---Friday ---
I was in a bit of a tizzy when I arrived in Stoney Plain. I had found the camping it was $20 a night in a field with no fire pits or tables in the tent area. I drove the opening 10km of the bike route and had a bit of a low opinion of it but it changed as I drove the rest of the route later in the day. I was struggling a bit because I couldn't find the package pickup location, so phone call to DCOM and Domonika to Google things for me and get back on track.
Got my race number (446) and I saw Steve King the announcer I waited my turn to chat with him and he remembered me from Sylvan last year!! He wished me luck and I let him get back to his work. I decided to drive the rest of the course and I am glad I did because it was nice to see this "Heartbreak Hill"..... that's it?? HA HA HA, I've been up bigger hills than this GAME ON!!! It started to pour rain as I got to the far end of the course, I found out later that this rain cancelled the Drag Race that Wanda and Rob were at.
Got back to the race meeting and Carbo load, the food was incredible, there was a group playing Japanese Drums and then the info chat. In my little opinion the info session went longer than I felt it needed to be, it was 9:30 by the time I got out of the overheating Hockey Rink/sauna that had no air circulation.
---Saturday---
I woke up with the sun and drove to West Ed Mall. I saw all I needed before the mall even opened. So I call Wanda to find out what their plans are.... I somehow previously agreed to meet everyone at West Ed. so I ended up walking that mall a good 6-8 times I think. I got back to Stoney to ride the Run Course so I would know where I was going the next day. I had thought Leah would arrive after the ride but she left a message saying "where are you camping??" Yet again my comunication skills failed, I thought I had told her where the campground was but I had not. So Supper back in Edmonton with my full Super Sherpa Support Team. Wanda, Robert, Leah, Andy, Candi, Erin.
Leah and I drove back to the campground and got her tent set up the fastest ever. It was funny the camp operator stopped us thinking she only paid for one and that I was free loading. Not realizing that I had been there for a day already.
---- Race Morning----
The Rain woke me up at 12, 2, 4 apparently I did get some sleep as it was reported that I had a good snore going on. I think I gave up on sleep at around 5:30 and started packing up. I discovered that between my groundsheet and tent there was a good puddle of water where I was laying. Gotta love that rain, I did ask for rain but I hoped for it on the run not now.
As this race has assigned bike parking I didn't feel the need to be there at 6:00am when transition opened so it was nice not to rush. Leah helped me keep calm in the middle of all the race nerves, I don't think she realized how much help she really was. I hadn't saw the rest of the crew but at 10 min to start I had to take care of me, I found out later Rob ran up and had the camera zeroed in on me but I dove into the water at that very second.
I had rented a wetsuit and I hadn't had a chance to get wet with it yet so the first few strokes were a surpise as I felt fast. I didn't seed myself at the back of the pack like I normaly did, I wanted to try swimming the the school of fish to see what I could do. I didn't get spit out of the school till 300m I think. I kept a good line and I saw race caps ahead of me and behind on the first lap. I say the fast guys caught me on the last 200-300m of the first lap. I even had one try to draft off my feet until he realized that the fast guys were on my right and I wasn't keeping up, so he went left and cut me off in an effort to get back in the pack. If I remember correctly the first leg of the swim took me 9min first lap and about 12 for the second. I would look at my watch at the markers to see how I was doing and I would do math praying it added up to less than 70 min. It did and I got out of the water in 1:06:08 (576/578) I had two finishers behind me and Rob told me there was another out there that didn't make the time.
SWIM DONE 1:06:08 - 576
The tranisition didn't go very smoothly Candi got a video of me so it will be cool to look back and see what I could improve on in the future. It had started raining as I swam so everything that was dry when I set up Transition was now wet and cold. It took me a while to realize it was raining as I swam.
