Well, the winter slumber is ending - starting to pay attention to diet, rest, and getting the spiderwebs out of the biking knickers and dusting off my shoes - TRY training at the Vincennes Y starts in a month!
Looks like there may be a nice sized group of ladies from Olney headed over for the training - enough that we may need 2 vehicles to car pool - what a hoot! After briefly flirting with the idea of a new vehicle (but really - a car payment - really?) have ordered a 'hidden hitch' and a cool 4 bike carrier to go with it so that we'll all be able to transport our treasures! Plus new tires for GiGi will help assure safe traveling...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Time Flies ...
How can it possibly be that I have not posted in nearly a year!! Too true it seems - but 2011 was really busy! Did the fantastic 12 week TRYathlon training class via Vincennes YMCA again - with a new training buddy, Cheryl. We had great adventures and shared our deep appreciation of 'bark and twigs' on our way home after each session!
Lincoln Trail College in Robinson hosted their first triathlon in May - several of us, with our trusty sherpa helpers, did that on a cold, windy, rainy day - and completed! The run route goes past a prison (twice) and there was something just not right about the prisoners out in their rain slickers (so they were dry) shouting encouragement (we'll go with that) as we 'ran' past (twice) soaked through and through!
June was the 5th SIS Women's TRYathlon in Vincennes - another strong showing by Olney/Richland County ladies in this popular event. However, our eyes were mostly looking forward to the first RCRC White Squirrel Triathlon held in Olney in late July.
We had hoped / prayed / pleaded for at 100 participants and wound up with 221! And a fantastic time was had by all! The community really came together - there were folks swimming, biking, and running all summer! And the really cool thing is that after the event they kept at it until the cold weather forced us all indoors! What a hoot!
The 2012 event in Olney will be held on Saturday, August 4th - super sprint (200 meter pool swim, 11.3 mile bike (some hills - but they are grouped together for your convenience - if you're going to have to climb we've put them all in one mile!), and a 5k.
My training has already begun - starting slow with yoga twice a week but will have to pick up the pace (soon!) to be ready for the RCRC Cold Hearted 5k on Feb 11th!
Lincoln Trail College in Robinson hosted their first triathlon in May - several of us, with our trusty sherpa helpers, did that on a cold, windy, rainy day - and completed! The run route goes past a prison (twice) and there was something just not right about the prisoners out in their rain slickers (so they were dry) shouting encouragement (we'll go with that) as we 'ran' past (twice) soaked through and through!
June was the 5th SIS Women's TRYathlon in Vincennes - another strong showing by Olney/Richland County ladies in this popular event. However, our eyes were mostly looking forward to the first RCRC White Squirrel Triathlon held in Olney in late July.
We had hoped / prayed / pleaded for at 100 participants and wound up with 221! And a fantastic time was had by all! The community really came together - there were folks swimming, biking, and running all summer! And the really cool thing is that after the event they kept at it until the cold weather forced us all indoors! What a hoot!
The 2012 event in Olney will be held on Saturday, August 4th - super sprint (200 meter pool swim, 11.3 mile bike (some hills - but they are grouped together for your convenience - if you're going to have to climb we've put them all in one mile!), and a 5k.
My training has already begun - starting slow with yoga twice a week but will have to pick up the pace (soon!) to be ready for the RCRC Cold Hearted 5k on Feb 11th!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
A Load of S*** - Really!
It's TRY training time again at the Y in Vincennes - preparing for the June 12's SIS Women's TRYathlon sponsored by the Knox County Community Foundation. This involves trips to Vincennes on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings - about 35 miles each way. Last year there were the 4-5 of us that carpooled and had a fun time, this year there is 1 other lady from town but we aren't always able to go together.
So a week or so ago I was headed out after missing the first 3 sessions for one reason or another. I was bound and determined to improve my attendance record and was really flying along lest I be late. About 15 miles into the drive there was a horrible smell - I knew I hadn't hit any dead animals, hadn't stepped in anything getting into the car, there were no sprayers out in the fields - BUT - there was an 18 wheeler with an open trailer ahead of me. Divining that this was the source of the stench, I backed way off instead of following at a normal distance. I was soooo far back that cars started passing me (even though I was still driving a smidge over 60), getting a whiff of what they would be following, and then passing him!
Just after the Lawrenceville turnoff, the 2 lane road goes through an area with no real shoulder, steep drop offs into a then flooded area, and curvy section that is impossible to pass in. This is the area where cell service goes to die as well. Since no one could pass there were perhaps 6-8 vehicles behind me, none of us wanted to get to close to the manure truck. All was well until the truck hit a bump in the road at a bridge and the back gate opened! YES! That's what I said too while slowing down before plowing through several inches (could have been a foot - the road was completely covered) of you-know-what! Chunks the size of golf and tennis balls were bouncing around the road (mostly under my van) and it just kept on coming and kept on coming out of the back of the truck.
No where to pull off, oncoming traffic - no choice but to keep going through it until about a mile up the road where we got 2 lanes and I could pull out to the left lane. Of course I laid on the horn and tried to use appropriate hand gestures (used all my fingers) to indicate that his gate was open but since he didn't pull over I don't think he got the full message that the other drivers who also pulled into the left lane and I were trying to convey.
I went through the automated car wash twice before going to the Y - not wanting to contaminate their parking lot - but as soon as I hopped out of GiGi I realize all the car wash did was smear it around - looked like I had been mudding all day with 'icicles' of you know what dripping from the wheel wells and a horrific stench. I turned her right around and headed back home where it took $8 (4 minutes hot soapy wash for $1) to clean her up (and crouching in the dark wash bay with the trigger spray in one hand and a flashlight in the other you just know I tipped over several times so that when the car was clean I certainly was not!). Then I pulled her out and squandered another $1 to clean up the wash bay for future customers.
Parked her on the street facing into the wind so that in the morning I could tell if anything was dripping (you know, the little things like brake fluid - I'm funny about that) - plus had I parked in the driveway the wind would have blown the remaining odor right into the house!
Didn't seem quite so bad the next day when I went to and from work but boy when I pulled into the yard the next night our dog was all over the van. He sure tried to find the intruder that had been around 'his' car but settled for spending most of his night 'marking' every part of it he could reach (so back to the car wash)!
By the next trip to the Y the stuff had been pretty well spread out (and carried away by other cars!) but the odor remained for quite a while! I consider myself extremely lucky - had I been following at regular distance when the gate opened, I could have been killed - or worse!
So a week or so ago I was headed out after missing the first 3 sessions for one reason or another. I was bound and determined to improve my attendance record and was really flying along lest I be late. About 15 miles into the drive there was a horrible smell - I knew I hadn't hit any dead animals, hadn't stepped in anything getting into the car, there were no sprayers out in the fields - BUT - there was an 18 wheeler with an open trailer ahead of me. Divining that this was the source of the stench, I backed way off instead of following at a normal distance. I was soooo far back that cars started passing me (even though I was still driving a smidge over 60), getting a whiff of what they would be following, and then passing him!
Just after the Lawrenceville turnoff, the 2 lane road goes through an area with no real shoulder, steep drop offs into a then flooded area, and curvy section that is impossible to pass in. This is the area where cell service goes to die as well. Since no one could pass there were perhaps 6-8 vehicles behind me, none of us wanted to get to close to the manure truck. All was well until the truck hit a bump in the road at a bridge and the back gate opened! YES! That's what I said too while slowing down before plowing through several inches (could have been a foot - the road was completely covered) of you-know-what! Chunks the size of golf and tennis balls were bouncing around the road (mostly under my van) and it just kept on coming and kept on coming out of the back of the truck.
No where to pull off, oncoming traffic - no choice but to keep going through it until about a mile up the road where we got 2 lanes and I could pull out to the left lane. Of course I laid on the horn and tried to use appropriate hand gestures (used all my fingers) to indicate that his gate was open but since he didn't pull over I don't think he got the full message that the other drivers who also pulled into the left lane and I were trying to convey.
I went through the automated car wash twice before going to the Y - not wanting to contaminate their parking lot - but as soon as I hopped out of GiGi I realize all the car wash did was smear it around - looked like I had been mudding all day with 'icicles' of you know what dripping from the wheel wells and a horrific stench. I turned her right around and headed back home where it took $8 (4 minutes hot soapy wash for $1) to clean her up (and crouching in the dark wash bay with the trigger spray in one hand and a flashlight in the other you just know I tipped over several times so that when the car was clean I certainly was not!). Then I pulled her out and squandered another $1 to clean up the wash bay for future customers.
Parked her on the street facing into the wind so that in the morning I could tell if anything was dripping (you know, the little things like brake fluid - I'm funny about that) - plus had I parked in the driveway the wind would have blown the remaining odor right into the house!
Didn't seem quite so bad the next day when I went to and from work but boy when I pulled into the yard the next night our dog was all over the van. He sure tried to find the intruder that had been around 'his' car but settled for spending most of his night 'marking' every part of it he could reach (so back to the car wash)!
By the next trip to the Y the stuff had been pretty well spread out (and carried away by other cars!) but the odor remained for quite a while! I consider myself extremely lucky - had I been following at regular distance when the gate opened, I could have been killed - or worse!
Pain Free Gait Analysis!
Since there is absolutely no hope of improvement in my 'swimming' (every time I get in the water is a victory for me given my aversion to being where I can not touch bottom!) and I have in the past been somewhat of a 'runner' (that would be 35+ years past in the high school days!), I decided that this year I would make an effort to improve my 'running'. For the 2010 events I simply walked fast although at the Watermelon Run in Vincennes I was compelled to jog a bit to keep the ladies in front of me in sight since I didn't know the course and there was no one behind me!
