I prepared for my run by filling a camelbak and grabbing some clif shot bloks.
Charged up the ipod and the garmin.
Kept an easy, steady pace the whole way- I pretty much skipped all of the fast paced, "running" songs.
Walked at the end, knowing enough was enough.
Recovered with gelato in the sun.
Total distance? 7.08km. Total time? 55 minutes
But I feel like I ran 20km, or for about 2 hours.
Oh, how things have changed. But what hasn't changed (yet) is how much I love it.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hotpotato: Running
Last night I ran 5km without walking. The first time since finding out I was pregnant. I've "run" before, with varying degrees of success, but with a heart rate that sky rockets if I so much as think about running-running, tiredness that starts poking its head out after about 5 minutes, and the odd weird ache or pain (nothing worrying, just uncomfortable), I haven't done a whole lot.
So I was stoked last night when I headed out and after 5 minutes of plodding, my heart rate was still steady. And at 10 minutes (a bit higher, but still steady, and still in my comfortable zone). So I just kept plodding on (apart from a fountain stop) until I made it home. And I was SUPER stoked when I mapped my run and it came out as 5km. I know mapmyrun overestimates a bit, but it was still better than expected.
I know this won't necessarily stay the norm, but getting a bit of that RUNNING feeling again reminded me that I will be myself again, and that the fact that I've been tired for the past few weeks (and gained a small person in weight) doesn't mean I'm a fit-pregnancy failure.
So I was stoked last night when I headed out and after 5 minutes of plodding, my heart rate was still steady. And at 10 minutes (a bit higher, but still steady, and still in my comfortable zone). So I just kept plodding on (apart from a fountain stop) until I made it home. And I was SUPER stoked when I mapped my run and it came out as 5km. I know mapmyrun overestimates a bit, but it was still better than expected.
I know this won't necessarily stay the norm, but getting a bit of that RUNNING feeling again reminded me that I will be myself again, and that the fact that I've been tired for the past few weeks (and gained a small person in weight) doesn't mean I'm a fit-pregnancy failure.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
On not being superwoman
I definitely imagined myself as one of those awesome hardcore pregnant women. Like Pharmie, who ran a MARATHON on the day she found out she was with-Henry, an to 40 weeks, and is back to running 9-milers at 9 weeks post-partum. My Mum had fairly easy pregnancies, so I hoped morning sickness would pass me by, I'd eat plenty of fruit and veges the whole time, and I'd keep up with something somewhat resembling my normal exercise schedule.
Yeah, ummm, no.
It started with the fear. It set in as soon as I saw the second line, and basically got worse and worse until about 11 weeks in. The morning after the positive test I was out on a slow, slow morning run. Rationally, I knew that running was not going to shake the tiny blob of cells loose, but the scared pregnant woman in me was having none of that. I think I ended up with about 25 minutes on the clock. I was able to quell the fear enough to keep active-ish, and even to do some "running", but I couldn't bring myself to let my HR drift above 140, even though I knew that rule had been debunked several years ago. It didn't help that every book had a different answer!
Next came work. The day after I found out I was pregnant, a client got sued with urgent proceedings, and from then on it was go go go. It wasn't like my Wellington/Auckland hours, but there were lateish nights and weekends, and it was a shock to the system. Now, normally I'm not too bad at fitting it in anyway- sneaking out for 6pm runs, getting up in the morning, etc but...
There was also the fatigue. I'd read that pregnancy makes you tired. And, hey, it makes sense. Embryos and foetuses, they grow pretty quickly. But I kind of read "you'll be tired" as "you might need to get to bed a bit earlier, and some weekends you might want a nap", and thought "hey, I'm used to being tired. I've worked crazy hours while training for marathons and half ironmans. Tired is my middle name". Turns out I was wrong. And I apologise in restrospect to every pregnant woman I have ever known. Because fatigue does not even come close to describing it. I felt like I had been hit by a bus (not seriously... cos that would suck a whole lot more than being really freaking tired). I'd be worn out by lunchtime if I spent a weekend day "doing stuff". At about 6 weeks, my sister and brother in law visited, and we went for a wander into the Farmers' Market, and a potter around town. During our 2ish hour expedition, I needed a rest and a snack, and by the time we were heading home, I had to ask the others to slow down, because I could no longer walk fast enough. I managed to help with lunch, but it was a couple of hours before I could face getting up afterwards. And that was before things got hard. Basically, on a good day, I could get through an hourish long run/walk as long as I had something to drink, but I couldn't guarantee that I'd get through the rest of the day. Add work to the mix, and it was a mess.
And lastly, the nausea. I had it pretty easy, it seems. I only threw up twice, and one of those times hardly counted. But I felt sick pretty much all day every day from about weeks 8-12. Well, all day EXCEPT when I was eating carbs. Preferably salty. A bit fatty, even better.
And so instead of getting to 13 weeks sporting a pert wee bump and a pair of cute running shorts, I'm sporting 5kg of bonus chub, and I'm out of clothes.
But I have kept things up a bit. There have been bad weeks, but I have done between 2 and 7 sessions per week (1-5 hours), of swimming, walk/running, spinning and weights. And although I've eaten 5kg worth of carbs, that's been on top of a balanced diet, with plenty of calcium, protein and leafy greens, not instead of it.
And now, I'm moving into the second trimester full of grand plans and best intentions- but also a bit more reality.
PS This sounds like a whiny post. Correction; this IS a whiny post. But please, please know how happy I am to have been feeling so bad. I would not change this for all the tea in China. I just want to tell the truth about what goes on, because it seems to me that we too often downplay the ghastliness of early pregnancy, leading to an unfortunate "harden up"/superwoman culture. Some women are superwomen, but in pregnancy it seems it may be more about luck than anything else.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Race plans
On April 29, I posted that I'd be back with plans and news soon. I didn't know then that it would be months before I'd have a race plan, or any news. I think the news I was referring to was a house, but I honestly don't remember.
On June 7, I told you all that I was tired because of my low ferritin. I didn't know then that there was also another reason (but only just).
On June 10, I failed to tell you about our new house. But we have one, and it's great! It has a backyard, and a TRAINER room and a massive garage for all our bikes. All the important stuff.
On June 26, I posted about an outside ride. I didn't tell you that it was one of the most terrifying rides of my life, or that I rode slow and easy for a reason.
And on August 9, I told you that things had been quiet on the training front, and active on the carb eating and waist thickening front. I omitted to mention that all of things were not just about winter.
It's August 24 now, and I finally have a race plan to announce. I'll be participating in the Tauranga City to Surf 12km on 25 September 2011. I'll be racing with another wonderful tri-tweeter, and although we'll look like a team of two from behind, you'll be able to tell we're a team of four from the side.
Yep, you read that right. This Hotpotato's making a Hotpotato-chip.
On June 7, I told you all that I was tired because of my low ferritin. I didn't know then that there was also another reason (but only just).
On June 10, I failed to tell you about our new house. But we have one, and it's great! It has a backyard, and a TRAINER room and a massive garage for all our bikes. All the important stuff.
On June 26, I posted about an outside ride. I didn't tell you that it was one of the most terrifying rides of my life, or that I rode slow and easy for a reason.
And on August 9, I told you that things had been quiet on the training front, and active on the carb eating and waist thickening front. I omitted to mention that all of things were not just about winter.
It's August 24 now, and I finally have a race plan to announce. I'll be participating in the Tauranga City to Surf 12km on 25 September 2011. I'll be racing with another wonderful tri-tweeter, and although we'll look like a team of two from behind, you'll be able to tell we're a team of four from the side.
