Last race of the Season - Dallas

Little delayed on my race report of Dallas but here it is....The top 10 athletes I was up against have competed at world cups, several at the Olympics and many regard this race as an important one with so much money on the line. It was a big big pay day for some. It was also a non-drafting race which makes it completely different from ITU races as well. You have to be strong in all three disciplines as opposed to being stellar in swimming and running and good at biking. Unfortunately with my new run focus, I am not swimming or biking much so had to just manage the first 2/3rd of the race.

Had a few hiccups along the way. First lost a screw for my bike seat so had to find a bike shop otherwise I would have had to ride with my knees hitting my chin. Then morning of the race woke up to a flat tire. Unfortunately I forgot tire levers but found that the spoon and fork I had brought were very useful. Then after getting off the bus to the first transition area (this race had two) I was missing a plug on my handlebar. So getting to the start line was a little rocky but with each thing I sorted it out and moved on. I had also had the most awesome pasta dinner the night before in my room while sitting in bed and watching a movie..... what better race prep!

The morning was colder than Pacific Grove (PG) and misting enough to feel like rain. A perfect combination of PG and Westchester - lovely. The swim was uneventful. I think I started too slow as I started to really pass people on the last 500m. I must have made up some good ground and came out with the pack. I should have been in the lead of the pack but as I am not working on the swim right now I will let that go. Needless to say I froze on the bike. The winds were pretty good too to top it off. The course was pretty ugly through industrial areas and typical american shopping centres, not to mention the pot holes that left more than a few people with flats. There was also this chick who kept drafting after every guy that passed. When I finally passed her I kept looking back to make sure she wasn't drafting me. Grrr.

So the run... have you ever tried to run with two bricks at the end of your feet? Oh my goodness. It was horrible. I could not feel a thing and when I started to get some feeling (around 3 miles) it was so painful! I didn't know what was worse - the bricks or the thaw. I kept thinking of all my runs that I have been doing lately and thinking that this is really quite a short distance. It was over quicker than I thought which I have NEVER thought before. But then again, I did it under 40minutes (barely)! It was faster than most of my tri-runs this year! yippee the run focus is working

So with that done, I am officially back to winter training. I took last week "off" which means that I didn't let Ken tell me what to do.. I went with what I felt like doing - funny how I still found myself running or swimming most days. The weather didn't inspire me to get out for a bike and the trainer just doesn't sound "fun". I also went to two amazing concerts. It is wonderful to appreciate and be inspired by others passions. So what is next? Maybe a 10km race this weekend if I am feeling better (have a cold). One thing is for sure though, I have my work cut out for me. I am ready.

Off to Dallas!

This will be the shortest blog ever... happy, healthy and super excited to go to Dallas. It is going to be all about enjoying the whole process. There are no expectations on me and I am stoked to be on the start line with such high calibre of athletes and know that I belong there. Incredible. Here is the link.

http://www.toyotausopentriathlon.com/US_Open_Triathlon.htm

Thanks Michael for making sure I get there injured free!!!!

Another race down...

Pouring rain is the first way to describe this race. I hardly slept the night before as I listened to the wind in the trees and the rain hitting the window. Surprisingly enough I have never had to contend with the rain before in a race. After receiving brilliant counsel from Rob -lower tire pressure so the tires stick to the pavement better and put on oil to block the wind and Jamie -stay off the paint, I felt comfortable enough. I was worried about my hands freezing though.

I got to the race site and although wet I was not cold. It actually was warmer than the previous year. My warm-up and race prep went smoothly. The gun went off and the swim felt ok except that I was slow! I am not sure whether I chose the wrong line or whether I am just slower right now but I came out of the water a bit behind Alicia who I normally don't struggle to stay with or ahead of. The bike is where I felt a little sluggish as well. My body just didn't have the extra race ummph. Although I have not talked to Ken yet I know he is going to say.. what do you expect? You trained right through the race. Despite knowing that high mileage the week before a race and perhaps the 8 hour drive doesn't exactly prep you for a stunning performance, I wish it did! My run felt fine, good turn over I think but it really hurt in that last kilometer.

The volunteers were absolutely amazing! They lined the streets on the run, they had a band playing and everyone had huge spirits. I love triathlons in the US - people get so into it! There was also one moment in the race that would even make a Canadian patriotic. They have established one small hill on the course as "Claire's climb" and is a charity fundraiser for Lou Gehrig's disease. As you climb the hill toward a huge american flag which you eventually ride under they had a bagpiper playing on a grassy knoll beside the climb. They also had little slogans that you could read that would cheer you on. The whole setting was just kind of cool.

So the last race of my season is coming up in two weeks... Lifetime Fitness Series race in Dallas where the best of the best come out. I hope to be a little rested for this one. Should be exciting!

A second place finish at Pacific Grove Triathlon!

