A journey of a 1000 steps begins with just one.
-6 years ago I took a bet from my buddy Dan Giberson that we should do a Olympic Distance Triathlon together. I have done 14 triathlons since then
-3 years ago I watched my first Iron Man Canada race
-2 years ago I decided that I wanted to do IMC for the challange and found my coach Mike Pascoe www.e4life.ca
-1 year ago I volunteered in the bike lot so I could sign up for 2009
- in 6 days I can't wait to here Mr Steve King say those words I have been waiting for..... "randy you are an Iron Man!!!"
- 7 days from now I will be hobbling around with the biggest shit eating grin on my face after I experienced a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.
To join me on the journey I hope you will log into Ironman.com and there will be a link on Sunday that says follow an athlete (me an athlete HA who would have thought) and I am bib #436 and I hope to be finished around 10:30 to 11:30pm and you might be able to watch me cross the finish line on the video feed they put up.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Calgary 70.3 Half Ironman
Swim 58:55 -T1 0:6:13 - Bike 3:18:51 - T2 0:3:34 - Run 3:16:00 - Overall 7:43:33 - Placing 1006 of 1079 - Division 95 of 102
This was my second Point to Point race so I had a better idea as to what to expect and this time I was able to see both transitions and have some idea how it would work. That did make me feel better. My only problem was that I still had not quite figured out how the bike course got us into the city limits, but there are worse things to have a bit foggy.
Woke up at 4:20 and didn't quite remember why my alarm was ringing so early until I saw my race kit. One last check on my gear piles and I did the final bagging, I did good the only thing I forgot was sunscreen and this frozen Ensure Drink I wanted to test in my T2 bag. Had my 3 eggs on a slice of bread for breakfast as I headed out to the car. Saw a neighbor out for that first smoke of the day, made me smile thinking it must suck to have a habit wake you up like that, mind you.... a pot and a kettle come to mind. Drove over to the Grey Eagle Casino where a whole bunch of buses were waiting to take us out to Ghost Lake. I had to chuckle as the driver had Google Maps on her I-phone and was checking it rather often. Honey if you make a wrong turn you have a bus full of people that know where we are going and probably will not be worried about letting you know how to get to the lake.
So I arrived around 5:30 or so and did the last min organization duties, borrow a pump, put bags in right spots, stand in porti lines (2 at site, 2 at home), took pictures of the pros running with there bikes to the mount line I think I got one for each pro, sit and not get to excited too early, I chatted with people I recognized from my first learn to run class all the way to Iron Man camp last month, Phoned Natalie who was in a wedding party in Vancouver. I finally got the wet suit fully on at 8:20 and went and stood in the water with 107 of my new closest friends waiting for the final count down. I lined myself up near the back on the left side of the ramp.
The horn goes off and so do we. I did pretty good to the first marker I was drafting off someones feet for most of it and the bumping was minimal. I rounded the marker and thank goodness my Mom and Sister found out about prescription goggles that I was wearing today, I fear if I had not been wearing them I would never have been able to distinguish the markers and the boats. I only remember seeing 6. Two near the start, 2 on the bridge structure, and 2 at the far far far end. I would have liked to have had a waterproof garmin to see how much extra distance I put on by not seeing the next marker. The course is like a big rectangle so I clicked my watch at the half way point ish and it said 0:25:28 I liked that even though sighting was not fun. Well on the way back the wind picked up just on the other side of the bridge. I remember seeing the bright orange marker not move for a while, this is where I saw the boat with divers on it pulling a guy in a yellow swim cap onto it. he must have been out there for a while as this wave wore white caps. so the waves are starting to build now I realize that they were not white caps but they were getting to be very large from my perspective. I realized that I would have to adjust my aim to that I almost cut the corner so that I would swim into the waves at an angle and let them push me back a bit each stroke so that I could get to the marker. I finally got to it and then it was straight to the dock that I knew was there but couldn't see. I asked one of the people in the canoe what boat should I aim for. there was this great big yellow sailboat in the way of the dock, I remember seeing 3 sides of that boat so you know they were swinging around pretty good on their mooring point. Finally got to the dock and was standing.
Swim Done: 25:28 at my half point, 33:27 for second for official total 0:58:55 - 3:06/100m
I had my wet suit mostly off but not past my hips so the strippers had some extra tugs to do to get the silly thing off me. Dumped my bag out and could have been a bit more methodical on steps to get dressed as this was my first dump the bag transition. Wasn't shy and took a handful of Chamois cream and applied with volunteers watching, was glad I did as there was no issues later. Someone helped me pack my bag with my wet gear. then I ran in cycling shoes half way down the parking lot to the end of transition. I counted 3 or 4 bikes left in the lot. Grabbed Thor fumbled with the garmin to get it turned on (it's getting old and cranky) and ran the length of transition then the driveway to the stop sign. Looking back at the graphs my heart rate was above 160 as I finally started riding.
Transition 1 Done: 0:06:13
I had a good tail wind pushing me along Hwy 1A and it was great I was in the big ring flying along around 40k/h for a while until the first corner. Man I took that corner fast looking back and then their was the uphill grind Grand Valley Road is what it was called and appropriately named as the view would be nice if I hadn't had my nose to the grindstone. There was a little down hill stretch with a bit of a side wind I took advantage of this moment to take care of what I couldn't do in my wetsuit even though I tried. My fellow athletes will understand this previous sentence those that don't skip it and keep reading :) I finally caught up to my first athlete on the bike probably 30 min into the ride I had been watching about 4 up in the distance and had finally caught them. I passed about 5 people on this climb to hwy 280 where the aid station was. I went right through as I had my Beef Jerky sticks and a bottle and half of Nuun. I started the day with 2 bottles and in my first hour only drank half of one. looking back that was warning sign #1.
From the aid station to Cochran it was pretty much down hill and there was brand spanking new pavement for parts of it. It was such a lovely change from the chip seal on the climb. There was a lot of volunteers on the road all with a stop sign for traffic entering the course, some of them looked like professional construction traffic control people. I was feeling very good on the first half, I was surprised to see a timing mat halfway on the bike guess it helped on the track the athlete on Ironman.com. So as we went through there was more police presence on the intersections and more traffic. As I went up the hill out of Cochran I was passed for the 3rd time by someone that was not in my wave. I was glad they gave us the climbing lane up that hill, and at the top there was a couple that had pulled over opened all the doors on their car and cranked up the tunes, something I wish more volunteers would do but that's just me. Cars were backed up for long stretch along hwy 22. Finally got turned off Hwy 22 and that potential road rage zone onto hwy 250 and watched a small plane landed as I came up to the airport.
When I got to the 2nd aid station at 70km I tossed my empty water bottle and grabbed a 500ml bottle of water from a guy. I drank the whole thing as I went through transition, I kept my eye open for full bike bottles that I could get to replace my tossed one. I got to the end of transition and there wasn't any. I finished the little bottle and tossed it. Warning #2 this is 2:30 into the bike and I had 1.5 L of Nuun and that 500ml bottle of water. a few KM later I reached down as I was trying to drink and eat each 10 min when I remembered (need to set a beep for IM) I realized I had maby 4 good slugs of water left in the bottle. My mind said no worries it's only 20km that's your bike commute and you don't use water for that now do you?