Yep, you read that right. This Hotpotato's making a Hotpotato-chip.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Quiet
Winter's been wintery, work's been busy, and I've been exhausted. Which means that things have been all quiet on the training front. And a little too active on the carb-eating, waist-thickening front.
I'm hoping I'll perk up soon and that I'll be motivated to get out into the Waikato spring sunshine (or, as is more likely, Waikato spring wind and showers). I'm looking forward to feeling like myself again!
Happy training everyone!
I'm hoping I'll perk up soon and that I'll be motivated to get out into the Waikato spring sunshine (or, as is more likely, Waikato spring wind and showers). I'm looking forward to feeling like myself again!
Happy training everyone!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Outside ride
Yesterday was my first outside ride for ages- I rode slow and easy, and just enjoyed the Cambridge scenery and winter sunshine. I found adjusting to my road position again a bit awkward, but other than that was very relaxed and comfortable.
Looking forward to many more gorgeous country rides!
Looking forward to many more gorgeous country rides!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Hotpotato: Not Very Ferrous
Turns out the reason I've been a bit tired lately (or one of them, at least) is that my iron has gotten stupid low again. I don't know my haemoglobin results (the iron "cheque" account), as we weren't testing specifically for iron, but my ferritin (the iron "savings" account) was 7 at my last test (the "acceptable" range is generally 20-250).
I'm supplementing and trying to up the red meat and down the caffeine for now. Although I'm still being active (getting about 7ish hours a week in), I'm trying to give myself a break if I feel flat. So that's partly why I've been a slack blogger (but really, it's cos I AM a slack blogger!)
Happy training, and be back soon :)
I'm supplementing and trying to up the red meat and down the caffeine for now. Although I'm still being active (getting about 7ish hours a week in), I'm trying to give myself a break if I feel flat. So that's partly why I've been a slack blogger (but really, it's cos I AM a slack blogger!)
Happy training, and be back soon :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
New "Coach"
I'm back training, mostly running, and I have a new "coach."
He's speedy, he's a data geek, he loves his fluoro calf sleeves and he's pretty handsome to boot!
I think we'll have fun working together ;)
He's speedy, he's a data geek, he loves his fluoro calf sleeves and he's pretty handsome to boot!
I think we'll have fun working together ;)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Went to enter my (awesome) workout details at Buckeye and was met with:
Buckeye Outdoors has suffered a major outage. A series of electrical storms first knocked out the backup servers that were located at the backup up location. Then the unthinkable happened 4 days later and a second electrical storm caused an extended power outage at the datacenter where the primary Buckeye Outdoors servers are hosted. The current situation is pretty grimm and I'm despritly trying to recover the data that has been lost. If I am un able to recover the data I will put the application back online but right now I am holding out hope and I even might send the Hard Disks to a data recovery place. If you have any questions please email here: questions@buckeyeoutdoors.com
Such a "white whine", but I'm gutted at the potential loss of YEARS of training data. I've loved being able to analyse my previous training, and even look back to try to figure out other things (where were we that weekend? when did we hike that trail?). Guess I should have been better about recording in Sports Tracks too!
Anyway, the run was great- ran with Phil, and he kept me honest! It was much easier to keep a "fast but easy" pace with someone to chat to. Just half an hour, but we averaged around 5:15/km, and it felt like I was working, but not suffering. Certainly had no trouble keeping up, and was able to keep chatting.
****
It's been awhile, I know, but I think I'm just about ready to get back into it! Be back soon with plans and news!
Buckeye Outdoors has suffered a major outage. A series of electrical storms first knocked out the backup servers that were located at the backup up location. Then the unthinkable happened 4 days later and a second electrical storm caused an extended power outage at the datacenter where the primary Buckeye Outdoors servers are hosted. The current situation is pretty grimm and I'm despritly trying to recover the data that has been lost. If I am un able to recover the data I will put the application back online but right now I am holding out hope and I even might send the Hard Disks to a data recovery place. If you have any questions please email here: questions@buckeyeoutdoors.com
Such a "white whine", but I'm gutted at the potential loss of YEARS of training data. I've loved being able to analyse my previous training, and even look back to try to figure out other things (where were we that weekend? when did we hike that trail?). Guess I should have been better about recording in Sports Tracks too!
Anyway, the run was great- ran with Phil, and he kept me honest! It was much easier to keep a "fast but easy" pace with someone to chat to. Just half an hour, but we averaged around 5:15/km, and it felt like I was working, but not suffering. Certainly had no trouble keeping up, and was able to keep chatting.
****
It's been awhile, I know, but I think I'm just about ready to get back into it! Be back soon with plans and news!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Race Report: Contact Tri Series- Wellington
The day started off very strangely. Just before going to bed, we'd heard about the earthquake in Japan and Tsunami warning, but only in a vague sort of way and, as there had been a similar warning earlier in the week (when the 7.2 quake hit Japan), I sort of dismissed it. Then Pip and my sister both sent texts asking if the tri was on, and I started to worry- as I saw it, if the swim was off the rest would be too, as the whole race is coastal. But there was nothing much we could do but wait, so we went to bed, ready for our 4:45am wake up call.
I woke again at about 11, to see another text from Pip, which very clearly suggested that the race had been cancelled, and seemed to assume I knew. It said it had been received at 10pm, so I didn't want to reply, and instead just sort of lay there in the dark, in a sort of semi-waking state, feeling baffled. Nothing weirder than preparing for a 4:45am wake up call you don't think you'll need! [we know now what happened- somehow my phone had sent Pip a text saying "cancelled..."- it didn't even show up in my sent items!? I almost wonder if it was the text that was cancelled?]
After a strange night's sleep, 4:45am arrived. I woke quietly thinking that if I could confirm the race was off, we could just crawl back into our nice cosy bed. But I couldn't figure out how to tune the radio (it was on Radio NZ, but I was thinking maybe Newstalk ZB) and I couldn't find our hosts' laptop either. So I woke Phil up, told him everything, and we slowly got on our way.
We listened to Radio NZ in the car, and soon enough heard the tail end of the Tsunami warning. Basically, we heard "stay out of the water", and assumed it HAD to be off. We arrived at transition, but far from being a ghost town, it was bustling. Asked a marshall what was going on, and she assured us it was business as usual- though I think all participants expected the swim to be off. So, we got ourselves set up and ready!
Swim:
The swim was still on- we now know that the concern was not a ginormous wave, but something to do with currents, and we were swimming right in the harbour where it wouldn't be an issue.
We started 5 minutes after the men, which was great. In a deep water start, too often there's no time for us to get in position and choose our lines once the blokes have gone, which can be quite irritating! 5 minutes gave us heaps of time, and meant much less catching went on, but meant we were still close to the action for the rest of the race. Thumbs up to the organisers for that one.
I felt really good in the cold water, and definitely felt like I was in the thick of the pink caps heading to the first buoy (350m, I think). I had some good feet to the second buoy, and stayed with a couple of ladies for the rest of the anticlockwise box. The course was great too- the buoys were all between 200 and 400m apart, so the next one was never too far away, but they also weren't so close together that there was complete chaos at each one.
I had no idea how long I'd taken when I finished, as I was racing with NO DATA at all, but there were still plenty of bikes in transition. Still, 25-29 ladies was pretty empty, so I knew the swim had been ok, not awesome.
Time: 31:32 (including T1- and the big run from the beach to T1, so 28ish actual water time?); place (women only) 83/120-something.
