Race #4 of 2012

After a friends advise & prompting I got my kids out running. She runs with her kids daily prior to school & they have all done races.
I found the frozen foods 5k run/walk & it seemed the perfect opportunity to get my kids running. Kids were FREE & adults only $20
They were actually excited about this. Martin took training very serious at first & we would of done MORE training if he hadn't gotten sick for almost 2 weeks. Regardless of training I knew he would do great.
I think my most favorite part was race morning when I woke both the kids up they were both so ready & excited there was no battle! The got right up, got dressed (in the race clothes they had laid out night before). What a great way to start out race day-no fighting kids to get up & out!
We headed down the seaport village & found an open free parking spot! This part only excites mom.
We walked over to the registration got our race bibs, goodie bags & t shirts. The sponsors were green giant & kashi so there was free breakfast from kashi & the frozen foods characters for pre race photos. I had borrowed a jog stroller from my friend (shout out to Deana) for Katalina to ride during the race. Turned out to be great to hold all our goodies & I brought food & water for us. The had a pre race stretch with the veggies. (my kids looked so stinking cute stretching).
Then it was start time. I had to explain the concept to Martin that we needed to start in the back with the stroller cause he wanted to be in front!
We took off & Martin was trying to pull way ahead! He waited for me to catch up & I stressed to him the importance of pacing!!!!! He stuck with me after doing that a few times cause I think he was already pooping himself out Katalina wanted to get out & run. This was adorable and VERY SHORT LIVED. She ran a 100 yards or so & opted to ride.
This is the first time in my life I have ran with a stroller. HARD WORK! I don't know the actual # in pounds extra I pushed buy whoa it felt like a lot!
The stroller was had to maneuver & there was a lot of peeps to get around. I have new respect for the stroller jogger community!
Martin did amazing! He kept his pace (or my pace) well and then everytime he would stop to walk I would walk & ask you wanna take a walk break. He would say no & start running (reminds me of ME). I didn't care if he wanted to walk at all! I mean the poor kid didn't train enough for this! We got about 1/2 way through the race & I saw my friend Michelle up ahead running with her son Jeffrey! Martin ran ahead & caught up I tried to catch up but it's hard to kick it in high gear with that stroller. As I'm trying with all I got to get there Kat yells come on mommy go faster!!!! I gasp IM TRYING! It was quite an amusing sight to the runners around us. I yell ahead Michelle!!! Thinking she would slow or stop to wait for me...nope. She threw a behind her head wave at me hahaha. I finally caught up totally dying out of breath. I said huuuh huuuuh gasp stroller huuuuh hard uugh hi huuuh didn't know hooooogh you were huuuuh racing ugh....
She says go ahead and run your pace with Kat & I'll take the boys to the finish & took off! I trailed behind then for awhile & then some how caught my breathe AND my stride!
As can happen my body decided it felt great & was happy to be running & allowed me to push strong through the reminder of the race!
I passed Michelle & the boys (not by much at all) and got to the finish quickly! I had Katalina get out & cross the finish line! It was soooooo cute! And then watched Martin & Jeffrey & Michelle finish!
She had brought her 3 boys & some friends with their kids. So there was a little after race hanging out. The kids goofed around & the adults stood around talking about RACING!
Overall it was the perfect first race experience with my kids. (on the course I encountered several parents fighting with their kids). I'm so glad they enjoyed the experience & that we did it together as a family.
I can not wait to keep doing this with them!
PS the very best thing was next morning when bugs gets up & says "both my legs hurt" hahahaha yup you got dead leg syndrome son :)