So we get to the interchange that I all this time thought we turned at, the one that goes past Calaway Park and the volunteer says go straight. For a micro moment I panicked thinking this would take us over another hill, but it is what it is popped into my head. So I keep going east until this wacky corner and half way through it I recognized Mike W voice calling my name. Crossed over Highway 1 and caught another group of riders, even this one roadie that pulled up and asked which race this was wished me luck and then DROPPED the hammer and was gone. I saw Jen who introduced me to my coach on this corner where we turned and ended up on this little road that I didn't think was a road that I probably will never be able to find again. She told me Greg was just ahead of me. Traffic on Glenmore was backed up quite a bit and once again I was glad we had our own lane to use. Had some punk lean out his window and tell me I should quit as I was in last place. Then I passed the guy in front of me and thought to myself HA! We turned onto 37th street and I got into an easier gear and just spun down the incline to T2. I was trying very hard not to think of how thirsty I was.
Bike done: first half 1:35:56, second half 1:42:55, total 3:18:51 - 28.6km/h (a new personal best for bike average speed in a race, also first one where transition times not included) Avg HR 150
I got to my rack at the far end of the zone and this transition went a bit more smoother than T1 as I just dumped the bag on the grass. Some guy down the rack was saying he had 4 flats today and he never had more than 4 in a season so his day was done. I counted my blessings that I didn't have any and walked out of transition switching modes on the Garmin. I heard someone yell out "tear up the run course, or not"
Transition 2 Done : 0:03:34
As I left T2 a volunteer said that water and bathrooms were around the corner so I thought I would walk to the water and drink 2 glasses, I could tell I was very thirsty at this point and it was 1pm getting into the hot part of the day (wx.ca says it was 25 at 1pm and rose to 29 by 5pm) I got to ran past the finish area which was packed with spectators so I put my head down and forced ran myself trying to remember all run drills I have ever been told. My fear was that the Evil Nurse lady would pull me from the course if she saw how bad I felt. (Evil Nurse lady has harassed me at both attempts at Sylvan and also at the Innisfail sprint where my cousin Andy damned near told her to fly a kit) So I had history with her and I really didn't want to speak with her at all today. I heard my name a few times but I didn't really react to it as I was thinking but at the end of the crowd I heard "Fast Feet Randy! Fast Cadence" looked over and there was the lady from The Endorphin Daze Camp that taught us running drills. I couldn't figure out if she was telling me that I had fast cadence or that I needed to pick it up" I was confused. After the crowd disappeared I had a walk break that lasted longer then I wanted but by now I really wanted that drink of water and I had noticed that my skin was moist but I wasn't really sweating. Warning sign 3, I saw the sign for aid station ahead so I put 2 salt tabs in my mouth so I could swallow them when I got water. well what little moisture in my mouth melted the casing before I got to the aid station so I got a good hit of dry salt that I ended up spitting out in a great big white puff when I coughed. This is where I realized that I got modes switched on the garmin but I didn't start the timer, so I lost about a km of data but I didn't really care.
So we got to the canoe club and I stopped at the aid station to get more fluid. So we had to run back past the finish area and there was a sign for aid station ahead, now I don't know how much warning they felt you needed but the aid station wasn't for a long way after the warning sign and I thought I missed it. I saw Celine and probably rather panicky asked if I missed it. I felt like a real fool for walking past the finish area but I wanted water and NOW. All of a sudden Greg came up behind me as he had stopped at a porti. I met Greg when I was in Learn to Run at Kensington 2004, we have been running in a group together for the last year so I know we run at a close pace. He was desperate to ditch his water belt and was asking different volunteers if he could leave it with them. I yelled and said leave it by the porti they aren't going anywhere and the volunteers kept saying ask this person well ask this person. That gave me a 4min break 35 min into the run. I wanted to have a running partner so I waited for him. It felt good to have someone to talk with during the run to get the mind off the strong desire for water and since both of us were not having stellar days we pushed each other. We played games like we would run when we got to the first shadow. It worked nicely.
The out and back on 37 street was evil, out in the hot sun and uphill. But the kid giving out sponges at "T" corner gave them to you full of water it was so good. I have to figure out the best place to put them for the best effect but I wished they had ice cubes for my hat as well. so we dragged ourselves up the hill and I was feeling the urge to take care of nature at the bottom of the hill and couldn't wait much longer at the turn around aid station at the top and those ladies had Ice cold sponges it didn't click in to ask for ice for my hat here.
I told Greg as part of our head games that it was all downhill from here except the climb out of Weasel head. It worked for the most part and we ran for longer stretches before the urge to walk took over. I was starting to feel better around the 12km mark about where they had a timing mat. I had a sponge on each shoulder, one down my back and Ice finally in my hat. The lady listed everything she had to offer and I jumped at the word ice. We ran into the trees and with all that water on me and the temp dropping I was ready to run but Greg said that he was getting worse as time went on. He mentioned that he wanted to finish within 8hrs and he started 20min before I did so we had some work to do. There was an aid station at the top and I decided to take flat coke for the first time running, knowing that once I started on that sugar train I had to ride it to the end I had been taking sips of gel from my flask but coke was an evil type of sugar to be used in moderation. Greg had tried it with bad digestive effects at a race before. So now I was feeling right as rain considering I was 7 hours into an event. Greg and I followed this couple on power wheelchairs it was nice to have them as pacers for as long as we saw them... they go fast just so you know. Oh and we saw future olympian Jordan Bryden as we came down the south hill.
I did pretty good going up the north side hill to our "lost" aid station that I had desperately looked for before. I was getting into a routine at the aid stations, toss the old sponge, get a new one, drink poweraid, drink coke, drink water, pour whats left on head, and go. It worked so I am going to have to remember that order for the big race at the end of the month. Greg and I stayed together till about 3km to go, we would run till he walked and this one time he just said "go on without me" I asked again to make certain I heard him right and then I left my running buddy and ran up to these two guys that were ahead of us. I walked with them for a bit and when the volunteer said there was 500m left to go I looked at them and asked "Gentlemen shall we finish this race on a strong note?". We started to run and I left them behind as my vision started to blur on the sides and I knew that there would be no more walking. I remembered this quote by Lance Armstong "Pain is Temporary, Quit lasts forever"
Run Done: 1:59:17 first split @ 7.5mile, 1:16:43 for last 5.6 mile, total 3:16:00, 9:16 min/km, Avg HR 136
I broke the banner as I crossed the finish line and noticed it's soft feel as it came accross my chest. The medical volunteer grabbed my arm and said "I will tell you that you are severely de-hydrated right now as your not sweating and your cold" the other med guy took me to sit down in the shade and got me some ice water and an orange juice to drink, asked me how many times I urinated on the race, 1 bike 1 run was my answer and he smiled and said "you'll be fine" My best friend in the world Dan Giberson appeared from somewhere and I don't remember what he said. I laugh now as I remembered so much of the race but I can't remember what he said. A little boy came over and asked what size of shirt I would like and I got some pizza before leaving the finish area.