Bike:
With my gorgeous race tyres and great new fit (I wish I had pics for you, Mike and Westy), I was looking forward to the bike. Our training ride the day before had reminded me how sneakily technical the course is in places, and how easy it is for Wellington's wind to sneak up and bite you! It was a calm day, and an early race, so my race plan was simple. Drop the hammer and GO!
However, no sooner had I dropped and GONE than I was passed for the first time. Then the second. Then the third. Then by the guy on the MTB. Then the larger woman in the Contact jersey. I checked my RPE- legs were working hard, gear was high, lungs were going OK. I honestly didn't feel like I could go faster- well, not for 40 more ks, anyway, so I let them go, and tried to relax into my own race. I gradually made up a little ground as I headed around the bays, and felt like I was flying, but still there were many others flying faster. I leapfrogged with another lady (who I definitely felt should have been slower than me) for quite awhile, until she passed me saying "looks like we'll be keeping each other company!". I wasn't bothered, and thought it could work well, but next time I took my turn in the front (we were WELL legal), I lost her, and didn't see her again. MTB guy continued to perplex me- we kept leapfrogging for the whole ride- my frustration at being beaten by a MOUNTAIN BIKE only matched by the satisfaction he probably got from beating the poser in the aero helmet! I felt like I was making good ground against the people I was with in headwinds, but losing in tailwinds, despite being in a comfortable aero position.
The turnaround came a little later than expected, but soon enough- the flat, windy (both in terms of wind and corners) 20k had sped by, and it was awesome knowing all I had to do was go back! I felt like I could make up some more ground on the return journey, as I was feeling good, but it was here that I started being passed by the NZL-bums! Now, I often aim to race with, or pass, NZL-bums, but sadly, I recognised these bums as belonging to women in the 45+ AGs, not my own! I also got passed by a girl in a lifestyle sports suit, who I totally lost, and didn't see again until the run.
Just before T2, I had a rather frightening experience, which left me feeling a bit dazed. I was slowing slightly as I approached a zebra crossing (it didn't look like anyone would cross, but better safe than sorry), when a taxi decided to do a u-turn into my path. I slammed on my brakes, swerved just about into the kerb, and both feet came flying out of the pedals in panic. Just missed making contact. Shouted some pathetic abuse (I'm ashamed to say the word that came to mind was "D!ck!" I mean REALLY? I couldn't do better??), and luckily the people at the cafe next to me took up my cause and added a bit of shouting themselves. It was really quite absurd- the roads were closed, there were cones EVERYWHERE, and cyclists all over the place. Unfortunately, didn't get any numbers, but fortunately, he stopped for a pick up at the hotel slightly down the road, so I hope the company can identify him that way. (I've complained to Wellington Combined, no response yet).
Got passed by a dude as all this was occurring, and made it into T2 just behind him. I think he must have had a mechanical, as he was not the sort of guy who should be 5 minutes behind me! Super long run with the bike around the side of T2, and the site of the chocka full bike racks was, as usual, pretty dismaying, but that feeling didn't last for too long- it was time to RUN!
Time: 1:27:27 (incl T2); place 99th (RIDICULOUS!!!!!!)
Run:
The run course is flat and fast, though headwinds can slow you down. 2 5k laps, 2.5k out and back. I've run around the bays hundreds of times, and it was good to be home! This was definitely where the data-free thing became most interesting to me. I honestly did not know if it would be good or bad- on the one hand, I felt like the Garmin would let me sit at 4:55ish a k even if I could push harder, but on the other hand, knowing how fast I was going could encourage me to push harder. The course is marked every 500m (permanent markers), so even a regular watch would have been OK.
I felt good on the run- steady, and easy but like I was going pretty fast. Every so often, I'd take stock and pick up the pace a little, but I think I mostly just sort of kept plugging along at what I (now) imagine was about a 5:00-5:05 pace. This was definitely catching me up to people, but it was difficult to tell who was in my catch-zone and who wasn't, as there were people on their second laps, etc. I did get passed by a couple of ladies clearly on their second laps. As they mostly went on to record sub 43 times, I'm OK with that!
I realised as I started my second 5k lap that some of the women who'd passed me on the bike were in my sights. I'd caught some pretty early on (including the NZL bums), but there were some I thought I'd never get. That gave me something to focus on, and I'm fairly confident that it pushed me towards a negative split in the run (I'll never know). They looked pretty unreachable as we started the 2.5k "out", but were a lot closer when I saw them on the way "back". I still wasn't quite sure, but I kept quietly picking people off, and making my way closer to them. I saw Phil with about 500m to go, when I was just a wee way behind them, and he ran alongside for awhile. I passed them pretty easily, and finished probably 30s to a minute ahead (not sure entirely who they are, so can't quite tell). I realised as I finished that that last 500m was probably the only part of the run where I'd been puffed and thought "oops, should have worked a little harder!"
Very annoyingly, there was no finish line clock, so I had no idea what my overall time was. After making my way through the area and drinking some absolutely revolting sports drink, I checked the actual time with Phil. It was 10:11am at that point, 2:51 after I'd started (in theory), so I guessed my overall time was probably a little under 2:50. Not as fast as I'd have liked- I wouldn't have minded a PB- but about what I was expecting. A wee bit of guesstimating had me thinking 30 on the swim, 1:25 on the bike, 50 on the run and 5 in transitions, and I think I was about right!
Time: 49:47 (yay- finally sub 50!); place 69th lady.
Overall: 2:48:56; 85th lady.
Comments:
I think I did everything well, but that I need to work on finding better feet in the swim, and I need to find some way of improving my cycling. I just don't get it, but I am going to keep at it.
The Garmin-Free experiment was mixed- I enjoyed focussing more on my RPE, and it certainly helped my transitions (they were only slowish because they were quite long), but I really think that I'd have run faster with it. I'm convinced that I could have squeaked under 49 with a bit more focus. Of course, what would really have made me run faster would have been running with runners of a similar speed, and that won't be happening until I pick up the cycling. While it's satisfying to catch them on the run, there's nothing particularly special about passing someone who is simply slower, and that's how it normally is for me.
I woke again at about 11, to see another text from Pip, which very clearly suggested that the race had been cancelled, and seemed to assume I knew. It said it had been received at 10pm, so I didn't want to reply, and instead just sort of lay there in the dark, in a sort of semi-waking state, feeling baffled. Nothing weirder than preparing for a 4:45am wake up call you don't think you'll need! [we know now what happened- somehow my phone had sent Pip a text saying "cancelled..."- it didn't even show up in my sent items!? I almost wonder if it was the text that was cancelled?]
After a strange night's sleep, 4:45am arrived. I woke quietly thinking that if I could confirm the race was off, we could just crawl back into our nice cosy bed. But I couldn't figure out how to tune the radio (it was on Radio NZ, but I was thinking maybe Newstalk ZB) and I couldn't find our hosts' laptop either. So I woke Phil up, told him everything, and we slowly got on our way.
We listened to Radio NZ in the car, and soon enough heard the tail end of the Tsunami warning. Basically, we heard "stay out of the water", and assumed it HAD to be off. We arrived at transition, but far from being a ghost town, it was bustling. Asked a marshall what was going on, and she assured us it was business as usual- though I think all participants expected the swim to be off. So, we got ourselves set up and ready!
Swim:
The swim was still on- we now know that the concern was not a ginormous wave, but something to do with currents, and we were swimming right in the harbour where it wouldn't be an issue.