Time trial

This weekend was an important training day. It was our 30 mile time trial & 3 mile run AND our honored teammate picnic.
I had gotten myself prepared this week. Gotten my new water bottle cage & new rim strip to replace the stuff in my tires coach said will lead to flats.
We signed up & got #s for the time trial I was # 39. Right in the middle of the pack. Everything went seemingly well. We rode the silver strand in Coronado which is flat long & equally boring riding the bike path as it is to run I in the 1/2 marathon. One of my goals was to keep working on drinking on the bike. My first attempt I dropped my bottle (awe geez) I had to stop avoid getting run over my teamies grab my bottle! So I was trying to make my way quick but people kept passing me. I definitely would consider use of aero bars after this ride. I bet it would of been more comfortable. When I got the the bottle exchange I got a cramp in my stomach so I actually stopped got off my bike & stretched. I almost fell off my bike trying to swap bottles as well. Looking like its not my day? I made it back to the start & got off my bike & ran around the path & got ready to do loop two. I literally got 30 yards away & had a flat!
This was seriously something I had dreaded! The good news: I have been to 2 tire changing lessons, I had my seat bag with supplies attached. Bad news: everything else!
Let's go inside my head in this moment: "ok Katie what do we do? I don't know my mind is blank. Remain calm you can get this."
All my teammates kept asking if I was ok "yes I got a flat" some offered help & I declined, not willing to mess up someone else's time trial!
It was the back tire which I did get off! I got the bad tube out, got the new one in (feeling confident here). I went to fill up CO2 & it didn't work right! The tube was sticking out from the tire! I had forgotten to push the stem up & be sure that wouldn't happen. I deflated it corrected & when I filled with my second & last CO2 I did THAT wrong & it didn't fill :( This was my moment of defeat. I was going to put my flat tire back on & walk back.
Problem: I could NOT get my tired back on! I literally spent 20 minutes trying to get it back on. I was so frustrated, stressed, embarrassed, mad, sad...you name it. Then the tears started. I was so disappointed my time trial was ruined & I felt like a huge failure. (I almost want to cry rethinking the moment). This is was my first real did not finish moment. One of the mentors who was roving SAG came & tied to help me with my tires.
She ended up not able to get it on either. She helped me get my bike back. Coach literally to one look at it said I didn't do the very first step. Clicked my gears over & popped the tire on in less then 30 seconds. It was so hard not to just start bawling. I had lost so much time that I could not finish the second 15 mile loop & just took off on the 3 mile run.
I'm glad this experience happened now & not on race day! I learned a lot! I also had so much trouble with my tires
Coach's advice. Get new tires. This week I spent some money (frugally) got 2 new tires & extra tubes & CO2. I'm all set & hopefully of/when it happened again I will be ready!

