Baker Lake 50K-Race Report

This event has been in my running plans for a couple of years. One of the coaches at the Y ran it in 2011 and raved about it. The problem is, the first weekend of October is jam packed with events. I struggled deciding between the Portland Marathon (because so many friends had signed up) and Baker Lake. I have run Portland before and the roads just pale in comparison to the trails for me.

Concrete Washington is about a two hour drive from where I live. The scenery on the way there is beautiful all on its own allowing a preview of the run to come with enough time to be fully awake, have a bowl of oatmeal, and settle into the zone.

It poured the week leading up to the event, but race day was perfect. It was like the clouds emptied out just for this run. I started out at a comfortable pace and found my rhythm. The views along the way are magnificent. I had to stop once in a while to take it all in. Even though the event sold out, the trail did not feel crowded. It was just the right mix of solo running and enjoying the company of other runners.

I had my new hydration pack and really thought I had been sipping frequently. When I reached the aid station at the half way point, I handed my pack to a volunteer to fill up. He proceeded to tell me my pack was too heavy and then loudly chastised me because I had not been drinking enough.  Oops. I had some boiled potatoes in my drop bag and graham crackers with Nutella (introduced to me by my friend Sonja). I felt fueled enough and I wasn't thirsty so I hit the out house and went on. Sonja was at the aid station when I arrived so we decided to run on together. I'm always better at drinking and fueling when she is with me because she has a timer on her watch that beeps every ten minutes. We lost each other around mile 20 and just about mile 26, I started having some stomach issues. After the aid station, I relied mostly on gels. I have decided that I need a more solid form of fuel because the sugar in the gels goes right to my stomach.

The last five miles was a big push for me, but I made it and I'm so glad I chose this event.

STP-205 miles in a blog post

To fully appreciate this weekend, I have to rewind to 2009 when I attempted STP the first time. I was also training for 3 marathons in 90 days, had just recovered from a bout of vertigo, and was following the Cascade Training Plan for STP, which by the way, is over kill. As a novice rider and aspiring Ironman, I naively thought that this was a good combination-marathon training and double century training. Not to mention all the swimming (In reality, Ironman training does not include a full marathon prior to the event). I ended up hurt from over training and went camping that weekend instead. SO STP has been that thing-sort of hanging over me since then. Every year, I have hesitated. This year, I decided I have to face my thing.

Cascade is the bicycling club that organizes the event. There are pros and cons to this club. The older-experienced riders can be some what condescending and flat out rude to people who are starting out. I think they just have forgotten where they came from. Note to self to always remember I was once a beginner. Riding in packs of 20-30 people does not appeal to me. I prefer to pedal in peace and not listen to other riders calling out "runner up", "car back", "on your left", "on your right", "cheerio". I do understand this is a safety measure, but hearing it every five minutes over the course of 100 or so miles-yeah, annoying. However, my good friend Heidi likes the club. The Pros: folks to ride with (admittedly friendly types too), accountability, showing up for a ride and not having to plan out the route, advice and support. I didn't join the club, but I followed the long ride portion of the plan and managed to be fit enough to ride the entire way.

Day 1 6:00am- met Heidi, Marki, Christine and Joyce at UW parking lot start line. 6:30 rolled out. By the time we reached Seward Park, I was having fun and thinking that cycling is an ok sport. I conserved on day one because I wasn't sure how my body would feel on day two. I completed only two training back to back rides, but also did a lot of trail running, which is hills and elevation-actually more elevation in 13 miles than the entire distance of STP. There is one big hill on day one and it's really all about shifting low and spinning your way to the top. Grateful for spin classes all the way up that hill. The event is well supported. There is food/water/bathroom stops and gas stations all along the route. We made it to Centralia, the half way point, by 4:00. I was staying in Olympia (driving back with my bike to a nice hotel) to fuel and recover with a warm epsom salt bath and a comfy bed. I highly recommend this over camping out.

Day 2 6:00am-met Marki in Centralia. Heidi and Christine had decided to ride an extra 10 miles on day 1 and to sleep in an extra hour. We thought Joyce had dropped. Her training plan consisted of a 52 mile ride and several 10 mile rides during the week. More on this later. This day was all about rollers-so much fun. I was extra hungry so I ate a whole Larabar at mile 25 and two tacos at the 43 mile mark. I was a bit nervous about the bridge crossing the Columbia river in Longview. There had been a car accident earlier in the morning (no injuries) so traffic was backed up and bikes were backed up waiting to cross. The bridge is not too steep but waiting to go up was creating anxiety in the crowd and riders were falling over-I guess forgetting to un-clip. I lost my friends about half way. I practiced eating on the bike like in a triathlon, so I didn't need to stop so much. I am amazed at the different types of bikes that cross the finish line-mountain bikes, tandem bikes with four people (how do you bike fit that), recumbent bikes, and those retro type bikes with the basket on the front and a banana seat. I noticed several kids, Moms and Dads pulling a trailer with kids, a bride and a groom on their honeymoon, riders with beer jerseys (gotta find one of those), all walks of life, all body types, all ages. Ok, back to Joyce. We had a pasta dinner the night before the ride and Joyce was explaining her training plan of one long ride of 52 miles and 10 miles daily in her neighborhood with a hill. Whoa, and I was worried I had only one hundred mile ride finished. Joyce finished the ride and I think how most all endurance events are a little bit of training and a TON of determination.