Dan helped me get my bike and bags out of transition and we walked over to the casino halfway there we realized that there was probably a bus that we could have hopped on to get to my car. I drove him back to his car and then went home and called my girlfriend Natalie and then went to bed and slept through a good rainstorm.
The day after I went to Ricky's for the biggest breakfast I could buy and then I went home and slept some more. I worked on writing this between naps all day. I feel much better now that I have slept, I am not hating my 3 steps from kitchen to bathroom in my house, heck I even thought about going for a bike ride today.... then I took another nap. Overall I think recovery today went very well which is good the last time I thrashed myself about a week ago it took a few days to bounce back. Ready for the next 4 weeks I think I might be. Next story after IRONMAN CANADA August 30. See you then.
Lessons Learned:
Good thing I didn't use my neoprene swim cap thanks to Cory @ TCR for schooling me on that point at Camp,
I got to swim in some waves and learned quickly how to go into them. Now that I know IMC will be glass flat (cross my fingers).
Set a timer to remind me to drink more as I think I don't as often on climbs unless I think about it.
Running with somebody will help you through the dark patches
Coke doesn't mess me up as bad as some people
Thanks everyone for supporting me in this thing I do
Randy
This was my second Point to Point race so I had a better idea as to what to expect and this time I was able to see both transitions and have some idea how it would work. That did make me feel better. My only problem was that I still had not quite figured out how the bike course got us into the city limits, but there are worse things to have a bit foggy.
Woke up at 4:20 and didn't quite remember why my alarm was ringing so early until I saw my race kit. One last check on my gear piles and I did the final bagging, I did good the only thing I forgot was sunscreen and this frozen Ensure Drink I wanted to test in my T2 bag. Had my 3 eggs on a slice of bread for breakfast as I headed out to the car. Saw a neighbor out for that first smoke of the day, made me smile thinking it must suck to have a habit wake you up like that, mind you.... a pot and a kettle come to mind. Drove over to the Grey Eagle Casino where a whole bunch of buses were waiting to take us out to Ghost Lake. I had to chuckle as the driver had Google Maps on her I-phone and was checking it rather often. Honey if you make a wrong turn you have a bus full of people that know where we are going and probably will not be worried about letting you know how to get to the lake.
So I arrived around 5:30 or so and did the last min organization duties, borrow a pump, put bags in right spots, stand in porti lines (2 at site, 2 at home), took pictures of the pros running with there bikes to the mount line I think I got one for each pro, sit and not get to excited too early, I chatted with people I recognized from my first learn to run class all the way to Iron Man camp last month, Phoned Natalie who was in a wedding party in Vancouver. I finally got the wet suit fully on at 8:20 and went and stood in the water with 107 of my new closest friends waiting for the final count down. I lined myself up near the back on the left side of the ramp.
The horn goes off and so do we. I did pretty good to the first marker I was drafting off someones feet for most of it and the bumping was minimal. I rounded the marker and thank goodness my Mom and Sister found out about prescription goggles that I was wearing today, I fear if I had not been wearing them I would never have been able to distinguish the markers and the boats. I only remember seeing 6. Two near the start, 2 on the bridge structure, and 2 at the far far far end. I would have liked to have had a waterproof garmin to see how much extra distance I put on by not seeing the next marker. The course is like a big rectangle so I clicked my watch at the half way point ish and it said 0:25:28 I liked that even though sighting was not fun. Well on the way back the wind picked up just on the other side of the bridge. I remember seeing the bright orange marker not move for a while, this is where I saw the boat with divers on it pulling a guy in a yellow swim cap onto it. he must have been out there for a while as this wave wore white caps. so the waves are starting to build now I realize that they were not white caps but they were getting to be very large from my perspective. I realized that I would have to adjust my aim to that I almost cut the corner so that I would swim into the waves at an angle and let them push me back a bit each stroke so that I could get to the marker. I finally got to it and then it was straight to the dock that I knew was there but couldn't see. I asked one of the people in the canoe what boat should I aim for. there was this great big yellow sailboat in the way of the dock, I remember seeing 3 sides of that boat so you know they were swinging around pretty good on their mooring point. Finally got to the dock and was standing.
Swim Done: 25:28 at my half point, 33:27 for second for official total 0:58:55 - 3:06/100m
I had my wet suit mostly off but not past my hips so the strippers had some extra tugs to do to get the silly thing off me. Dumped my bag out and could have been a bit more methodical on steps to get dressed as this was my first dump the bag transition. Wasn't shy and took a handful of Chamois cream and applied with volunteers watching, was glad I did as there was no issues later. Someone helped me pack my bag with my wet gear. then I ran in cycling shoes half way down the parking lot to the end of transition. I counted 3 or 4 bikes left in the lot. Grabbed Thor fumbled with the garmin to get it turned on (it's getting old and cranky) and ran the length of transition then the driveway to the stop sign. Looking back at the graphs my heart rate was above 160 as I finally started riding.
Transition 1 Done: 0:06:13
I had a good tail wind pushing me along Hwy 1A and it was great I was in the big ring flying along around 40k/h for a while until the first corner. Man I took that corner fast looking back and then their was the uphill grind Grand Valley Road is what it was called and appropriately named as the view would be nice if I hadn't had my nose to the grindstone. There was a little down hill stretch with a bit of a side wind I took advantage of this moment to take care of what I couldn't do in my wetsuit even though I tried. My fellow athletes will understand this previous sentence those that don't skip it and keep reading :) I finally caught up to my first athlete on the bike probably 30 min into the ride I had been watching about 4 up in the distance and had finally caught them. I passed about 5 people on this climb to hwy 280 where the aid station was. I went right through as I had my Beef Jerky sticks and a bottle and half of Nuun. I started the day with 2 bottles and in my first hour only drank half of one. looking back that was warning sign #1.
From the aid station to Cochran it was pretty much down hill and there was brand spanking new pavement for parts of it. It was such a lovely change from the chip seal on the climb. There was a lot of volunteers on the road all with a stop sign for traffic entering the course, some of them looked like professional construction traffic control people. I was feeling very good on the first half, I was surprised to see a timing mat halfway on the bike guess it helped on the track the athlete on Ironman.com. So as we went through there was more police presence on the intersections and more traffic. As I went up the hill out of Cochran I was passed for the 3rd time by someone that was not in my wave. I was glad they gave us the climbing lane up that hill, and at the top there was a couple that had pulled over opened all the doors on their car and cranked up the tunes, something I wish more volunteers would do but that's just me. Cars were backed up for long stretch along hwy 22. Finally got turned off Hwy 22 and that potential road rage zone onto hwy 250 and watched a small plane landed as I came up to the airport.