We started 5 minutes after the men, which was great. In a deep water start, too often there's no time for us to get in position and choose our lines once the blokes have gone, which can be quite irritating! 5 minutes gave us heaps of time, and meant much less catching went on, but meant we were still close to the action for the rest of the race. Thumbs up to the organisers for that one.
I felt really good in the cold water, and definitely felt like I was in the thick of the pink caps heading to the first buoy (350m, I think). I had some good feet to the second buoy, and stayed with a couple of ladies for the rest of the anticlockwise box. The course was great too- the buoys were all between 200 and 400m apart, so the next one was never too far away, but they also weren't so close together that there was complete chaos at each one.
I had no idea how long I'd taken when I finished, as I was racing with NO DATA at all, but there were still plenty of bikes in transition. Still, 25-29 ladies was pretty empty, so I knew the swim had been ok, not awesome.
Time: 31:32 (including T1- and the big run from the beach to T1, so 28ish actual water time?); place (women only) 83/120-something.
Bike:
With my gorgeous race tyres and great new fit (I wish I had pics for you, Mike and Westy), I was looking forward to the bike. Our training ride the day before had reminded me how sneakily technical the course is in places, and how easy it is for Wellington's wind to sneak up and bite you! It was a calm day, and an early race, so my race plan was simple. Drop the hammer and GO!
However, no sooner had I dropped and GONE than I was passed for the first time. Then the second. Then the third. Then by the guy on the MTB. Then the larger woman in the Contact jersey. I checked my RPE- legs were working hard, gear was high, lungs were going OK. I honestly didn't feel like I could go faster- well, not for 40 more ks, anyway, so I let them go, and tried to relax into my own race. I gradually made up a little ground as I headed around the bays, and felt like I was flying, but still there were many others flying faster. I leapfrogged with another lady (who I definitely felt should have been slower than me) for quite awhile, until she passed me saying "looks like we'll be keeping each other company!". I wasn't bothered, and thought it could work well, but next time I took my turn in the front (we were WELL legal), I lost her, and didn't see her again. MTB guy continued to perplex me- we kept leapfrogging for the whole ride- my frustration at being beaten by a MOUNTAIN BIKE only matched by the satisfaction he probably got from beating the poser in the aero helmet! I felt like I was making good ground against the people I was with in headwinds, but losing in tailwinds, despite being in a comfortable aero position.
The turnaround came a little later than expected, but soon enough- the flat, windy (both in terms of wind and corners) 20k had sped by, and it was awesome knowing all I had to do was go back! I felt like I could make up some more ground on the return journey, as I was feeling good, but it was here that I started being passed by the NZL-bums! Now, I often aim to race with, or pass, NZL-bums, but sadly, I recognised these bums as belonging to women in the 45+ AGs, not my own! I also got passed by a girl in a lifestyle sports suit, who I totally lost, and didn't see again until the run.
Just before T2, I had a rather frightening experience, which left me feeling a bit dazed. I was slowing slightly as I approached a zebra crossing (it didn't look like anyone would cross, but better safe than sorry), when a taxi decided to do a u-turn into my path. I slammed on my brakes, swerved just about into the kerb, and both feet came flying out of the pedals in panic. Just missed making contact. Shouted some pathetic abuse (I'm ashamed to say the word that came to mind was "D!ck!" I mean REALLY? I couldn't do better??), and luckily the people at the cafe next to me took up my cause and added a bit of shouting themselves. It was really quite absurd- the roads were closed, there were cones EVERYWHERE, and cyclists all over the place. Unfortunately, didn't get any numbers, but fortunately, he stopped for a pick up at the hotel slightly down the road, so I hope the company can identify him that way. (I've complained to Wellington Combined, no response yet).
Got passed by a dude as all this was occurring, and made it into T2 just behind him. I think he must have had a mechanical, as he was not the sort of guy who should be 5 minutes behind me! Super long run with the bike around the side of T2, and the site of the chocka full bike racks was, as usual, pretty dismaying, but that feeling didn't last for too long- it was time to RUN!
Time: 1:27:27 (incl T2); place 99th (RIDICULOUS!!!!!!)
Run:
The run course is flat and fast, though headwinds can slow you down. 2 5k laps, 2.5k out and back. I've run around the bays hundreds of times, and it was good to be home! This was definitely where the data-free thing became most interesting to me. I honestly did not know if it would be good or bad- on the one hand, I felt like the Garmin would let me sit at 4:55ish a k even if I could push harder, but on the other hand, knowing how fast I was going could encourage me to push harder. The course is marked every 500m (permanent markers), so even a regular watch would have been OK.
I felt good on the run- steady, and easy but like I was going pretty fast. Every so often, I'd take stock and pick up the pace a little, but I think I mostly just sort of kept plugging along at what I (now) imagine was about a 5:00-5:05 pace. This was definitely catching me up to people, but it was difficult to tell who was in my catch-zone and who wasn't, as there were people on their second laps, etc. I did get passed by a couple of ladies clearly on their second laps. As they mostly went on to record sub 43 times, I'm OK with that!
I realised as I started my second 5k lap that some of the women who'd passed me on the bike were in my sights. I'd caught some pretty early on (including the NZL bums), but there were some I thought I'd never get. That gave me something to focus on, and I'm fairly confident that it pushed me towards a negative split in the run (I'll never know). They looked pretty unreachable as we started the 2.5k "out", but were a lot closer when I saw them on the way "back". I still wasn't quite sure, but I kept quietly picking people off, and making my way closer to them. I saw Phil with about 500m to go, when I was just a wee way behind them, and he ran alongside for awhile. I passed them pretty easily, and finished probably 30s to a minute ahead (not sure entirely who they are, so can't quite tell). I realised as I finished that that last 500m was probably the only part of the run where I'd been puffed and thought "oops, should have worked a little harder!"
Very annoyingly, there was no finish line clock, so I had no idea what my overall time was. After making my way through the area and drinking some absolutely revolting sports drink, I checked the actual time with Phil. It was 10:11am at that point, 2:51 after I'd started (in theory), so I guessed my overall time was probably a little under 2:50. Not as fast as I'd have liked- I wouldn't have minded a PB- but about what I was expecting. A wee bit of guesstimating had me thinking 30 on the swim, 1:25 on the bike, 50 on the run and 5 in transitions, and I think I was about right!
Time: 49:47 (yay- finally sub 50!); place 69th lady.
Overall: 2:48:56; 85th lady.
Comments:
I think I did everything well, but that I need to work on finding better feet in the swim, and I need to find some way of improving my cycling. I just don't get it, but I am going to keep at it.
The Garmin-Free experiment was mixed- I enjoyed focussing more on my RPE, and it certainly helped my transitions (they were only slowish because they were quite long), but I really think that I'd have run faster with it. I'm convinced that I could have squeaked under 49 with a bit more focus. Of course, what would really have made me run faster would have been running with runners of a similar speed, and that won't be happening until I pick up the cycling. While it's satisfying to catch them on the run, there's nothing particularly special about passing someone who is simply slower, and that's how it normally is for me.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
The Dark
It feels like the dark has come back again SO SOON.
It's been too dark for (unlit) morning runs for a few weeks, and it's now getting too dark for cycle commuting too (the latest we can leave is about 6:40, and it's getting light enough to ride at about 7). Right now it's OK, as it's staying light until 7ish. So we'll replace this morning's aborted commute with a good, hard Kairangi loop, and it'll all be good. But it's reminded me how much the dark wore me down last year, and how little I want to repeat that!