That's my STP adventure. I crossed the finish at about 3:00 on day two. I am grateful I faced my thing. I learned that I do enjoy riding-especially when that's all I have on my 'to do' list that day. Already considering the one day ride next year!

RAGNAR 2012

Funny twist of fate...I ended up joining a team for RAGNAR and passed on the free LS entry. I have done a 70.3, but never an all night running party (I mean relay).
This is a whole different kind of endurance. 12 runners, 2 vans, 200 miles, 28 hours of running, 2 hours of sleep.
I'm glad I did it for the experience. I'm not sure I would do it again. I love running. The waiting around was exhausting.
I love the running community-what a testament to the sport when you can hop into a van full of strangers, bond over bagels and bananas, support each other logistically, work toward the finish line together, and at the end talk about plans for the next adventure.

Deception Pass 25K

This event will soon be written about in publications as one of the most beautiful trail runs in America.

The registration write up went something like this:

Deception Pass is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. During low tides, the swift current can lead to standing waves, large whirlpools, and roiling eddies. This swift current phenomenon can be viewed from the twin bridges' pedestrian walkways or from the trail leading below the larger south bridge from the parking lot on the Whidbey Island side." Deception Pass State Park which is host to the race boasts equally dramatic "trailscapes" that mix dense old growth forest, beach front, mountain top, and grassy seaside bluffs into a delightful running adventure. The course snakes it's way through this small but bountiful park covering nearly every single inch of fun single track trails on both the north and south sides of the famous Deception Pass Bridge which runners get to run over twice!


They had me at dramatic seascape. I had clicked 'sign up' before the end of the sentence.

Trail running for me is the equivalent of Disneyland to a toddler: fun, adventurous, full of ups and downs-and in trail running, the cast of characters include the fluffy, the goofy, the princely, and the courageous.

Like Disneyland, it's the most magical when you get to share it with friends. In a 'wordle':

Seattle Marathon 2011

Seattle #4...Rain, Wind, PR

That was my Facebook post today.

I lined up today thinking I had accomplished two great goals this year (Mt Si and Austin 70.3). Today, I wanted this to be my fun run. No pressure. Just a tradition. The event that keeps me running through the fall to winter transition. The race where I see lots of friends and other maniacs on the course.

I started with the 4:45 pace group. I lost them on the bridge and Sonja, too. I waited a couple of minutes at the turn around, but I didn't see her. As I left the bridge to exit onto Lake Washington Boulevard, I had caught up with the 4:30 pace group. We saw the first runner heading North on Lake Washington Blvd toward the Arboretum. We were heading South, but we waved and cheered. I love running around Seward Park. It's like running through a forest surrounded by a lake. Just after Seward Park I got to see Shane. Since I am able to train on this route, I know the next few miles are the flattest, so I picked up my pace. I moved a head of the 4:30 pace group. I had mile splits under 10. At mile 18, my watch said 3 hours and change. My mind was racing...I actually might PR today. So I picked it up until Galer-Madison; the steep hill and continuous hill incline, then pushed through Interlaken. The rest is a blur. It's a little deceiving coming out of Interlaken. It still feels so far from Seattle, but at this point it's mile marker 23. And the 4:30 group had caught up to me. I stayed with them as long as I could. Then that little incline back toward Memorial Field-I had forgotten this hill. I was running out of u-m-p-h. I was very happy to see the big arrow pointing toward the stadium. I made it in at 4:31:41!

My first 70.3

October 23, 2011. Austin Texas.

The event was well organized. This is my first triathlon with two separate transition areas. Three large plastic bags with drawstrings were provided. The morning bag for items to put in last minute and things you need after the race. Bike bag for helmet, shoes, nutrition, race belt, and to put the wetsuit in after the swim. Run bag for shoes, nutrition, and fuel belt. It was definitely cleaner in the transition areas and there was no over lap with the person next to you. I also liked this aspect because the volunteers pick up your bags and all your gear is shipped over to a final pick up place.

Swim: The water was warm, so I used my O'Neil wet suit-shorter on bottom and top. The water was calm and the sun was coming up as the waves went out. This is the best race swim I have had overall. I felt calmer and more prepared.