When I got to the 2nd aid station at 70km I tossed my empty water bottle and grabbed a 500ml bottle of water from a guy. I drank the whole thing as I went through transition, I kept my eye open for full bike bottles that I could get to replace my tossed one. I got to the end of transition and there wasn't any. I finished the little bottle and tossed it. Warning #2 this is 2:30 into the bike and I had 1.5 L of Nuun and that 500ml bottle of water. a few KM later I reached down as I was trying to drink and eat each 10 min when I remembered (need to set a beep for IM) I realized I had maby 4 good slugs of water left in the bottle. My mind said no worries it's only 20km that's your bike commute and you don't use water for that now do you?
So we get to the interchange that I all this time thought we turned at, the one that goes past Calaway Park and the volunteer says go straight. For a micro moment I panicked thinking this would take us over another hill, but it is what it is popped into my head. So I keep going east until this wacky corner and half way through it I recognized Mike W voice calling my name. Crossed over Highway 1 and caught another group of riders, even this one roadie that pulled up and asked which race this was wished me luck and then DROPPED the hammer and was gone. I saw Jen who introduced me to my coach on this corner where we turned and ended up on this little road that I didn't think was a road that I probably will never be able to find again. She told me Greg was just ahead of me. Traffic on Glenmore was backed up quite a bit and once again I was glad we had our own lane to use. Had some punk lean out his window and tell me I should quit as I was in last place. Then I passed the guy in front of me and thought to myself HA! We turned onto 37th street and I got into an easier gear and just spun down the incline to T2. I was trying very hard not to think of how thirsty I was.
Bike done: first half 1:35:56, second half 1:42:55, total 3:18:51 - 28.6km/h (a new personal best for bike average speed in a race, also first one where transition times not included) Avg HR 150
I got to my rack at the far end of the zone and this transition went a bit more smoother than T1 as I just dumped the bag on the grass. Some guy down the rack was saying he had 4 flats today and he never had more than 4 in a season so his day was done. I counted my blessings that I didn't have any and walked out of transition switching modes on the Garmin. I heard someone yell out "tear up the run course, or not"
Transition 2 Done : 0:03:34
As I left T2 a volunteer said that water and bathrooms were around the corner so I thought I would walk to the water and drink 2 glasses, I could tell I was very thirsty at this point and it was 1pm getting into the hot part of the day (wx.ca says it was 25 at 1pm and rose to 29 by 5pm) I got to ran past the finish area which was packed with spectators so I put my head down and forced ran myself trying to remember all run drills I have ever been told. My fear was that the Evil Nurse lady would pull me from the course if she saw how bad I felt. (Evil Nurse lady has harassed me at both attempts at Sylvan and also at the Innisfail sprint where my cousin Andy damned near told her to fly a kit) So I had history with her and I really didn't want to speak with her at all today. I heard my name a few times but I didn't really react to it as I was thinking but at the end of the crowd I heard "Fast Feet Randy! Fast Cadence" looked over and there was the lady from The Endorphin Daze Camp that taught us running drills. I couldn't figure out if she was telling me that I had fast cadence or that I needed to pick it up" I was confused. After the crowd disappeared I had a walk break that lasted longer then I wanted but by now I really wanted that drink of water and I had noticed that my skin was moist but I wasn't really sweating. Warning sign 3, I saw the sign for aid station ahead so I put 2 salt tabs in my mouth so I could swallow them when I got water. well what little moisture in my mouth melted the casing before I got to the aid station so I got a good hit of dry salt that I ended up spitting out in a great big white puff when I coughed. This is where I realized that I got modes switched on the garmin but I didn't start the timer, so I lost about a km of data but I didn't really care.
So we got to the canoe club and I stopped at the aid station to get more fluid. So we had to run back past the finish area and there was a sign for aid station ahead, now I don't know how much warning they felt you needed but the aid station wasn't for a long way after the warning sign and I thought I missed it. I saw Celine and probably rather panicky asked if I missed it. I felt like a real fool for walking past the finish area but I wanted water and NOW. All of a sudden Greg came up behind me as he had stopped at a porti. I met Greg when I was in Learn to Run at Kensington 2004, we have been running in a group together for the last year so I know we run at a close pace. He was desperate to ditch his water belt and was asking different volunteers if he could leave it with them. I yelled and said leave it by the porti they aren't going anywhere and the volunteers kept saying ask this person well ask this person. That gave me a 4min break 35 min into the run. I wanted to have a running partner so I waited for him. It felt good to have someone to talk with during the run to get the mind off the strong desire for water and since both of us were not having stellar days we pushed each other. We played games like we would run when we got to the first shadow. It worked nicely.
The out and back on 37 street was evil, out in the hot sun and uphill. But the kid giving out sponges at "T" corner gave them to you full of water it was so good. I have to figure out the best place to put them for the best effect but I wished they had ice cubes for my hat as well. so we dragged ourselves up the hill and I was feeling the urge to take care of nature at the bottom of the hill and couldn't wait much longer at the turn around aid station at the top and those ladies had Ice cold sponges it didn't click in to ask for ice for my hat here.
I told Greg as part of our head games that it was all downhill from here except the climb out of Weasel head. It worked for the most part and we ran for longer stretches before the urge to walk took over. I was starting to feel better around the 12km mark about where they had a timing mat. I had a sponge on each shoulder, one down my back and Ice finally in my hat. The lady listed everything she had to offer and I jumped at the word ice. We ran into the trees and with all that water on me and the temp dropping I was ready to run but Greg said that he was getting worse as time went on. He mentioned that he wanted to finish within 8hrs and he started 20min before I did so we had some work to do. There was an aid station at the top and I decided to take flat coke for the first time running, knowing that once I started on that sugar train I had to ride it to the end I had been taking sips of gel from my flask but coke was an evil type of sugar to be used in moderation. Greg had tried it with bad digestive effects at a race before. So now I was feeling right as rain considering I was 7 hours into an event. Greg and I followed this couple on power wheelchairs it was nice to have them as pacers for as long as we saw them... they go fast just so you know. Oh and we saw future olympian Jordan Bryden as we came down the south hill.
I did pretty good going up the north side hill to our "lost" aid station that I had desperately looked for before. I was getting into a routine at the aid stations, toss the old sponge, get a new one, drink poweraid, drink coke, drink water, pour whats left on head, and go. It worked so I am going to have to remember that order for the big race at the end of the month. Greg and I stayed together till about 3km to go, we would run till he walked and this one time he just said "go on without me" I asked again to make certain I heard him right and then I left my running buddy and ran up to these two guys that were ahead of us. I walked with them for a bit and when the volunteer said there was 500m left to go I looked at them and asked "Gentlemen shall we finish this race on a strong note?". We started to run and I left them behind as my vision started to blur on the sides and I knew that there would be no more walking. I remembered this quote by Lance Armstong "Pain is Temporary, Quit lasts forever"
Run Done: 1:59:17 first split @ 7.5mile, 1:16:43 for last 5.6 mile, total 3:16:00, 9:16 min/km, Avg HR 136
I broke the banner as I crossed the finish line and noticed it's soft feel as it came accross my chest. The medical volunteer grabbed my arm and said "I will tell you that you are severely de-hydrated right now as your not sweating and your cold" the other med guy took me to sit down in the shade and got me some ice water and an orange juice to drink, asked me how many times I urinated on the race, 1 bike 1 run was my answer and he smiled and said "you'll be fine" My best friend in the world Dan Giberson appeared from somewhere and I don't remember what he said. I laugh now as I remembered so much of the race but I can't remember what he said. A little boy came over and asked what size of shirt I would like and I got some pizza before leaving the finish area.
