ski trail. The Berkie as it is call is a cross country ski trail that hosts many activities thru the year, running races, Fat Tire Festival and various cross country ski races. Do not let anyone tell you "oh it is a cross country ski hill it cannot be that tough". It was hell. I have never had anything sap my energy so fast. It didn't help that Wisconsin has been getting rain so it was like riding on an energy sapping sponge.
It usually takes my legs a few miles to warm up and the thighs to quit hurting. They never quit hurting, I rode up some of the hills and walked others. I was walking more than I normally would however i was riding on an untested chain and didn't want to push my luck. I soon found that for me to even make forward progress on the Berkie trail i needed to put the bike in the granny gear, so I just prayed that the chain would hold.
The chain and bike did great. The rider(me)sucked. I tried to ride my own race take it easy breath easy, however there was no breathing easy on this trail, I would catch up with people on the gravel and the mud, rock trails however I would just die on the grass.
I caught a ride with a very nice lady to Cable, found Heather our Sherpa/pack person, changed my clothes and cheered everyone else in. It took me 2 hours to get to mile 16 as I was sitting there waiting for a ride to Cable I heard their radios crack that the person in 1st was at mile 39, the winner did it in 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Chequamegon is a test of endurance, strength and mental fortitude. I had none of them Saturday, I was very unprepared. Was I discouraged, not really. When we hit the grassy fields I knew that I had not trained right and that I was in for a very long day. When I started to hyperventilate and had a hard time breathing I knew that I was done.
I can say that I did start the raced after I wanted to just go home after the chain broke on Friday, I had every intention of finishing, however It didn't happen. I plan on being there next year to conquer Cheguamegon. I have even booked my room at the lodge I stayed at this year for next year.
So what do I need to do diff:
1. I need to lose weight, I am carrying to much weight
2. my hydration pack was way to heavy, I need to lighten the pack
3. I need to get back in the pool. I need that cross training.
4. find sand and just ride through it getting my legs use to the energy sucking terrain
5. I need to ride Aqhuabi over and over again.
6. keep riding gravel.
It seems that for some people competing comes easy, it does not for me, alot of times i have to force myself out the door. I get really nervous and anxious. So for the next few months I am just going to try to relax ,enjoy cyclocross and work on base fitness.
Fun Cheqy take aways :
1. Met John and Phil from Minneapolis great guys who looked me up after to see how I had done then informed me I was going to do it next year.
2. The people are very friendly and helpful.
3. I can do the polka with a stranger from Chicago.
4. Spotted Cow beer is wonderful, so I now have a case of it. :)
5. What a fun group of people Dave, Dee, Karolyn, Kim, Maria and Heather. Dave and his women! They had us me laughing.
6. Heather and Maria make good roomies for a weekend.
...there are more but sometimes you just have to keep it to yourself...:)
My pics from Chequamegon
Cheqy didn't beat me it just set me back a little bit! Just wait until next year.. :)
Peace
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Gravel and stuff
I am taking a different approach this year to riding. I have always ridden road bikes, I like my road bike however with all of the car vs bike issues going on road riding kind of scares me. So I have taken to the gravel. Living in Newton, working in Pella and being from Pella I know alot of gravel roads. I have been trying to map out different routes which has been alot of fun, Hopefully I can get some of the ladies to drive down from DSM to ride some of them with me.
Since I made my decision to not do any triathlons this year, I seem to be more relaxed. Which to me means that it was the right decision.
Latest Greatest:
About froze my butt of saturday at the Colfax gravel circuit race. I was a stop sign on a corner. I think that I might have found my calling.
Sunday I rode the Chill - i - ride, this is a ride put on by the CIC, central Iowa cyclist. We got to ride around the race track. I rode 1/2 of the way with the group(I had to get a cookie or two) then took off and scouted out some gravel roads. I am finding out there a ALOT of hills around here but I knew that.
JS and I are now officially signed up for sun, mon and tues of RAGBRAI. Watch out world the Julies' are on the loose.
I have been uncovering my plants, it was a long winter for them. I think they are happy to get the mulched leaves off of their little stems. I am also trying to decide what to grow this year.
I am still swimming twice a week and actually running more now then when i was training. Figure that one out.
That is about all for now...until next time PEACE!
Since I made my decision to not do any triathlons this year, I seem to be more relaxed. Which to me means that it was the right decision.
Latest Greatest:
About froze my butt of saturday at the Colfax gravel circuit race. I was a stop sign on a corner. I think that I might have found my calling.
Sunday I rode the Chill - i - ride, this is a ride put on by the CIC, central Iowa cyclist. We got to ride around the race track. I rode 1/2 of the way with the group(I had to get a cookie or two) then took off and scouted out some gravel roads. I am finding out there a ALOT of hills around here but I knew that.