Every once in awhile I get to do some very fun non-drafting races like the Pacific Grove Triathlon that I competed in two weekends ago. It was a spontaneous adventure for me, not in the schedule but I was ready and well, who would say no to racing in California along one of the most magnificent shore lines on the Pacific Coast! The race is put on by Tri-California and as with every other race they put on, very well organized. There are some unique features to this triathlon but none quite as unique as swimming through a kelp forest. I had to really fight to stay in the lead and come out of the water with Leanda Cave (world champion and ironman). To start the water was freezing! It was like drinking a few mega-gulp slurpies in a row and getting a really bad brain freeze. The gun went off and we all jostled into position… all until one person would hit a patch of kelp and literally stop dead in their tracks. To get out you would have to push the kelp down beneath you so you could move forward again. As soon as you would be free and maybe into a rhythm, another kelp patch. If everyone didn’t have to go through the same thing it would have been frustrating but because we did you had to laugh at yourself!

The day was a little misty and kind of cold and rainy so the bike was challenging. Huge head winds kept myself and Leanda working hard together. The run was great as it starts on a slight decline. This is rare in a race and I like it! It made getting a quick turnover and speed that much easier - the return was obviously up what you declined but by this time you were able to recover. I came second at the end of the day and was thrilled. A great race.

Check out the link to see the race on You tube

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=745864582705097069#docid=341808186469947849

Next up is Westchester Triathlon in New York State tomorrow! This race will be great preparation for me before the final race of my season at the Lifetime Fitness Series Toyota US Open Triathlon in Dallas, Texas. Although not a World Cup, the worlds top male and female triathletes compete for a total of $92,000 US. That would be one great payday!

Race season continues!

Sunday morning and life is good. I am back in Ottawa and setting my life up once again. First thing Monday morning I drove out to Peak to meet with Ken, talk about Nationals, the past year and what we need to do this coming year. It is all about the run now. I am swimming less, biking less and running alot. This makes me sad as I love being in the pool and can't imagine what's better than being on my bike but perhaps my run will become so good that this will soon become my favorite part of the triathlon! All this talk about me running lots (I used to run 5X/week and it's up from that) made me immediately call Mike for massage as I know injury prevention will be everything... My visit with him was awesome as it had been so very long since I had a truly awesome massage.

While my training program has changed I still am very much in the middle of my race season. This coming weekend I am off to California, then Westchester New York and my finale will be in Dallas in October. I can't believe how blessed I am to be able to go to all these races! I have a certain excitement with how I feel and with what I have learnt at my races this year. One think I can't wait about my upcoming race in California is putting my toe to the line knowing that I am going to put everything out there right until the end. I have been holding back in the run because of fears that I now recognize... no more.

So life continues... training, eating, sleeping and racing with work thrown in there whereever and whenever possible. Of late I have certainly had to be creative on getting the job done but it seems to continue to work somehow thanks to a fantastic manager and my committment to making it work. Not easy but it happens somehow. Off for a ride now - the gatineau maybe?

ITU Pan-American Cup/Nationals: Kelowna

It has been almost one week since the National Championships in Kelowna and I am just starting to understand my race. The morning of the race I have to say that I felt great. I am so very used to waking with something feeling tight. Only after a cup of coffee, a good warm up, stretching out do I feel ready to take on the day. This day was different. I have perfected my pre-race routine and so just went with the process. Standing on the start line I was finally at the place that I had visualized so many times in my head. Two feet planted on the ground and having already a huge sense of accomplishment for getting through another year of hard training to be there. Alan (sport psychologist) talks of no regrets. It is on the start line that if you do have regrets or things you ‘should have done’ you will feel a sense of dread and an ‘oh my goodness what am I doing here!’ Luckily I have complete confidence in my coach, the training he puts me through, my preparation and the hard work I have put into it. I know that I have made each day count.

The gun went off and what to say, it was like most triathlons that I have done - a mad scramble, people grabbing at your feet (intentionally or not), getting your head hit etc. It always is a little feisty. Coming from a family of rugby players though, I am not shy to hold my ground or line so to speak. It was two loops and after the first loop I was in third. I managed move up a spot and came out of the water in second place right after Kathy Tremblay. Not bad.

The bike was sheer fun. This year I have really focussed on learning bike strategy - knowing when to surge and for how long, when to hold back, how to corner, what it means to stay out of the gutter, understanding wind and heat. Luckily I like bike geeks (you know who you are) so have picked up a lot from just hearing stories and from riding along side. The course is 6 laps with one small but good hill. I usually was in the front of the hill and made sure to give a little extra right at the top. Then the course is just basically a long down and flat - great for speed and hammering. I did just that. My plan was to create as much of a gap between the lead pack and the chase group. I think we managed to get around five minutes. I had nothing to loose with hammering the bike and doing more than my share of work – with Kathy Tremblay, Lauren Groves and Lisa Mensink on the start line, I was pretty sure their run was a wee bit faster than mine.

Off the bike and onto the run. To say that I have struggled with my run is maybe an understatement but I finally feel like I can run well (efficiently), maybe not fast yet but well. Although my run time was nowhere where I want it (I need to drop several minutes), I know that I can take my fitness and motor to the technique I am just starting to really get. I did not have the confidence going into the run and it showed in the time. I did get stronger as I went though and know now that I can do it. Perhaps a little late but it is a process after all.