Knowing that it wasn't as simple as ordering the pair of cute pink and purple shoes off the Internet, I took advantage of a visit to Ultimate Fit in Evansville (shares space with Gilles Bikes at 1308 South Green River Road) for a 'gait analysis'. They had me walk in my present 'running' shoes and watched how I did that. Then I repeated the activity at a 'run' (and no one laughed!). Then they had me take my shoes off (socks stayed on - no partial nudity in the store!) and looked at how my fit hit the ground when I was seated. Then they measured my feet - yes - both of them, because apparently everyone's feet aren't necessarily the same size.
After a moment the gentleman came out of the back with 2 pair of shoes that he recommended based on what they had done. One shoe from one pair went on the left foot and one shoe from the other pair went on the right foot. They laced/tied them and sent me off to 'run' again (and still no one laughed!). I liked the left shoe better than the right and turns out I have a narrow foot and the shoe on the right foot had a wider box. So we put both of the shoes from the left foot pair on and did some more 'running' and was pronounced good to go.
So, looks like I'm a New Balance girl! Our local cross country coach really likes the Asics brand, so I asked the gentleman why I wasn't going home with Asics, since they are so highly regarded. He quickly agreed as to the good reputation of the brand but my narrow foot/feet are too small for the Asics structure! The gentleman then wanted to know who the xc coach was and, small world, turns out they ran together in college!
I am sure there are MANY other places that will carefully fit you for your shoes - but I can personally recommend Jim Nolan (manager/fit specialist) at Ultimate Fit. Their web site is www.ultimatefit.biz and their phone number is (812) 431-0201!
Knowing that it wasn't as simple as ordering the pair of cute pink and purple shoes off the Internet, I took advantage of a visit to Ultimate Fit in Evansville (shares space with Gilles Bikes at 1308 South Green River Road) for a 'gait analysis'. They had me walk in my present 'running' shoes and watched how I did that. Then I repeated the activity at a 'run' (and no one laughed!). Then they had me take my shoes off (socks stayed on - no partial nudity in the store!) and looked at how my fit hit the ground when I was seated. Then they measured my feet - yes - both of them, because apparently everyone's feet aren't necessarily the same size.
After a moment the gentleman came out of the back with 2 pair of shoes that he recommended based on what they had done. One shoe from one pair went on the left foot and one shoe from the other pair went on the right foot. They laced/tied them and sent me off to 'run' again (and still no one laughed!). I liked the left shoe better than the right and turns out I have a narrow foot and the shoe on the right foot had a wider box. So we put both of the shoes from the left foot pair on and did some more 'running' and was pronounced good to go.
So, looks like I'm a New Balance girl! Our local cross country coach really likes the Asics brand, so I asked the gentleman why I wasn't going home with Asics, since they are so highly regarded. He quickly agreed as to the good reputation of the brand but my narrow foot/feet are too small for the Asics structure! The gentleman then wanted to know who the xc coach was and, small world, turns out they ran together in college!
I am sure there are MANY other places that will carefully fit you for your shoes - but I can personally recommend Jim Nolan (manager/fit specialist) at Ultimate Fit. Their web site is www.ultimatefit.biz and their phone number is (812) 431-0201!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Let the Training Begin!
Actually, it began some weeks ago and I have been too busy recovering from the sessions to update the blog! And astounded that I forgot or failed to post the rest of the story from last fall! To make a long story short (and it is a LOOOONGGG story!) - 6 of us took in the Last Chance Tri hosted by the Mattoon YMCA in October - while the swimming was in an indoor pool, the bike route (nearly 13 miles) was all but 4 miles into a stiff headwind in already brisk weather! It was brutal!
I've signed up for a twice a week TRY challenge class at the Vincennes YMCA - Wednesday nights a fun assortment of spin, core, running, and aerobics while Saturday mornings we swim and usually 1 of the other activities. While there are other places to swim, I must have not only lifeguards but instructors to keep me headed in the right direction. For example, I had forgotten that I was supposed to be bubbling out while my face was in the water so that I could breathe in during the time my face is turned up - Sandy was onto that in a flash and it was amazing how much less difficult it was when I wasn't trying to blow out AND breathe in during the same nanosecond! No illusions of ever being a particularly great swimmer, but less fearful of the water every time I get in the pool!
My criteria for making the trip is that the temperature has to be above 10 and the roads have to be clear - so I missed last Wednesday (too cold) and Saturday (6" of fresh snow overnight). Tonight we did the accursed spin bikes for 20 minutes (I went 5.6 miles!), then 'ran' for 20 minutes (I did 1 lap jogging 1 lap walk for 6 sets - so a mile, then walked briskly the rest of the time), then 10 minutes of aerobics with weights (thank goodness there was a set of 2 lbs left!) and 10 minutes of core to wrap things up.
I was feeling fairly good about my 'stick to it'-iveness until we were in our 80th minute (core) and 'wrapped it up' with 25 ab crunches (in a row!, then bent up one leg and lifted the other 3" above the floor and did 25 more, then switched legs - that's 75 ab crunches! Then we did 30 second planks (front, right and left) and then (when I thought it couldn't get worse!) we did only 20 of some type of torture that involved laying on our backs with our legs together up in the air (making an 'L') and by some mysterious gyration we were supposed to raise our hips as well! Our instructor (who can talk while doing these things!) suggested we could do an ab crunch at the same time!
It was a full 90 minutes and it took 2 bottles of water and 4 granola bars on the drive home to give me the strength to stagger into the house and a desperately needed shower!
I've signed up for a twice a week TRY challenge class at the Vincennes YMCA - Wednesday nights a fun assortment of spin, core, running, and aerobics while Saturday mornings we swim and usually 1 of the other activities. While there are other places to swim, I must have not only lifeguards but instructors to keep me headed in the right direction. For example, I had forgotten that I was supposed to be bubbling out while my face was in the water so that I could breathe in during the time my face is turned up - Sandy was onto that in a flash and it was amazing how much less difficult it was when I wasn't trying to blow out AND breathe in during the same nanosecond! No illusions of ever being a particularly great swimmer, but less fearful of the water every time I get in the pool!
My criteria for making the trip is that the temperature has to be above 10 and the roads have to be clear - so I missed last Wednesday (too cold) and Saturday (6" of fresh snow overnight). Tonight we did the accursed spin bikes for 20 minutes (I went 5.6 miles!), then 'ran' for 20 minutes (I did 1 lap jogging 1 lap walk for 6 sets - so a mile, then walked briskly the rest of the time), then 10 minutes of aerobics with weights (thank goodness there was a set of 2 lbs left!) and 10 minutes of core to wrap things up.
I was feeling fairly good about my 'stick to it'-iveness until we were in our 80th minute (core) and 'wrapped it up' with 25 ab crunches (in a row!, then bent up one leg and lifted the other 3" above the floor and did 25 more, then switched legs - that's 75 ab crunches! Then we did 30 second planks (front, right and left) and then (when I thought it couldn't get worse!) we did only 20 of some type of torture that involved laying on our backs with our legs together up in the air (making an 'L') and by some mysterious gyration we were supposed to raise our hips as well! Our instructor (who can talk while doing these things!) suggested we could do an ab crunch at the same time!
It was a full 90 minutes and it took 2 bottles of water and 4 granola bars on the drive home to give me the strength to stagger into the house and a desperately needed shower!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My First 5k!
Lately I've been making threatening noises about developing my 'running' technique (usually I just walk pretty fast!) since my cycling seems to be coming along ok and we all know the best I can hope for with the swimming is to flounder a bit more briskly.
So I was at my desk, actually working (really!), late last week when one of the angels reached out to invite me to a 5k on Saturday morning in Vincennes. Since that would trump weeding in the front yard (which has been dreadfully neglected due to time devoted to tri-training activities), of course I said YES!
At the crack of dawn Saturday (why oh why can't Vincennes be on our time like Evansville is?), 4 of us loaded up and headed out. Turns out it was the watermelon fest down at the riverfront - really cool shirt and they were giving away free watermelons too!
Beautiful morning with a nice size group - we saw several folks from Olney there as well as quite a few of the TRYathlon ladies - either as participants or event volunteers. There may have been a few more participants than expected, as there was no sound system for everyone to hear the starting instructions, so while we caught something about 'straight through to the finish line' none of the 4 of us realized that what was said was after you cross the last street (where everyone is standing and cheering) you need to keep going about 100 feet to the chute (ooops!). Turns out all 4 of us missed it and wandered around with our water taking in the sights before kind hearted souls took pitty on us and steered us to the actual finish line. I'm certain that made a tremendous impact on our times!
I was last in my first solo 5k with a time of 47:57, roughly 16 minutes/mile, but my splits were better for mile 3 than mile 2 and better for mile 2 than mile 1 for the simple reason that as the pack got further and further away and I was who knows where in a strange city, I figured there was no one around to see me so I jogged one block (to say I 'ran' would be way too generous!) and then briskly walked two blocks, and repeated. It wasn't half bad! And certainly beat weeding! Who knew!
So I was at my desk, actually working (really!), late last week when one of the angels reached out to invite me to a 5k on Saturday morning in Vincennes. Since that would trump weeding in the front yard (which has been dreadfully neglected due to time devoted to tri-training activities), of course I said YES!
At the crack of dawn Saturday (why oh why can't Vincennes be on our time like Evansville is?), 4 of us loaded up and headed out. Turns out it was the watermelon fest down at the riverfront - really cool shirt and they were giving away free watermelons too!