So, I'm going to set a goal of getting our training dark proof by the end of March. That means:
It's been too dark for (unlit) morning runs for a few weeks, and it's now getting too dark for cycle commuting too (the latest we can leave is about 6:40, and it's getting light enough to ride at about 7). Right now it's OK, as it's staying light until 7ish. So we'll replace this morning's aborted commute with a good, hard Kairangi loop, and it'll all be good. But it's reminded me how much the dark wore me down last year, and how little I want to repeat that!
So, I'm going to set a goal of getting our training dark proof by the end of March. That means:
- travelling into Hamilton to train before work every so often
- buying a whole heap of new lights (another headlamp, light up vest, helmet light, replacement rear light- anything else?)
- thinking of ways to reward myself for getting my butt out of bed (other than improved fitness, self esteem and general sense of wellbeing, that is)
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Running naked
Yesterday was the first time in a LONG time that I’ve raced Garmin-free. And the first time in FOREVER (I think) that I’ve raced completely watch free. Although I was a bit nervous, I was pretty excited about this experiment, as I think I’ll be doing a standard distance tri data-free in a couple of weeks time. I’m pleased to announce that the experiment was a great success (even if my race wasn’t...) and that I’m looking forward to Naked Nats ;)
My previous efforts in the Hawks 5k race series are as follows:
• 5 October 2010: 24:56 (ghastly, but unsurprising given the length of time since my last 5k, and the uppy downy course)
• 14 October 2010: 23:36 (now that’s more like it)
• 21 October 2010: 23:19
• 25 January 2011: 25:06 (change of course to include more hills, and, well, let’s just say it was not a good day for me to be racing)
Unlike my old waterfront 5k series in Welly, I never quite know who I should be running with, so going watchless was going to be strange. Luckily, I remembered shortly after starting that I tend to finish near a tall teenaged girl, and that our races together tend to follow a similar pattern (I take off at the beginning, she reins me in and gets ahead, I pass her again, and we leapfrog til the end, where she beats me in a sprint). She gave me something to focus on, and sure enough, our race had soon settled into its familiar pattern. I spent quite a lot of the race catching a group, but only really managed to keep hold off the people who had fallen off the back. I caught my usual partner with a few hundred metres to go, and we leapfrogged before sprinting to the end (she won).
Final time, 23:52. Far from my best, but given how long it’s been since I did a fast 5k (I just don’t even COUNT the 25 January one), I’m not bothered. I really enjoyed running totally by feel, and I think it could be good for me.
My previous efforts in the Hawks 5k race series are as follows:
• 5 October 2010: 24:56 (ghastly, but unsurprising given the length of time since my last 5k, and the uppy downy course)
• 14 October 2010: 23:36 (now that’s more like it)
• 21 October 2010: 23:19
• 25 January 2011: 25:06 (change of course to include more hills, and, well, let’s just say it was not a good day for me to be racing)
Unlike my old waterfront 5k series in Welly, I never quite know who I should be running with, so going watchless was going to be strange. Luckily, I remembered shortly after starting that I tend to finish near a tall teenaged girl, and that our races together tend to follow a similar pattern (I take off at the beginning, she reins me in and gets ahead, I pass her again, and we leapfrog til the end, where she beats me in a sprint). She gave me something to focus on, and sure enough, our race had soon settled into its familiar pattern. I spent quite a lot of the race catching a group, but only really managed to keep hold off the people who had fallen off the back. I caught my usual partner with a few hundred metres to go, and we leapfrogged before sprinting to the end (she won).
Final time, 23:52. Far from my best, but given how long it’s been since I did a fast 5k (I just don’t even COUNT the 25 January one), I’m not bothered. I really enjoyed running totally by feel, and I think it could be good for me.
February Stats
February was a short, quiet, and somewhat pathetic month. The numbers really speak for themselves.
Swim 5:42 for 8.64 miles
Bike 15:25 for 216 miles (Average pace 9:38; AHR 153.8)
Run 10:04 for 62.72 miles (14.94- faster than usual)
A big, tough race smack bang in the middle of the month made quite a difference, as did the change from long distance to shorter distance racing, but I think we missed a few workouts too, particularly swims. Pool hours have changed, and we haven’t been good enough at dealing with that. We’ve not been commuting as much as we should have been- too much sleeping in, too little organisation.
Swim 5:42 for 8.64 miles
Bike 15:25 for 216 miles (Average pace 9:38; AHR 153.8)
Run 10:04 for 62.72 miles (14.94- faster than usual)
A big, tough race smack bang in the middle of the month made quite a difference, as did the change from long distance to shorter distance racing, but I think we missed a few workouts too, particularly swims. Pool hours have changed, and we haven’t been good enough at dealing with that. We’ve not been commuting as much as we should have been- too much sleeping in, too little organisation.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Eek
Tonight I'm running a 5k.
No biggie, you think, you run 5ks all the time.
True.
But TONIGHT, I'm running a 5k data free. No Garmin (it's lost, now's not the time to be pestering insurers with lost garmins, and our replacement supplier? In Christchurch). I DON'T EVEN HAVE A WATCH.
No biggie, you think, you run 5ks all the time.
True.
But TONIGHT, I'm running a 5k data free. No Garmin (it's lost, now's not the time to be pestering insurers with lost garmins, and our replacement supplier? In Christchurch). I DON'T EVEN HAVE A WATCH.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A couple of weeks of training
Two weeks today since the New Plymouth Half, and the reduced training load has been very welcome. We've enjoyed a bit more relaxation time, had a great weekend in Wellington without too much worry about getting our training in (we did a hilly 10k run and a hungover 1:30 walk on Welly's crazy array of offroad walkways) and I think we're feeling a bit more normal again.
The lower hours have also allowed me to put more into organising Run for Christchurch. It's taken off more quickly than I expected, and it seems there's something new to consider every couple of hours. Phew! Phil and I will be in Wellington for the Contact Tri Event, so will meet up with Pip, Lucinda and others for our 5k.
We've still got some good training in (5 hours in week 1, 7 or so in week 2), though the swimming has been badly neglected, due to the pool changing its opening hours and our general laziness. I've been quite tired and sluggish, and morning starts feel a world away, but we'll be getting back into it better this week. I'm currently experimenting with recording in dailymile, rather than buckeye, but I'm not quite convinced.
I lost my faithful Garmin at some point over NP Half weekend, so my times and distances are fairly approximate- I think it's good for me to have some time data-free, though really all I do is try to replicate the data whichever way I can! Today I rode using Phil's power tap. I averaged 120 watts, with normalised power of 140. It's pretty pathetic- but sort of made me feel better to see just how rubbish I am- at least I'll stop expecting more from myself!
Next up is the Wellington event in the Contact Tri Series, a flat but windy standard distance which doubles as the standard distance national champs. Should be a good weekend- catching up with friends and family, and racing in stunning Welly!
The lower hours have also allowed me to put more into organising Run for Christchurch. It's taken off more quickly than I expected, and it seems there's something new to consider every couple of hours. Phew! Phil and I will be in Wellington for the Contact Tri Event, so will meet up with Pip, Lucinda and others for our 5k.
We've still got some good training in (5 hours in week 1, 7 or so in week 2), though the swimming has been badly neglected, due to the pool changing its opening hours and our general laziness. I've been quite tired and sluggish, and morning starts feel a world away, but we'll be getting back into it better this week. I'm currently experimenting with recording in dailymile, rather than buckeye, but I'm not quite convinced.
