It's the little things...

Sometimes it's the little things that make my day. Actually, lots of times it's the little things.

Today I had a long run on the calendar. A big one. I have to admit, I was not looking forward to it. Not even a little.

A week ago, I had a much shorter "long" run (after having built quite a few weeks of high-milers, it was a scaled back 18km run, with 8 km of race-pace in the middle). Although the run started out just fine, I experienced a cramp (not like me) and my legs just felt like they were totally protesting the entire time :(
It was everything I could do to hold on to that race pace portion, but I did. After that, though, I just wanted to curl up like a little puppy into the cozy ditch and let the day pass!  I did talk myself out of that, cut the dramatics, and made it home, but I was really in disbelief that I could feel so crappy on a run, let alone a "shorter" long one!

It was probably that horrible run from a week ago that lead me to dread getting up today. But, of course I got up and ready anyway. The leftover high from last weekend's race made me do it, I think.

I headed out the door into the fresh, cool air.  This wasn't going to be so bad after all. I cruised along. Birds chirped, the fluffy clouds rolled through the blue sky. The breeze cooled my shoulders. My music played the familiar songs that make my route even more like a routine. By the time I rounded the turn to the added portion of the run, I felt myself surging and speeding up because the energy I needed was just there.

There was sun.  There was shade. There was a breeze. There were courteous motorists that gave me room to run on the shoulder. I got lost in thoughts and the miles flew by. Almost 40km later I was home.

I walked into the house to three high-pitched voices, saying, "mama!" And, "you're just in time for lunch!"  So cute and chaotic all at the same time.

I quickly went upstairs to get the ice cold bath ready. I try to foam-roll while it's filling.  Before long, I had company. Which is the main "little" thing. My little Milo, eager to join me for my "ice-tubbies".

"You realize it's super cold in there?"  I said.
"Yep...I can do it" as he stripped down.
"Ok. You first!"  I didn't think he would submerge more than one of his little toes.

The kid plunged in. It was freezing. I clenched myself in, keeping a brave face.

I have to say, that "ice-tubbies" are far superior to the average ice-bath. For one, a four-year-old is very entertaining experiencing a polar dip for the first time.  Also, toys. Kids drag toys into the tub regardless of temperature. The time passed by very quickly, and I never imagined I would have quality mama/milo time in an ice-cold tub.

My little adventurer

Happy running/tubbies!

Uh Oh...

I think I might officially be hooked on this whole "triathlon" thing.

I've done a LOT of road races over the years.  I have loved (almost) every single one of them.  I have loved the energy, the sense of accomplishment, the lovely routes, etc.

But I have never, ever had this kind of photo taken of me during the race:

I look like I am DANCING! 

I know, it is a ridiculous expression.  But that is how I felt the entire time!  So excited that the swim went well!  So excited that the bike went well!  Sooooo excited to be on the run portion!  It just was that awesome.

The Recap:

The race was the IronGirl Sprint Triathlon, in Grimsby.  IronGirl has been around for a decade now, but this is the first race they have held in Canada.  That is very likely to change in my opinion, because the event seemed to be successful and well-organized.

I decided that I wanted to go to the venue the day before to pick up my race kit, and scope things out.  One of my beginner-triathlon friends, Allison, came along, as we both wanted to scope out the course and get a feel for the race area.  We arrived and picked up our race kits, checked out the expo.  I bought a couple of pairs of tri-shorts, which I fully intended on wearing for the race the next day.  Yes, I always try new things for races, and yes, I know that you aren't supposed to do that.  I think it might be "my thing".  Brand new, never worn shoes for a marathon?--why not?!  New fuel belt for a marathon?--you bet!  First time refraining from running with socks on in a race?--is there any other way??

After checking everything out, we headed down to the swim-start (this swim would be a point-to-point) and decided to practice the swim.  We wiggled into our wetsuits, and dodged some seagull poop waded our way into the water.  The temperature was perfect.  It was clear, and mostly calm.  We swam down to the swim exit, waded around a bit, then swam back.  It was a lovely way to gain familiarity to the course, in my most nerve-inducing portion of the race!