Mission moment, moment

I don't even know how to put into words what yesterday was like.
I thought we had a 40 mile ride which would be the longest of our training. Coach philosophy is you train double the distance when doing shorter tris (actually I read that everywhere). Then he sent a few emails out regarding the 50 mile ride. I can't lie I was so freaked out. I haven't ridden Newell in 2 weeks or done spin class. I had no clue what would happen on this ride.
Add to it I got an email day before if I wanted to give my story for mission moment. Inside I was freaking out but my reply was "cool". Hoping if I said it I would feel it. I was not so worried about speaking in public to the team, I was worried I wouldn't be able to speak about Noel. I thought about it all night & morning what I would say (actually I've thought about it a long time) trying to gather it in a concise way. I decided to write it down. I didn't feel ready, the more I thought about him, the night I stayed with him when he was dying-just made me cry (as I am now). So morning came I was in my car praying & listening to my music when this mentor comes up to see what I'm doing (he definitely cut my routine short). I got out of the car he started helping me with my bike & Cata comes up & asks if I'm ready. Tears well up in my eyes & I say I don't think I can do it. She said it was ok & she would ask Robby. I really couldn't hold it together & ended up back in my car crying my eyes out. I didn't feel bad that I couldn't do it or disappointed in myself. How can I be mad I have a broken heart for my brother. I know I will do it one day, I just need to be ready.
So I show up to team with my ugly cry face on (again). One of the mentors thought I was scared of the ride haha. I assured him the ride was not the issue. I was terribly nervous & had doubts about how this was gonna go. Robby gave a long mission moment he is 11 year survivor with a beautiful 13 month old baby girl. Matt who is amazing me lately got spirit (hope he does spirit right). Then Coach talked about the ride. He said everyone is not doing proper nutrition & talked a lot about that. I agree (in regards to me)! I haven't really been able to practice hydrating & eating on the bike cause I haven't been able to move my hands off my handle bars!!! Ok so maybe now that I think about since I did finally drink on my last ride 2 weeks ago I could have practiced sometime between then & now more 0.o
This was it though I had to figure out how I pull this all off. I learned a few things & realized I need more supplies (geez more $-praying for a supply donor). I have one water bottle, a lot of these people have 3! Everyone has at least 2. The way I need hydration I need to get 1-2 more. A lot of people have cycling shirts with pockets or little gear boxes at their handle bars to put all their supplies in. I had 2 gu's I planned to stuff in my bra (this is pure typical kt comedy). Luckily I was parked next to Ari who may be the worlds tallest nicest (totally rad cause he likes arrogant bastard ale-my fav) guy. He helped me tape my gu to my bike with electrical tape so that all I had to do was pull on it & it would be open. he also was so sweet & loaned me his extra set of leg warmers cause I was freezing (doesn't help my self esteem when a big guys leg sleeves fit me but whatevs I was warm). I knew once I started riding I would warm up but that it was going to be a long day & once I'm sweaty & wet I can get chilled so I think smart move.
We started the ride & I tend to gravitate to the people I know are my speed & I like to be around. (as with any situation there are a few people I do not like to ride near). I don't want to detail the ride because it's impossible to. It's thru a bike path down a big hill, up a hill, down a hill, up the massive scripps poway parkway pass over the mountain. That portion I rode with Elisa who seems to have managed never doing that before. I warned her it was the hill of death! I think she agrees. Once we got over the pass it was 20 miles! We hit the aide station. Mini cupcakes, energy chew, cheezits water good stuff. Now the decision continue on another 5 miles & turn back for 50 or head back now for 40. Had someone told me it was a hilly strenuous extra 10 mile add on I doubt I would of done it. But no one told me, so I went. It was seriously grueling! (for me haha). I'm starting to wonder at this point why is it so easy for everyone. What is it about me? Is it cause I'm heavy, I dont think I'm out of shape? Some of these people are as new to this as I am. Is it my nutrition? I felt like I had done good with it. I stopped when I saw the second sag got more water. I did one gu the first 20 & a second when we did the add on. I did some chomps after 30. I need to lose weight I guess made me a faster runner?
Either way once we hit 30 I would say life got real hard. We went down the scripps poway parkway mountain which scares the pee outta me. I did better this time but still us a lot of brakes to get down. Then we rode back to black mountain road. Elisa had said she was worried about it when we hit the half way. I obviously had not paid attention when we went down it cause when we got back to it I was shocked! What is this monster?! It was so flipping hard! I had sweat pouring off of me! On the bike there is no choice but keep moving your pedals so I did very very very slowly. That hill was a beast!!!!! (I hate it now & will forever). Once at the top we had about 10 miles left all in the 56 bike path. It was so windy at this point & some drizzle was falling. I felt surprisingly well. It would of been awesome to of had some more electrolyte or gu after the beast but I was out. Made the last few miles a struggle! When we out of the bike path Homer (who is the mentor that runs clean up & had been stuck with dead last me) took us along the flat street back. This other chick came behind us at that point from her own ride. She was so nice! I was in full complaint mode. I was whining to Homer & she agree with him we were going to ride right smack down the middle of the road to get back. They both said hug the dotted line. I hugged it & way bumping on every reflector & let me tell you after 49 miles it was pain. She shouted stay just to the left. Thanks cool chick! We got to the stop light & Homer said 49.6 I said great send sag to get me right here (I had also said that at 12 miles that I had only 6 miles left in me). The first time he said you really want sag? I said no I just want to complain. This time I think he was on to me cause he said lets go. I think we both struggled that last little bit (longest mile ever)? We got back there was at least a dozen teamies left all who applauded our return. I almost cried when I got back to my car. It was emotional for me the whole day, I kept crying when I would get alone. I can't help but think about Noel he is why I was climbing those mountains & going farther then I ever dreamed.
I'm the girl who was a coach potato almost 60 lbs heavier few years ago. I'm the girl it took 45 minutes to go around fiesta island her first tri. I'm the girl who raised her hand first training said I'm scared & packed up her bike & went home. I'm the girl who just ride 50 miles in 6 long hours yesterday. I'm the girl who is $190 away from raising $4500 for the LLS in memory of her brother.
Coach says this ride was harder then out actual race well I feel every bit as good about finishing this TRAINING RIDE as I do about finishing a race.
Coach's email post race:
Way to Go TEAM !!!

I am Very proud of You !!

That was a Tough Ride today--way harder than the Bike portion at SuperSeal or Lavaman. Y ou should feel confident.

Here is what I saw:

1. Good Turnout !!
2. Cold, WINDY and a bit Wet
3. Did I mention the HILLS ?? I have done this ride sooo many times and Black Mountain is always HARD
4. Ride Time/Base--we are getting up to Race Time
5. Flats ? Only 2
6. Falls ? A couple
7. Bonking ? Yes, Everything I talked about before the ride you MUST practice so you are comfortable on Race Day. You will have several oppertunities for this: 30 mile Bike Time Trial & 3 mile Run, Iron Mountain Brick & the Practice Tri

Any Negatives ?? YES !!