I lost my faithful Garmin at some point over NP Half weekend, so my times and distances are fairly approximate- I think it's good for me to have some time data-free, though really all I do is try to replicate the data whichever way I can! Today I rode using Phil's power tap. I averaged 120 watts, with normalised power of 140. It's pretty pathetic- but sort of made me feel better to see just how rubbish I am- at least I'll stop expecting more from myself!
Next up is the Wellington event in the Contact Tri Series, a flat but windy standard distance which doubles as the standard distance national champs. Should be a good weekend- catching up with friends and family, and racing in stunning Welly!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Run for Christchurch
As you probably know, New Zealand's second largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by a 6.3 earthquake at lunchtime on Tuesday 22 February 2011. There have been at least 113 fatalities and two days later over 200 people are still missing.
Kiwis out of Christchurch and people around the world want to know how they can help, and the answer's short. With money. But we all want to feel like we're doing more than just typing our credit card numbers into a box and clicking submit. So, Mike, Pip, Lucinda, Phil and I thought we'd go for a run. Wearing red and black, to show the people of Canterbury we love them. And we'd like you to join us for our virtual fun run. Wherever you are.
If you’d like to participate, just follow these easy steps:
•make a donation of as little as $5 at our fundraising page •follow us on twitter!
•tell the world you’re in. Share the love on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, whatever. Use the #run4chch hashtag
•on the 12th or 13th of March, pop your red and black on, and hit the streets, or the pavements, or the trails, or wherever it is you run
•send us a link to your race report, and we’ll post it on our blog
We’re hoping to get at least 100 entries, so please, please share this with everyone you know!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sorry I’ve been so absent recently. You can blame Vodafone. On a normal day, we can’t access the internet for more than about half an hour. Sometimes we’re allowed online for just long enough to load our standard pages (buckeye, gmail, facebook), but (infuriatingly) not quite long enough to do anything (add workouts, actually reply to emails, press “read more”) . Now it’s stopped working in the mornings too. And at work, well, I kinda have to work.
I never thought I’d miss the days of dial up. Hopefully I’ll brb ;) [c’mon, who remembers those days?]
I never thought I’d miss the days of dial up. Hopefully I’ll brb ;) [c’mon, who remembers those days?]
Monday, February 14, 2011
Race Report: (The Inaugural) New Plymouth Half Ironman
I had planned REAL hard to write a "pre-race" post for this one.
There was so much to say- my fear that I could be, not only last in my AG [quick google stalking confirmed that this was very much a possibility] but last overall [a random google stalking of some of the older ladies confirmed that a number were AG reps and super speedy cyclists]. And the fact that the race course was basically an extended version of my FIRST EVER [proper] TRI back in 2006, which led to a whole heap of reflecting and a strong sense of deja vu throughout the weekend. Well, deja vu minus the dehabilitating nerves I suffered last time.
But with two computer-less days in Wellington for work, and a race and weekend away to get ready for when we came back, I just didn't quite get round to it. So you're in luck- not too much navel gazing (yet).
Swim:
2 triangular laps. Slightly bumpy, but no major tide issues and no white caps. We met one of the race officials the day before the event who emphasised that this was a true Half IM, with a swim of exactly 1.9km. Given their measurement of the other disciplines, I think they probably got it right. I got into a good pack of ladies for the first lap, but it got a bit frayed on the way back to the beach, and the second lap was far patchier. Still, although I wasn't up with the lead pack, there were a reasonable number of red caps around me (as well as men's blue caps and teams' green, purple and black). Made it out of the water in 37:15, and up over the timing mats at the beginning of T1 in 38:17.
T1 The race was designed to be a bit of an ironman prep race, and so utilised the "tent" approach to transition. I was a little sceptical, but it turned out to be great! I loved having someone there to help me, even though they didn't give me a huge amount of assistance. I was also stoked to see so many ladies in the change tent- was such a relief to know there were still bikes in the racks! Managed to get in, get my bag, wetsuit (etc) off, get socks, shoes, glasses, helmet on, bits and bobs in pockets. Got the gloves on while running to the bike, and was outta there in 2:12, which isn't great, but isn't bad when you compare it to other people's transition times (Phil did a 1:54, for example).
Bike Wow- what a course!
It was tough, but it was gorgeous, and, above all, it was FUN. I'd started the morning feeling pretty unenthused, and just generally not in the mood to race, but had a great time during the swim, and my enthusiasm picked up on the bike. I realised after the first 6-odd ks of climbing that I could ignore my average speed and just keep trying, and so I did. I possibly did too much "fun having" and not enough trying, but that's really what worked for me this time.
The last 18 or so ks of lap 1 were fabulous. I was smart enough to realise that I wasn't going 40km/h by myself, and cleverly deduced that I'd be suffering on the way back. Was the tailwind worth it? Hell no. But was it fun? Oh yeah! I saw the bike leader (team member) at 31km, first lady around 37 (?) and saw Phil at about 40km, then made my way to the turnaround at Rahotu (in 1:35). I could tell from the people coming the other way that the tailwind pushing me along was pretty strong!
At Rahotu, I made a fundamental and totally stupid mistake. Especially stupid since I'd PLANNED not to make precisely the mistake I made. I'd started the race with two bottles of Replace, and planned to exchange one for a bottle of water at the bottle drop. But I'd only got through 2/3 or so of bottle one, and I wanted to get moving [or something], so I decided I could get through 45km with one a bit bottles, and not to worry. That ten second decision probably ended up costing me a good 10 minutes. *bangs stupid muppet head against wall*.
The ride home was, as predicted, an absolute sufferfest. I did a pretty good job of ignoring the numbers, and just trying to keep working. I felt as if it was working, as I was PASSING PEOPLE. ME! Passing people on the bike- practically unheard of. I didn't do a very good job of keeping aero, but I tried to use my drops on the downhills, and I focussed on my road position. The last thing I wanted was to make myself uncomfortable for the long route home.
Making it back to Okato was a major landmark on the way back. That was where the sweet talk wind started, and I hoped where the gruelling headwind ended. Of course, it was also where the gradually downwards rolling hills ended on the way out, so where the gradually upwards rolling hills started on the way back. I'd kissed goodbye to 3:20 and even 3:30 by this point, but hoped that 3:40 would still be in reach. Anything under 3:47 would at least be a non-PW!
I felt pretty OK for the whole of the ride. Slow and sore, but not AS uncomfortable as I've felt recently, which has got to be a plus! [for those interested in the bike position sagas, I've bought some longer clip on bars, which I'll put on before the Standards in Wellington] One of the highlights was definitely passing a lady who'd passed me in the first 3km- and STAYING past. Sweet! And passing a fair few men too! Unfortunately, I ran out of drink somewhere around Oakura, with 12 hilly ks to go (at one point we climbed, with only very slight respite, for something like 4ks). The sun was well out by this point (I guess it would have been 11ish), and it was baking hot.
Made it back into T2 at 3:39 [yes, if you've done the maths, it took me TWO HOURS to get back], and was out in 1:37- stuffing around with my Garmin cost me a little, and there was a bit of messy pocket re-sorting which seemed to take longer than usual. I'd seen my arch rival (she doesn't know it...) out on the run, and wanted to catch her. More than anything, I wanted a DRINK!
