Back into the swing.

With my first Sprint Tri completed and still happy with my results, there was no time to rest. Actually I got one day's rest, but not for me. My son and daughter were both at home with head colds so I got stuck indoors being Nurse Mummy. Poor things were sounding like Mr Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street. So they are now on antibiotics for throat infections as well - fingers crossed my immune system fights off the dreaded bug. Can't have that interfering with my plans.

So with both still at home yesterday requiring TLC and my thoughts flying around the fact that I needed to get a 2hr bike ride in I decided to get on the trainer - Killing 2 birds with one stone. I was half tempted to sit on that trainer for 2 hrs, but that droning humming sound of the wheels spinning for two hours would have done mine as well as the kids heads in. So instead I peddled my little heart out for 1hr15mins. During that time I did 6 x 5mins Zone 3 efforts with a 5 min recovery inbetween as well as a warm up and cool down phase.

The time I spent on the trainer was probably the most uncomfortable I have been in a while. Not for any other reason than the bike I have on there was my Giant with a male specific saddle. Talk about being sore. I don't know how you guys tolerate such a hard seat. I was jumping from right butt cheek to left butt cheek the whole time - I even resorted to sitting on a cushion. Couldn't stand it.

No sooner did I finish off I jumped and out the door for a 10min run. Nothing fast or furious - just something to get the legs accustomed to that odd sensation of running on bike legs. Couldn't wander to far away from home for obvious reasons but my training for yesterday was done and I felt good, apart from the sore undercarriage.

I am really liking how my body is adjusting to the training. Everything is feeling nice and strong and recovering really well. Fingers crossed it continues this way.

TriShave Womens Triathlon.

I did it. I can't believe it! Actually I can, but I am still flying on Cloud 9. What an awesome experience. One I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. From the beginning right till the very end it was all an experience that words cannot really give due credit to. Even though I was as nervous as hell to say the least I think I did really well.

So let's start from the beginning. All I can say is that "sheesh, I better learn to get my nerves under control". The drive in this morning was fine, I felt nervous but not too bad. It wasn't until my race got closer that I could really feel my stomach start to almost ache. You know that empty hungry feeling, that makes your stomach feel bruised.

I got to the Regatta Centre early to watch all my friends race in the previous 2 races. And I am so proud of them. I was glad I got there early, if I had of stayed at home I would have totally freaked out. So getting there early gave me some time to distract myself. I got to chatting with everyone and totally enjoying the vibe of all these women whom were either first timers or repeat Tri enthusiasts.

I also got to catch up with other members from the club who were doing the Sprint Tri with me. They were never short of a positive word to give to me and made me feel confident in my abilities even if for a little bit. I am eternally greatful.

The time came for me to start my race and I was tossing up whether to wear a wetsuit or not. I chose not to after my last club race and how claustrophobic it made me feel. I didn't want to have that feeling on my first Sprint Tri. So even though the water was cool (21.9 degrees celsius) I was happy with my decision.

I started the swim leg close to the centre bouys. There is a nice fluorescent under cable which unites all the bouys in one straight line - I hardly had to sight at all until I only had about 150m to go. My stroke was nice and even and I used a combination of bilateral breathing and breathing every 4. I was having real trouble shaking this one girl off my feet, every so often I would feel her tap my toes, and when she did I would give a couple hard kicks to let her know I was onto her. I ended up overtaking a few of the previous age group who had started the swim a few minutes before.
After circling the finally bouy it was game on and I upped my kick rate to try once and for all to shake that girl off but she stuck on like glue. And ended up passing me in the run through transition. Not happy Jan... 500m swim time including transition 9:27.

Made it into T1 without too much problem. Had all my stuff ready and in good order so it all went really well. Once again though wish I had a drink at this point but really wanted to get going on the bike. And even though I had the bottle on my bike I keep not wanting to lean down to get it out of the cage. So I think my next investment is a drink bottle that sits between my Tri bars, so all I have to do is tilt my head forward and suck on the straw.

Out on the bike, I had a total ball. I kept my legs ticking over at a cadence of 90 the whole time and averaged about 30km/hr. There was hardly any breeze at all and the storm which had been promised was nowhere to be seen. The sun was out in full force. Just the best ride. I got passed by my club mates who are absolute guns on the bike and I just find their prowess out on the next two legs just totally inspirational and hope to one day be like them. A few more people passed me but I just maintained my own race and kept the legs ticking over the way Jodie & Eliza said to do.
I averaged between 9-10 minutes per 5km loop and felt really good. I had family and friends at every vantage point screaming out words of encouragement and making me feel like I was super woman. It was what I needed to hear to keep pushing forward. I even manged to smile and lift my hand off my bars to give a wave.
Coming into T2 I got all brave and took my feet out of my shoes and rode the last little bit airing my feet and resting my legs a bit for what lay ahead. I was not looking forward to the 5km run.
20km Bike Leg + transition - 41:47
So it was now onto the run leg. The bit I had been dreading the whole race. I had been dreading it because I had only run 5km x2 the week before, and even though I knew I could do it on it's own, it's a totally different ball game on heavy bike legs. Oh well, it was time to either put up or shut up.