-------FINAL------ ---------------------- ------------- --- --- --- -------------- ----- 1.9 km 94 km 21.1km
Category --------SWIM---------- ----- ----------BIKE--------- ----- ---------RUN----------
Pos Time Name City Sta Cty Rep Plc/Total Cat # Cat Ovr Time /100m Tr1 Cat Ovr Time km/hr Tr2 Cat Ovr Time /km
-------- -------- ---------------------- ------------- --- --- --- -------------- ----- ---------------------- ----- ----------------------- ----- ----------------------
1007 07:43:33 MILLER, Randy CALGARY AB CAN 96/102 M30-34 1651 101 1030 58:55 3:07 6:13 87 896 3:18:52 28.4 3:34 96 1026 3:16:01 9:18
Some People I know that I could find their stats
1036 08:07:18 HADLINGTON, Greg CALGARY AB CAN 122/126 M40-44 1216 120 990 53:26 2:49 10:28 124 997 3:30:05 26.8 7:33 122 1044 3:25:48 9:46
1005 07:41:48 BLADON, Stan CALGARY AB CAN 7/8 M65-69 456 7 907 49:09 2:36 11:02 7 996 3:30:03 26.9 6:10 6 995 3:05:25 8:48
844 06:47:39 SMITH, Ernest CALGARY AB CAN 19/24 M55-59 430 10 517 41:19 2:11 9:33 14 723 3:07:19 30.1 4:19 22 907 2:45:12 7:50
875 06:54:51 HUGHES, Dale AIRDRIE AB CAN 65/76 M50-54 696 70 1021 56:47 3:00 10:02 65 859 3:15:35 28.8 4:00 54 738 2:28:29 7:03
299 05:34:19 HUNTER, Amber GRANDE PRAIRI AB CAN 11/67 W30-34 825 26 359 39:03 2:04 4:44 15 482 2:55:03 32.2 1:54 7 224 1:53:37 5:24
23 04:28:07 HUNTER, Darin GRANDE PRAIRI AB CAN 2/174 M35-39 150 7 110 34:08 1:48 3:19 5 47 2:26:50 38.4 1:13 2 12 1:22:39 3:56
Dan helped me get my bike and bags out of transition and we walked over to the casino halfway there we realized that there was probably a bus that we could have hopped on to get to my car. I drove him back to his car and then went home and called my girlfriend Natalie and then went to bed and slept through a good rainstorm.
The day after I went to Ricky's for the biggest breakfast I could buy and then I went home and slept some more. I worked on writing this between naps all day. I feel much better now that I have slept, I am not hating my 3 steps from kitchen to bathroom in my house, heck I even thought about going for a bike ride today.... then I took another nap. Overall I think recovery today went very well which is good the last time I thrashed myself about a week ago it took a few days to bounce back. Ready for the next 4 weeks I think I might be. Next story after IRONMAN CANADA August 30. See you then.
Lessons Learned:
Good thing I didn't use my neoprene swim cap thanks to Cory @ TCR for schooling me on that point at Camp,
I got to swim in some waves and learned quickly how to go into them. Now that I know IMC will be glass flat (cross my fingers).
Set a timer to remind me to drink more as I think I don't as often on climbs unless I think about it.
Running with somebody will help you through the dark patches
Coke doesn't mess me up as bad as some people
Thanks everyone for supporting me in this thing I do
Randy
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wasa Lake 2009
420/504 225/245 35/36 M3034OLY - 471 33:59 - 366 1:24:31Woke up early packed up camp in record time and drove to the race site. Mike /Jen were car parked #2 and I was #5 followed shortly by Sue / Lawrence and the fast lady that ran with Coach's crew yesterday. It's always a good sign when the parking lot is empty as it causes one less stress to pop up.
- 409 1:02:30 - 3:00:58.3
Found an acceptable transition spot, got marked, set up my spot. walked around transition to get a good mental image of what was where, Waved at the Master Steve King. Looked out at the swim markers and thought to myself that it didn't look as scary as Sylvan as I could see all the markers.
Got the wetsuit on about 25min before my scheduled race time. Shelly gave me the best wetsuit fitting of my triathlon life, it didn't feel like a vice grip on me and I was actually walking around without looking like I had gorilla arms. Got in waist high and got my face wet and met a lady that was so happy someone else was wearing a Neoprene Swim Cap as they do keep your head warmer. I even got my head under the water without hyper-ventilating like normal. I was picking at my fingernail that had just decided to bother me just as I heard the word GO and the people jumping around me. Guess the nail can wait.
SWIM - was good and relatively straight along the left side of the course. I kept my pace as constant as I could. I did get bumped a couple times as I decided to seed myself a bit higher than usual. I did have a guy swim against the flow and crash into me. He must have sighted and turned around as he cut me off a second time, at least this time he didn't hit me. That's the second swim I have been in where someone gets so turned around in the middle of the pack of people. Got to the first turn and kept wide of the right hander and got around nicely. Hit the lap button 14:32, thought that would be when the ladies would be starting behind me shortly, got to the next marker at the top of the triangle 2:47. Still no issues and I got a bit excited as I did race math in my head and my brain was telling me I was on a record pace (note I did a 41& 52 min Olympic swim in the past) So either my training is going increasing well or the swim was short. Despite the rumors I am putting my money on my training. I finished the last leg of the swim in 15:45. by my watch I swam in 33:04 which included a good run from the beach to the parking lot. My goodness that was different.
T1 - I kept my head on straight and my prescription goggles on till I was infront of my spot. Mr King pointed me out and talked about how my swim has improved from when he first saw me 3 seasons ago at the sylvan half when my sister and Mother convinced him to let me go onto the bike course as I was WAY past the swim deadline. They said I biked up a couple mountains in France. That was good enough for me he told the nurse to let me keep going. I will always remember what he said into his mike as I got out of the water. "Ladies and Gentalmen that is our last swim finisher, he biked up Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez last year so we know he has cycling power, lets see what he can do after swiming 2km" Remembering him say that still brings a chill up my spine.
Back to this race. It was a quick Transition I think I hit the lap button on my watch and I think my time from the timing mat to the end of my changing was 1:59. Mind you it was a long run to the bike. I got to the mount line and something different happened. I thought I was locked into the left pedel and swong my right lag over the bike at that moment I looked down and realized I was NOT in the left pedel properly and I was sliding off it. I almost caught the bike seat in the manly jewels not good in any way. I hit the pavement and landed my left knee on the chainring. I now have 4 poke marks from the teeth and one good scrape as I tried to stand up. Not my most fav moment of the event.