Beautiful morning with a nice size group - we saw several folks from Olney there as well as quite a few of the TRYathlon ladies - either as participants or event volunteers. There may have been a few more participants than expected, as there was no sound system for everyone to hear the starting instructions, so while we caught something about 'straight through to the finish line' none of the 4 of us realized that what was said was after you cross the last street (where everyone is standing and cheering) you need to keep going about 100 feet to the chute (ooops!). Turns out all 4 of us missed it and wandered around with our water taking in the sights before kind hearted souls took pitty on us and steered us to the actual finish line. I'm certain that made a tremendous impact on our times!
I was last in my first solo 5k with a time of 47:57, roughly 16 minutes/mile, but my splits were better for mile 3 than mile 2 and better for mile 2 than mile 1 for the simple reason that as the pack got further and further away and I was who knows where in a strange city, I figured there was no one around to see me so I jogged one block (to say I 'ran' would be way too generous!) and then briskly walked two blocks, and repeated. It wasn't half bad! And certainly beat weeding! Who knew!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
10 To Tri!
So at the crack of dawn on Sunday (August 1st) - 10 excited Olney 'triathletes' (!) appeared at Lytle Park in Mattoon, Illinois (about an hour from Olney). All 5 ladies had participated in the SIS Women's TRYathlon in Vincennes in June and we were joined by 5 guys - 1 with considerable tri and marathon experience, 1 a swimmer, 1 a runner, and the other 2 well, lets say just because!
The Lytle Park Triathlon was a USA Triathlon sanctioned event - so attracted some serious competitors - fancy tri-suits, heart monitors, their own timers built into their watches, teardrop (aerodynamic) bike helmets, no body fat - really lean machines - and then there was our group!
Body Marking:
- participant number on your right shoulder, your self-reported swim time on your right wrist (I said 15 minutes because I didn't want to be in anyone's way), and your AGE on your right leg just below and behind the knee (for EVERYONE to see!) - I'm telling you that would never fly at the TRY!
Bibs - none!
Swim - Lytle Park pool is, in a word, enormous! Ran in as far as you could (about 10 feet for me with my short little legs!), shallow dive, then just under 100 meters to the right side diving board. Go around a buoy out in the water (where I can't stand up) and diagonal to another buoy 50 meters toward the start. Go around that buoy (where I still can't stand up) and diagonal another 50 meters to buoy #3 at the left side diving board then straight out the last 100 meters to the exit point. The first swimmers had 4 minute (self reported) swim times - however, several got cross ways (no lane ropes since we were swimming an 'M' pattern more or less) and wound up swimming a lot further. With the advantage of being in the back of the pack, we divined that on the last long leg we should stick to the right side of the pool and would be able to stand up sooner.
Transition #1 - there were very few people who took flip flops/shoes to the pool deck and even fewer who had towels! There were rug strips to go on from the pool to the grassy area leading into the transition area, but apparently there were stones under the rug which caused some dismay. Our gang all had our buckets but there were only a handful of buckets belonging to others. My bucket had been used by someone before I got there as it was wet when I went to sit down!
Bike - 12+ miles pretty much out and back - well marked - pretty much flat - windy both ways (shouldn't have been surprised, but I was!). Our group, of course, called out 'good job' and 'almost there' to each other as we met - but didn't seem that any one else was. There was one busy road to cross and there was uniformed law enforcement in place to assist us, which was really appreciated. My blaze orange shirt was a hit as they could see me coming for a long way!
Transition #2 - no issues although as the sweeper I did get a few looks from the folks who were trying to nap as I wheeled in!
Run (or in my case, Walk) - water stop at mile #1 - passed several Churches which were letting out or getting started and I was pretty disheveled looking by that point - although folks were supportive! One of the young guns in our group had finished and went back out on the run course to encourage some of the others, which was appreciated.
Finish - a loop through the park and under a balloon arch - I was the last one in and had lots of support from the crowd!
Snacks - water and pizza and plenty of both.
Timing - some type of snag with the timing and all the results weren't immediately available. Folks who had registered just that morning weren't on the preprinted list sorted by age groups - we determined that 2 of the group had trophied in their age groups, so brought home some hardware!
Some marked differences between this coed event and the women's only event in Vincennes -
- there were real competitors with 30 second transition times - no drying off after swim, many were barefoot in the park (!), lots of energy gel packs taped to bike frames (and littering the bike path), some Camelbak hydration systems - some really fancy bikes (had only seen a Cervelo on TV coverage of Tour de France!)
- while our group supported each other as we met along the way - and had signs - there were no other signs and not much of a crowd - where in Vincennes entire families came out to support their Mom/Wife/Mother - of course there were nearly 3 x as many participants in Vincennes, so that may have been a factor too!
- 115 registered and 102 finished - don't know if the others did not show or perhaps dropped out along the way - the last 3 years there were fewer than 90 participant times posted on the web site - so we upped the totals by 10%!
- our group members finished 43rd, 45th, 79th, 92nd, 94th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th and 102nd (that would be me!)
- since I consider this an 'event' as opposed to a 'race' it was perfectly fine for me to be the last finisher - and even so I improved my bike pace, 'run' pace, and transition times!
- got to see 'bike frames' in action
- everyone got home safely (a no blood event!) and generally enjoyed the morning
Photos to follow!
The Lytle Park Triathlon was a USA Triathlon sanctioned event - so attracted some serious competitors - fancy tri-suits, heart monitors, their own timers built into their watches, teardrop (aerodynamic) bike helmets, no body fat - really lean machines - and then there was our group!
Body Marking:
- participant number on your right shoulder, your self-reported swim time on your right wrist (I said 15 minutes because I didn't want to be in anyone's way), and your AGE on your right leg just below and behind the knee (for EVERYONE to see!) - I'm telling you that would never fly at the TRY!
Bibs - none!
Swim - Lytle Park pool is, in a word, enormous! Ran in as far as you could (about 10 feet for me with my short little legs!), shallow dive, then just under 100 meters to the right side diving board. Go around a buoy out in the water (where I can't stand up) and diagonal to another buoy 50 meters toward the start. Go around that buoy (where I still can't stand up) and diagonal another 50 meters to buoy #3 at the left side diving board then straight out the last 100 meters to the exit point. The first swimmers had 4 minute (self reported) swim times - however, several got cross ways (no lane ropes since we were swimming an 'M' pattern more or less) and wound up swimming a lot further. With the advantage of being in the back of the pack, we divined that on the last long leg we should stick to the right side of the pool and would be able to stand up sooner.
Transition #1 - there were very few people who took flip flops/shoes to the pool deck and even fewer who had towels! There were rug strips to go on from the pool to the grassy area leading into the transition area, but apparently there were stones under the rug which caused some dismay. Our gang all had our buckets but there were only a handful of buckets belonging to others. My bucket had been used by someone before I got there as it was wet when I went to sit down!
Bike - 12+ miles pretty much out and back - well marked - pretty much flat - windy both ways (shouldn't have been surprised, but I was!). Our group, of course, called out 'good job' and 'almost there' to each other as we met - but didn't seem that any one else was. There was one busy road to cross and there was uniformed law enforcement in place to assist us, which was really appreciated. My blaze orange shirt was a hit as they could see me coming for a long way!
Transition #2 - no issues although as the sweeper I did get a few looks from the folks who were trying to nap as I wheeled in!
Run (or in my case, Walk) - water stop at mile #1 - passed several Churches which were letting out or getting started and I was pretty disheveled looking by that point - although folks were supportive! One of the young guns in our group had finished and went back out on the run course to encourage some of the others, which was appreciated.
Finish - a loop through the park and under a balloon arch - I was the last one in and had lots of support from the crowd!
Snacks - water and pizza and plenty of both.
Timing - some type of snag with the timing and all the results weren't immediately available. Folks who had registered just that morning weren't on the preprinted list sorted by age groups - we determined that 2 of the group had trophied in their age groups, so brought home some hardware!
Some marked differences between this coed event and the women's only event in Vincennes -
- there were real competitors with 30 second transition times - no drying off after swim, many were barefoot in the park (!), lots of energy gel packs taped to bike frames (and littering the bike path), some Camelbak hydration systems - some really fancy bikes (had only seen a Cervelo on TV coverage of Tour de France!)
- while our group supported each other as we met along the way - and had signs - there were no other signs and not much of a crowd - where in Vincennes entire families came out to support their Mom/Wife/Mother - of course there were nearly 3 x as many participants in Vincennes, so that may have been a factor too!
- 115 registered and 102 finished - don't know if the others did not show or perhaps dropped out along the way - the last 3 years there were fewer than 90 participant times posted on the web site - so we upped the totals by 10%!
- our group members finished 43rd, 45th, 79th, 92nd, 94th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th and 102nd (that would be me!)
- since I consider this an 'event' as opposed to a 'race' it was perfectly fine for me to be the last finisher - and even so I improved my bike pace, 'run' pace, and transition times!
- got to see 'bike frames' in action
- everyone got home safely (a no blood event!) and generally enjoyed the morning
Photos to follow!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Here We Go Again!
Several of the local ladies have kept in touch - kind of at loose ends now that we aren't in TRY training and headed to Vincennes 3 times a week! We've all pledged to keep up our exercise - having worked so hard it seems silly to let it all slide (! - no pun intended - ok - maybe it was!).
One of the group had tumbled onto another triathlon in about 6 weeks in Mattoon ... so Jim and I took a road trip Saturday up to Mattoon – the August 1st event is very doable for us!
It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event – I am told it will attract the elite triathletes, the beginner triathletes, and every one in between! Registration is online only via the Mattoon Multisport site (www.mattoonmultisport.com).