We headed back to the car and drove the run-route.  We then decided it would be wise to also check out the bike-course, but after driving for what felt like forever, we abandoned that mission with the thought that it might just be better not to know how far we had to go!  (save that for race day when we had no choice but to finish!) Besides, we were getting hungry, so we headed to grab a bite to eat.

Later that night, I started to lay out my race day necessities.  My dad helped me load my bike into the car, and I made myself a "double-check" list, as I would have to leave quite early in the morning.  I also hoped my wetsuit would be dry by morning!

Before I knew it, my alarm was sounding and it was time to get up. It was race day!  I was too tired to be excited.  But with a quick trip to Starbucks in my future, I knew that I would have energy soon :)

I picked up Trish, our official race-photographer/cheering section very early, and I am so glad she could come along with our group to the race.  She took the photo above, and all of the photos I have of the race.  It was nice to have a fellow-triathlete there that was not nervous, to keep all of our heads on straight, and of course, take photos!

We made our way to the race site, and it was nice to know where we were going.  We racked our bikes, got marked up, and before long, we were wiggling into those wet suits.

Our group, posing with our bonnets

We planned to get into the water at the swim finish area, and use the swim to the start as our warm up.  That was one of the best ideas of the day!  I felt so ready to go by the time we got down to the starting area, and because we had a water-start, I didn't even get out of the water, I just floated around until it was my wave's turn to go to the starting line.  When they called wave one, I started to feel my nerves kick in.  My wetsuit felt like it was ten times too tight, and I had to start breathing deeply.  As soon as the gun went off for the purple caps to leave, I relaxed quite a bit.  It seemed like they made it a long ways away in just 3 short minutes.  This wasn't going to be so bad afterall, I thought!

There was a quick "three-two-one--gooo!" for my wave, and off we swam.  There was very little chaos.  No one bumping into me, initially!  Yay!  I just swam, and breathed, and it was all very civil.  As we continued someone swam right over my back, but it wasn't really that startling, as I was in a groove.  All of a sudden, I started to see purple caps (wave one) and I realized that I was catching up to some of the slower swimmers from the first wave.  I was almost there!

I actually thought, "this is just lovely" during the swim, which I never thought was possible during a race!

I hopped out of the water (see above photo for elation) and bolted up the steeeeeeeep hill to transition.  The path was a bit narrow, so I was trying not to bump into anyone.  My wetsuit came off very easily (the hill was steep, but very short, so I had lots of water still in the suit so it came off like a dream).  I threw on my helmet (after almost forgetting to take  off my swim cap--talk about a rookie) and my shoes, and grabbed my bike.

The bike course was a flat out-and-back.  It felt like the first 5km took forever, but the next 15 went by very fast.  It was awesome to see the lead women on their way back.  I tried to count how many people were ahead of me, but I started to lose count in the 50s.   :(

I did manage to pass some people along the bike course, and I was so amazed by all of the women that had "16" or "17" on their legs (age).  I never would have been brave enough to do a triathlon at that age! Now that I am (old) I am willing to do anything crazy (?!)

I saw a few of my fellow newbie tri-friends along the route, and I tried to cheer like crazy while staying upright on my bike.  They all finished this race looking awesome.  I am so proud of you, Tanya, Linda, Lorraine and Allison!

By the time I was back at the bike dismount line, I was feeling so ready for the run!  I wanted to be back in my element (and, honestly, I wanted to get out there to find/pass the women that passed me on the bike ride)!

I made sure my shoes were positioned properly on my feet, and bolted (or at least I felt like I bolted) out of transition.  I forgot my hat, but I wasn't really worried I would get a burn on my face during the 5km ahead.

Heading out for the run

The run course was a great loop.  It went by very fast, and it had road and trail portions.  There were a few water stations, and I had a couple of sips of water, really because my mouth was getting dry.

As I headed to the finishing stretch, I was so pumped up by all of the spectators (and personal fans...thanks Tricia!)!  I ran hard to the finish, where I was super-pumped to see the clock...1:18:40!!  My "A" goal had been to finish under 1:20, and in the top 20 of my age group.  What I didn't even realize, was the fact that the "clock" time was 3 minutes slower than my real time due to the swim wave starts!!  I actually did 1:15:40! Even more exciting!!

