Race Recap: Fremont Sprint Triathlon

This past Saturday was my second triathlon of the summer, only 3 weeks from my first one. When I was originally looking for races I wanted to both this and the Winneconne one and both were close to home (30 minutes away). The price was right and I decided to go for it, I figured this way if my first wasn't enjoyable then maybe the second would be and this race was benefitting my local YMCA.

I didn't want to make my mind up on the sport with only 1,race, as I have experienced with running races that each have their own quirks and some just flat out suck.

I arrived at the race about 6:45am, which was earlier than I was expecting to get there but that just meant I could relax now and take my time observing and figuring out the course. I got into the transition area and picked my spray painted square in the grass. Since there was no line I went over and got my packet, markered up and my timing chip. I went straight back to transition to get the rest of my things laid out and talked with my fellow competitors. Since I didn't have my personal race photographer this time you will just have to deal with the few I got before and after.

I ran into my triathlete buddy from the last race, I met her during the TRI 101 class I went to and she was originally only planning on doing this race and she ended up signing up for the Winneconne one too. I headed back to the car to eat my banana, drink some fluids and try to calm myself a little. Do I look nervous to you?

You are finally treated to a pic with my hair down!!

Ok, so I knew in my head I could do this but I was really hoping to improve and push myself more in this race. I walked down to check out the swim area and noted the run back into transition was almost a quarter mile and I had to run through sand, grass, mats over gravel and asphalt all barefoot. Really hoping I wouldn't step on a sharp rock and scream like a little girl!

This was a VERY beginner friendly race for swimmers. They had noodles that you could use during the swim, floatation belts and you could even wear a life jacket. There were lifeguards stationed every 20 meters with a pile of noodles to ready to throw you if needed.

SWIM: 1/8 mile 7:11
In looking at this it really looked closer to the distance I did for the last one which was double this so I really think this was more like 1/6 mile. I was in wave 5, out of 12, this time so I got to watch people. The first ones were out of the water before I got started but it was awesome cheering them on! I did ok in this considering I got rid of my gym membership and my swims have been very few and far between.

Transition 1  4:51
I didn't step on any sharp rocks and was able to find my transition spot with ease. Got my feet cleaned off and dried before putting the shoes & socks on and off I went on the bike!

BIKE - 11.2 miles  42.04
I got off to a good start and I was actually passing people this time. But by mile 2 my happiness started to fade and I felt like my legs were cramping up a little. Seriously need to figure this out for next year why it happens. I was not going to eat my Peanut Butter GU until mile 5 but I decided at mile 3 that it was going down then. Thankfully I did because at mile 5.5 there was a decent sized hill and that would have really sucked. The only issue after that was the one road that was covered with little tiny gravel so for about 3/4 of a mile I tried not to eat it with my road bike and get some really sexy looking road rash.

Transition 2  0:46
I did not almost fall getting off my bike this time so that was a plus, but I did almost plow over a runner coming out of the same row I happened to be starting to go down with my bike in tow. Pretty easy as I just parked the bike and took off.

Run - 2 miles 18:09
I was smiling coming out of the gate because I had no leg pain and I was still feeling pretty good. Well then reality smacked me in the face about a quarter mile in and I had to stop and walk. My legs were feeling crampy again and my breathing sucked so I walked and drank some water and gatorade. At that point I started to run again and just put one foot in front of the other and slowly started passing people. Once I hit the turnaround I knew I could run the rest out and continued to pass a few people along the way and encouraging everyone behind me! Totally kept my mind off my tiredness at this point. I picked up the pace for the last quarter mile and sprinted it in to the finish with a SMILE on my face!!

Overall finishing time: 1:12:58
Place:  Overall 150/293  F 52/153   AG 11/29

Ok, so here was the bling that we all got for finishing, and may I also say that the shirt is the freakin' coolest. Totally love the color and we all got swim caps too.

Honestly, this race was the best experience I've ever had in an event (aside from running through Lambeau Field because nothing can honestly top that). This was such a beginner and family friendly race. There were so many non-super athletic people out there and parents running with their kid. The race also fell on the same weekend as a big triathlon in our area so that wiped away all the major competitors. Don't get me wrong I like the competition, which there still was in this, but it was just a great atmosphere.

Not too shabby after just completing a tri! Can you tell I love that color??