Run UNfortunately, the first drink station was not until 3.5km into the run (it was a little longer actually). For the second and third laps, there was also an aid station at Ngamotu beach, but this wasn't open to first lappers. I realise my hydration woes were entirely my own doing, but I do think in a half IM it's good to have an aid station shortly off the bike- by the time I started the run it was nearly midday, and IT WAS HOT as Hades.
I started running at a reasonable pace, but it started dropping quickly. Each km ticked by slowly, and the small hills reduced me to snails' pace. I was basically just running for the promise of water. Stoked to arrive at a group of kids with hoses and buckets, but the relief was shortlived. By the time I walked through the first aid station, my average pace had dropped to 6 min/ks- slower than both my other halves this year. I'd hoped to finish each lap in 40 minutes, but it was 42:54 by the time I made it through the beach aid station, and I was feeling pretty grim. I knew by this point it was a case of survival, not speed. The one high point? I passed my arch rival, and left her in my dust.
The second lap was all kinds of hell. I was a bit headachy, and hot and shivery, and really need to wee. I shuffled up Bayly Street, and just couldn't put any PUSH behind my stride. The 2.5km before I met the hose kids was interminable, and the 1km between them and the drink station was at snail's pace. My average speed was hovering around 9 km/h- that's just a number I don't see any more, especially not on the flat! I could feel my shoulders burning, and sprayed myself with sunscreen a couple of times, but I suspect it just sweated or rinsed off- it certainly did f-all good, as I'm a stripy lobster now!
I promised myself I could walk/run the third lap, but I mostly didn't- I took a walk break up Bayly Street (immediately out of transition- it's short but horrid) and another about 2km in, but after that I found a couple of friends to chase, and just sucked it up. I think the promise of finishing at LAST combined with some of the hydration sinking in a bit gave me a bit more pep. Thanks to the wrist scrunchies everyone could see that I was on my last lap, and I got some lovely shout outs from the volunteers.
I finally made it over the line in 6:34- my slowest Half IM so far, and my second slowest run (2:12:54). But I'd picked it up well for the last lap- my overall time was slower (it was longer because I needed to get to the finish line) but my pace dropped from 6:44/km for lap 2 to 6:30/km for lap 3. Not bad for a zombie!
Comments: I'm actually pleased-ish with this race. I didn't come last in my AG, or last overall, not by a longshot. I placed about halfway through the women (14th overall) and 5th in my AG. I was also 68th overall- yes, it was a tiny field, but I beat a decent enough number of both men and women. The time was utterly pathetic- even given the hard course. Candice Hammond did a 4:53, and Phil did 5:15, so it doesn't seem to have been objectively harder than Karapiro, and I was 6 minutes slower. But I'm pleased with myself. I raced well on the bike, and I kept going on the run. 2:12 is slow for me, but it's fast for someone who feels like death warmed up! I've been very lucky with my racing so far- no super stupid moves, and no major dramas. Now I've really seen how much more careful I need to be with my hydration- it's about time I learned that lesson.
And an epilogue:I'm really glad we did all three races this season, but I am also SO glad that we are all done! One thing I've realised over the past few weeks is that I am not really ready to race long. Not even half-distance. I think Westy has known this for ages, but I needed to learn it for myself. I've struggled with realising that Phil's teenage fitness means he CAN do things I can't do. But after three years, I think it's time to be honest with myself. The big thing is the bike, of course. I LOVE riding, but I don't love riding long, and I've put SO much into improving this with no tangible results. I'm horrifically uncomfortable after 2 hours on the bike, and I finally know that that's NOT normal! Racing long is doing nothing for my weight, and precious little for my self esteem.
So this season, I'm DEFINITELY taking a break from the Half IM distance (not like last year when I promised a break, but ended up doing three Halfs instead...) I don't know what I'll do yet, but I still like the idea of getting better at the sprint and standard distances, and I truly think I could. I also like the idea of bike commuting to build some serious base, and maybe doing some more running again...Hmm- the world's my oyster!
There was so much to say- my fear that I could be, not only last in my AG [quick google stalking confirmed that this was very much a possibility] but last overall [a random google stalking of some of the older ladies confirmed that a number were AG reps and super speedy cyclists]. And the fact that the race course was basically an extended version of my FIRST EVER [proper] TRI back in 2006, which led to a whole heap of reflecting and a strong sense of deja vu throughout the weekend. Well, deja vu minus the dehabilitating nerves I suffered last time.
But with two computer-less days in Wellington for work, and a race and weekend away to get ready for when we came back, I just didn't quite get round to it. So you're in luck- not too much navel gazing (yet).
Swim:
2 triangular laps. Slightly bumpy, but no major tide issues and no white caps. We met one of the race officials the day before the event who emphasised that this was a true Half IM, with a swim of exactly 1.9km. Given their measurement of the other disciplines, I think they probably got it right. I got into a good pack of ladies for the first lap, but it got a bit frayed on the way back to the beach, and the second lap was far patchier. Still, although I wasn't up with the lead pack, there were a reasonable number of red caps around me (as well as men's blue caps and teams' green, purple and black). Made it out of the water in 37:15, and up over the timing mats at the beginning of T1 in 38:17.
T1 The race was designed to be a bit of an ironman prep race, and so utilised the "tent" approach to transition. I was a little sceptical, but it turned out to be great! I loved having someone there to help me, even though they didn't give me a huge amount of assistance. I was also stoked to see so many ladies in the change tent- was such a relief to know there were still bikes in the racks! Managed to get in, get my bag, wetsuit (etc) off, get socks, shoes, glasses, helmet on, bits and bobs in pockets. Got the gloves on while running to the bike, and was outta there in 2:12, which isn't great, but isn't bad when you compare it to other people's transition times (Phil did a 1:54, for example).
Bike Wow- what a course!
It was tough, but it was gorgeous, and, above all, it was FUN. I'd started the morning feeling pretty unenthused, and just generally not in the mood to race, but had a great time during the swim, and my enthusiasm picked up on the bike. I realised after the first 6-odd ks of climbing that I could ignore my average speed and just keep trying, and so I did. I possibly did too much "fun having" and not enough trying, but that's really what worked for me this time.
The last 18 or so ks of lap 1 were fabulous. I was smart enough to realise that I wasn't going 40km/h by myself, and cleverly deduced that I'd be suffering on the way back. Was the tailwind worth it? Hell no. But was it fun? Oh yeah! I saw the bike leader (team member) at 31km, first lady around 37 (?) and saw Phil at about 40km, then made my way to the turnaround at Rahotu (in 1:35). I could tell from the people coming the other way that the tailwind pushing me along was pretty strong!
At Rahotu, I made a fundamental and totally stupid mistake. Especially stupid since I'd PLANNED not to make precisely the mistake I made. I'd started the race with two bottles of Replace, and planned to exchange one for a bottle of water at the bottle drop. But I'd only got through 2/3 or so of bottle one, and I wanted to get moving [or something], so I decided I could get through 45km with one a bit bottles, and not to worry. That ten second decision probably ended up costing me a good 10 minutes. *bangs stupid muppet head against wall*.
The ride home was, as predicted, an absolute sufferfest. I did a pretty good job of ignoring the numbers, and just trying to keep working. I felt as if it was working, as I was PASSING PEOPLE. ME! Passing people on the bike- practically unheard of. I didn't do a very good job of keeping aero, but I tried to use my drops on the downhills, and I focussed on my road position. The last thing I wanted was to make myself uncomfortable for the long route home.