I rounded out the race in 26/505 total finishers, and 6/68 in my age group.  Although it wasn't a "podium" finish like the other two races I did this summer, I am most proud of how strong I felt during the whole thing (how's that for cheesy?)

I think it's safe to say that triathlons are here to stay in my life, whether I stick to the short fun races, or (gulp) attempt anything bigger, I am not really sure!  This summer has definitely been a great way to have fun at races and to train with other people.  So. much. fun.

I have done a couple of runs since Sunday's race, and my body feels great (which is a good thing, as my super long run of 24 miles this week needs fresh legs)!


Happy running!


p.s.  The tri-shorts that I wore for the first time worked out great!  They didn't budge a bit during the bike or run, and I do not regret trying them out!!!

Triathlon that wasn't a Triathlon

On our way to the race site on Saturday morning, as we drove along Lakeshore road in Bright's Grove, the big waves of Lake Huron looked very intimidating.  Very wavy. Very scary for this newbie swimmer.  So scary that I contemplated forcing my brother to turn around so I could just go home and crawl back into bed.

When we lined up to get our chips and get marked up, we heard that the swim portion had been cancelled on account of the iffy waves.

I was relieved that the waves wouldn't be pulling me back to shore, but a tiny bit bummed out that I had pumped myself up for the swim, that would now be turned into a run.

My second triathlon turned into my first Duathlon!  I've never done a duathlon, so, yet again, I was looking at a PB no matter what!  My big brother Scott was racing the duathlon, so now we would be in the same race.

I had forgotten a hair elastic (the only thing I forgot, but still quite a bummer) so I improvised. The spare tube for my bike came with an elastic band around it, so that would just have to do.  The course for both runs and the bike promised to be flat, so I was thankful for my hilly running as of lately...

We racked our bikes, scoped out the transition area, then waited patiently for the start. I have to admit, I had made plans for some obligatory-open-water-swim-panic, pre-race, so when I didn't have to build that in, I was a lot more relaxed, and I felt like I had some extra time on my hands! (Also, not having to wiggle into the wetsuit helped).

We did a small warm up run near the duathlon run 1 starting line, (which was on a trail) then we squished our way to the starting line, and the gun went off!

That first run was quick. I got some advice from Mark Linseman (speedy triathlete) prior, which helped me out a LOT. He suggested that I refrain from sprinting that first run all-out, as I may pay for it on the bike, as I was not accustomed to sprinting before getting on the bike (hm. Good point!). He also reminded me not to lose track of my running shoes in the first transition, as I would need them again in transition 2 for the second run (gee, another very good point!  There is a reason he's a professional!)

I came in for the first run in an ok position, and dashed to by bike. I tossed on my helmet, wiggled on my bike shoes, and took off. The transition area was very bumpy and I realized that I need to work on gracefully running with my bike to the exit/mount line. There were lots of spectators cheering, so it was a nice boost as I took off down the residential area toward the main road for the out-and-back. I quickly got into high gear...I was on a mission to catch up to my brother!

The bike portion was a bit windy (ok, a LOT windy). It was humbling to me. I definitely realized in those miles on the bike course that I should really make cycling practice something I do more than once each week. I know, I know.  That should be a no-brainer. But there are always reasons to go for a run instead of a bike ride. I love bike rides. I just always pick runs instead!

I did catch my brother (who, in all fairness, was completely and totally peer-pressured by me to sign up, and therefore had only a couple of bike rides this season as practice, and every single one of them included toting his children with him on the bike). He was looking fresh, but also looking like he was hating the wind as much as I was.

So.  The wind.  You know how you promise yourself that the wind isn't so bad on an out-and-back course because at least on the way back it will assist you?  Ya. That is exactly what got me through the first half.

Then, I hit the turn-around.  It was windier on the way back. How can that even happen?!

So, I dug deep and tried to keep my pace. I was passed by some super-fancy bikes, and some racers that definitely look like they practice a lot. I made lots of promises to myself, that I would catch them on the run. That is what got me to the bike finish.

As I plopped off my bike (yep, that is exactly how graceful I felt) and toted my bike back into transition, I heard "Go Amy!!!" How exciting!  The shouts were from my very best friend Janice and her daughter Mallory!  They came to cheer us on, and it was awesome!