I am definitely coming back to this race next year and I think I have already convinced 2 other people to do it with me!! Anyone else up for a super friendly

Marathon Training Recap - Week 1

Welcome to my new Monday installment!!
I am excited to be marathon training, there are only 12 more weeks to go :) So here is what "THE ALMIGHTY PLAN" called for. In case your wondering I'm using Hal Higdon's novice 2 program less some of the weeks and modified around my race schedule.

M: Strength - Completed 30 minutes of circuit training from Jillian Michaels NMTZ

T: 3 mile run - I skipped this workout due to my boob scare, ladies please feel your ta-ta's regularly!! Turns out I just have a benign cyst that will go away in 2-3 months.

W: 6 mile pace - I did a track workout instead doing 6 x 800m splits with 400m recovery with a 400m warmup & cooldown jog for 5 miles overall

T: 3 mile run - I was going to do a 10 mile bike followed by a 3 mile run and was really excited to do it since the weather was finally cool, but had the opportunity to catch a Rattlers game and Jonathon Lucroy (catcher from the Brewers) was doing a rehab start so I couldn't say no. Chalk up another skipped workout for me!

F: Rest - I hopped in the pool for 300yds quick before my brother & sister-in-laws wedding reception out at a local bar but had to call it somewhat early (ended up leaving at 11) to get my but in bed so I can get up nice and early for the race.

S: Fremont Triathlon (1/8 m swim, 11.2 m bike, 2 m run) - **Recap to come soon** I will let you in a secret though...I finished!!

S: 11 mile run - Started about 8pm with Sarah and we ran through downtown Neenah & Menasha. It's definitely a classic night run when you run through the park with only a mile to go and some guys start making animal noises at you. Like I really believe there are monkey's living in WI!!

Overall, it was a good week other than skipping 2 workouts but I am ok with that since I had a loaded weekend. I am really going to try hard to get my runs in the morning otherwise it's run at 8 (provided nothing comes up that night) or in the heat of the evening at 6.

Vacation starts on Friday and I cannot wait...I will have no excuse for missing any workouts and looking forward to de-stressing from work

Roller coaster week

This week I have been riding the roller coaster of life. I think I have just about gone through every emotion so far and it's only Wednesday!!

Sunday - It was disgustingly hot here so Sarah and I did our 10 mile run at night, we started about 8:20 and got back a little after 10 but we were both still completely covered in sweat thanks to the humidity. It felt to get in that long a run with my IT Band only slightly hurting miles 4 - 7 and moderately hurting from 7-10. I was so happy. I really wanted to run and jump onto a slip-n-slide cause I probably would have flown right down that thing with how sweaty I was.

Monday - This was a rest day according to my marathon training program but I decided I have to get back into doing strength on a regular basis, so I think this will now be strength day. The only rest day of the week will be left for Friday now but I'm ok with that as 30 minutes a strength just flies right by and is definitely needed.

Tuesday - I was feeling up my tata's on Monday and noticed a bump, I let it be and felt it again and was there again today. Let the freaking out party begin!!
OMG - there is a huge lump on my left breast
I just had my annual last week Wednesday...where the heck did this come from
What do I do now....call to get an appointment scheduled
Desperate to get in soon...Yeah, I got in today

So I get to the doctor and let her feel me up and sure enough she says it's something to look into. They will schedule me for a mammogram and ultrasound as soon as they can. Get a call from her nurse and they have an opening tomorrow at 10am...I will take it.

I proceeded to pound 3 beers after work last night in hopes of slightly taking my mind off it for the night and maybe get some sleep.

Today - Did not want to crawl out of bed today as I was dreading this appointment. I knew I would finally find out what was going on with me but I was scared it was going to be bad...really bad. I love my pessimistic brain somedays..NOT! Finally dragged my butt out of bed and made it to the appointment without breaking down yet although my body sure cleared it's system out. I got to have 2 more people feel me up and they only ended up doing the ultrasound as they could tell from that it was a benign cyst and should clear itself up in 2 - 3 months and if things got worse I would have to come back in.

I was complimented by the radialogist of my large muscles as I had a small layer a fat followed by a huge chunk of muscle. And I was their youngest patient of the day so that means I win a prize, right? Well I guess I feel completely LUCKY walking out of there with no further tests to go through and knowing I do not have to endure anything more for the time being.

I almost feel like walking around and asking people...Hey, you wanna feel my lump? Cause what's another set of hands feeling me up at this point.

So here is to hoping the rest of the week is looking up for me, lots of training on tap the next 2 nights, getting my hair dyed, my brother's wedding reception and a triathlon Saturday morning. Oh yeah, and then maybe try to run 11 miles on Sunday. I just need to push through this craziness!