2007 Race Results:
2008 Race Results:
Assessment:1) There is no replacement for interval training (as noticed by the 17 minute improvement). The official end of the LSD (long slow distance) addiction in my life.
2) You can buy speed. I am not ashamed. At some point I need to calculate a PR depreciation schedule. Or maybe not.
3) Weight matters. I am down 14 pounds since last May. As you can see from the "Ring of Power" nicely accentuated by my race outfit...a loss of a bit more would not hurt!
Coach's Wife Sue Greek Goddess
Race Report:
The race team consisted of the group above. Our Race Director/Bitch/Valet role was filled once again by What About Bob. This time he was joined by his lovely assistant/daughter. We actually departed on time (5:45am) for our one hour and twenty minute drive to Terre Haute. This year the race sold out in advance and although most of our Bloomington Triathlon Club members registered, a few of our stellar members were shut out. We knew to expect a very tough race with at least a couple pros and lots of people getting ready for some mid-season Ironman's etc. The air temp was unusually warm at a humid 69 degrees.
Once at the race, we set up our transition areas and managed to wedge me into my wetsuit. This time I was very careful to pull it up far enough to prevent my shoulders from getting tired. Before the race started I decided that I was going to start the swim at a slow and relaxed pace. When our wave started I focused on form and drafting to stay on course. The Ironman really helped with my dark water fear and learning how to draft. Since I started swim lessons a few weeks ago, I was amazed on how little I now Zigzag. I swam in a straight line and focused on technique. The swim felt so much better and was over much more quickly than last time. I was also not exhausted when I got out of the water.
The transition was almost uneventful. The almost was the part where I got out of the water and could not find What About Bob. Unfortunately, he had my glasses! I started yelling for him. Eventually he heard me and remembered that I COULD NOT SEE WITHOUT HIM! From now on, contacts only!
Once on my bike I was very excited. This was the first test to see how I have improved. Terre Haute is an out and back rolling course. After last year, I have felt a new confidence in my power, speed and strategy. I worked the hills moderately, crested well and attacked the downhills. On the turn around, I was a bit dismayed at the head wind. I kept focused on my watts and cadence. I passed lots of people and really worked on not letting other women pass me. A couple did at the end but I knew I could pass them on the run.
I consumed 275 calories of Infinit on the bike and for the first time ever, missed my row in the transition area. I was an idiot! I got tired at the end of the bike and just spaced it.
I quickly put on my running shoes and headed out. My legs felt great. Too great. I have been fatigued this week and when that happens I am plagued with side stitches. It started during my interval runs (I nailed 3x1 mile under 7:50's) this last week and I knew I was at risk during the race. I decided to run 8:15's and monitor my side. The first couple of miles were fine. I knew the next two I could kick it up a notch. The third mile I was comfortably under 8 minute pace but then I started to feel a stitch develop and I backed off to 8 minute pace. I decided that I just needed to maintain and finish. After mile four, I realized I made one tactical error...not enough calories. I felt the bonk creeping up on me along with the heat and humidity. Next time I will take a gel with me. It was really fun to pass people on the run and be able to say hi to our team members as we passed on the out and back course.
Overall, despite my level of fatigue, I was very happy with my results. I PR'd in every discipline. I was also amazed at how tough my age group is in this race. The woman in first won the overall women's race.
Focus points for training:
1) Continue swim lessons.
2) Raise the my FTP on the bike. More intervals.
3) Build in some recovery next week on my vacation.
Here is part of our new Bloomington Triathlon United team. We had twelve team members participate! Four team members won hardware! It was a great day.
BARC
The best part of the day was spending time with our BARC team. We laughed and cheered each other throughout the race. The Coach's Wife had a great race and came in third in her age group. The Greek Goddess continued her domination despite a lame leg. What About Bob provided the best race support I have ever had. BARC makes all of this way too much fun and way too much addictive. Most importantly, we recovered when we left the park with a refreshingly cold Amstel Light. Gosh I love this sport!
Run, Bike, Swim, Live, Laugh, Love