All I can say is it was hot, hot, HOT. The sun was out and it was humid as hell. I could actually feel the humidity rising up off of the pavement. First port of call was a quick drink of water at the aid station and then the rest went down on my head to cool it off. I then ran straight through the over head shower which was spraying out a fine mist of beautifully fresh water.

The run leg lined the edge of the water for a 1.25km stretch up and back x2. It is a real mind game coming back on yourself for 2 turnarounds. But I tried to play it cautious and not run too hard and get caught up in the run frenzy - afterall my aim was to not walk any stretch of this 5km run. So I maintained a constant turnover of the legs and just kept a forward momentum - no stopping allowed.
As I started on my third 1.25km my best friend told me that the girl who hung on my toes in the swim was just in front of me. It was then I knew I would get my own back. So I focused on her back and made sure that the distance between me and her got shorter and shorter , and I got her. WooHoo. That put on smile on my face.

Even though I was being passed by much better runners I was happy that I was coming to the end of my run and I still had a little kick at the end to be able to overtake a further 2.
5km Run Leg - 27:23. Who would have thought. The last time I ran 5km it was on fresh legs and I did it in 30 mins. This was too cool. This training stuff really does pay off.

9th in my age group
24th overall
Total time : 1:18:38

Even though this day was great for so many reasons, it would not have been the same if my family and friends were not there to share in it. They were constantly shouting words of encouragement to me every step of the way. Even my club friends who were doing the race with me gave me strength to get through it all. One of the club girls even took my timing chip off my ankle so I didn't have to bend down. I will never forget that. Thankyou.

I can't believe I did it. Now onto many more.

Pre Race thoughts.

As I sit here typing it is approximately 6:40am on the morning of my first ever Sprint Tri. I am nervous but funnily enough not as nervous as yesterday (I am sure this will change). I am trying to stomach two Weetbix, a banana and my usual morning "get up and go" black coffee. I have clipped my toe nails as yesterday marshalling at our club event I realised how gross my toenails were looking.


The weather forecast has now changed from full rain and lightening to showers with a LOW-18, HIGH-27. This is much, much better - I am so happy.

I always think it's amazing how peaceful and calm the world looks this time of the morning. You could hear a pin drop. I am going to try to channel some that calmness and try to go into this race with a clear head, knowing full well that this is what I have been training for. Knowing that today's aim is to do the best that I am able to do and to race my own race.

My coach has given me some wise words on how to tackle each leg knowing full well that I have only run 5km twice and that this may be a bit of hard work - but she has nothing but confidence in me. And I too know that the most difficult part will be when I get off that bike to run - but if I can just keep those legs ticking over and not walk once, then I too will be proud of me.

So wish me luck all.

Laptop

It's not a blogger issue, it's my laptop. Need to check settings. Will try to catch up on everyone's posts on my very very old and slow kids computer.

Ughhhh, computers.

I haven't been neglecting you guys. I have been trying to post comments but all I get is a big white box pop up and no where to post. Annoying. The same happens with posting photos, cant do it through blogger - that same box pops up so I have to post my photos an associated comments through Picasa.

Any ideas? I have sent Blogger Help an email and no response. This is annoying me.

Sunday's Race Gear

Seeing as my first Sprint Tri is this Sunday I thought it wise to lay everything out again and see if anything needed fixing, or if I was missing anything. Nothing missing and everything in tip top shape. Can't believe how well all the colours match. Totally freaky that I had the bike on layby before I even knew the new club colours.

Recovery week - the best.

This week has been just the best and definately what I needed after 3 weeks on my new training program. There is no pressure to have to perform at a certain level, no speed work associated with the swim or bike, no hard efforts. Just you and the pool, bike and runners. No pressure. Just about doing the workout at an easier tempo and letting the body recover from what it has just experienced.

I especially noticed it in the pool yesterday. Normally my 3.5km sessions although feeling easier were still challenging because of the extra effort I put in to perform it at a certain level of intensity. But yesterday I dropped it a notch - actually dropped it a few notches and wore my fins for alot of the session.

• 400m Easy Fr/s
• 6 x 50m kick with fins
• 4 x 500m done as Fr/s without fins, Fr/s with fins, Fr/s with paddles and fins, Fr/s with pullbouy
• 8 x 50m Fr/s with fins
• 400m cooldown kick

It was so nice to swim without feeling like my shoulders and arms were doing it all. Just nice and cruisey. There was actually a moment there where the sun started to peek through the clouds and it set such a pretty pattern on the pool floor. I really didn't want to get out - brought back memories of when I was younger and training in the outdoor pool at Guildford. It's amazing what little things trigger the old memory bank.

So today is meant to be a spin class but may be going to have another road ride with a friend. A week ago she had her bike stolen from her garage and it got replaced yesterday. She has never had cleats before so today she may go and practice getting in and out of them before Sunday as she too is doing the Tri. Karma will get it's own back on those that stole her bike I am more than sure of it.