We entered Mattoon from the south on 45 – turn left at the stop light at Marshall (you’ll see the Auto Zone on the left and it’s the next cross street). It’s quite a ways up – just before 45 takes the sharp right turn. There are 2 lanes of traffic each way plus a center turning lane on 45 all the way up from the 57 interchange on.
From Marshall you’ll go down quite a ways (10-12 blocks or so) and then turn right onto 32nd – 32nd street is under construction at this time – I don’t know enough about paving to know if it will be fixed by the time of the event or not – looks like it is scraped all the way to base so it’s gritty and uneven at best.
Lytle Park is on the left after the railroad tracks and 32nd is the east border of the park. We turned into the park at the second entrance and parking is on the right (gravel lot) and pool on the left up a bit. Pool entry was $4 so we just took photos from outside the fence. I didn’t mind the chain link fence at all, but the barbed wire section on the top was a little ominous. I had to hold the camera well above my head to clear the chain link sections yet tilt it to stay under the barbed wire – I’m surprised the pool folks didn’t challenge us; we must not have looked too threatening. Also surprised I didn’t manage to drop the camera!
Per Justin, the chatty pool manager I spoke with by phone, we will be able to ‘run’ in almost half of the first 100 meters, then do a shallow dive, swim the ‘M’ course, and part way back on the last 100 meter leg we’ll have our feet under us and run out. Also per Justin, it’s more of a 200 meter swim and he has an outstanding lifeguard staff that will keep a close eye on us! Justin wasn’t around on Saturday, but pool staff told us the transition area is in the grass just outside the pool house – if that is correct we’ve got a photo of it t
The bike route goes out the lane we drove in on (or there is an exit just a bit north at the other end of the gravel parking lot). Left onto 32nd, up a block to the north end of the park, left onto Western, down a block to 33rd (on the right), then straight out of town. 33rd is all marked up as if it is doing to be resurfaced as well, but was fairly intact as of Saturday.
After a few blocks on 33rd there is a 2 way stop at DeWitt with a gas station on the corner. 4 lanes of traffic going east and west (we are going north) that does not stop – surely there will be law enforcement to cross us… After that it’s a straight shot out with just one 4 way stop intersection out in the middle of some corn fields. Good concrete road – you can see forever – it reminded me of Ste. Marie if you go north from Seven Hills Road. Some slight inclines but nothing that could be called a hill. Might could be called a grind though …
The spot on the map marked as the turn around point was a small gravel lot with some silos – nothing else around that could be the turnaround area either – just a whole lot of not much out there! I think we saw 2 cars on our way out and back (we drove it as it was high noon and the car told us it was 95 degrees).
You get back into the park the way you left it. Take the ‘road’ in the park around the back of the pool and out onto 32nd again – this time from the southernmost entrance to the park. There are about 10 speed bumps along this access road. Back left/up 32nd like we did on the bikes to the corner of Western again. This time turn right (east) onto Western and go down to 21st, circle an empty block, back onto Western headed west and back to the park. This road has sidewalks on both sides, houses set way back on the lots, some shade. The street itself is a lot like East (although flat) – plenty of room for 2 lanes of traffic and cars to park on both sides. No clue as to whether we ‘run’ in the street or on the sidewalk.
This is a coed event. There is nothing jumping out at me in the material that indicates there are separate flights for men/women. Teams are allowed and may also be coed. My registration was $60.80 and includes a one day USA Triathlon (USAT) membership. As near as I can tell all it takes to be a USAT member is a credit card! I have already registered online and it never asked me for a swim time – but Tony Garrett from Mattoon Multisport and Justin the pool manager each said participants would enter according to swim time.
I’m in – I figure if I’m going to continue ‘training’ I might as well have something to train for! At least we won’t have a time change to deal with! Not overly wild about running with the alpha males, but then I’ll be in the back with the omega females anyway!
I've got photos of the pool/park and the swim/ride/run routes - and registration details - let me know if you want them!
One of the group had tumbled onto another triathlon in about 6 weeks in Mattoon ... so Jim and I took a road trip Saturday up to Mattoon – the August 1st event is very doable for us!
It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event – I am told it will attract the elite triathletes, the beginner triathletes, and every one in between! Registration is online only via the Mattoon Multisport site (www.mattoonmultisport.com).
We entered Mattoon from the south on 45 – turn left at the stop light at Marshall (you’ll see the Auto Zone on the left and it’s the next cross street). It’s quite a ways up – just before 45 takes the sharp right turn. There are 2 lanes of traffic each way plus a center turning lane on 45 all the way up from the 57 interchange on.
From Marshall you’ll go down quite a ways (10-12 blocks or so) and then turn right onto 32nd – 32nd street is under construction at this time – I don’t know enough about paving to know if it will be fixed by the time of the event or not – looks like it is scraped all the way to base so it’s gritty and uneven at best.
Lytle Park is on the left after the railroad tracks and 32nd is the east border of the park. We turned into the park at the second entrance and parking is on the right (gravel lot) and pool on the left up a bit. Pool entry was $4 so we just took photos from outside the fence. I didn’t mind the chain link fence at all, but the barbed wire section on the top was a little ominous. I had to hold the camera well above my head to clear the chain link sections yet tilt it to stay under the barbed wire – I’m surprised the pool folks didn’t challenge us; we must not have looked too threatening. Also surprised I didn’t manage to drop the camera!
Per Justin, the chatty pool manager I spoke with by phone, we will be able to ‘run’ in almost half of the first 100 meters, then do a shallow dive, swim the ‘M’ course, and part way back on the last 100 meter leg we’ll have our feet under us and run out. Also per Justin, it’s more of a 200 meter swim and he has an outstanding lifeguard staff that will keep a close eye on us! Justin wasn’t around on Saturday, but pool staff told us the transition area is in the grass just outside the pool house – if that is correct we’ve got a photo of it t
The bike route goes out the lane we drove in on (or there is an exit just a bit north at the other end of the gravel parking lot). Left onto 32nd, up a block to the north end of the park, left onto Western, down a block to 33rd (on the right), then straight out of town. 33rd is all marked up as if it is doing to be resurfaced as well, but was fairly intact as of Saturday.
After a few blocks on 33rd there is a 2 way stop at DeWitt with a gas station on the corner. 4 lanes of traffic going east and west (we are going north) that does not stop – surely there will be law enforcement to cross us… After that it’s a straight shot out with just one 4 way stop intersection out in the middle of some corn fields. Good concrete road – you can see forever – it reminded me of Ste. Marie if you go north from Seven Hills Road. Some slight inclines but nothing that could be called a hill. Might could be called a grind though …
The spot on the map marked as the turn around point was a small gravel lot with some silos – nothing else around that could be the turnaround area either – just a whole lot of not much out there! I think we saw 2 cars on our way out and back (we drove it as it was high noon and the car told us it was 95 degrees).
You get back into the park the way you left it. Take the ‘road’ in the park around the back of the pool and out onto 32nd again – this time from the southernmost entrance to the park. There are about 10 speed bumps along this access road. Back left/up 32nd like we did on the bikes to the corner of Western again. This time turn right (east) onto Western and go down to 21st, circle an empty block, back onto Western headed west and back to the park. This road has sidewalks on both sides, houses set way back on the lots, some shade. The street itself is a lot like East (although flat) – plenty of room for 2 lanes of traffic and cars to park on both sides. No clue as to whether we ‘run’ in the street or on the sidewalk.
This is a coed event. There is nothing jumping out at me in the material that indicates there are separate flights for men/women. Teams are allowed and may also be coed. My registration was $60.80 and includes a one day USA Triathlon (USAT) membership. As near as I can tell all it takes to be a USAT member is a credit card! I have already registered online and it never asked me for a swim time – but Tony Garrett from Mattoon Multisport and Justin the pool manager each said participants would enter according to swim time.
I’m in – I figure if I’m going to continue ‘training’ I might as well have something to train for! At least we won’t have a time change to deal with! Not overly wild about running with the alpha males, but then I’ll be in the back with the omega females anyway!
I've got photos of the pool/park and the swim/ride/run routes - and registration details - let me know if you want them!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
What We've Learned ... or ... The Blooper Reel!
the slowest rider in the group probably shouldn't be the one holding the keys to the car holding all the water!
urping on your car window/door (rather than over your passengers and car's carpet) will result in stuff dripping inside the door frame and short out the window motor!
sports bra with zipper on the front will really hurt when laying face down on the exercise balls!
'naked' fruit drink that tastes really good going down will come up in your throat while biking really fast/hard on a really hot day!
a women's only event brings out the best in all of us, toward all of us, for all of us
if you change in your office before headed to TRY training, the only time you lock yourself out of the office - requiring Maintenance and/or Security staff to let you in so you can get your stuff and leave - will be when you decided to go to the bathroom AFTER applying spandex and only when you mystically have a Medium size t-shirt (to cover up the spandex) instead of a Large!
probably best to use all your fingers to wave back to the bike riders who are so cheerfully breezing back in just when you are first headed out on the bike ride!
somehow a discussion on body piercing and tattoos led to a series of deep thoughts about how we could 'clip in' to our bike seats like some of us 'clip in' to our pedals - and whether that would cause us to pedal faster or not ...
this exercise thing gets to be a habit - and it's highly contagious!
take your allergy or asthma medicine before starting training as you can count on someone being out in their yard mowing
when we are asked to swim half the length of the pool, somersault, and continue the rest of the length it's good to have a spotter to make sure we don't get disoriented and swim the wrong way after the somersault!
laugh quietly during core training when the instructor says 'downward facing dog' as she controls our destiny until the end of the session - although overall the TRY training instructors are a special kind of saint
most of us are only truly 'racing' against our own selves / our minds
at the start of the event the timing buzzer was really annoying but nothing was sweeter than the last buzz as we crossed the finish line!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pictures from the Big Event!