JS and I are now officially signed up for sun, mon and tues of RAGBRAI. Watch out world the Julies' are on the loose.
I have been uncovering my plants, it was a long winter for them. I think they are happy to get the mulched leaves off of their little stems. I am also trying to decide what to grow this year.
I am still swimming twice a week and actually running more now then when i was training. Figure that one out.
That is about all for now...until next time PEACE!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
FUN FUN FUN
Looks like that is what both of us have in tune for this year! I think it is well deserved for the both of us. We had a couple of years of working hard and I think everyone needs to take a break from the work.
I would like to do a couple sprint tris in 2011, we'll see how I'm doing with everything after this year! I may like the fun factor instead...we'll see!!
Look for the Julie's havin' fun at races and cheering everyone else on!!!
I would like to do a couple sprint tris in 2011, we'll see how I'm doing with everything after this year! I may like the fun factor instead...we'll see!!
Look for the Julie's havin' fun at races and cheering everyone else on!!!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
JG's 2010 Goals
*DRUM ROLL*
To Have Fun! Plain and simple Just to have fun.
I want to do more off road riding,
Mountain Biking - hone my skills (ok they need ALOT of work)
RAGBRAI is on the calendar with JS
Get the girls together once a month for a gravel ride, different place and route each month.
CycloCross!!!
No Individual Triathlons, I am not having fun doing them, so I am taking a year off and will reevaluate it next year. I might go back and I might not, Only time will tell.
So there you have it JG's 2010 goals! A little late but better late than Never...LOL.
Peace
To Have Fun! Plain and simple Just to have fun.
I want to do more off road riding,
Mountain Biking - hone my skills (ok they need ALOT of work)
RAGBRAI is on the calendar with JS
Get the girls together once a month for a gravel ride, different place and route each month.
CycloCross!!!
No Individual Triathlons, I am not having fun doing them, so I am taking a year off and will reevaluate it next year. I might go back and I might not, Only time will tell.
So there you have it JG's 2010 goals! A little late but better late than Never...LOL.
Peace
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Life throws you challenges...
...run with them! That is what I need to do....now to actually implement it! This winter has been hard on me. With a full schedule of work and school, then throw in the 50+ inches of snow we've received, it's been REALLY hard to motivate myself to do anything. During the week has been pretty much studying and maintaining my house. Since the snow started to fly I can count on my hands the times I've been outside for exercise:
Dec. - weekend before Christmas while at my sister's my wonderful husband made me go out on a 3 mile walk/jog.
Jan. - Got out one Sat. and helped my Mom shovel/snowblow and then played with my daughter and the dog. Also got out for a walk/jog another Sat.
Feb. - BRR bike ride
I really think that is all, in my mind I can't think of anything else, but then again my mind is a little out of it lately......PATHETIC!!!!
My plan for this next term (Feb 24-Apr 21) is:
Mon/Wed night - class until 10pm
Tues night - Wii Yoga with my daughter or roller skating, whichever sounds more appealing for the night and the budget.
Thurs night - STUDY!!!
Fri night - family night.
Sat/Sun - find time to study and get some form of exercise each day, whether it be going to the Y for a swim or forcing myself outside for a walk/jog or bike ride. I HAVE to start doing something!! For mine and my families sanity!
Send me a message if you are heading out for a ride and don't mind an OUT OF SHAPE person dragging behind!
Dec. - weekend before Christmas while at my sister's my wonderful husband made me go out on a 3 mile walk/jog.
Jan. - Got out one Sat. and helped my Mom shovel/snowblow and then played with my daughter and the dog. Also got out for a walk/jog another Sat.
Feb. - BRR bike ride
I really think that is all, in my mind I can't think of anything else, but then again my mind is a little out of it lately......PATHETIC!!!!
My plan for this next term (Feb 24-Apr 21) is:
Mon/Wed night - class until 10pm
Tues night - Wii Yoga with my daughter or roller skating, whichever sounds more appealing for the night and the budget.
Thurs night - STUDY!!!
Fri night - family night.
Sat/Sun - find time to study and get some form of exercise each day, whether it be going to the Y for a swim or forcing myself outside for a walk/jog or bike ride. I HAVE to start doing something!! For mine and my families sanity!
Send me a message if you are heading out for a ride and don't mind an OUT OF SHAPE person dragging behind!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
6 Months to Hy Vee
I started the 6 month training schedule yesterday the 28th. I am not sure at this point if I am going to do Hy Vee for sure however If I decide that I do want to compete I want to be on schedule so to speak.
The first 3 months I will be just doing base fitness. My fitness is still fairly good from the Fall cyclocross season but one can alway improve their fitness. I need to enjoy getting my body in shape, instead of thinking of it as a chore.