BIKE - I got rolling and took it easy for the first bit to bring my HR down to Zone 3ish. I saw the first place guy riding towards me when I was at about 8km he was going fast! I tried to stay in the Aero Position as much as I could but I did notice my back was hurting a bit. Mind you sleeping on the ground for a few nights might have affected it. Got to the turn around and the fast Ladies were right behind me. I knew the course wasn't perfectly flat but it slowly rose to the turnaround so I really enjoyed the downhill once I got turned around.
RUN - as I looked at the map I was confused as to where this route would take us but I had faith that the volunteers would guide us well. I wanted to practice my run walk plan I used in the marathon just walk the aid stations only. I do think I did that there was only one spot not in an aid station that I did walk in so I am happy with that. I was running behind a guy in a bright Jersey and the fast lady went past me around K-3 and said "Come on Randy Push it" I took a deep breath and pushed it and kept up with her for a few moments. I looked at the garmin at one point and it said my pace was 5:30, I don't remember it ever saying that!
I got back to the transition area and turned onto that sand path. I never really ran on sand before and I realized it was something I should have tried in training, oops. It was a bit cruel to have to run past the finish area with about 2.5k left to run. I did the second turnaround and by the time I got to the little fence where the volunteer said "200 meteres to go" I was in very much tunnel vision mode and going all out. I thought I heard my coach yell something out to me as I passed but I have no clue what was said.
FINISH crossed the line and the clock said 2:40:00 and I was estatic as I couldn't beleve it. Then I looked at my Timax and it said 3:01:29. Natalie appeared from somewhere and I still don't know what was said becasue my brain was still foggy. Apparently she was sitting next to Coach and his family watching me finish.
NUTRITION - I had a Cliff Bar in my pocket and I had broke it into 3 and tried to eat at 10, 20, 30 km of the bike. Drank a bottle and half of Nuun as well. On the run 1 water 1 gatoraid at the stations. Gels at 4 and 7k I think.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
HSBC Calgary Marathon May 31, 2009
Final Place Bib Halfway
Place In Sex Place In Division No. Split
954 601/636 M 71/77 Male 30-34 852 2:27:14
Gun Chip KM
Time Time Pace
5:30:35 5:26:29 7:45
Well a while back Coach said lets do an experiment. I was a bit shocked to hear it was a Marathon, but I have learned that when coach Mike has an idea he is already 3 steps ahead of of where I think I am. I stopped doubting his suggestions a LONG time ago, he says go, I go.
Since this was an experiment I am going to write as much as I can remember so that I can learn from this adventure.
I should start on the Taper as this was an interesting thing to go through. I admit I messed up one thing, I should have done a 2hr bike & 30min run but I was sleeping in and lot and not leaving enough time to get it done before my shift started at noon. A bit better planning on my part and it would have been done. Friday was my first day off from work and also It was an off day of exercise. It was payday so I did errands and I was getting a bit jittery as I can't remember when the last time I got to chill out that much. Oh I went to East Side Mario's for supper and I realized I go there too much when the lady behind the counter almost had my Rum pored for me when she saw me.
Saturday I went to Tristin's 3rd birthday party in the afternoon it was interesting to watch the pack of children interact with each other. I then did my pre-race run that kinda wakes up the legs but it's not a tough run.
Sunday woke up at 5:00 had my breakfast (2 eggs and Green Peppers) drank some Nuun. Now I have learned it's very important for distance athletes to take care of a certain activity before the race starts, I was a bit worried because my first trip to the bathroom didn't produce the needed results. Drove myself to the race site because in the back of my mind I didn't trust Calgary Transit. Did the bag drop and wondered over to the race start area a bit early but it felt good to walk around. I couldn't believe what I found, a porti-pody that had never been used it was absolutely clean, it was a great find.
I lined up and saw the 4:30 pacer ahead of me and someone said the 5:00 pacer was behind us a bit so I was where I wanted to be. In my head I new the plan was to take it easy and only walk the aid stations, so that was the experiment would it work? The race started and it was packed and somehow in the first km a Jeep was allowed to drive towards us from a parking lot. A couple thousand people coming at you dumb ass maby you could have waited. Next thing I know the 4:30 pacer runs past me, odd? The course twisted and turned and for a moment I wasn't positive how we were getting to 17th ave from where we were. I noticed the KM markers were off from my Garmin, it would beep and I would look up and the marker was a block and half away. I wan't too fond of the first 6km felt like each block we were turning and the pack would try to cut the corner but there was not enough room on all.
17 ave was nice and straight and people were out cheering us on it was great. I had noticed at this point my pace was 6:30-7:00 but my HR Zone was 2ish, I was banking on a pace of 7:15 so I was going faster than I had in training. I remember hoping this would not bite me later on. Then we turned onto 14th street and the pack was thining out or maby the road was just wider because we had more than just one lane. We ran along Memorial and at about 13km the half Marathoners turned and went back towards the finish line. I had watched Garath's videos and he said this would be a lonely stretch and he was right. I lost all my friends that I had been keeping pace with. Couple more blocks and the start of the hill was on us. Now I knew this hill wasn't that bad, Natalie had been reminding me that we are on the prairies so there are no true hills. Plus the hill repeats on Edworthy has taken any fear of a hill left in me till I do Vancouver or something :) so I ran all the way up and got to the aid station. I got a gel around k-16 but I didn't use it till 21k mark, it felt good to have it in my hand. We shared the course with the UofC Triathlon, they got the sidewalk and we the road. It was nice to see some tri kits, made me smile. Somewhere around here I had the 5:00 pacer go past me, I looked at my watch and I did the math and he was on pace for a 4:30 run. good job Wally.
I paused at 23k for a potty break and as I went past I heard a volunteer call out that she had Vaseline. It took me 100feet to realize that I could have used that as my thighs were chafing a bit and I knew it would annoy me shortly.
At about the 24km mark my Garmin started beeping like crazy. I looked down and it said that "Lap Database full delete oldest laps" to my horror it locked up on me. I couldn't even turn it off, it still sits next to me in that state as I wait for the battery to drain. I was just entering the zone of unknown and I was upset for a few moments that I would not have data to show. But was quickly pushed outside the box of things I can control and I kept on running. The terrain kept rolling , I was glad for the people putting out sprinklers, I was starting to get a bit tired at k-27 and looking at the race map that was the highest point in elevation. A lady that I had been yo-yoing with put her hand on my back and pushed me up the last little incline, my mind was a bit gooish so I couldn't figure out how to tell her to stop it.... I finally thanked her and she stopped, I then slowed down as she was a bit fast for me at that moment and watched her go. I was in shock and couldn't believe what just happened, I had grumbled at her earlier as she had headphones in rather loud and didn't catch what the volunteer had told her at this little turnaround.
So I am going down the "hill" and about halfway my Right Calf was not liking this anymore. I should have walked part of the downhill but who does that. I think my legs was trying to slow me but gravity was not having that so they battled and Gravity always wins (kinda like trains). so the bottom of the hill is K-33 and I felt like a gimp. From K-33 to the end was a battle of will and I was gonna force march myself if I had to. My memory kinda blurs this part as I was in a bit of pain, I do remember the CBC clock saying 11:45 and I did math on my fingers to figure out how many hours I had been running (4:45 @ 36.75km) I was playing mind games to convince myself I didn't have that far left. I felt better around 38k but it was in short bursts. I was counting bridges and new I had a bit left in the tank if my legs would let me. I saw the 1 mile left to go sign and ran 80% of that last mile. I turned that last corner and put my head down. I heard Jacqui call out my name but I was focused on that banner across the road.