T1: I had a rough night prior to the race. Sick-vomitting, chills and slept maybe 2 hours straight. So I took my time in T1 and drank a half a bottle of gatorade and ate a Larabar. At this point, I was thinking I might not be able to finish the day, but I would at least get to ride my bike somewhere I had never been.

Bike: Texas has beautiful scenery. It's so different from what I'm used to in the Pacific Northwest. There were bridges and small streams, over grown brush, tumble weeds, estate type houses and churches, beat up trailers, abandoned cars and some distinct Hispanic communities. It was like a country music song unfolding as I rode along. The surface of the roads are quite bumpy and at the half way mark, I got off my bike and stretched my arms. The challenge that day was the high temps and wind. This was the first time I have felt myself moved over by the wind while I was on my bike. It feels a little scary, especially down hill when there are other riders around you. Despite the conditions, my bike time was what I thought it would be. As I rode into transition, I got to see my friend Sonja on her run. That was definitely a boost and I thought, I am going to finish today!

T2: By this time in the afternoon, the sun was bright and hot. I had water left over, so I just dumped it over me and started for the run.

Run: The run course was changed due to the drought conditions. Apparently the trail portion was cracked-raised in parts and sunk in others and the race officials deemed it unsafe. I had three loops ahead of me without shade. I think this was more of a psychological challenge than physical. I have run 13 miles before and I knew I could do it, but I had to mentally prepare for the monotony of three loops in the baking sun. The first loop was great and it felt good to stretch my legs after the bike. I started to get really warm and I heard someone behind me say I was swaying. I slowed way down. I had made it that far and it was a fine line between pushing it and over heating or jog/walking and making it to the end. The route went by the lake and it was extremely tempting to jump in and be done. The crowd support was amazing. People were handing out ice chips and one group of spectators brought a hose hooked up to a water cooler and made a little shower. The finish line approach was more of a shuffle. I'll always remember the song over the load speakers as I finished in the cool air conditioned arena.

There are moments when I still can't believe I did it.

Chelan Man Highlights

1- First Oly

2- New wet suit, new bike

3- Something I know for sure- I have said I love rain so often that it has started to follow me around to all my events.

4- Lake Chelan is clear I could see the bottom of the lake.

5- Actually passing people on the ride

6- Running along the lake, looking down at the swim bouys and thinking "OMG, I swam that far"

7- Finishing 30 minutes sooner than expected

8- Sharing the day with my friend

9- Catching up on sleep

10- visiting the Columbia Valley Brewery

Cougar Mountain Trail Race

"Running is a free pass to friendship." -Benjamin Cheever

I won a free entry for a trail race from a Luna Chix benefit. So today, since I had 10 miles on the schedule, I signed up.

I love trail running-the solitude, the music provided by nature and the moments to enjoy the scenery, but I wasn't so sure I would like the race element added in.

As runners lined up at the start chatting and going on about the difficulty of the terrain, I almost bailed. Instead, I floated to the back of the pack and made a determination that I would enjoy the run and take my time.

Soon after the start, the crowd thinned and it was a beautiful run. The uphills were definitely steeper, more like a hike really, and there were logs to leap over and shimmy under, bridges to cross, and slopes like a slide. I'm pretty sure I was borderline anaerobic for the entire two hours.

The best result today-I made a new friend.

Mt Si

This is it! My first Ultra and my event for Girls on the Run to raise money for scholarships.

Each mile is dedicated to someone I love, something I have learned, something I dream, and something I am thankful for:

Mile 1: Shane. Thank you for being there for me ALWAYS.

Mile 2: Amberle & Mckenna. You both inspire me everyday.

Mile 3: Sonja. My amazing friend, mentor and running partner. Thank you for doing this crazy thing with me.

Mile 4: My mom and dad. Thank you for teaching me unconditional love.

Mile 5: Friendship. The people we live for.

Mile 6: Running. For peace, clarity, health, fitness, great legs

Mile 7: Freedom. Something I will never take for granted.

Mile 8: Health. There has been colds, fevers, chills, but overall I'm healthy.

Mile 9: Education. "The key to unlock the golden door of freedom"...George Washington Carver

Mile 10: Girls on the Run...I love how the program helps build confidence.

Mile 11: Girls on the Run...And how this spills over to other aspects of the girls lives. "I ran a 5K I can also ____."

Mile 12: Girls on the Run...the ripple effect to the girls families

Mile 13: Girls on the Run...and the community

Mile 14: Girls on the Run...I love the community impact project. The girls are always so proud that they made a difference.

Mile 15: Girls on the Run...the parent and school support.

Mile 16: Girls on the Run...all girls are included. They are not left out because of financial hardship.

Mile 17: Girls on the Run...the friendships that are made between girls and coaches.

Mile 18: Girls on the Run...the lesson on positive self-talk. I continue to struggle with this.