I racked my bike, changed my shoes (and almost forgot to take off my helmet) and ran toward the exit. I accidentally ran back to the bike exit (oops) so I added a bit of time to my transition when I had to turn around and run to the run start (I sincerely hoped no one saw my rookie mistake).  I was back on my running feet, and on a mission to find some of those people that had passed me on the bike.

The run was also nice and flat, on a paved trail for most of it. My legs felt great. I drank lots of water during the bike portion, and I could feel it sloshing around in my stomach, so I used the couple of water stations to pour it down my neck.

I was catching people and powering past them, and it made it that much easier to keep my pace. Before long, I was back at the wooded area for the finish.  Janice was there cheering, and I managed to stop my watch as I crossed the mats (I never remember to do this.  It's the little things).

I had enough time to run back around to cheer my brother through (he was not far behind). I am so proud of us!  Duathlon finishers!

I have exactly zero photos of the whole event (I know).

I managed to score 3rd place overall female finisher (2nd place 30-39)!  But the real bonus was the "post-race feast" which included watermelon (I ate a ton) and homemade butter tarts, among many other fine treats.

my lovely "3rd Place" plaque!

I can't wait until next year, when I can take on the swim also. It was such a lovely day.

I also must mention how much I love triathlons for the atmosphere. Road races are great, but I think triathlons have more opportunities for friendy chatting with other racers, and general bonding (?).

I have only done 2 races, but I have learned sooo many tips and tricks from other athletes, and felt the friendliness factor here for sure!



Happy running/biking/swimming!!

My First Triathlon

I would like to dedicate this post-race recap to papa. He is the bestest dad that our kids could hope for. He is the bestest husband a girl could dream of. I can't express enough how super supportive he is of all of the running (and swimming) I do.  He rarely ever has anything other than a smile on his face. Our boys are lucky to have such an involved, silly, caring, loving, coffee-obsessed, fit and good-natured role model in their lives.

papa and two of the boys up to trouble on the ramp

I love you, Papa. Happy Father's Day!

So.  The race...

I woke up feeling kind of awful. My throat felt like sandpaper and my tummy was churning. More than just nerves churning. Oh no.  Papa arrived home from a long night shift and the boys were eager to wish him a happy birthday!! (Father's day and birthday all in one weekend!!)

I tried to force back a bit of breakfast and water, but I just didn't feel like eating anything. Ugh.

Papa put my bike on the bike rack and I was headed up the road. Luckily we live very close to Guelph Lake conservation area, the race site.

I pulled into the grassy parking area, and left everything at the car to scope out the per-race stuff...getting my race kit, finding other race buddies, etc.  After sorting all of that, I headed to the transition area to get a good spot. I racked my bike and chatted with my "transition area neighbours". Once I got everything set up perfectly, I realized I had set up in the wrong row. Oops. I set up in the 35-39 row. I have a whole other year until I am in that row!
So I sheepishly gathered my things, and found a spot in my proper row, which was actually a better spot!  And the bonus is that I had done a dry-run of set-up, which only makes me feel more professional, amIright??

It didn't appear that I had forgotten anything, so I had plenty of time to stew in a nervous state...

We took a walk through the transition area, making note of where we were set-up, so we would remember when we ran from the water. There are a LOT of bikes on those racks!  Lori, one of my clinic buddies noted the garbage can at the end of the row. Perfect landmark!

We grabbed our wetsuits, goggles and caps (mine was BRIGHT pink) and headed toward the water. I heard someone calling my name. It was papa (on zero sleep--did I mention it was also his birthday?) and the boys!  It was nice to say hello/goodbye before heading down to the beach.

We wiggled into our wetsuits, and reality set in. This was actually happening.

After a great warm-up swim in the water, everyone was called back to the beach for the start. Last-minute good-lucks were shared and we lined up behind wave one.

Before I had time to panic, the wave two horn went off!  Into the water I ran!!  It was pure chaos!  I dove into the biggest gulp of water I have ever gulped. It took my breath away. I sputtered and spattered and really wondered what on earth I was thinking?!  Yeesh. As I couldn't catch my breath, I decided to invent my own "head-above-water-front-crawl" for the time being. It was seriously affecting my speed, but so would being towed back to land on a kayak, so I had to make-do. I was still passing people, but I knew I needed to get back into a rhythm. By the time I rounded the first buoy, I was able to graduate into a real front crawl. I kicked and paddled until I started to see the bottom of the lake more clearly. I was almost there!