The second 3 months build up to the triathlon. It is more intense than the first 3 months. I have used this schedule for three years now. It has worked well for me and I am sure it will work well again.
That is all for now..
PEACE
The first 3 months I will be just doing base fitness. My fitness is still fairly good from the Fall cyclocross season but one can alway improve their fitness. I need to enjoy getting my body in shape, instead of thinking of it as a chore.
The second 3 months build up to the triathlon. It is more intense than the first 3 months. I have used this schedule for three years now. It has worked well for me and I am sure it will work well again.
That is all for now..
PEACE
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Happy Holidays and some reflections on 2009
CycloCross season is over, it was a wonderful experience and I am having post cross depression. I will admit that It needed to be over for me. I could feel myself getting wore out. Cyclocross helped me get a good base fitness that will carry over into my triathlon training for next year. i have not decided on what I want to do next year but right now I plan on doing only 1 triathlon and that will be Hy-Vee. I need to finish it to prove to myself that I can. I would also like to do more Mountain biking and the Elkhart time trial series. None of this is set in stone they are just thoughts.
Here are a few thoughts on this past year:
Competing is at least 50% mental. If you are not mentally tough it will not matter how fit you are.
The Pinks are a great group of ladies. They are warm, caring and fun.
EVERYONE needs to do the Muddy Buddy. You cannot help but have a great time when you are covered in mud.
CycloCross is addictive and the riders are wonderfully crazy people. My theory is that it is hard to hide who you are when you are turning yourself inside out for 45+ minutes.
Cyclists have nice butts :)(That one is for you Paul)
We are ALL winners if we give it our best shot.
Life is not a dress rehearsal...DO IT NOW! Don't wait for tomorrow.
God works in very mysterious ways!
I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and may your 2010 be everything you wish.
PEACE
Here are a few thoughts on this past year:
Competing is at least 50% mental. If you are not mentally tough it will not matter how fit you are.
The Pinks are a great group of ladies. They are warm, caring and fun.
EVERYONE needs to do the Muddy Buddy. You cannot help but have a great time when you are covered in mud.
CycloCross is addictive and the riders are wonderfully crazy people. My theory is that it is hard to hide who you are when you are turning yourself inside out for 45+ minutes.
Cyclists have nice butts :)(That one is for you Paul)
We are ALL winners if we give it our best shot.
Life is not a dress rehearsal...DO IT NOW! Don't wait for tomorrow.
God works in very mysterious ways!
I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and may your 2010 be everything you wish.
PEACE
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Fall Activities - CycloCross
Wow I have been neglecting this blog, sorry about that. So what have I been doing this fall i can sum that up in one word..CYCLOCROSS. I started to do cyclocross, I have been a spectator for two years and decided to give it a try this year. What a incredibly difficult sport but what a BLAST once you body quits hurting.
My summer really stunk triathlon wise i just didn't have the base fitness. I thought that maybe cyclocross would help. It helped ALOT. Riding at 170 HR for 45 minutes can do nothing but help your base fitness. I could tell I was getting stronger as the season went on. Every Tuesday night in Sept and Oct, I would fly home from work feed the cats, change clothes then head to DSM for practice. We had to stop in Nov because it started to get dark to quick.
I have met alot of great people that I hope that I am friends with for a long time. I missed JS, she didn't get to do the practice due to school, however right now school and her family are priority and I can certainly understand that.
I did learn that there are enemies of cyclocross riders...ACORNS. They are evil little nuts. I was out practicing, minding my own business and WHAM 2 acorns took me out. The little suckers body slammed me. Talk about stunned especially because I wasn't even under an acorn tree. I think they migrate to throw people off. I had the biggest darn bruise I have ever had, proof below. This happened the first of Sept and I can still feel it, but at least I dont look like I have big celulite pocket anymore.
I have done 3 races so far, the technical part still makes me nervous but I am getting there. Next week I am doing two races at Jingle Cross. I take it easy and slow but at least I am trying.
So that is a very quick update. I have not decided on next years plans. I am still thinking about what I want to do. I do know I am doing HyVee and I am finishing this time.
Until next time...PEACE
My summer really stunk triathlon wise i just didn't have the base fitness. I thought that maybe cyclocross would help. It helped ALOT. Riding at 170 HR for 45 minutes can do nothing but help your base fitness. I could tell I was getting stronger as the season went on. Every Tuesday night in Sept and Oct, I would fly home from work feed the cats, change clothes then head to DSM for practice. We had to stop in Nov because it started to get dark to quick.
I have met alot of great people that I hope that I am friends with for a long time. I missed JS, she didn't get to do the practice due to school, however right now school and her family are priority and I can certainly understand that.