Making it back to Okato was a major landmark on the way back. That was where the sweet talk wind started, and I hoped where the gruelling headwind ended. Of course, it was also where the gradually downwards rolling hills ended on the way out, so where the gradually upwards rolling hills started on the way back. I'd kissed goodbye to 3:20 and even 3:30 by this point, but hoped that 3:40 would still be in reach. Anything under 3:47 would at least be a non-PW!
I felt pretty OK for the whole of the ride. Slow and sore, but not AS uncomfortable as I've felt recently, which has got to be a plus! [for those interested in the bike position sagas, I've bought some longer clip on bars, which I'll put on before the Standards in Wellington] One of the highlights was definitely passing a lady who'd passed me in the first 3km- and STAYING past. Sweet! And passing a fair few men too! Unfortunately, I ran out of drink somewhere around Oakura, with 12 hilly ks to go (at one point we climbed, with only very slight respite, for something like 4ks). The sun was well out by this point (I guess it would have been 11ish), and it was baking hot.
Made it back into T2 at 3:39 [yes, if you've done the maths, it took me TWO HOURS to get back], and was out in 1:37- stuffing around with my Garmin cost me a little, and there was a bit of messy pocket re-sorting which seemed to take longer than usual. I'd seen my arch rival (she doesn't know it...) out on the run, and wanted to catch her. More than anything, I wanted a DRINK!
Run UNfortunately, the first drink station was not until 3.5km into the run (it was a little longer actually). For the second and third laps, there was also an aid station at Ngamotu beach, but this wasn't open to first lappers. I realise my hydration woes were entirely my own doing, but I do think in a half IM it's good to have an aid station shortly off the bike- by the time I started the run it was nearly midday, and IT WAS HOT as Hades.
I started running at a reasonable pace, but it started dropping quickly. Each km ticked by slowly, and the small hills reduced me to snails' pace. I was basically just running for the promise of water. Stoked to arrive at a group of kids with hoses and buckets, but the relief was shortlived. By the time I walked through the first aid station, my average pace had dropped to 6 min/ks- slower than both my other halves this year. I'd hoped to finish each lap in 40 minutes, but it was 42:54 by the time I made it through the beach aid station, and I was feeling pretty grim. I knew by this point it was a case of survival, not speed. The one high point? I passed my arch rival, and left her in my dust.
The second lap was all kinds of hell. I was a bit headachy, and hot and shivery, and really need to wee. I shuffled up Bayly Street, and just couldn't put any PUSH behind my stride. The 2.5km before I met the hose kids was interminable, and the 1km between them and the drink station was at snail's pace. My average speed was hovering around 9 km/h- that's just a number I don't see any more, especially not on the flat! I could feel my shoulders burning, and sprayed myself with sunscreen a couple of times, but I suspect it just sweated or rinsed off- it certainly did f-all good, as I'm a stripy lobster now!
I promised myself I could walk/run the third lap, but I mostly didn't- I took a walk break up Bayly Street (immediately out of transition- it's short but horrid) and another about 2km in, but after that I found a couple of friends to chase, and just sucked it up. I think the promise of finishing at LAST combined with some of the hydration sinking in a bit gave me a bit more pep. Thanks to the wrist scrunchies everyone could see that I was on my last lap, and I got some lovely shout outs from the volunteers.
I finally made it over the line in 6:34- my slowest Half IM so far, and my second slowest run (2:12:54). But I'd picked it up well for the last lap- my overall time was slower (it was longer because I needed to get to the finish line) but my pace dropped from 6:44/km for lap 2 to 6:30/km for lap 3. Not bad for a zombie!
Comments: I'm actually pleased-ish with this race. I didn't come last in my AG, or last overall, not by a longshot. I placed about halfway through the women (14th overall) and 5th in my AG. I was also 68th overall- yes, it was a tiny field, but I beat a decent enough number of both men and women. The time was utterly pathetic- even given the hard course. Candice Hammond did a 4:53, and Phil did 5:15, so it doesn't seem to have been objectively harder than Karapiro, and I was 6 minutes slower. But I'm pleased with myself. I raced well on the bike, and I kept going on the run. 2:12 is slow for me, but it's fast for someone who feels like death warmed up! I've been very lucky with my racing so far- no super stupid moves, and no major dramas. Now I've really seen how much more careful I need to be with my hydration- it's about time I learned that lesson.
And an epilogue:I'm really glad we did all three races this season, but I am also SO glad that we are all done! One thing I've realised over the past few weeks is that I am not really ready to race long. Not even half-distance. I think Westy has known this for ages, but I needed to learn it for myself. I've struggled with realising that Phil's teenage fitness means he CAN do things I can't do. But after three years, I think it's time to be honest with myself. The big thing is the bike, of course. I LOVE riding, but I don't love riding long, and I've put SO much into improving this with no tangible results. I'm horrifically uncomfortable after 2 hours on the bike, and I finally know that that's NOT normal! Racing long is doing nothing for my weight, and precious little for my self esteem.
So this season, I'm DEFINITELY taking a break from the Half IM distance (not like last year when I promised a break, but ended up doing three Halfs instead...) I don't know what I'll do yet, but I still like the idea of getting better at the sprint and standard distances, and I truly think I could. I also like the idea of bike commuting to build some serious base, and maybe doing some more running again...Hmm- the world's my oyster!
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
January Stats
January was another funny month, as we combined training with racing and holidays. But by the looks of things, the extra time we had (thanks to holidays) outweighed the time we lost due to racing (taper and recovery), and we ended up about breaking even!
Here goes (deja vu, anyone?)
- Swim: 10:30 over 13 sessions (December 10:45)
- Bike: 22:50 over 17 sessions (including spin) (December 20:00)
- Run: 10 hours over 13 sessions (December 12:30)
- Total hours: 43:15 (December 43:15)
- Average daily hours: 1:23 (December 1:23)
- Average run pace/AHR: 9:35/mi / 152.42 (December 9:57/mi, 149.86)
- Total calories burned 27,086 or 873 per day (December 27,654)
One metric I've been quite interested in is my average run pace/average run HR. While it looks like January was an improvement, it was only an improvement on "Slow December" (Whangarei hills and Paihia paths). January was a little slower and higher HR'd than November, and I'm not quite sure why, but I blame the Port of Tauranga Half IM. While we did a Half in November too, we basically trained through it, whereas I had quite a break from running post Tga. Other than that, I suppose the heat is likely to be a factor, plus it's seemed (though I may be imagining things) that we've been doing more off the bike. In any event, I've been feeling fantastic on my recent runs, and that's what actually matters!
Here goes (deja vu, anyone?)
- Swim: 10:30 over 13 sessions (December 10:45)
- Bike: 22:50 over 17 sessions (including spin) (December 20:00)
- Run: 10 hours over 13 sessions (December 12:30)
- Total hours: 43:15 (December 43:15)
- Average daily hours: 1:23 (December 1:23)
- Average run pace/AHR: 9:35/mi / 152.42 (December 9:57/mi, 149.86)
- Total calories burned 27,086 or 873 per day (December 27,654)
One metric I've been quite interested in is my average run pace/average run HR. While it looks like January was an improvement, it was only an improvement on "Slow December" (Whangarei hills and Paihia paths). January was a little slower and higher HR'd than November, and I'm not quite sure why, but I blame the Port of Tauranga Half IM. While we did a Half in November too, we basically trained through it, whereas I had quite a break from running post Tga. Other than that, I suppose the heat is likely to be a factor, plus it's seemed (though I may be imagining things) that we've been doing more off the bike. In any event, I've been feeling fantastic on my recent runs, and that's what actually matters!
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