As I headed up the beach, people were cheering, and I was stripping. I was running up the sand, on to the grassy incline (it was really steep!) to transition. It amazes me how many people were just walking up the hill. I really lost time in the water, but I passed so many people with that run up the hill that I felt like I had put myself back into an ok position by the time I ran through the gate into transition one.

At the start of the big hill to transition

I am so glad my clinic did transition drills. I knew what the feeling of wet grassy feet would be like before race day. I peeled my way out of my wetsuit, and saw Allison from my clinic at her bike already in transition. She's a fast swimmer!  I slipped into my bike shoes, put on my sunglasses and clicked my helmet on. With my bike, I dashed toward the exit. By nothing short of a miracle, I mounted/clipped in to my bike at the line, and I was off!  The volunteers at the bike line were so helpful and supportive, saying, "mount now!"  I really did need that!

The bike was great. I managed to pass a bunch of people, and I even saw the speedy speedster winning male (a mere baby high-schooler--so fast!) on his way back in. I only needed one tiny sip of water on the bike, as I was still burping from all of that water I ingested in the lake. Seriously. Next time I need to practice in that open water more than three times before the race!

There were a couple of steep hills on the out-and-back bike course, but after those were done, it was a smooth ride back into the park!  Papa and the boys were there, cheering me on as I approached the dismount line. My heart skipped a beat as my right foot stuck a little, but I didn't fall, so I consider it a success (despite one spectator gasping as I tried to wiggle my foot free.  Calm down, lady...I was ok!!).

I know it's blurry, but it is making me look fast!

As I ran with my bike back into transition, I noticed there were less than a handful of bikes in my age-group racks. Really?!
I racked my bike, threw down my helmet and slipped out of my shoes. I am so glad to got quick laces for my runners, as they were so easy to slip on. I ran out while fastening my visor to my head. Out on the run course it felt great to be doing something (finally) that I knew how to do!  I caught up to a few of my fellow age group (can I just say that ALL races should have age groups written on people's calves?  I'm not (ahem) competitive, but if I were, I would think that little triathlon feature was cool). The run was hilly, but I pushed through, excited to be passing people. As I rounded that last bend toward the finish line, I passed two women in my age group! Yay!

I was so glad to cross the finish line!  I was alive!

I had to get my shoes off ASAP.  I had managed to whittle a new little bister on my foot during the run, and it ached :(

I was sad that they didn't give out finisher's medals. Just a bottle of water :/

My biggest fans?

I hobbled up the gravel with my shoes in hand to find Papa and the boys. Either they were excited that I had finished, or that they didn't have to stand around cheering. Still not sure which.

After cheering all of my fellow clinic members on as they finished, we grabbed some snacks and scoped out the results board. I was shocked when I saw that I finished 11/189 women, and 1/49 in my age group!! (49/333 total finishers) Yippee! Thanks to that finish, they did give me a medal!

woohoo!

Will I do it all again?  Yes, likely. I would definitely do this Guelph Lake one again...so well-organized, beautiful course, and really good post-race food :)

Holy Crap.

In just two more sleeps, I will be waking up (assuming I actually calm the heck down enough to fall asleep) early and heading to my very first triathlon!

Gulp.

It is actually happening.

I knew a few weeks ago, when I registered, that chances were high that I would actually get to this point, but a teensy tiny part of me was still in denial.

The months and months of swimming almost every day, the running even more, and the biking...well...I have at least done a few bike rides, including learning to ride with the clip-less pedals.

Pretending to swim on an earlier open-water practice

This Saturday I will voluntarily run down the beach into the water in a crowd of other age-groupers.  I will get kicked in the head.  I will get water up my nose.  I will (probably) pee in my borrowed wetsuit (sorry, Tara). I will leave the water and run up the huge grassy hill to transition (hopefully without falling--there will probably be people there with cameras).

I will struggle out of the wetsuit, and struggle into my clippy bike shoes. I will feel the breeze in my face while heading out on my bike, pedalling as fast as I can.