The bike, I struggled a bit for the first few km and I had a guy trying to pass and I didn't hear him untill I heard .....ocking, crap I was blocking the guy AGH! so he flew past me!!! I didn't see him again. I got through town and was feeling good and down in the areo bars. I couldn't figure out why it wasn't as comfortable as in the past and then I realized the vest I was wearing didn't have pockets in the back and I had stuffed my spare tube in the front pocket and it was bumping my belly everytime my peddle went around.
at the 30km mark I saw the race leader heading back into town. He looked smooth in the areo bars. I kept an eye out for the few people I knew in the race but I didn't see anyone on the bike. The hill didn't kill me off and I felt good. On the last 20km I ended up catching some people that had been infront of me for a while, looking back I probably should have been slowing down to get ready for the run but I felt fine so I kept on going. I had kept track and counted 15 people behind me. I know only 4 people had passed me (3 had mechnicals who I had passed earlier) I had my computer on the heart Rate page so I couldn't see my bike time and when I got into town I checked the clock and got very emotional realizing that I had knocked off almost half an hour off my Sylvan time. But it wasn't the time to celebrate yet I still had to run and I felt ready to run.
T2, it was very weird going into a transition that you had not seen that morning. but I had volunteers pointing me all the way to my bike rack. I got changed and my feet felt numb only for a bit not like Wasa. I ran out accros the timing mat just as Steve King asked the people crossing the path to look to their left for runners, I didn't slow a step and said rather loudly "Hello" and frightened a lady that crossed infront of me who got out of the way damned quickly.
BIKE DONE 3:32:16 - 533
So I ran for probably .75 of a km and then walked a bit, started running again and met a lady I passed then she passed me later. Her Crank had fallen off and she rode 12km one legged to the corner where the race support was. she was cramping up something bad but kept on going. So for the first 5km I walked mostly. I can't explain it the mind was willing and excited to do well, legs seemed fine considering what they had done already, belly felt a bit funny possibly too much liquid as it was not hot out and my sweat rate was down. I even stopped at a toliet on the first loop. From km 5-10 I would describe my run as a stumble run/walk. I got out to the turnaround point and the desire to puke had left and the mind was beginning to win the argument with legs to move faster and for a longer stretch.
I tilted my visor down so I couldn't see much more than 10feet of pavement and it seemed to trick me. I started running more than walking. I skipped a few of the aid stations and the belly stopped complaining completly. Then it started to rain around 13k I think, it wan't bad but as I started the last loop it started raining UBER hard!!! I thanked every volunteer I saw for playing in the rain with us today as they were just a soaked as the runners. I ran through puddles as I would if I was running with Jacqui. I started singing "Row your Boat" and shouted at the rain saying "DO your worst!!"
Then this guy on a golf cart showed up with a lady I saw way back on the course on board "I'm going to drive this loop and come back to pick you up, were closing the course early"
WHAT THE F**K????????!!!!!!!!! I emotionaly went from I'm doing well and going to finish Yay... to rock bottom... in one second. I got to the end of the loop on the turn to the finish and a guy on a bike says "did he talk to you?" I said "crap this is the second Half I didn't get to finish.. it's only 2km from the finish" An older lady looks at me and says "Run fast and he won't pick you up" Head down and GO. I ran like someone had just stole my bike and I had to chase them down so I could go Kimbo Slice on them. I refused to look behind me for the golf cart.
I turned that 2nd last corner and I could here the music of the finish line. I put my head down and zoned out everything but the green line in the pavement. I know I heard my family calling out to me on the last corner but I don't remember seeing them. I ran and remember Steve King saying very good things about me, the race director was infront of me with my medel and a big smile. I looked at the medel and babbled something about I finaly got one. I looked up for the first time in a long time and saw my Bro with a huge grin on his face.
RUN DONE 3:10:00 - 570
I" got 'er done" just as the banners some volunteers had on the course.