#1 The 2 people who had flats REALLY Struggled to deal with this--in a Race Situation Everything is Magnified !! We have had 2 Tire Changing Clinics and only 30 Participants attended. Truly it is beyond my comprehension why you are not practicing this or coming to Clinics. Several years ago we had 11 Teammates at Lavaman get flats during the race. Are you going to jeopardize FINISHING Your Race ?? I need some answers from those of you who cannot change a tire in 5 minutes--please respond

#2 As I was bringing up the rear on the 56 Bike Path I encountered several people I know coming toward me. ALL Complained to me about the Team in Training Riders (YOU !!) who were riding TRIPLE File while talking and completely unconcerned about the safety of others on a narrow, twisting Bike/Run/Horse/Stroller Path. I was EMBARASSED !!! Remember what Grand Master Flash would say---"DON"T DO IT !!!"

***Note regarding today's WIND***
Both SuperSeal and Lavaman are Windy Courses--Just like today, the wind on both courses INCREASES as time goes by. There is NO POINT in taking your time in the Swim, Transition or early on the bike--it just keeps getting HARDER !!


Go Team !!

Coach Gurujan

__._,_.___
And Will sent this:
Hi All,

Sat. bike ride was great ! So many of you went the full fifty miles and there was a lot of climbing there! If you did the 50 miles -turnaround at Woodson Road- the total climb was 4900 feet! according to my Garmin. Can anyone back up that claim? That climb is SSOOO much more than either SuperSeal or Lavaman!

Regards,

Will

catching up

I think that I have a lot going on and I need a place to sort it all out...so you my blog reader will have to suffer through this one! & since we haven't chatted enough lately maybe you will feel caught up :p

First of all my new years resolutions...wow I am like the strongest person until I let go once. Then I have the hardest time getting back on track. I know this about myself which is why I usually don't allow for wiggle room but I have failed on numerous new years declarations. Oatmeal everyday I did sooooo good until I stopped at a friends on errands and she made me eggs. Since that day I think I have had my oatmeal like 3 times (& this was weeks ago) UGH How do I allow this to happen! This was hugely important to me because of my stomach issues and weight loss. I want to pull this one back together.
Abs at work on break was another one I was good with, well sporadic but I was doing it, then it just got easier to sit and do nothing. Again for my physical well being and training purposes I need to get on it.
I have cheated so much on good healthy eating! Money has been very tight, hopefully that will change soon. I have struggled keeping fresh fruit and veggies on hand. I did good for a few weeks even started juicing and then ran outta food and money.
Bible reading has been fizzling out too aaaaahhhhhhh! I was even listening to it and that was awesome and then I got stupid lazy & tired. This one is a must to get back on. With all I have going on in life and with my health I NEED to be on point with my walk.

Fundraising is going VERY WELL. Which actually worries me! I am so close to being done with the Lavaman fundraising and then stupidly signed up for another race. People are not going to be as generous with this next race. It is going to get a lot harder. Luckily I have some great ideas and hopefully with God's direction all will come together.

Training is going way better then I expected but boy time is flying! I remember looking at the schedule at the beginning of the season thinking there was no way I could do any of this and here I am just 6 weeks away from leaving! Its not a good day to be writing about training cause a week ago I would of gone on and on how far I have come and how excited I am to be doing this. This week is a totally different story. This week I have just been TIRED! I really hit the gym hard Monday and Tuesday. My friend Kathy was leaving for what will probably end up being 3 weeks and we worked really hard. I definitely over did it. I was so sore! Between my normal life as mom, teacher, employee I am drained but add to it the hard core training and even more hard core fundraising...I am spent. I nearly had a complete throw in the towel break down last night! Luckily I had planned on having my cousin/best friend/other half & Christian my good friend over prior to this. Just spending time eating, laughing & drinking really lifted my spirits. I woke up with all the same problems today but I just keep thinking about the good laughs and good times last night. I also keep thinking HAWAII!!! Once the race is done I will have days to relax, regroup, spend time with my cousin and enjoy a vacation!
I have really been trying to work on my open water swimming. I have seen improvements for sure. I have yet to return to La Jolla Cove and attempt that again. Coach Brian keeps sending emails that the surf is going to be high. I do not need another unsuccessful swim there on my psyche. I also remind myself I have every Friday for the rest of my life to go swim the cove as there is people from the tri club there every week. I have been to Ventura Cove in the bay no less then 6 times. I have definitely gotten use to the salt water. I'm at the point of trying to work on my form in the water as opposed to just trying to survive! I haven't been on my bike in a few weeks because we did the race last week. I haven't been to spin either. I had every intention to do it...but...well I didn't! Today was the only day I had a real reason, my son was sick :( Some how I have a 40 mile bike ride this weekend. Not sure how to handle it. At least I can now drink water while I am riding, this week I will have to figure out how to take in gu or something too! That is a long ride! I am no where near as fear as I was when I started out! I remember looking at the schedule this weekend thinking there was no way I could ever ride 40 miles. I think the longest ride we did was 33 miles? I know that I will be able to do this (won't be walk in the park) but I know I can do it! This is the longest ride of the season, once I finish this I will feel very accomplished and ready for our Lavaman ride for sure!
I think that is about all of my ranting for now. I have a lot going on personally that I won't cover in the blog but wow is my plate FULL! just keep repeating Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii...it will be here soon!