Five Olney Angels - geared up and ready to go!
So here we are in our transition area full of adrenaline and no outlet yet!
Bits and pieces are coming back to me about the day:
- how supportive the zillion event volunteers in the bright orange shirts were of the participants
- helpers at the end of every swim lane to be sure we turned in the right direction
- helpers to make sure we didn't get lost in the pool house (it could happen!)
- helpers to get us over the timing pad on our way in and out of the bike route
- helpers (uniformed law enforcement) to get us through the left turn onto Washington
- helpers on bikes riding the bike route with saddle bags - I believe they were available to help had anyone thrown a chain, had a blow out, etc. - I didn't observe anyone down on the side of the road but nice to know I wouldn't have been stranded
- very little traffic on the road - at least while I was out - I guess most residents find other routes
- helpers at every intersection on the bike route - and many folks along the side to encourage all participants - not just 'their' athlete
- folks in the neighborhood where we ran who called encouragement from their porches - and those who had their sprinklers on so we could cool off if we wanted
- a few youngish boys who were more than happy to spray us with their hoses if we wanted!
- water at 2 spots along the run route - no cups rolling around on the ground either - trash cans were about 50' past the water table and we used them!
- helpers on the way back knew how far we were from the finish line - 3/4ths a mile, 1/2 a mile, etc.
- uniformed law enforcement to cross us at Washington (2 spots) and St. Clair (2 spots)
- how well marked and supervised our every step was - any point in the day where we could have possibly veered off course there was at least one volunteer (often more) to make sure we went the right way
- so grateful that I didn't have to bend over or crouch down to remove my timing chip - volunteers did this for us!
- every participant received a medal as soon as their chip was off - ribbon is pink!
- a ton of food available - and we were steered through a chute to it so that we couldn't possibly miss it - pizza, ice cream, milk shakes, sub sandwiches cut into bite size pieces, grapes, bananas, apples, oranges cut into quarters, and bags to carry it all in - and water, water everywhere!
- all hands to the finish line to greet the volunteer 'Last to TRY' - how cool was that!
- trophies for 1-2-3 finishers in each age group, top 3 teams, and for 1-2-3 finishers overall - 3 of the Illinois group of 20 trophied in their age group!
- nice group of supporters from Olney to cheer us on - very much appreciated!
- I could have sworn I saw 2 leprechans doing an Irish jig along the transition route! Thanks Hannah and Josh!
The strength of an event organized by and for women - just can't be beat!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
WOW!
Have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon! What a hoot!
After loading up 2 of everything I could possibly need for the event (no spare bike, however) and wandering through the house numerous times trying to remember what I forgot, we were about 20 miles from home on Saturday night when I realized I did not have the butterfly balloon! I had picked it up and it was in the basement, but not part of my usual routine and totally missed it. Bless his heart, we just turned around and came home for it, making us arrive a little later to Gregg Park than anticipated.
I already had 2 American Cancer Society tattoos on my shoulders and 2 Celtic themed tattoos on my ankles - and remembered not to use any body oil so that the Sharpie would write well. I was participant #294 (numbering started at 100 or 101 so that all 3 digit numbers were used). Most of the angels were there - one had already arrived and left - so after we were marked and picked up our goody bags we decided to head out to carb up! Montana Mike's was the destination and my salad, sweet potato, and salmon were simply scrumptious!
We opted to stay the night at Kimmel Park and other than the thunder and lightening as we were settling in for sleep nothing unusual there. Up at 5:30 Vincennes time (4:30 Olney time) and hot foot it over to Gregg Park to snag 'good' transition spots. The rest of the angels arrived in bits and pieces and we eventually got our treasures just the way we wanted them and headed out for our timing chips. While we were there we had our photos taken with Tiffany and gave our thanks, again, for all the work she and the YMCA staff put into attempting to get us ready for the day!
After more aimless milling about, all participants were lined up for a photo on the pool deck. No one wanted to be in the front row and hold the sign but I jumped at the chance - let's see - sit down - sign in front of me so only my flip flops are poking out the bottom and my face poking out the top - I'll be easy to find in the photo!
All the 'high number' ladies were at the pool edge to cheer on the first swimmers, and we got more chatty as our turn got closer. For me, a nonswimmer, the pool was going to be the hardest part. I did actually swim the first 50 meters, then followed my 'plan' to be on my back the second 50 - I didn't run into any other swimmers, but probably swam 100 meters to get to the other end as I was apparently zig-zagging my way from one lane rope to the other. For lane 3 and most of the rest of the way alternated some front crawl with side stroke and the occasional stretch on my back when no one else was around. Still - got out in a little more than 17 minutes and wasn't too wobbly.
Our 'sham-wow-aqua-towel' worked great and I had my cap, goggles, and top of swim suit peeled down and pretty much dried off by the time I got to my bike. Didn't take too long once I got to the bucket and off on the ride we went. Of course, the good swimmers had been long gone and they were headed out on their runs as I was headed out on my ride, but you'll have that.
Ride uneventful other than the big wind in our faces on the way back - many law enforcement and volunteers along the way to keep us safe and cheer us on. Dropped the bike and kept on moving for the run (read that walk) - folks at every intersection, miles marked, water in two places - and 3 of the grandchildren at the finish line along with quite a crowd from our little town!
Full results are on line at the Knox County Community Foundation website (www.knoxcountyfoundation.org) - click on the TRYathlon button on the left to get to that section. All our ladies from across the river finished safely and 3 were in the top 3 finishers in their age groups!
For myself - just finishing was a tremendous cap to this wonderful journey - believe I came in 201st with a 17 minute swim, 47 minute bike and 51 minute 'run' - total time of 2 hours and a few seconds! Can't wait to do it again and can't wait to have our own White Squirrel Mini Triathlon in Olney in September 2011!
After loading up 2 of everything I could possibly need for the event (no spare bike, however) and wandering through the house numerous times trying to remember what I forgot, we were about 20 miles from home on Saturday night when I realized I did not have the butterfly balloon! I had picked it up and it was in the basement, but not part of my usual routine and totally missed it. Bless his heart, we just turned around and came home for it, making us arrive a little later to Gregg Park than anticipated.
I already had 2 American Cancer Society tattoos on my shoulders and 2 Celtic themed tattoos on my ankles - and remembered not to use any body oil so that the Sharpie would write well. I was participant #294 (numbering started at 100 or 101 so that all 3 digit numbers were used). Most of the angels were there - one had already arrived and left - so after we were marked and picked up our goody bags we decided to head out to carb up! Montana Mike's was the destination and my salad, sweet potato, and salmon were simply scrumptious!
We opted to stay the night at Kimmel Park and other than the thunder and lightening as we were settling in for sleep nothing unusual there. Up at 5:30 Vincennes time (4:30 Olney time) and hot foot it over to Gregg Park to snag 'good' transition spots. The rest of the angels arrived in bits and pieces and we eventually got our treasures just the way we wanted them and headed out for our timing chips. While we were there we had our photos taken with Tiffany and gave our thanks, again, for all the work she and the YMCA staff put into attempting to get us ready for the day!
After more aimless milling about, all participants were lined up for a photo on the pool deck. No one wanted to be in the front row and hold the sign but I jumped at the chance - let's see - sit down - sign in front of me so only my flip flops are poking out the bottom and my face poking out the top - I'll be easy to find in the photo!
All the 'high number' ladies were at the pool edge to cheer on the first swimmers, and we got more chatty as our turn got closer. For me, a nonswimmer, the pool was going to be the hardest part. I did actually swim the first 50 meters, then followed my 'plan' to be on my back the second 50 - I didn't run into any other swimmers, but probably swam 100 meters to get to the other end as I was apparently zig-zagging my way from one lane rope to the other. For lane 3 and most of the rest of the way alternated some front crawl with side stroke and the occasional stretch on my back when no one else was around. Still - got out in a little more than 17 minutes and wasn't too wobbly.
Our 'sham-wow-aqua-towel' worked great and I had my cap, goggles, and top of swim suit peeled down and pretty much dried off by the time I got to my bike. Didn't take too long once I got to the bucket and off on the ride we went. Of course, the good swimmers had been long gone and they were headed out on their runs as I was headed out on my ride, but you'll have that.
Ride uneventful other than the big wind in our faces on the way back - many law enforcement and volunteers along the way to keep us safe and cheer us on. Dropped the bike and kept on moving for the run (read that walk) - folks at every intersection, miles marked, water in two places - and 3 of the grandchildren at the finish line along with quite a crowd from our little town!
Full results are on line at the Knox County Community Foundation website (www.knoxcountyfoundation.org) - click on the TRYathlon button on the left to get to that section. All our ladies from across the river finished safely and 3 were in the top 3 finishers in their age groups!
For myself - just finishing was a tremendous cap to this wonderful journey - believe I came in 201st with a 17 minute swim, 47 minute bike and 51 minute 'run' - total time of 2 hours and a few seconds! Can't wait to do it again and can't wait to have our own White Squirrel Mini Triathlon in Olney in September 2011!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Got the Butterflies - Well, At Least One!
Well, of all the times for the Internet to be broken - could not connect from home last 2 days via laptop but came to the public library Saturday morning and it works like a charm! Go figure - like I need something else to stress over!