Half Iron Man DONE 7:48:23 - 567 of 578
Post race --- A lot of photos were taken and hugs all around. I felt like an idot that I had to ask someone to untie my shoes but I couldn't bend over to do it. I was able to complete sentences and didn't babble like in the past. Got back to my car at the lake and I was able to change into my race shirt and some dry loose pants. I had spent 9 hours wearing my bike shorts and was very happy to get out of them.
We had coffee at starbucks as we waited to contact Andrea for supper. We went to That's Amora (sp?) it was a garlic resturant and it was SO GOOD... I have to find one in Calgary. I got Wanda to drive my car as I wasn't certain if my legs would switch from gas to brake safely. We got back to Sylvan and I rember when I went to bed I left a light on and Wanda said she could shut it off from upstairs. I litterly rolled over and the next thing I heard was the shower in the morning. I must have passed out like I had drank a 26 to myself.
----Monday
I am able to walk fairly good except for going up stairs. 3 weeks till Sylvan HIM and then I will drink my face off
It was a good weekend and thanks to.....
-Family that cheered from the roadside in the rain
-My fast friends that were defenitly finished before the downpour
-the volunteers cheering and keeping us fed/safe/modivated/on course
-Friends and Family that couldn't be at the race but were thinking of me
-Coach Mike Pascoe who has kept me on track through my ups and downs of trying to balance my training and the shiftwork lifestyle
- My Teammates that have had to give turnover to a braindead fool that just got out of the pool and only can think of food
- My Crewmates Moe & O'Neil that have spent so many Nightshifts these last months talking about athletic and life adventures good or bad.
- "doctor" Dan for helping convince me that I am not as crazy as I appear and that I can do this, even if the agreement 4 years ago was that we should do a Triathlon together
Monday, July 7, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wasa Lake Olympic Tri
352/359 overal - 192/195 males - 28/29 M3034OLY - #62 MILLER Randy - 359 51:53 - 308 1:29:41 - 349 1:22:42 - 3:44:14.3
Drive Day
Slept in this morning but felt good. Drove to Kimberly for breakfast my oatmeal just did not cut it. I was disappointed by the presta center again guess the third time lost its charm. Went back in time to watch one of the kid races then read my book. I was two pages from the end of a chapter when I heard coach's voice. I got my gear from the car and joined the group changing tires. We went to the pro chat about transitions it was not the best I played in the sand out of boredom. Then we swam in the lake and it was amazing my best ever. A quick loop on the bike followed by a short run. My calf didn't like it and made me limp. Zenny noticed. Off we jump in cars to get to package pick up and supper. Food was good and felt good. Back to camp and had a big campfire then to bed.
Race day
I woke up @3:00am and didn't fully get back to sleep till the alarm went off. Packed my tent had breakfast and got going. Found the group and set up transition like I practiced in the camp sight last night. That must have been a site for everyone last night watching me run around. I felt very calm all morning which is new for me on race morning. I had the start time wrong in my head so I thought the group had there wetsuits on early. People helped me get the suit on and I could not figure out why they were in such a rush.