I did learn that there are enemies of cyclocross riders...ACORNS. They are evil little nuts. I was out practicing, minding my own business and WHAM 2 acorns took me out. The little suckers body slammed me. Talk about stunned especially because I wasn't even under an acorn tree. I think they migrate to throw people off. I had the biggest darn bruise I have ever had, proof below. This happened the first of Sept and I can still feel it, but at least I dont look like I have big celulite pocket anymore.
I have done 3 races so far, the technical part still makes me nervous but I am getting there. Next week I am doing two races at Jingle Cross. I take it easy and slow but at least I am trying.
So that is a very quick update. I have not decided on next years plans. I am still thinking about what I want to do. I do know I am doing HyVee and I am finishing this time.
Until next time...PEACE
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Where did I go....
Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. I don't have much to post about exercise as I don't have much time right now. I'm definitely feeling the effects of it and am itching to find something to do.
I work 35hrs a week. Go to school for 12hrs a week. I also need to study, keep Alexa entertained, spend time with Kyle, and maintain my house. Did I also mention that if I don't get at least 7hrs of sleep I am a wreck!!
Here is my week:
Monday - work till 5, with Alexa while Kyle gets a ride in, Alexa in bed by 8, I have to study and would like to fit some exercise in.
Tuesday - morning class, afternoon work till 5, with Alexa while Kyle rides, Alexa in bed by 8, I LOVE Biggest Loser (maybe trainer during last half) homework assignments during show and after.
Wednesday - work till 5, class until 10
Thursday - work till 5, class until 10
Friday - work until 5, would like to have a night with family, but feel I need to study, most times forgo studying.
Sat/Sun - clean, bike races, study, sleep(catch-up)....hard to make a schedule when every weekend is different.
only take about 45min lunches, and some days need that to study.
Any suggestions??
I work 35hrs a week. Go to school for 12hrs a week. I also need to study, keep Alexa entertained, spend time with Kyle, and maintain my house. Did I also mention that if I don't get at least 7hrs of sleep I am a wreck!!
Here is my week:
Monday - work till 5, with Alexa while Kyle gets a ride in, Alexa in bed by 8, I have to study and would like to fit some exercise in.
Tuesday - morning class, afternoon work till 5, with Alexa while Kyle rides, Alexa in bed by 8, I LOVE Biggest Loser (maybe trainer during last half) homework assignments during show and after.
Wednesday - work till 5, class until 10
Thursday - work till 5, class until 10
Friday - work until 5, would like to have a night with family, but feel I need to study, most times forgo studying.
Sat/Sun - clean, bike races, study, sleep(catch-up)....hard to make a schedule when every weekend is different.
only take about 45min lunches, and some days need that to study.
Any suggestions??
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Something A little Different..
Sometimes you just have to do something a little different and this is exactly what JS and I did this past weekend. We participated in the 10th annual Muddy Buddy in Gilberts, Illinois. Now I know you are scratching your head going "What is a muddy buddy". Well I am here to tell you that it is a blast.
Here is a quick overview:
- two person team
- One starts off biking the other running. The bikers start first then 3 minutes later the runners.
- there are 4 obstacles, when the biker gets to the obstacle they do the obstacle then start running, when the runner gets to the obstacle they do the obstacle and start biking. So you leap frog every other obstacle. the obstacles were 1. a climbing wall 2. Balance Beam 3. a canvas slide 4. army net that we had to crawl under.
- Now here comes the muddy...before the finish line you have to wait for your buddy and army crawl through a mud pit...yes a mud pit and since we were the last wave, there was 16 waves, The mud pit was muddy.
- Each team has to have a name, me in my creative genius chose, Muddy Buddy Virgins. I know real original. So we dressed up as brides. Did I say that there was a costume contest?
Before:
After: The muddy gentle men in the photo is our friend Dan who came support us and take pics.
JS and I carried cameras so here are pics..I hope you enjoy them.
On the way home from Chicago we were already discussing next years costumes. We are always open for suggestions.
I will let JS tell about her experience...
Until next time..Peace..JG
Here is a quick overview:
- two person team
- One starts off biking the other running. The bikers start first then 3 minutes later the runners.
- there are 4 obstacles, when the biker gets to the obstacle they do the obstacle then start running, when the runner gets to the obstacle they do the obstacle and start biking. So you leap frog every other obstacle. the obstacles were 1. a climbing wall 2. Balance Beam 3. a canvas slide 4. army net that we had to crawl under.
- Now here comes the muddy...before the finish line you have to wait for your buddy and army crawl through a mud pit...yes a mud pit and since we were the last wave, there was 16 waves, The mud pit was muddy.
- Each team has to have a name, me in my creative genius chose, Muddy Buddy Virgins. I know real original. So we dressed up as brides. Did I say that there was a costume contest?
Before:
After: The muddy gentle men in the photo is our friend Dan who came support us and take pics.