Here's what's been happening:
Friday I checked the Knox County Community Foundation website (as I do once a week or so) and found 4 pages of 'rules' for the event - go figure! After consideration, and discussion with some of the ladies who have done this before, we are thinking this document may not strictly apply.
For example, it says swimmers line up in the water in the lane closest to the wall - and that is shown on the site map too. However, later in the 'rules' it says we'll line up in entry number in the paved area and enter the water after crossing the timing pad. That matches what we've been told by event staff.
Elsewhere it says your participant number = your location in line to enter the water for the swim. I'll buy that and am getting psyched to have a 300+ number! However, it also says that our transition space is assigned based on our participant number - that doesn't jive with what we've been told ... I guess we'll find out!
Today (Saturday) is a day of 'rest' and since it was raining (or threatening to rain), humid (or raining), and hot (because of course all the rain would NOT cool things off except perhaps to drop the temperature from 91 to 90!) Thursday and Friday were also days of rest!
Many folks dropped by the office on Friday to wish us luck - some may even be making the trip over to see it with their own eyes! Others want to be sure I'll be at work on Monday so they can hear all about it! We are having the best time getting ready I don't know what I'll do after we're done!
My youngest daughter (the artsy fartsy one - and that's a good thing) has decorated a bucket for me - 5 green glitter shamrocks with the names of each of the granddaughters and the slogan of: Meemaw's Lucky Charms! Too cute! She tried to paint the bucket green but it only 'stuck' around the top (or bottom when I'm sitting on it)! She also has had t-shirts made for the girls and they plan to come over - let's see, get 4 girls ages 7-5-2-4 months up, dressed, fed and on the road by 7 a.m. Illinois time to get to the event (time difference really impacts!) by 9:00 a.m. - I think I'd rather do the TRY than that!
The shamrock helium balloon I had talked about months ago apparently is no where to be found now - so am going with an oversize pink and purple butterfly helium balloon with an 8' string and a weight to help find my place in the transition area instead! I'm not so much worried about drowning in the pool anymore as I am concerned about squandering precious time in the transition area because I can't find my stuff! Minutes matter!
Three of the angels went over to the YMCA in Vincennes this morning for the breakfast for the TRY training group - I stayed here in town to help out at the Hospice 'Memory Miles' and saw a little bit about how a 5 k walk/run can be organized - still in the learning mode to have our own event in September 2011! They said it was really nice and also to disregard the part in the rules about the transition spaces being assigned based on participant number.
This time tomorrow I'll have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon - can't wait!
Good luck to all other TRY ladies - see you tomorrow - look for the butterfly!
Here's what's been happening:
Friday I checked the Knox County Community Foundation website (as I do once a week or so) and found 4 pages of 'rules' for the event - go figure! After consideration, and discussion with some of the ladies who have done this before, we are thinking this document may not strictly apply.
For example, it says swimmers line up in the water in the lane closest to the wall - and that is shown on the site map too. However, later in the 'rules' it says we'll line up in entry number in the paved area and enter the water after crossing the timing pad. That matches what we've been told by event staff.
Elsewhere it says your participant number = your location in line to enter the water for the swim. I'll buy that and am getting psyched to have a 300+ number! However, it also says that our transition space is assigned based on our participant number - that doesn't jive with what we've been told ... I guess we'll find out!
Today (Saturday) is a day of 'rest' and since it was raining (or threatening to rain), humid (or raining), and hot (because of course all the rain would NOT cool things off except perhaps to drop the temperature from 91 to 90!) Thursday and Friday were also days of rest!
Many folks dropped by the office on Friday to wish us luck - some may even be making the trip over to see it with their own eyes! Others want to be sure I'll be at work on Monday so they can hear all about it! We are having the best time getting ready I don't know what I'll do after we're done!
My youngest daughter (the artsy fartsy one - and that's a good thing) has decorated a bucket for me - 5 green glitter shamrocks with the names of each of the granddaughters and the slogan of: Meemaw's Lucky Charms! Too cute! She tried to paint the bucket green but it only 'stuck' around the top (or bottom when I'm sitting on it)! She also has had t-shirts made for the girls and they plan to come over - let's see, get 4 girls ages 7-5-2-4 months up, dressed, fed and on the road by 7 a.m. Illinois time to get to the event (time difference really impacts!) by 9:00 a.m. - I think I'd rather do the TRY than that!
The shamrock helium balloon I had talked about months ago apparently is no where to be found now - so am going with an oversize pink and purple butterfly helium balloon with an 8' string and a weight to help find my place in the transition area instead! I'm not so much worried about drowning in the pool anymore as I am concerned about squandering precious time in the transition area because I can't find my stuff! Minutes matter!
Three of the angels went over to the YMCA in Vincennes this morning for the breakfast for the TRY training group - I stayed here in town to help out at the Hospice 'Memory Miles' and saw a little bit about how a 5 k walk/run can be organized - still in the learning mode to have our own event in September 2011! They said it was really nice and also to disregard the part in the rules about the transition spaces being assigned based on participant number.
This time tomorrow I'll have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon - can't wait!
Good luck to all other TRY ladies - see you tomorrow - look for the butterfly!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Angel to the Rescue!
So Wednesday night was our last get together as a group BEFORE the big event Sunday morning - somehow it was a little sad!
Since the pool was otherwise occupied with a free pool party (possibly sponsored by the radio station) our group assembled at the Washington (Elementary) School, which is next to Gregg Park. Getting 40 or so cyclists out onto Washington at 5:30 p.m. Vincennes time was a little tricky, but we all eventually got out on the route. It was hot hot hot (my car told me it was 81) and very sticky. Had raised my seat an extra little smidge and seemed to be rolling along pretty well - either that made the difference or I'm actually getting into (better) shape as I didn't seem to be huffing and puffing nearly so much as before! I even 'passed' a lady - didn't want to especially, but I didn't want to be tailgating and didn't figure she wanted me to either!
Imagine my surprise to make the turnaround and discover a severe wind in my face ALL the way back. It certainly hadn't seemed as if there was a wind at my back on the way out (never does!). Even more surprised to arrive back at the school and found I was at 48 minutes (11.1 mph!) for the ride - several minutes off my 'usual' time and a minute short of my personal best (although that was a morning ride when I was 'fresh' and it was significantly cooler and no wind!). My sweetie had come with me to check out camping sites so I opted out of the run as I had gotten dizzy during the ride - I believe this was more to do with paint/sealant fumes at work that had left me with a headache and a little queasy than to do with the ride.
So I was lingering around to help load up the other angels when they got back from the run - 3 were in and we were waiting on #4, who seemed to be taking an unusually long time... Then we started hearing fire/ambulance sirens, then they sounded closer, then they sounded even closer and the 2 instructors who were minding us took off up the road to be sure the sirens weren't for one of the athletes. We were worried about angel #4, but she turned out to be the heroine of the evening!
An older gentleman (possibly with a walker) had fallen (possibly from / on his porch) and a kid on a bike tore up to the angel, said that the man had a heart attack and did she have a cell phone. She didn't have a cell phone - but Tiffany wasn't far behind and she did - so Tiffany called 911 while angel #4, who is CPR trained, hurried over to see if what assistance might be needed. Fortunately, the gentleman did not have a heart attack, but comfort was rendered until help arrived. 2 big fire trucks and an ambulance had gotten there lickety split - comforting to know that much help is on hand if needed! We didn't hang around to see how that episode turned out but took a driving tour of Vincennes University and Kimmel Park before making our way across the river.
Since the pool was otherwise occupied with a free pool party (possibly sponsored by the radio station) our group assembled at the Washington (Elementary) School, which is next to Gregg Park. Getting 40 or so cyclists out onto Washington at 5:30 p.m. Vincennes time was a little tricky, but we all eventually got out on the route. It was hot hot hot (my car told me it was 81) and very sticky. Had raised my seat an extra little smidge and seemed to be rolling along pretty well - either that made the difference or I'm actually getting into (better) shape as I didn't seem to be huffing and puffing nearly so much as before! I even 'passed' a lady - didn't want to especially, but I didn't want to be tailgating and didn't figure she wanted me to either!
Imagine my surprise to make the turnaround and discover a severe wind in my face ALL the way back. It certainly hadn't seemed as if there was a wind at my back on the way out (never does!). Even more surprised to arrive back at the school and found I was at 48 minutes (11.1 mph!) for the ride - several minutes off my 'usual' time and a minute short of my personal best (although that was a morning ride when I was 'fresh' and it was significantly cooler and no wind!). My sweetie had come with me to check out camping sites so I opted out of the run as I had gotten dizzy during the ride - I believe this was more to do with paint/sealant fumes at work that had left me with a headache and a little queasy than to do with the ride.
So I was lingering around to help load up the other angels when they got back from the run - 3 were in and we were waiting on #4, who seemed to be taking an unusually long time... Then we started hearing fire/ambulance sirens, then they sounded closer, then they sounded even closer and the 2 instructors who were minding us took off up the road to be sure the sirens weren't for one of the athletes. We were worried about angel #4, but she turned out to be the heroine of the evening!
An older gentleman (possibly with a walker) had fallen (possibly from / on his porch) and a kid on a bike tore up to the angel, said that the man had a heart attack and did she have a cell phone. She didn't have a cell phone - but Tiffany wasn't far behind and she did - so Tiffany called 911 while angel #4, who is CPR trained, hurried over to see if what assistance might be needed. Fortunately, the gentleman did not have a heart attack, but comfort was rendered until help arrived. 2 big fire trucks and an ambulance had gotten there lickety split - comforting to know that much help is on hand if needed! We didn't hang around to see how that episode turned out but took a driving tour of Vincennes University and Kimmel Park before making our way across the river.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Ladder" Day - NOT!