Actually did a warm up swim so I could get cold water on my face so I can get my freekout over with. The swim started and I kept up with people till the first turn. I did get lapped by the fast group but didn't get beat up too bad just before the start of the second lap. I had Laurence near me to start the second lap but not for long. I remember 8:00 to first marker on first lap but on second it was more like 11:00. Then the quick sprinters came through and I got the frag out of the way. Keep in mind I was already wide of the perfect line. But I made it to dry land and walked to my spot fighting to remove the wetsuit and chanted to move myself deliberately. Jen and Zenny cheered me on and took some photos of my “quick” transition. Swim done 0:51:53
The Bike, it was a bit of a headwind going out and uphill so I only passed 2 ladies. On the way back I caught 5 more but I never caught
The run, good grief did my feet hurt! You know when you got mud in your rubber boots and it collects under your toes like a unnecessary bit of padding. Yep not good! It took 4km to feel normal again. Chatting with others after apparently that is normal. But I never felt that before and I have done a few races. I walked most of the trail run section and chatted with the volunteers. So by the turnaround 5 of 7 ladies passed me I was able to hold the last 2 of for the final 4km. I realized I felt better on the second half of the bike and the run. Thought it was odd but hey if that means I am trying to negative split then that is a good thing. As I crossed the finish line the announcer missed me and didn’t call my name right away (lame yes but to me it feels good to hear my name) for a fraction of a second I felt like Chapperal all over again. But he made a comment about my jersey and made me smile again. Run done 1:22:42 (3:44:14 total)
Post Race
I got my recovery program going stretching and drinking my beverage. I did eat my lunch like a horse. I realized I need more mental toughness to keep running when the body says no way. I found out in the award presentation is that the volunteers have a contest for best water station. I laughed with many of them. The girl guides with their face paint, the little kids with construction outfits, the mentally “challenged” kids, and my coach’s children. Mike’s daughter must have been dancing to a tune in her own head I didn’t hear a radio, it was funny to watch as I ran towards her corner.
I had saw my former co-workers boat tied up earlier in the weekend. I didn’t think he was around so I wrote a quick note to say hello and was going to put it in his boat. As I walked up to the boat I looked up and saw him sitting under a tree and for a moment had a look on his face that said “what are you doing to my boat” we both did the is that you look and had a good laugh. He offered me a beer and believe it or not I drank the whole thing. He was getting ready to pack up for the weekend so it was a short visit. It was good to see an old friend from the IKEA days.
I had supper with Mike, Jen,
I found a campground just outside Kimberly and pulled in just before the office closed. The ladies that took my money was very pretty and all of a sudden I realized she looked like someone I know and she said the name sounded familiar. I suddenly felt a bit weird that maybe I had been hitting on her cousin or something J It was a very nice campground with showers and a pool that I didn’t use. I drove back on Highway #3 retracing some of the route I used on one of my bike tours.
Now sitting infront of the computer and looking at my numbers I realized that my "disaster" at Lake Chapperal was a faster race time. I had a more enjoyable experience but at a slower time... oddSunday, May 25, 2008
Cancel my reservation in the padded room please
All right all right... I had a breakdown and shared my thoughts, possibly too much too soon for some that don't know me very well. Some of you have asked what goes on in my head... bet you wished I hadn't told you now eh? It is us quiet folks that you have to look out for is it not?
It's been a week with lots of sleep, good food, and some recovery swims and all is well. Coach Mike and I have had a few long chats and have come to the conclusion that I had a nutritional breakdown that led to a mental breakdown typical over training stuff that Triathletes tend to excel at. We had thought that while everything was fresh in my mind I should document how I felt and my feelings to use it as a learning experience. Did you know when all you think of is smarties your body is craving simple carbs... who knew???
Coach and I have decided to take a forced day off (Monday) and that I should run with a group more often. So I am going back to the Running Room to be among fellow runners.
So I am back on track with my training, hopefully I can repair any damage done by my overly public rant with all of you. I'll keep the next breakdown a bit more private.
It's been a week with lots of sleep, good food, and some recovery swims and all is well. Coach Mike and I have had a few long chats and have come to the conclusion that I had a nutritional breakdown that led to a mental breakdown typical over training stuff that Triathletes tend to excel at. We had thought that while everything was fresh in my mind I should document how I felt and my feelings to use it as a learning experience. Did you know when all you think of is smarties your body is craving simple carbs... who knew???
Coach and I have decided to take a forced day off (Monday) and that I should run with a group more often. So I am going back to the Running Room to be among fellow runners.