JS and I carried cameras so here are pics..I hope you enjoy them.
On the way home from Chicago we were already discussing next years costumes. We are always open for suggestions.
I will let JS tell about her experience...
Until next time..Peace..JG
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hy-Vee and I'm a winner!
First off, I never posted about my Hy-Vee Tri swim. I was really nervous going into it as my back had been out of whack all week and I hadn't made it to the pool/lake as much as I wanted. I went in with open as a mind as I could muster up.
Once Julie and I arrived at the transition area, I found Kristin's bike and made sure I knew exactly where to run to for our FAST transition. I found some of the people I knew that were participating and wished them luck and then headed to the beach.
My first intention was to get a good warm-up in, but then decided against it when I got down to the beach and there was a nice cool breeze that if I was wet would have had me shivering all my energy out! Since I had 30 minutes before my wave, I stretched my arms and sides and tried to loosen up a little that way.
Once our wave was ready to go, I finally felt ready! Ready, set, GO...I stayed to the outside and got a good start in. Round the first buoy and got ran over by a BIG guy! A little composure and back off on my way. It was feeling really good and I thought I was sighting pretty good. Let's take a few side strokes and see where the buoys are and make sure I'm on track...CRAP...I'm way too far from the buoys!! As I start angling in I ran into a bunch of guys doing backstroke, back out to get around them and angle in again!
I finally got closer and headed around the last buoy, so with the last stretch left I try to kick it in, once again getting off track on the sighting...NOT my DAY!! I finally hit the beach and book it into transition. I about collapsed while Kristin was taking the time chip. I look over and she is trying to put it on backwards...I help her quick and off she goes!
Final swim time of 35:40 (1.5K)...not too bad, but not as good as the year before.
Kristin rocked it on the bike with a time of 1:10:14 (40K)
Kelly kicked it in the run with a 1:02:15 (10K)
We ended 14th out of 53 teams!
Second, I am a Winner! I posted a comment on Steve Stenzel's blog and won a supply of Monkey Drink mix! Here I am with the winnings and my first go at a Monkey Drink, I will need to add more flavor next time, but it was good! JG will be getting some of the supply too...since we do share this blog!
Once Julie and I arrived at the transition area, I found Kristin's bike and made sure I knew exactly where to run to for our FAST transition. I found some of the people I knew that were participating and wished them luck and then headed to the beach.
My first intention was to get a good warm-up in, but then decided against it when I got down to the beach and there was a nice cool breeze that if I was wet would have had me shivering all my energy out! Since I had 30 minutes before my wave, I stretched my arms and sides and tried to loosen up a little that way.
Once our wave was ready to go, I finally felt ready! Ready, set, GO...I stayed to the outside and got a good start in. Round the first buoy and got ran over by a BIG guy! A little composure and back off on my way. It was feeling really good and I thought I was sighting pretty good. Let's take a few side strokes and see where the buoys are and make sure I'm on track...CRAP...I'm way too far from the buoys!! As I start angling in I ran into a bunch of guys doing backstroke, back out to get around them and angle in again!
I finally got closer and headed around the last buoy, so with the last stretch left I try to kick it in, once again getting off track on the sighting...NOT my DAY!! I finally hit the beach and book it into transition. I about collapsed while Kristin was taking the time chip. I look over and she is trying to put it on backwards...I help her quick and off she goes!
Final swim time of 35:40 (1.5K)...not too bad, but not as good as the year before.
Kristin rocked it on the bike with a time of 1:10:14 (40K)
Kelly kicked it in the run with a 1:02:15 (10K)
We ended 14th out of 53 teams!
Second, I am a Winner! I posted a comment on Steve Stenzel's blog and won a supply of Monkey Drink mix! Here I am with the winnings and my first go at a Monkey Drink, I will need to add more flavor next time, but it was good! JG will be getting some of the supply too...since we do share this blog!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hy Vee in the books
Well things never go as expected and for me the Hy-Vee was no exception. It is my first DNF(did not finish). I felt good in the swim, I took a little side trip which didn't help my time. I started sighting the wrong booy. OOPs. but I got back on track. Since I DNF I do not know what my official time was because they did not post the swim and bike however my watch said 32 minutes. I am happy with that.