I crossed the line and I thought it said 5:05 I was happy! I tried looking for anyone I knew, don't know where Jacqui went, I saw her truck later so I know it was her. I found the food tent by pure luck and it could have used some volunteers pointing at it from the finish line. It was picked over pretty good and so I grabbed some oreos, a bag of chips and an apple juice box. I laid down in the grass and had a few people ask if I was alright so I sat up and chowed down on my food.
Bumped into the Pink Lady, she was in charge of the volunteers this year. It's always fun to see Dawn at an event dressed head to toe in pink. Found the bag trailer and got my backpack, I have now figured out that when I was digging in for my phone to call my sister to see if she had her baby or not. I think my Ipod touch fell out then and I didn't notice it or I didn't zip up the pocket and it fell as I walked to my car. My luck with Technology hasn't been too hot this summer.
Dragged myself to my car and sat for a moment and asked myself can I safely operate this machine? I was tired and my legs were sore so I was worried about reaction time to the brake. Took a chance and drove off.
Coach was christal absolutely clear that I was to hop on the bike for a 30 min spin so the legs would not stiffen up on me. I am glad I did that as I can barely walk right now and stairs are not my friend at all, I am scared how bad it would be if I didn't spin. I even had a 1hr nap this afternoon, but now the Detroit/Pittsburgh game is on so I am done typing :)
half 2:27:40 - 6:56
cbc 4:45:00 - 7:42
chip 5:26:29 - 7:45
Two water cups at each aid station until K-33 where I grabbed 1 water and 1 Gatorade. I thought with the salt stains in my shirt it was time to ride the sugar train to the end. I had a Gel at k-21, k-30, k-35.
Next day update: Wow my legs are feeling very good right now and I am not cussing at the 3 steps to the kitchen. I had weighed myself yesterday morning and this morning and there was a 3.5lb difference. All the weight I gained in the Taper week is gone so I must have needed it for the race.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Golden Triangle 2009
Well this weekend did not go anywhere near the plan. I had this idea that I would use a powertap wheel so I could get some power data for my Iron Man training. Can't exactly buy one of these units right now so when Bow Cycle announced they would rent them I jumped at the chance. The weather report was saying snow on the Monday so at the last moment I decided to take my Touring bike for the ride.
I violated the number 1 rule twice. I used untested equipment for an event.
The touring rig had not been used all winter or spring. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the rear breaks were dragging. When I put the rental wheel on, it had a narrower rim width. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the brakes would have rub on the sidewall of the tire. So combined with the rubbing and the dragging, and a new wheel it was a recipe for trouble. It happened about 1 km from the start of the ride. I had a massive flat tire, the tube had a 5cm gash in it from the failure. It sounded like a gunshot it was so loud.
I walked back to the gravel pit and packed up the bike. The damage deposit on this wheel is HUGE so had thoughts running through my head that if it would do this 1km into the ride how many more times would it happen. So I pulled the pin on the ride.
I got back to Calgary and put the rental wheel on my race bike and went for a ride so I could at least try it out. But the gears don't mesh right on this setup so I could not use the high gears to see what kind of power numbers I could generate.
I am rather disappointed right now and little angry with myself. It's the Scots man in me that knows I could have spent the money for this weekend on a different choice.
I am going to put MY wheel back on and go for my own 100km ride tomorrow and Monday since I have the days off work. With MY equipment back in action I should not have any issues. I am just hanging my head in shame by not following rule #1 of Triathlon Racing.
I violated the number 1 rule twice. I used untested equipment for an event.
The touring rig had not been used all winter or spring. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the rear breaks were dragging. When I put the rental wheel on, it had a narrower rim width. If I had done a test ride I would have noticed that the brakes would have rub on the sidewall of the tire. So combined with the rubbing and the dragging, and a new wheel it was a recipe for trouble. It happened about 1 km from the start of the ride. I had a massive flat tire, the tube had a 5cm gash in it from the failure. It sounded like a gunshot it was so loud.
I walked back to the gravel pit and packed up the bike. The damage deposit on this wheel is HUGE so had thoughts running through my head that if it would do this 1km into the ride how many more times would it happen. So I pulled the pin on the ride.
I got back to Calgary and put the rental wheel on my race bike and went for a ride so I could at least try it out. But the gears don't mesh right on this setup so I could not use the high gears to see what kind of power numbers I could generate.
I am rather disappointed right now and little angry with myself. It's the Scots man in me that knows I could have spent the money for this weekend on a different choice.
I am going to put MY wheel back on and go for my own 100km ride tomorrow and Monday since I have the days off work. With MY equipment back in action I should not have any issues. I am just hanging my head in shame by not following rule #1 of Triathlon Racing.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Mount Royal Sprint 09
Official Times
110/173 - 53/67 1:35:09 Swim 145/173 14:48 2:50 min/100m Bike 59/173 43:32 24.1kph
Run 140/173 36:50 7:22 min/km
Woke up after a nice 11 hour sleep. Too bad I had too much trail mix yesterday as dealing with some GI issues or its just race day nerves.
Had my two eggs and green peppers for breakfast and made my way off to get in line for transition. It was cold this am my windows were frosty. Got to transition early and got a good spot I could remember where it was. It pays to be early at this one because the lines form quickly and they get long.
I am in heat 4 and I guessed I would start at 1120 considering breakfast was at 630 that's a long time. I had a cliff bar as a snack and realized too late the gel for t2 was not taped to the bike. Oops.
Saw a few friends before as I was lined up ready to head in with my heat. Swim was great! I actually kept track of my laps in my head and had to remind myself not to go so hard off the hop. It was over before I knew it, mind you the race dist is a tad longer than my warm ups for coaches workouts.
The bike was good I remembered from last year where the good spots for the aero bars were and I would guess that I stayed in the bars as much as possible. First lap I think I had a wack of speed, second was not too bad, the third was a bit of traffic to deal with. I do remember on the third lap that I really wished I had a pair of Wind Briefs on because I was COLD in spots that should not be.
T2 I knew I needed the socks on so I hopped on one foot like an idiot trying to get my socks and running shoes on.
The run I knew that my feet would feel really uncomfortable, kinda like your sock is bunched up in your shoe. Coach Mike has had me doing bricks so I knew the feeling would pass and to just run through it. took about 2k. I don't know why but my brain would see a slight rise and want to walk. My legs and my heart were screaming at my brain to suck it up and stop holding them back... what a switch from last year :)
I crossed the line and caught my breath, and as per the plan I went up to the track and hoped on a spin bike to flush the legs. I had a bit of food and waited for the door draws and didn't win anything but oh well. Off to the DQ and I treated myself to a hot dog and a blizard for a day well done.