When the race finished, after hugs from my Mom and Ted at the finish line, I kept on thinking, it’s over – all that hard work and it is done after just over 2 hours. It was actually kind of sad so I quickly started to think of ‘my next race’. I guess I am saying this because although the hard work culminates in certain events, it really has been about each day that leads up to it – the trainer rides, the long rides in the Gatineau, early morning swims, depleting myself of Oxygen, weights, Ride with Rendall challenges, track, ART and massage… big meals and all the small ones in between. And so after one week of refection, I am ready to prepare for the next thing on the calendar (Provincial TT) and enjoy each moment and certainly have no regrets.

Race Ready!

Sitting here at Nancy and Dave's home (friend of my mom's) which is a little bit of paradise. Garden is in full bloom with strawberries, rasberries, swiss chard, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers... the beginning of my perfect dinner in other words. It has been a crazy last few weeks of which the word "trying" can only really describe it. I feel as though I have been on an up and down rollercoaster ride with training, at times feeling great, and at other times like I don't know where my body, my willpower and determination went. Work was super busy with deadlines which I met - the Olympics and Paralympics will go on! I am finally feeling like myself again though and all seems to be right with the world.

Last week I caught up with family and old friends from my past synchro life which was wonderful. Synchronized swimming was my joy through my youth, source of community and where my some of my dearest friends are from. After 16 years I am very much over the absolute disappointment, frustration, and perhaps disillusionment of the sport that I felt when I left and now am reminising in the good times, laughs and chaos that made up my synchro years. Who knew that I was completely "unbalanced" up until I was 17. We typically swam 5hours/day, ran up and down SFU hill, did weights, stretched completely cold before practices, land drill... Knowing what I know now about exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology, I can't believe the things we did.

Back to the present though. The hard work is done. I just have to eat well, sleep well and believe in myself. Then all will fall into place to race the best race I have ever raced before! Honestly I can't wait.

Feeling Feisty

Yup. That is me. I am ready for Nationals which is good as it is around the corner. Taper has begun and now I just want to get out there. I have two days of work left before I get to turn my attention away from Olympic and Paralympic scheduling to chillax'n. I keep thinking how different life will be when I can focus on training, recovering all the time. hmmmm.

My New Blog Site!

Not too sure why I felt it necessary to change my site but change is always good...

All is well. After hitting the wall a few time in training and at work, feeling much much better and happy again! After putting in a 11 hour work day yesterday and topping it off with a 7:30am video-conference this morning, I decided to take it a little easier... Watched Fight Club, ate a bowl full of cherries (stomach is not sooo happy now), sat in the hot tub and am about to get ready to race tomorrow. Brilliant.

Check out this link. My first video debut! The announcer has no idea who I am... he seems floored that this person from Ottawa, Canada of all places is in first for 3/4 of the race!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU5mXQ09lQ0

Pan-American Championship

I came seventh but wow it was close to a fourth place finish.

The swim was great. I have improved so much this year it is awesome. The biggest difference is that I come out of the water in a solid position and am not totally spent. This means fast transitions and being in a good spot for the very fast start on the bike.

The Bike - Holy smokes it was hard work! We started with a pack of 6 girls I think. There may have been more but the pace was hard so I think a few were shot out very quickly. The course was pretty tough in that there was a wicked wind, some serious divets/holes/rough patches to avoid and a gradual hill one way that didn't seem nearly that bad until you had to do it 4 times! Unfortunately two girls crashed - one by crossing wheels and the other by hitting Mary-Beth Ellis (eventual winner) when she accidentaly went into one of the significant divets in the road and had to sharply pull out. For me - all went well but I made the stupid mistake of not drinking and totally screwing up my nutrition. Although the day started quite coolit gradually got hotter and ended up being really deceiving. I had maybe 3/4 of a water bottle and one gel which was not nearly enough to sustain me through the run. The other dumb ass thing I did was not gearing down in the corners - had to work super hard in a high gear to catch up each time. Thankfully I have good power but may have wasted some energy. I have to say that when the going got tough, I had in the back of my mind Ken's voice saying (in his very laid back andconfident way) - No problem for you on the bike, you can stay with these girls. I figured that he is usually right so I did stay with them for the most part and when I did drop back was able to pull myself back into it. I was happy.

The run - Started great! First two laps were solid. The third lap I started to lose some form. The fourth lap I just kept thinking - go go go - you have to want it. Problem was that on the last km my body just didn't want to go any more - I hit the wall big time. Apparently I was not running in a straight line anymore and to be honest, can't remember running the last 100m or so. I almost went the wrong way at the end but somehow crossed the finish line. Apparently the medical people were calling me in :) So in the last 1 km or less I was passed by Kerry Spearing and Susan Williams. There was no doubt though that I had put everything I had out there.

So a strong race. Lots to improve on and I am super excited about the next one. Just imagine if I get my nutrition right! Austin is a lot a lot hotter so there will be no option to be smart on this one. So next time -faster.

Thanks for all your messages and fast thoughts - they really came in handy! Follow this link for the full results breakdown.
http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_plain_text.php?race_id=10778