Out of the water and on to the bike, I started out slower this year, I did it on purpose. I wanted to get my legs warmed up before I started to pound them. Up Grand I went I found out that I am a better hill climber than most, I was passing people right and left. I guess riding into the river bottom does help. On the top of the first hill I was met with the sight of the "Hecklers", most of the biking hecklers had been out riding and drinking all night. So they were pretty well wound up, and one even had a speedo on, I will refrain from naming this speedo wearer to protect the identity of this wife and daughter..:)who have to put up with this speedo wearer. After the Grand hill the gound was flat for quite awhile. I was going between 18-19 mph. we had a slight head wind. I would pass some people, people would pass me. People would ride by yelling "go pink biker". Go to love the All9Yards pinks tri kits. About 2 miles from the turn around the hills started again, they were long and fairly steep. On the way back I started to crank it a little harder. I was going between 20-22 mph. Nice little tailwind. My shoulders were starting to ache really badly, i need to ride the tri bike more to get use to the position. Well back to Grand Ave and the Hecklers. Julie Hugo was cheering and yelling as was SS. I is nice to see your friend yelling for you. I think I did the bike in about an hour 20-24. I am not unhappy.
Now the Bike to run. I knew that this would not be good, I was not feeling energetic at all, i just wanted to stop. So I get my bike racked, my calf sleeves put on and head off to the run. I waved at Julie, Bill and my mom, sister, niece and nephew, then trotted on down the trail. It was miserable, my hips hurt, my stomach would not settle and I was thirsty. I tried not to drink to much water because that did me in last year. I ran maybe a mile then walked. Once I started walking I knew that it was over. I just could not get any kind of rhythm. The cycling hecklers were now the running hecklers. They cheered me on but It didnt help much. I was talking to myself about what to do. I really didnt want to walk the whole thing. It is a tri Swim, Bike and Run. Not swim , bike and walk. So I decided to hang it up. I have tried to starting listening to my body more. As I was walking back I ran into Kyle, Rob, Joe and Kurt. They tried to talk me in to walking it but I had made up my mind. I was done. No tri finish for me. I got a ride back to the park with a nice gentleman with a golf cart. Then went and found Bill. He felt bad for me but knew the issues that I have been having with my legs he was surprised that I stopped but not that I was having to walk.
I am upset with myself but at the time it was the right decision for me. I need to reevaluate how I am training and eating. I was having a hard time this year getting my mental attitude ready for this race. I was much more excited about it last year. Will I do another intermediate tri, I don't know. I hope to keep doing sprints.
I need to work on my nutrition, my stretching and my running. I need to maintain my swimming and cycling. I also need to lose weight.
I want to say I failed. I did fail in my mind but I tried and it was not to be. Life is full of disappointments you just have to deal with them.
JS also participated and did great. I will let her tell you about her adventures.
Thanks for checking in... until next time PEACE
Out of the water and on to the bike, I started out slower this year, I did it on purpose. I wanted to get my legs warmed up before I started to pound them. Up Grand I went I found out that I am a better hill climber than most, I was passing people right and left. I guess riding into the river bottom does help. On the top of the first hill I was met with the sight of the "Hecklers", most of the biking hecklers had been out riding and drinking all night. So they were pretty well wound up, and one even had a speedo on, I will refrain from naming this speedo wearer to protect the identity of this wife and daughter..:)who have to put up with this speedo wearer. After the Grand hill the gound was flat for quite awhile. I was going between 18-19 mph. we had a slight head wind. I would pass some people, people would pass me. People would ride by yelling "go pink biker". Go to love the All9Yards pinks tri kits. About 2 miles from the turn around the hills started again, they were long and fairly steep. On the way back I started to crank it a little harder. I was going between 20-22 mph. Nice little tailwind. My shoulders were starting to ache really badly, i need to ride the tri bike more to get use to the position. Well back to Grand Ave and the Hecklers. Julie Hugo was cheering and yelling as was SS. I is nice to see your friend yelling for you. I think I did the bike in about an hour 20-24. I am not unhappy.
Now the Bike to run. I knew that this would not be good, I was not feeling energetic at all, i just wanted to stop. So I get my bike racked, my calf sleeves put on and head off to the run. I waved at Julie, Bill and my mom, sister, niece and nephew, then trotted on down the trail. It was miserable, my hips hurt, my stomach would not settle and I was thirsty. I tried not to drink to much water because that did me in last year. I ran maybe a mile then walked. Once I started walking I knew that it was over. I just could not get any kind of rhythm. The cycling hecklers were now the running hecklers. They cheered me on but It didnt help much. I was talking to myself about what to do. I really didnt want to walk the whole thing. It is a tri Swim, Bike and Run. Not swim , bike and walk. So I decided to hang it up. I have tried to starting listening to my body more. As I was walking back I ran into Kyle, Rob, Joe and Kurt. They tried to talk me in to walking it but I had made up my mind. I was done. No tri finish for me. I got a ride back to the park with a nice gentleman with a golf cart. Then went and found Bill. He felt bad for me but knew the issues that I have been having with my legs he was surprised that I stopped but not that I was having to walk.
I am upset with myself but at the time it was the right decision for me. I need to reevaluate how I am training and eating. I was having a hard time this year getting my mental attitude ready for this race. I was much more excited about it last year. Will I do another intermediate tri, I don't know. I hope to keep doing sprints.