My watch times
04:28 - first 250m
10:55 - last 275m plus running out to transition
02:25 - T2
12:27 Lap 1
12:40 Lap 2
13:00 Lap 3
01:37 T2
18:45 Half the run
18:45 Second half
----------
1:35:01 (15:24 Swim, 41:00 Bike, 38:37 Run)
Last year 1:38:22 (15:13 swim, 38:03 Bike, 45:06 Run)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
St Pat's 10Km Run 2009
I had forgotten the joy I get by strapping on a simple piece of paper on my shirt and a Timing Chip on my Ankle. I had been struggling lately to answer peoples question of "why do you do it" when I am going for a run in the cold that hobo's even go inside for, riding my bike to no-wherevill all winter on the trainer watching the same movie for the 3rd time.
I do it for Race Day, it's that simple.
I woke up this morning had my 2 eggs and Green peppers for breakfast along with a big glass of water, I had a Cliff Bar at 8:30 so I would be ready for the 10am start time. Checked the weather but when I got to downtown I had to buy some cheap gloves as I had thought I wouldn't need them. Got my timing chip and tried to stay away from the nervous people: the rookies, the chatter boxes, the family's, etc.
Horn goes off, I put myself near the back so that I would be forced to start a bit slow as I know I have a habit of going out way too hard for the first km. I kept in my head what my Coach put on my plan for the day "Run like your chasing somebody who stole your bike". So after I dropped some lady's exchanging child care techniques as I wanted to tell them to shut their pie holes, you know the voice that sounds like nails on a chalkboard, try running with 3 of them nattering behind you. We pass under 10th street and I can't believe the ice that formed under there, everybody walked tenderly over the ice. Silly me I followed them but I know how to run on ice without falling, but watching a guy go down made me think smart. 14th street bridge the kids volunteering told the 5k to go left and 10 to go on. Now considering the race package and the pre-race announcements all said 10k goes at 10am the 5's go five minutes later. I was amazed that half the pack turned left.
At the turn around I paused at the water station because I didn't want to spill the full cup they gave me. Now the section of path from crowchild to turn around is narrow and I can't beleve the number of baby joggers being pushed trying to pass by crossing the yellow line with the fast runners comming at them. Now I am no parent but I say leave the kid with somebody so everyone can enjoy their race.
I know you all are going to look at me like I am nuts but I have been experimenting with starting a chat with pretty ladies. Yep I attempted chatting with 2-3 on this race, it's great they are out of breath and will give you a look that says hey run with me or the "are you nuts" look. Hey practice is practice. I even bumped into two of my old friends from the Big Blue Box I worked at for 7 years. It was great to see them out on their sunday jog. Even saw another former co-worker out for a run who I haven't seen in a very long time (long hair looks good on you C) .
The way back you go downstreem with the river and the wind is at your back, so it took me less time to get back to the finish area. I do remember trying to increase my stride length and I felt like I was flying. Looking back at the graph I slowed for Ice a bit more than I thought but I didn't crawl across like some people did. Made that last corner and I sprinted as best as I could to make as close as possible to 1:05.
Got my burger and water for the post race meal and streached for a bit. I stayed for the Door prices to see if my 6 year streak of not winning anything could be broken. one of the last prices my number got called... I had to hear it a second time to see if it really was mine. It was!! I bounced up and shook the hand of the little kid that handed me my bottle shapped bag and I grinned like an idot that just ran to the stage of the Price is Right for the photograher. I got out of the way and opened the bag to see what vintage I got..... A hat, alright ok keep digging this things got some weight... Body soap?? really? keep digging, hand soap.... come on!!! something left dig again... something called Linen Refresh.
Looks like the "stuff I can use" door prize streak is still on. Oh well I tossed it to the side for the next time I see my sister and hop on the bike for a recovery spin while trying to find something good on TV. All in all it was a great Race day for me, this year is gonna be great!!!
I do it for Race Day, it's that simple.
I woke up this morning had my 2 eggs and Green peppers for breakfast along with a big glass of water, I had a Cliff Bar at 8:30 so I would be ready for the 10am start time. Checked the weather but when I got to downtown I had to buy some cheap gloves as I had thought I wouldn't need them. Got my timing chip and tried to stay away from the nervous people: the rookies, the chatter boxes, the family's, etc.
Horn goes off, I put myself near the back so that I would be forced to start a bit slow as I know I have a habit of going out way too hard for the first km. I kept in my head what my Coach put on my plan for the day "Run like your chasing somebody who stole your bike". So after I dropped some lady's exchanging child care techniques as I wanted to tell them to shut their pie holes, you know the voice that sounds like nails on a chalkboard, try running with 3 of them nattering behind you. We pass under 10th street and I can't believe the ice that formed under there, everybody walked tenderly over the ice. Silly me I followed them but I know how to run on ice without falling, but watching a guy go down made me think smart. 14th street bridge the kids volunteering told the 5k to go left and 10 to go on. Now considering the race package and the pre-race announcements all said 10k goes at 10am the 5's go five minutes later. I was amazed that half the pack turned left.
At the turn around I paused at the water station because I didn't want to spill the full cup they gave me. Now the section of path from crowchild to turn around is narrow and I can't beleve the number of baby joggers being pushed trying to pass by crossing the yellow line with the fast runners comming at them. Now I am no parent but I say leave the kid with somebody so everyone can enjoy their race.
I know you all are going to look at me like I am nuts but I have been experimenting with starting a chat with pretty ladies. Yep I attempted chatting with 2-3 on this race, it's great they are out of breath and will give you a look that says hey run with me or the "are you nuts" look. Hey practice is practice. I even bumped into two of my old friends from the Big Blue Box I worked at for 7 years. It was great to see them out on their sunday jog. Even saw another former co-worker out for a run who I haven't seen in a very long time (long hair looks good on you C) .
The way back you go downstreem with the river and the wind is at your back, so it took me less time to get back to the finish area. I do remember trying to increase my stride length and I felt like I was flying. Looking back at the graph I slowed for Ice a bit more than I thought but I didn't crawl across like some people did. Made that last corner and I sprinted as best as I could to make as close as possible to 1:05.
Got my burger and water for the post race meal and streached for a bit. I stayed for the Door prices to see if my 6 year streak of not winning anything could be broken. one of the last prices my number got called... I had to hear it a second time to see if it really was mine. It was!! I bounced up and shook the hand of the little kid that handed me my bottle shapped bag and I grinned like an idot that just ran to the stage of the Price is Right for the photograher. I got out of the way and opened the bag to see what vintage I got..... A hat, alright ok keep digging this things got some weight... Body soap?? really? keep digging, hand soap.... come on!!! something left dig again... something called Linen Refresh.
Looks like the "stuff I can use" door prize streak is still on. Oh well I tossed it to the side for the next time I see my sister and hop on the bike for a recovery spin while trying to find something good on TV. All in all it was a great Race day for me, this year is gonna be great!!!
149/232 overall, 5209 bib #, Randy MILLER 26/33 AG, 76/89 male, 1:05:25.6, 6:33 pace
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