So I am back on track with my training, hopefully I can repair any damage done by my overly public rant with all of you. I'll keep the next breakdown a bit more private.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Golden Triangle 2008
Looking back Day 0
The adventure the day before GT involving the load of dirt had me stressed out, I now realize and accept. I got dehydrated and didn’t get myself topped back up by the end of the day. The stresses I listed in the rant above were on my shoulders ready to break my back. I have over the years given up on other people’s expectations of me and this week I gave up on my expectations of myself. I am the quiet guy that doesn’t speak my mind that often that has control over my emotions but this week I lost that Vulcan like control. I had a conversation with my Coach Tuesday and we have figured out that my diet has a big hand in my meltdown on the Golden Triangle.
From past rides I know the number of photos taken is directly related to how much fun I am having. Unfortunately this year there is not many photos but I am still glad I went on it, even if I got a ride for 28 of the 327. I need to use the warning signs I saw before rock bottom as a learning experience. This weekend was not a failure no matter how much I wanted to sell the bike.
Looking back at Day 1
Starting the ride with no water in my bottles was DUMB. I should have known better especially after being dehydrated so badly yesterday. Looking at my graphs closer I just realized that the first hill I went pretty hard, the first 5km my avg HR was 165 and the days average was 150. I never much enjoyed climbing a mountain pass first thing in the morning. Next time I have to figure out how to warm up before going, at least the snack stop is early into the ride.
The majority of the day is downward run so if you can catch a tail wind it is mostly enjoyable. I recognized a few people from past GT rides… ok I mostly recognized the ladies. There was one lady when she spoke you would have to look twice to make certain it was a lady.
The second major climb of the day I put my head down and just grinded looking at my graphs my heart rate was hitting the roof on the first half of the climb. There is a false summit I think it’s by the lookout and I pulled over and rested lying against the hillside praying for death to take me.
The downhill was not as fun as it was with “Go Fast” the touring bike. This unnamed bike is a whole lot more twitchy and we haven’t quite found the sweet spot yet for going fast down a hill. The pavement is getting worse so that doesn’t help much.
I set my tent up and caught a shuttle to the
So I realize that supper service is probably going to be done by the time I get back to the rink it is at. So I stopped at a restaurant and had a steak sandwich (my thinking was protean for recovery) I get back and find a charger for the garmin and end up chatting with the night guard they hired to look after our stuff as we slept in the ball field.
I slept pretty nice once the guy with the guitar shut the hell up. It was nice for a while but there is only so much camp songs you can take when you are trying to sleep. I had Breath right strips on but the ladies in the next tent glared at me as they all said they were kept up by all the snoring. I know I wasn’t the only one but I was closer to them J I slept well so I don’t care.
Looking back at Day 2
I did have sunscreen on yesterday but my knees and arms have got a good red tan line on them. I wore my tri suit today which wasn’t the best choice with the chip seal pavement. It has a smaller Butt pad so there is less padding. My entire body was vibrating from the road surface.
I could have eaten more at Breakfast but what options do you have when some haven’t even eaten yet and you want seconds. I do not remember what I had to eat at first snack but I do remember sitting in the shade of the truck and a volunteer with a very serious look on her face asking if I was alright. My heart just wasn’t in it today was my response and I have a feeling that since then they kept an eye on me. I could see some motherly looks tossed my direction as I stood with my helmet as my plate for food.
Looking at my graphs I just realized that there is 3 decent climbs before snack and 1 after lunch and their map shows that the whole day is mostly flat. It makes more sence now why I was pacing behind this Full Suspension Mt Bike. It was depressing at the time when I saw the hydraulic brakes and the fox suspension fork. I am on a tri bike for crying out loud I should be leaving this guy in my dust! But nope I was hoping that he wouldn’t speed up for the longest time.
I found myself having more mini stops this day. Pull over get the butt off the seat and stretch for a while. I had thought today would be somewhat of a Half Iron man simulation day. I hope my races this summer go better than this simulation. My mind did wandered to what life without triathlon would be and as bleak as I felt and the number of times I yelled I quit during the ride, as I set up my tent I thought what will Mike have planned for me next week.