The original plan for Monday's next-to-last TRY training was to again do all 3 components (swim-bike-run) but in shorter distances so that we would be completed within our usual 90 minute period. However, this changed DRASTICALLY when it was learned that there is a pool party on Wednesday and we won't be able to swim that night. We won't even be able to converge on Gregg Park because the pool party attendees will be taking up all the spaces.
So, to compensate for not swimming on Wednesday, we did a 'ladder' - after our 'easy' 100 meter warm up we were supposed to do 200 meters, then do 300 meters, then do 400 meters - representing going 'up' the ladder. Then go back down the ladder with a 300 meter swim, followed by a 200 meter swim, and, finally, a 100 meter cool down swim. There were several murmurs (mostly from my end of the pool - where we nonswimmers congregate since we know we won't be slowing anyone down) about wanting some of whatever the instructors had been smoking to dream up a 1600 meter outing!
By the time we were released from the pool I had somehow managed 600 meters total and did the full 50 meters across without stopping on 3 separate occasions! Still no lane ropes, so no 'swimming' on my back - but have developed something of a modified side stroke and yes, resorted to walking on occasion. Only stopped at the ends of the lane (others were stopping in the middle of the lanes - but hey, gotta do what you've gotta do!) to rest. Did manage to pass other swimmers on 2 separate occasions (they may have been stopped or walking slowly) but am learning this is really doable. Tiffany shot down a request to use snorkels so I didn't even bother to ask for the paddles!
Practiced my 'transition' from pool to run - took my cap and goggles off while walking away from the pool, pulled my swimsuit down to my hips while walking, so just had to step out of the suit, pull on my dry shirt, sit down and dry off my feet, put on socks, shoes, bandana to keep sweat out of my eyes, ball cap, sunglasses, pedometer, MP3 player, and water bottle and was ready to go! I knew I would be the last one back to made sure all my treasures were packed up and ready to go so that I just had to pick up bucket and bike and get out to the truck. Will need to check my pedometer as it said I only went 2.7 miles and I did the full distance - perhaps my 'stride' setting is off. By some wonder of wonders I wasn't the last one back and the lovely angels had loaded up my bike and bucket for me.
Got the times today from the 2009 event - very interesting (and encouraging!) reading! Apparently all 3 parts can be done in under an hour (!) but the longest time from last year was just a smidge over 2 hours. 213 individual athletes and 31 teams of 2 or 3 ladies.
Can't wait!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Putting It All Together...
All 5 angels today for training session #32 - just 2 more! Today we had the opportunity to do full distance in order for all 3 parts (swim-bike-run) - just as we will be doing in the event.
After an 'easy 100 meters' in the pool for warm up we lined up according to our swim time (fastest first), practiced entering the water (jump out, knees bent, and push off the bottom), and 'snaking' our way up and back across the pool until we finished 8 lengths (400 meters). It is really something to see 50-60 actual swimmers making their way along - of course some were done and out of the pool before my turn came to get in the pool - even though we entered 5 seconds apart. I made it all the way across the length (50 meters) the first time (in the warm up) and one other time during the activity, but didn't stop moving even though part of it was 'walking'. Without the lane ropes being on my back is pretty much a wasted effort - tried it and wandered out to another part of the pool that was no where near where I wanted to be! Was the last one out (no surprise there) but got it done.
Felt pretty good all in all as I got to the bike and did the route in 50 minutes - 3 minutes longer than Friday but I stopped to look for the reflector that jumped off my pedal on Friday. Found it but it was all smashed up so will have to work on finding a new one! No snakes today but dead raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel along the route - hope someone has the task of clearing road kill from the route before we start! The only other bit of excitement was a fierce wind in our faces on the way back, which is supposed to be the 'quick' part of the route! Max speed today of 19.8 (and not downhill!) - although for some of the ladies that is their 'coasting' speed but that's ok!
By the time I got back from the bike part some of the ladies were already getting back from their runs, so I opted out of that part and brought out the 5 bikes, buckets, etc. so that when the rest of the angels got back we could head out as they would have waited a LONG time for me!
We're getting really good at tossing in the bikes and buckets - were loaded up lickety split, especially as we had decided we had earned a McDonald's stop! 2 unsweetened teas, a sweet tea, diet coke and vanilla iced coffee later we were all feeling much better as we headed back across the river!
After an 'easy 100 meters' in the pool for warm up we lined up according to our swim time (fastest first), practiced entering the water (jump out, knees bent, and push off the bottom), and 'snaking' our way up and back across the pool until we finished 8 lengths (400 meters). It is really something to see 50-60 actual swimmers making their way along - of course some were done and out of the pool before my turn came to get in the pool - even though we entered 5 seconds apart. I made it all the way across the length (50 meters) the first time (in the warm up) and one other time during the activity, but didn't stop moving even though part of it was 'walking'. Without the lane ropes being on my back is pretty much a wasted effort - tried it and wandered out to another part of the pool that was no where near where I wanted to be! Was the last one out (no surprise there) but got it done.
Felt pretty good all in all as I got to the bike and did the route in 50 minutes - 3 minutes longer than Friday but I stopped to look for the reflector that jumped off my pedal on Friday. Found it but it was all smashed up so will have to work on finding a new one! No snakes today but dead raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel along the route - hope someone has the task of clearing road kill from the route before we start! The only other bit of excitement was a fierce wind in our faces on the way back, which is supposed to be the 'quick' part of the route! Max speed today of 19.8 (and not downhill!) - although for some of the ladies that is their 'coasting' speed but that's ok!
By the time I got back from the bike part some of the ladies were already getting back from their runs, so I opted out of that part and brought out the 5 bikes, buckets, etc. so that when the rest of the angels got back we could head out as they would have waited a LONG time for me!
We're getting really good at tossing in the bikes and buckets - were loaded up lickety split, especially as we had decided we had earned a McDonald's stop! 2 unsweetened teas, a sweet tea, diet coke and vanilla iced coffee later we were all feeling much better as we headed back across the river!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Took 4 Minutes Off My Bike Time!
Took the day off today and went with 4 of the local ladies who are TRY training on their own over to Vincennes to see the swim, bike, and run routes. We drove the bike route, then biked it - it was my 3rd time on the route and it was first thing in the morning and I dropped 4 whole minutes off my bike time! Amazing what being fresh and knowing the route a little bit will do! Saw several other ladies out doing the same thing BUT also saw several snakes slithering out of the tall grass by the railroad out onto the road (to warm up perhaps?)! The first one was on the other side of the road and I'm not terrified of snakes so that was ok. The second one, though, was on my side of the road, in the road. At first I thought it was a stick, so was going around it anyway, but then it raised it's little head and flicked it's tongue at me - the nerve! Kept me moving though - hmmm, maybe that's why my time improved!
Rainbow Beach was open for lap swim by the time we all got back in - 1 lady ran while the other 4 of us 'swam'. I only did 100 meters as I will have opportunity to swim tomorrow at training. 2 of the ladies did 400 meters and 1 swims more like I do - it isn't pretty but we'll eventually get it done! We all practiced dropping into the pool with knees bent so that we can take right off (lest the next person land on us!). Water was glorious and there were just a few other lap swimmers, so no fuss, no muss! As we were wrapping up Tiffany and Sandy (our swim instructors)came to swim - good thing I don't disillusion easily - they can really go!
I did ask the instructors where they recommended parking on event day - Washington Elementary School (on Washington Street) backs up to Gregg Park, the factory on the other side of the park also has a large lot and is empty on the weekends, she mentioned some people will park on the side streets as well. In answer to my question about MP3 player/iPod during the 'run' activity - the official position is that these types of devices are not allowed during any portion of the event - so there you have it!
A quick drive over the run route (very straightforward) and a stop at Bicycle Outfitters (not only an event sponsor but also put up a great sign in support of the 'athletes'!) where our group purchases included Jelly Beans (energy food), bottle holders, and a new helmet! A healthy lunch at Pea-fection followed before we went our separate ways back to Olney.
Rainbow Beach was open for lap swim by the time we all got back in - 1 lady ran while the other 4 of us 'swam'. I only did 100 meters as I will have opportunity to swim tomorrow at training. 2 of the ladies did 400 meters and 1 swims more like I do - it isn't pretty but we'll eventually get it done! We all practiced dropping into the pool with knees bent so that we can take right off (lest the next person land on us!). Water was glorious and there were just a few other lap swimmers, so no fuss, no muss! As we were wrapping up Tiffany and Sandy (our swim instructors)came to swim - good thing I don't disillusion easily - they can really go!
I did ask the instructors where they recommended parking on event day - Washington Elementary School (on Washington Street) backs up to Gregg Park, the factory on the other side of the park also has a large lot and is empty on the weekends, she mentioned some people will park on the side streets as well. In answer to my question about MP3 player/iPod during the 'run' activity - the official position is that these types of devices are not allowed during any portion of the event - so there you have it!
A quick drive over the run route (very straightforward) and a stop at Bicycle Outfitters (not only an event sponsor but also put up a great sign in support of the 'athletes'!) where our group purchases included Jelly Beans (energy food), bottle holders, and a new helmet! A healthy lunch at Pea-fection followed before we went our separate ways back to Olney.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rainbow Beach is ...
... an incredibly HUGE pool once you are inside the complex (vs. outside looking in)!
About 50 TRY ladies for our first swim last night - it is a long, long, long way across the pool (50 meters vs. 25 at the YMCA) and it does get slightly deeper from the 'in' end to the turnaround end. It's not quite to my shoulders at the 'in' side but over my nose on the far side. The lane ropes/buoys were not out and it's pretty hard to see the lines on the bottom of the pool when you're on your back - this is going to take some adjustment! Water felt great though!