I will go into the run portion with jelly-legs and hopefully finish strong.

Then.

It will be over.

Hopefully my heart rate will go down sometime after that.

I am so pumped and excited for this experience. I am a touch scared that I will love it...as my good friend running will become more jealous of my growing relationship with these other endurance sports, but what can I say?  If they give out medals, I may just be hooked.

Wish me luck...I'm hoping for good weather at least!

You win some, you fall some!

I am happy to report, that despite a hilarious start to my scary cool clippy pedals for my bike, I successfully survived my first ride in public without any mishaps!

This surprised me.  Lots.

I received the fancy pedals and shoes as a birthday gift from papa and the boys. I decided that it was a "now or never" situation with the clips. If I wanted to use them, I needed to use them from the get-go. And trying new things seems to be a theme for me this year, so why not?!

My brother Scott was helpful enough to assist me in putting the pedals on my bike, so all I had to do was get the shoes on, and try it out (gulp).  I decided to use the luscious green lawn of grandma and grandpa's house. The thought of falling on the pavement in my own neighbourhood was way too much for me.

I started out alright. I got clipped in without any trouble. I rode around in a few circles. It was going well (!).

Then, I realized that un-clipping was a step that I needed to practice. I freed one foot (no problem!) then, as I got closer to stopping, I tried to free foot #2. I did not set my other foot on the ground though, (um, ya.  That's a bit of a problem) and down I went. Bike, me, and my dignity!

It was so funny.

I got grass-stains on my new sweater and my family (watching from the window, as all helpful families do) was roaring with laughter.

So, I got up and tried again.

Basically, attempt two was identical to attempt #1. My brother was laughing so hard as he said, "why did you do the same thing again?  Why am I not video taping this?!"

No video.  No photo. Just the grass stains left now.

On attempt three (with camera rolling...thanks, Scott) I managed without any trouble.  I managed to do a hill-workout with my tri-group last night as well, hassle free.

I know I will fall again.  I just hope it isn't in a race situation!

This morning, I headed to the pool.

At 6:05am, I was greeted with this:

Ugh.

I arrived at work super-early as a result.

Luckily I had a killer interval session tonight to make up for the lack of swimming this morning...my legs are now feeling like jello and I am looking forward to some relaxing. (5x1mile repeats @6:20/mile, hence the jello!). I foam-rollered with Raule and it's all gooood now.


Happy Running, cycling, or swimming...if your pool happens to be opened!

Please, pass the sunscreen!

When will I learn?

There is a word that I really need to familiarize myself with.  Or better yet, an action I need to get better at.

Reapply.

I need to train my brain to do more than just slather on the 'screen in the morning.  Especially when I am out running (and sweating) for hours.  I had to deal with a terrible burn after Boston last year (it was just so HOT that I was soaked from all of the sprinklers and sponges, ice and water that was tossed in my direction, that the layer of sunscreen I started the day under was long gone by the time I crossed the finish line.

This year, I did the same thing again.  It wasn't as hot, but I still sweat and sponged away that layer of 60 sunscreen that I just assumed would protect me yet again.

Today was the first track and field meet of the season!  It was fun to experience the excitement and nerves the students felt, some of them at their first ever event. Of course I put on sunscreen. I even brought along the tube of it in my backpack. The day started out a little foggy, but by noon it was a gorgeous sunny day. It didn't feel hot though. I put on my sunglasses and ignored that little tube.

Then, on the bus ride home, my arms started to warm up. Dang it.

Another layer of sun on my skin. (Not a burn, but still more sun than I needed).

I am so diligent with sunscreen on my children. They know the drill. Why can't I get it together and take some responsibility here?

I am writing about this here, because I really need to own this whole thing. I know how serious sun damage can be.  I am pledging to reapply more often.
*and if anyone has any tips out there, as to how I can keep sunscreen on through swimming/biking/running events, I would appreciate it, although I have a sneaking suspicion that "reapplication" is probably the tip I will get, no?

It is April 30th, and I already have farmer's tan. Yeesh.

Happy slathering running!

p.s.  I might try to bring back fluorescent Zinc...it was so cool in the 80's!