After lunch it started to sprinkle and the head wind picked up and the speeds dropped to a crawl. On the plus side my HR dropped a zone after that last hill, the body was giving out very slowly.
Supper was an absolute feast for me, I had that plate piled up good and high. I did not stick around for the slide show that was put on after the door prizes were handed out. Oh the streak continues, five years of not one single door prize won my by myself.
Looking back at Day 3
This was another light plate for breakfast. I had thought the night before that maybe I should just find a Denny’s and get a good breakfast without a lineup so I could get the day started before the traffic got going. There was a mud slide blocking the traffic west of Golden so we all were hoping to make it to snack stop before the heavy trucks started to roll.
I ended up drinking both of my bottles dry by the time I made it to snack and as I pulled in I realized there were a few cars with bike racks and I offered $40 to take me to the top of the hill. I was a mess a complete and utter wreck. The food table didn’t have the greatest selection which was a disappointment. I chatted with one of the volunteers and found that I could put my bike on the luggage truck but that would finish my day. I wasn’t ready for that. I knew that the section to lunch would kill me off with the rolling climbs. But I know within myself that if I know that climb is 14km and I can see the top of the climb… it will be done. So I went back to one of the vans and took a ladies offer for a ride. I found out as we drove that she was a nurse and I looked like Hell when I first pulled in.
Lunch was a good helmet full of food. I had seen people at lunch the day before with Mr Noodle cups and this time I got one for myself and it was the best thing I did all day. So I rested as I noticed that weather was starting to act up behind us so off I go. I did get up the hill, stopped to take off a layer, then again to put it back on and one last time to take it off till I hit the top. The HR monitor started acting up and going up to 240, bugger off I know my heart would explode if it really was going that fast.
The road surface changed when we came back into
At the snack stop the rain caught up to me as I stood and enjoyed my box of well earned Smarties. I saw the pretty red head and ended up riding to the end with her and her husband. There was a few climbs that I didn’t remember and was not ready for. Next year remember the part where the road splits. I was happy it was raining because then I don’t overheat but with my slick tires I wasn’t going to do any crazy riding just in case. Each and every corner I was looking for the sign saying we were done. That last 20 odd km is pretty much a mind fuck that you can’t just shake off, it keeps going and going. Then you get that last left curve and there is the hostel sign and your done.
I got changed out of the wet gear and saw the volunteer lady that helped me out today and thanked her. Shook hands with some of the radio guys as I got my luggage and called the ride done as the bag piper got started.
I stopped in Canmore for supper and good thing because there was a mini van that caught on fire climbing Scott Hill. It caused quite the traffic jam, the tow truck was just pulling in as I passed the accident scene. I was in bed by 9pm and awake at 3am, I have two night shifts to look forward to. I might flop around in the pool before work and sit in the hot tub now that I have finished my story and updated my logs and such.
Day1 in 2005 8:34-15:55 446 Pedal time 521 Total Time
in 2008 8:53-15:39 436 Pedal time 636 Total Time
Day2 in 2005 7:37-13:36 405 Pedal time 437 Total Time
in 2008 8:19-15:33 449 Pedal time 714 Total Time
Day3 in 2005 7:36-16:00 538 Pedal time 655 Total Time
in 2008 7:47-16:00 434 Pedal time 813 Total Time
Start weight 207 - 20% body fat
Finish weight 207.5 - 17.5% body fat. As per my fancy scale
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Race results
-------FINAL---- ----------------------- ----------
Category
Pos Time Name Plc/Total Category #
148/171 1:38:22 Randy MILLER 52/58 Male Individ 272
500m 17.5km 5km
--------SWIM-------------BIKE--------- ------RUN----------
Ovr Time /100m Ovr Time km/hr Ovr Time /km
146 15:13 4:04 53 38:03 3:49 166 45:06 9:02
WO HO I beat 6 dudes!!!!!!