After being released from the pool we headed out for the full bike ride - peeling off the swimsuit and tossing on the dry shirt worked well, felt good headed out and got back from 8.93 miles in 51 minutes so not too shabby (by my pace - certainly others were back more quickly). Got back to Olney and it was still 81 degrees at 7 p.m. so we'd been out in some hefty weather but it didn't seem too bad.
Did have a bit of bad news about one of the other local ladies who has been training with a group from her community. Several of them had gone to Mt. Carmel (which has an indoor pool) to swim and then bike - they had done their workout and were headed into a parking lot to load up for home when a speed bump appeared from no where, resulting in a fall, a hard landing, and a collarbone injury that will involve 8 weeks in a sling/support and no TRY for this lady. Although grateful that injury was not any more serious, very disappointing after all the hard work in getting ready.
3 more trainings - how can this be when it seems like we've just started?
About 50 TRY ladies for our first swim last night - it is a long, long, long way across the pool (50 meters vs. 25 at the YMCA) and it does get slightly deeper from the 'in' end to the turnaround end. It's not quite to my shoulders at the 'in' side but over my nose on the far side. The lane ropes/buoys were not out and it's pretty hard to see the lines on the bottom of the pool when you're on your back - this is going to take some adjustment! Water felt great though!
After being released from the pool we headed out for the full bike ride - peeling off the swimsuit and tossing on the dry shirt worked well, felt good headed out and got back from 8.93 miles in 51 minutes so not too shabby (by my pace - certainly others were back more quickly). Got back to Olney and it was still 81 degrees at 7 p.m. so we'd been out in some hefty weather but it didn't seem too bad.
Did have a bit of bad news about one of the other local ladies who has been training with a group from her community. Several of them had gone to Mt. Carmel (which has an indoor pool) to swim and then bike - they had done their workout and were headed into a parking lot to load up for home when a speed bump appeared from no where, resulting in a fall, a hard landing, and a collarbone injury that will involve 8 weeks in a sling/support and no TRY for this lady. Although grateful that injury was not any more serious, very disappointing after all the hard work in getting ready.
3 more trainings - how can this be when it seems like we've just started?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Another Day, Another Workout!
Had skipped training on 05-22 due to the Richland County Walk & Roll event, which included a 15 mile ride that looked pretty neat. So headed out this morning early to see what I could do with it.
Started at home instead of at the Olney City Park, but otherwise followed the route and wound up with 10.85 miles in 67 minutes - not too bad for a first attempt and boy there were a LOT of small hills (and a few big ones). Despite that, got into the 3rd set of gears for a fair amount of the route, caught myself actually breathing normally (vs. gasping and panting), and when I got to the railroad overpass on East Street it wasn't worth the bother to detour to a less steep crossing, just humped over it without dropping down gears even.
Still amazed at how the wind can be in my face when I'm going north AND south but even more amazed that I've now racked up 115 miles on my bike since April 26th - had you asked me at the beginning of the year how long it would take me to ride 115 miles I would have quietly and soothingly given you a recommendation for our inpatient psychiatric unit while backing away slowly!
The Olney City Pool was to have opened today and was to have had an adult only lap swim from 5-6 on Monday and Wednesday nights - however I'm pretty sure the downpour at 4 p.m. put the nips to that! Will see about swimming here in town Tuesday night - otherwise we should probably be swimming for sure Wednesday at Rainbow Beach!
Started at home instead of at the Olney City Park, but otherwise followed the route and wound up with 10.85 miles in 67 minutes - not too bad for a first attempt and boy there were a LOT of small hills (and a few big ones). Despite that, got into the 3rd set of gears for a fair amount of the route, caught myself actually breathing normally (vs. gasping and panting), and when I got to the railroad overpass on East Street it wasn't worth the bother to detour to a less steep crossing, just humped over it without dropping down gears even.
Still amazed at how the wind can be in my face when I'm going north AND south but even more amazed that I've now racked up 115 miles on my bike since April 26th - had you asked me at the beginning of the year how long it would take me to ride 115 miles I would have quietly and soothingly given you a recommendation for our inpatient psychiatric unit while backing away slowly!
The Olney City Pool was to have opened today and was to have had an adult only lap swim from 5-6 on Monday and Wednesday nights - however I'm pretty sure the downpour at 4 p.m. put the nips to that! Will see about swimming here in town Tuesday night - otherwise we should probably be swimming for sure Wednesday at Rainbow Beach!
Have Met the Course!
Saturday we were up and out at the crack of dawn - this time change between home and training is a real bear - but at least we get back 'early'!
Our first official outing at Gregg Park - we were told to be ready to swim at Rainbow Beach (the outdoor pool at Gregg Park - and no, I don't know why they call it that) because they would let us in if the water was a minimum of 70 degrees. That's not as warm as it sounds, as Tiffany was quick to share with us that the indoor pool at the YMCA, which we usually complain about being cold, is at a minimum 81 degrees! So we weren't too terribly heartbroken to learn we would not be swimming!
So we were off to run then bike - and going at our own individual paces - we set up our own little 'transition' area. One of the more experienced angels had a well decorated bucket with a towel, swim cap, goggles, and perhaps a bottle of water. Might have weighed a pound - at most. My bucket, however, weighed about 10 lbs. because I had 2 of everything known to man that could possibly have been needed for 2 hours in the wilderness - swim gear, extra shirt(s), extra sunglasses, extra water and granola, extra sunscreen (2 types), batteries for the MP3 player, bandaids, banana, bandana x 2, and a bunch of other stuff that if I really need it I'd probably need to pull out of the event anyway. Will revisit the bucket situation before our next outing for sure!
As we were headed out of the park for our run I decided perhaps a potty stop would be a good idea - this didn't occur to me of course the 15-20 minutes we were standing around stretching and yip-yapping - go figure. So I was well behind the pack from the get go but was pleasantly surprised to note 2 bikes were still waiting for their riders when I made it back into the park! My moment of smugness was quickly (and appropriately!) dashed when I encountered the first of the bikers RETURNING to the park as I was getting my feet into the rat traps ... that pride goeth before the fall thing and all must have caught up with me.
First time actually pedalling on the route but once you turn right out of the park and then left at the T you can't really get lost. As suspected, the route does seem to be fairly steady incline even when you may think you're on 'flat' ground. Tiffany was waiting at the 2 mile mark of the 8+ mile ride (counting chicks) and at the turn around point I picked up a wingwoman who stayed with me all the way back. Traffic was light but some drivers were better than others about skirting us - there is no paved shoulder on the route and one can only move over so far!
Got back in 52 or 54 minutes - but right on my usual pace - not bad for a first trip on an unfamiliar route! The other angels had moved the car up closer and tossed my bucket in for me so we were able to quickly load up Traveler and get on our way - thanks ladies for schlepping the stuff! Sorry the bucket weighed a ton!
So now we've seen the 'run' and bike routes and survived both - whoooo hoooo! 4 more official practice sessions before the event since we are 'off' on the Memorial Day holiday!
Our first official outing at Gregg Park - we were told to be ready to swim at Rainbow Beach (the outdoor pool at Gregg Park - and no, I don't know why they call it that) because they would let us in if the water was a minimum of 70 degrees. That's not as warm as it sounds, as Tiffany was quick to share with us that the indoor pool at the YMCA, which we usually complain about being cold, is at a minimum 81 degrees! So we weren't too terribly heartbroken to learn we would not be swimming!
So we were off to run then bike - and going at our own individual paces - we set up our own little 'transition' area. One of the more experienced angels had a well decorated bucket with a towel, swim cap, goggles, and perhaps a bottle of water. Might have weighed a pound - at most. My bucket, however, weighed about 10 lbs. because I had 2 of everything known to man that could possibly have been needed for 2 hours in the wilderness - swim gear, extra shirt(s), extra sunglasses, extra water and granola, extra sunscreen (2 types), batteries for the MP3 player, bandaids, banana, bandana x 2, and a bunch of other stuff that if I really need it I'd probably need to pull out of the event anyway. Will revisit the bucket situation before our next outing for sure!
As we were headed out of the park for our run I decided perhaps a potty stop would be a good idea - this didn't occur to me of course the 15-20 minutes we were standing around stretching and yip-yapping - go figure. So I was well behind the pack from the get go but was pleasantly surprised to note 2 bikes were still waiting for their riders when I made it back into the park! My moment of smugness was quickly (and appropriately!) dashed when I encountered the first of the bikers RETURNING to the park as I was getting my feet into the rat traps ... that pride goeth before the fall thing and all must have caught up with me.
First time actually pedalling on the route but once you turn right out of the park and then left at the T you can't really get lost. As suspected, the route does seem to be fairly steady incline even when you may think you're on 'flat' ground. Tiffany was waiting at the 2 mile mark of the 8+ mile ride (counting chicks) and at the turn around point I picked up a wingwoman who stayed with me all the way back. Traffic was light but some drivers were better than others about skirting us - there is no paved shoulder on the route and one can only move over so far!
Got back in 52 or 54 minutes - but right on my usual pace - not bad for a first trip on an unfamiliar route! The other angels had moved the car up closer and tossed my bucket in for me so we were able to quickly load up Traveler and get on our way - thanks ladies for schlepping the stuff! Sorry the bucket weighed a ton!
So now we've seen the 'run' and bike routes and survived both - whoooo hoooo! 4 more official practice sessions before the event since we are 'off' on the Memorial Day holiday!
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