I need to work on my nutrition, my stretching and my running. I need to maintain my swimming and cycling. I also need to lose weight.
I want to say I failed. I did fail in my mind but I tried and it was not to be. Life is full of disappointments you just have to deal with them.
JS also participated and did great. I will let her tell you about her adventures.
Thanks for checking in... until next time PEACE
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hy-Vee Tri...here we come!
hopefully...my back is all whacked out right now...lots of ice and rest before my swim on Sunday!
JG is once again taking part in the whole tri....she'll do great!!
Come on out and watch the fun!
JG is once again taking part in the whole tri....she'll do great!!
Come on out and watch the fun!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Win a $75 Gift Cert!
Want to win a $75 gift certificate? Check out Steve in a Speedo, read the blog posts and find out how! Onlineshoes.com is using his blog to give one away!
His blog is funny and inspiring all at the same time!
His blog is funny and inspiring all at the same time!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pigman Sprint PR!!
JG and I headed over to Cedar Rapids with Alexa on Sat. morning. We arrived in time to eat lunch and then head out to get my packet and check out the water! After arriving at the lake and seeing how windy and chilly it was, we opted to head back into town and see what we felt like doing. Stopped at the grocery store for some needed items and then headed back to my in-laws. We were both pretty lazy, but all of a sudden, Julie popped up and said, I need to go run and you need to do a little something today! OK, OK, I'll go for a little jog with you. We had a nice 2 mile jog/walk and then headed out for some pre-race pasta.
With my alarm set for 5am, I quickly fell asleep, only to be woken by a thunderstorm about 4am! hmmm...not getting back to sleep anytime soon! The rain stopped about 5am and I got up to eat my oatmeal and get ready.
Off to the course by 5:40, we arrived and there were already a bunch of people there. I didn't get the spot I scoped out the previous day, but at least there was room a couple spots in from the end. Transition set up...after 2 trips back to the car for stuff! I was pretty out of it from being up so early!
Off to the beach to warm up and get ready for this race! The water felt good at 67degrees. I wore my sleeveless wetsuit and it was perfect!
This particular race started with a time trial start. Each wave lined up in the shoot with a person going off every 3 seconds. It was nice not to have to fight for a spot in the water. I swam a solid swim and didn't once run into anyone!
Out of the water my legs felt like jelly, a slow jog up to transition! Off on the bike and my legs just felt really heavy and it didn't help that we had to go uphill out of the park! About 3-4 miles into it, my legs are finally feeling better. Into Palo was about the halfway point, so I downed my GU and some water and pushed out of town back towards the park. Big hill up to the park entrance...but wait, we keep going...so it's down the hill, around to the turn around and back up the hill into the park...my legs were not liking it at all...not a good sign for the run!
Slow transition so my legs could loosen up a little and I headed out! My goal, run all the way to the mile water station! I did it! Slow to a fast walk to drink my water and off jogging again. A little walk up a little hill about 1/2 mile down the road. Jog the rest of the way to the water station again, this time, just slow down the jog a little and keep going while taking more water. Run another 1/2 mile and walk for a minute to slow the heart rate. Jogging again...dang...one more hill, walk up that....dang, there goes another in my age group! I'm not going to lose her...I keep her in my sights. As I head down the last stretch I hear people cheering and I decide to finish hard and catch that girl! About 20 yds to go I meet up with her and say: "come on...let's go!" She didn't follow, she let me have it.
It was a great race and I am really happy that my run and swim were good. Kind of sad that my bike time was slower, not sure what was wrong with my legs for that!
Here are the official times:
Swim - 500yds - 9:57
T1 - 3:38 - it is a pretty good run up to the actual transition, I didn't start running until about halfway.
Bike - 15.5m - 52:47 - avg 17.7mph
T2 - 2:01
Run - 5K - 32:43 - avg 10:32pace
Total - 1:41:04 (last year was 1:44:30)
My swim, T1, and run were faster than last year. My bike and T2 were slower. Oh what could have been done if all were faster....1:39??
I am happy with it!
With my alarm set for 5am, I quickly fell asleep, only to be woken by a thunderstorm about 4am! hmmm...not getting back to sleep anytime soon! The rain stopped about 5am and I got up to eat my oatmeal and get ready.
Off to the course by 5:40, we arrived and there were already a bunch of people there. I didn't get the spot I scoped out the previous day, but at least there was room a couple spots in from the end. Transition set up...after 2 trips back to the car for stuff! I was pretty out of it from being up so early!
Off to the beach to warm up and get ready for this race! The water felt good at 67degrees. I wore my sleeveless wetsuit and it was perfect!