Race #3

This was another race that sort of came up as a surprise! I had not planned on doing it. It was a practice race coach had wanted team to do. I was reluctant cause I have enough going on and didn't want to pay for the race. I took a chance and contacted the race coordinator and asked if I could volunteer in exchange for a bib. She said yes and allowed me to come before the race at 5:30am to help. That was the good news. The bad news was I had to work until midnight the night before. I ended up getting out at 11:30 but still it was a night of very little sleep.

Coach had the team meet and do all kinds of warming up pre-race. It was a lot actually. I have never seen people warm up so much prerace but besides our team I saw some other people doing it. I think it is what fast people do? We ran a lot and did sprints and stretching and skipped! I was getting tired pre-race! I also had to make a pre race pit stop in a bush! The bathroom line was insane and coach gave us a big lecture about missing the race start for going to the bathroom!

I ended up running with a team mate Lisa. Another team mate tried to run with us but fell behind. I kinda wanted to fall behind but Lisa wouldn't let me! It was almost harder to do this 10k then it was to do the 1/2 marathon the week before! It shows you how important rest is and how it makes a difference.

I ended up finishing in 1:04:48 which is my fastest 10k time. I was so happy and it was very satisfying once it was over.

I have to admit it was fun doing a race with the team. I really didnt expect to enjoy it like I did. It was fun seeing my team members out there on the course. Coach was riding his bike encouraging everyone.

If this was a little taste what our actual race will be like I am definitely excited.

Race #2 of 2012

I figure I better write this blog before I do race #3 tomorrow!
This was a special race. I had missed the chance to sign up for this one, I didn't have the $ & them it sold out. So many of my friends were doing it & I felt left out!
The Tinkerbell 1/2 marathon
It was a big race in that it was super popular & @ Disneyland, an inaugural race & the best medal ever! If your into bling ;)
Anna decided not to do the race & allowed me to fill in for her. I didn't an it out too well cause it was last minute but I'm glad God ultimately has my back! MY PLAN: drive up in early morning for 5:45am start time try to find my friends. The much better plan my friend graciously offered for me to stay at their hotel for the night & get over to race start with them in the morning. Not only was this a great plan when I got to the room they had the most amazing view of the Disneyland fireworks from their window! It was such a cool way to start the race!
I got a good nights sleep on the pull out bed in the hotel room sofa. It was fun getting ready for the race all together in the early morning. We took a long walk to the start. I had to muscle my way past a volunteer into the corral with my friends. I'm lucky he didn't disqualify me! My bib was the last corral E & my friends we B there is no way I could of caught up with them. & starting in the back would but me finishing in the heat :(
Disney definitely does everything top notch. The start line was amazing. We ran pretty much right into Disneyland at the start looping around the park & behind the scenes. There was parade floats set up & characters around the park to take pictures with. They also had employees hanging out cheering for us. About mile 2-3 the race went out on the street. That was boring but necessary to come up with the mileage. We had stopped a few times in the park & walked after taking pictures. We sort of ran walked out way through the miles. Enjoying chatting & taking pictures.
Not much to talk about this part of race except that I LOVED being back with Stacey! To go from running every Saturday morning longing so many miles to not has been hard.
I will tell you that after my brutal Saturday training with TNT (spirit week comes to an end just the day before!). I was not minding taking the race easy & fun . Something got into me at mile 10 & I got my energy & legs back! I didn't use my music or runkeeper the whole race cause I forgot to charge my phone! I wish I could see what pace I ended up running & done my classic put in both earbuds for the strong finish! I booked it those last 3 miles! It felt so good! I can't believe how much I love running! Not only that but I love the feeling of finding that hidden storage of umph at the end. When you have spent time convincing yourself you have nothing then prove yourself wrong! Once I passed the 13 mile marker I hauled butt & sprinted that finish!!!!
It felt good to finish strong & then I grabbed some nourishment & headed out to the race route to find my friends! I ended up seeing all of then around the same part (right before mile 13) & got to run with them! Definitely a highlight to see them & their finish!
This was by far one of the best races I've had! Not because of personal excellence or triumph but just cause it was so fun & enjoyable! Even with all the pixie fairies around!