That swim pace calculation is a bit off..
if it took me 4 min per 100 it would be 20min
I know I am slow but not that slow!!!!
53 overall on the bike????? you have to be kidding me!!!!!
I freaking love it!!!!
After that pathetic horrible run I still was
faster than 5 folks????
Thank goodness for the bike
Checking back on my history that was:
-3rd fastest swim pace
-2nd fastest bike Km/h
-3rd slowest run pace
Mount Royal Sprint
Well this is the first race that I haven't had a nervous meltdown. As I right this I don't have the official results. On Saturday I was invited to a poetry reading and as I am attempting to expand my horizon of knowledge thought what the heck. I honestly enjoyed myself, I must admit just like in High school I tried to find the literal meanings of the words spoken. So I understood 1 of the 5 read, I got to ask the author some questions like I wished I could have in school. Afterwards we went to this high end Pizza joint, it looked good. As it was pre-race night I already had eaten and would not eat anything different.
I got to bed a bit later than planned because I was restless and not very tired for some reason. I had my breakfast of an Egg Wrap and got my gear together, added a few items thinking it would be a bit cool in the morning but didn't really need to as it was quite warm today. I arrived to line up to get into transition and bumped into Meg who I met at Coach Mike's Transition Clinic. It was her first race she asked me a few questions and it felt really nice to have the answers and speak from experience. Sign in was easy and then we waited, I had my Ipod to listen to so that I could relax instead of chatting with everyone, it was a nice change I think I will do at the next race.
I lined up for my swim heat and waited and waited some more.... 11:30 I think I finally got my face wet. I thought I would have to share a lane with 3-4 people but nope. Each person got a half lane to go back and forth in without worrying about running into or slowed down by the fellow lane sharers. I actually felt good, I banged out 4 laps before I really took a pause for an extra breath before continuing. I had lost count around 7 laps so I asked the lady to confirm and I was on my way. My arms were feeling a bit heavy around lap 8. Then I felt like a beached whale trying to get out of the deep end without cracking my head on the dive platform.
I was able to jog to T1. I fumbled around getting my shoes on, I tried getting the socks on but I quickly gave up on them. I need to get better balancing on one foot after getting out of the pool, I must have looked like a drunk sailor.... but the bike is my thing and I am happy to say my Garmin says my average speed was 28.8km/h. I was doing 11min per lap and I know on my first I passed about 8 people. The second I got passed by 2, the third passed by 3. The first lap was probably the last for the earlier people and then the faster folks came out and passed me. I was very happy I was comfortable in the Aero bars in the flats. The corners and the uphills I would hoods, the downhills I would grab the end of the hooks. As I came in on my last lap I heard my name being called and someone waving, Ela is in the house!!!!
I fumbled once more in T2 the stupid bike racks they provided were CRAP I and many others were not impressed. The last few runs have not felt quite right and this was another on that list. My left side of my calf OH MY **** it shot up my leg with pain. I spent way too much time walking instead of running. I would grab bits of snow and rub it on my calf thinking it might help it relax so that I could do better. On my way back from the turnaround I saw Meg go past me and her face was full of pain. She had a bike crash a day ago and it looked like she was feeling it. I then this big guy ran past me and I recognized him from my swim group and I think he was behind me in line so my new goal was not to let him pass me again. I accomplished the goal so I know I wasn't in last place and that was my other goal :) I know I am a selfish bastard, I have learned to deal with it :) So I get to the final corner and I see Linda doing her volunteering bit and that blessed finish line. As I ran past Ela I just said "Advil please" as the pain was not good.
I crossed the finish line and just stopped moving. It felt great I was kinda angry with myself because I know that my run has suffered lately and this was result of that. I used to say my swim was the worst sport but I am seriously wondering if the run has become it.
So according to my watch I did the swim in 16:16, bike in 36:22, run in a pathetic 45:37 for a total of 1:38:00 which is good I was going to be upset with myself if it took longer than 1:45:00
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