This particular race started with a time trial start. Each wave lined up in the shoot with a person going off every 3 seconds. It was nice not to have to fight for a spot in the water. I swam a solid swim and didn't once run into anyone!
Out of the water my legs felt like jelly, a slow jog up to transition! Off on the bike and my legs just felt really heavy and it didn't help that we had to go uphill out of the park! About 3-4 miles into it, my legs are finally feeling better. Into Palo was about the halfway point, so I downed my GU and some water and pushed out of town back towards the park. Big hill up to the park entrance...but wait, we keep going...so it's down the hill, around to the turn around and back up the hill into the park...my legs were not liking it at all...not a good sign for the run!
Slow transition so my legs could loosen up a little and I headed out! My goal, run all the way to the mile water station! I did it! Slow to a fast walk to drink my water and off jogging again. A little walk up a little hill about 1/2 mile down the road. Jog the rest of the way to the water station again, this time, just slow down the jog a little and keep going while taking more water. Run another 1/2 mile and walk for a minute to slow the heart rate. Jogging again...dang...one more hill, walk up that....dang, there goes another in my age group! I'm not going to lose her...I keep her in my sights. As I head down the last stretch I hear people cheering and I decide to finish hard and catch that girl! About 20 yds to go I meet up with her and say: "come on...let's go!" She didn't follow, she let me have it.
It was a great race and I am really happy that my run and swim were good. Kind of sad that my bike time was slower, not sure what was wrong with my legs for that!
Here are the official times:
Swim - 500yds - 9:57
T1 - 3:38 - it is a pretty good run up to the actual transition, I didn't start running until about halfway.
Bike - 15.5m - 52:47 - avg 17.7mph
T2 - 2:01
Run - 5K - 32:43 - avg 10:32pace
Total - 1:41:04 (last year was 1:44:30)
My swim, T1, and run were faster than last year. My bike and T2 were slower. Oh what could have been done if all were faster....1:39??
I am happy with it!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bluff Creek in the books
For a fun, training-workout for the day it went good! My fastest time in a tri last year was 1:44:??.
I had a great time, let the "serious" swimmers have at it, helped some girl with her gearing into the wind during the bike, and had a good walk with JG on the "run"!
Official times are:
Swim: 14:31 - I do believe that includes the LONG jaunt up to transition. My watch said 11min when I checked it out of the water.
T1: 1:51
Bike: 52:23 - 15miles
T2: 1:20
Run (walk): 32:27
Total time: 1:42:33
That put me 10th (13 total) in my age group and 44th (51 total) overall in sprint women. I am very happy with that and am excited for Pigman Sprint June 7th!!
JG did great also...I will let her post about her race experience!
Ok i am a little slow but I finally made it for my update.
Swim: 10:48- my watch said 9:13 so I am not quite sure where they took the time but I am ok with this.
Bike: 49:05 - 15miles
Run (walk): 39:25, I need ALOT of work on my run, my leg did start to hurt again so I decided to walk most of it because of Hy Vee coming up. A couple of weeks ago I pulled a muscle in my left calf and dropped a table on my foot. Not a good thing to do.
Total time: 1:42:43
I am happy with my results. I tried to be more relaxed and enjoy the experience this time. I was better but need to work on that more. Next up for me is Hy Vee on June 28Th. So the next three weeks i am going to focus on the bike to run transition and just the run to see if I might be able to get something going.
Thanks for reading. Until next time. Peace
I had a great time, let the "serious" swimmers have at it, helped some girl with her gearing into the wind during the bike, and had a good walk with JG on the "run"!
Official times are:
Swim: 14:31 - I do believe that includes the LONG jaunt up to transition. My watch said 11min when I checked it out of the water.
T1: 1:51
Bike: 52:23 - 15miles
T2: 1:20
Run (walk): 32:27
Total time: 1:42:33
That put me 10th (13 total) in my age group and 44th (51 total) overall in sprint women. I am very happy with that and am excited for Pigman Sprint June 7th!!
JG did great also...I will let her post about her race experience!
Ok i am a little slow but I finally made it for my update.
Swim: 10:48- my watch said 9:13 so I am not quite sure where they took the time but I am ok with this.
Bike: 49:05 - 15miles
Run (walk): 39:25, I need ALOT of work on my run, my leg did start to hurt again so I decided to walk most of it because of Hy Vee coming up. A couple of weeks ago I pulled a muscle in my left calf and dropped a table on my foot. Not a good thing to do.
Total time: 1:42:43
I am happy with my results. I tried to be more relaxed and enjoy the experience this time. I was better but need to work on that more. Next up for me is Hy Vee on June 28Th. So the next three weeks i am going to focus on the bike to run transition and just the run to see if I might be able to get something going.
Thanks for reading. Until next time. Peace
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