Mile 19: Girls on the Run...the lesson on assertiveness

Mile 20: Girls on the Run...the lesson on Gratitude

Mile 21: Girls on the Run...we talk a ton about choices. Between action and re-action is the freedom to choose.

Mile 22: My home. A place to rest my heart.

Mile 23: Nature. How beautiful it is in the sun, in the rain, in the mist, in the snow, in the fall

Mile 24: warm, dry socks

Mile 25: bagels

Mile 26: Sonja's golden lab Lacie-our other running partner

Mile 27: For the guy in his 70's who keeps passing us...forever may we run

Mile 28: This trail and the many people who keep it clean and nice

Mile 29: Perseverance.

Mile 30: One More Mile.

Mile 31: A great run today! Celebrating this HUGE milestone!

Seattle Marathon 2010

Thanksgiving week was a little crazy weather-wise. It snowed, the roads iced over, school was canceled, Amberle's job shadow was canceled, cheer was canceled, Girls on the Run was canceled, my concert was canceled and for Thanksgiving we stayed in, kept warm, and played board games. And I iced my knee and decided to run the marathon.

Thursday night it rained and warmed up and all the snow washed away. I don't know how we get so lucky that the weather works out just right for the run, but I don't believe the Seattle marathon has ever been canceled.

There are so many things I love about the Seattle Marathon.

-It keeps me running through the holidays.
-It's local-I can sleep in my own bed
-Lots of maniac support
-The course is challenging, but really pretty

I managed a two minute negative split which is a first for me. Although, my overall time was longer than I really wanted, I felt strong and was just happy to be running.

Pineapple Classic 2010

Friday night it rained. I woke up at 2 and it was still raining. In the dark, I managed my way to the closet, felt through my wardrobe for the slick, cool feel of my rain jacket and packed it in my duffel. Went back to bed with visions of mud and monkey bars running through my head.

This is my first Pineapple Classic.The event has grown so large that the venue moved to North Bend. It has it's pros and cons. PROS: lots of parking, more participants, plenty of mud, the misty atmosphere with Mt Si as a backdrop...CONS: it's a working farm and the barn really stinks. Kind of takes away from the enjoyment of the luau. The race waves are scheduled through 1pm. It's an all day event for just 3 miles of running.

Overall, it's for a great cause. The obstacle course is fun. The costumes were great. A couple of guys came in their wetsuits. There were Ninja turtles and eskimoes. I was jealous of their warm coats.

Rock-n-Roll and Mountain2Sound

We had a fun race weekend starting with Amberle's first half marathon on Saturday.
We woke up at 3am to carpool then catch the first shuttles from Westlake to the race start. Runners from last year strongly recommended going early because the buses got stuck in traffic and there was a significant warm up involved...one to two miles. I thought it would be better to arrive early and spend the time fueling.
The bus dropped us off at 5:30. I should rewind and say that packet pick up was fine. There was a board with everyone's bib number and she was listed right above my name. So, 5:30 and the scheduled race start was 7am. We had some bananas and Cytomax and chatted while in line at the HoneyBucket, which pretty much passed 45 minutes.
Our corral started moving around 7:35. The weather was perfect, high energy in the form of wall-to-wall (or curb-to-curb) runners, and lots of crowd support, aka cowbells. The bands were ok, but nothing to blog about. We ran the whole course, walking through the water stations and took one potty break which pumped up our time about seven minutes. Amberle ran all the hills and finished strong. I think the fatigue set in when the five pound medal was put around her neck. A symbol of all the weeks of training, getting up early when she wanted to sleep in, going to bed early on Saturday night instead of staying out late with friends, the drills and yoga that her mom insisted would help her be a stronger runner, running in the rain and mud up the Tolt, and the deep conviction that when you really want something for yourself you can make it happen. For me it was a dream, a wish granted, that one day my daughter might want to run with me.
And post race we partied and napped like rock stars.

Sunday was my first relay race.
We started out at North Bend crewing for the mountain bikers. This was an interesting start. The riders lined the bikes up to the side of the trail and then there was a little run out and back involved, so it was really like the first event in the relay was a Chinese fire drill.

This was also my first time meeting the Lady Outlaws with the exception of my friend Sonja. I was so impressed with our team. Sharon is 60...I hope I'm as fit when I grow up. Dawn has won several kayak events. And of course, Sonja has completed a couple of Century rides. Gulp, no pressure or anything. I'm just a runner.

The amazing thing is some participants did the full course alone. 100 miles solo...mountain bike 17 miles, road bike 43 miles, kayak 12 miles, run 13 miles, sprint 6 miles...imagine that training plan.

My leg was familiar...the trail I love to run and I'm glad the funds for this event will help improve it for future generations.

Eugene 2010

"Forget regret-or life is yours to miss" -from RENT, Jonathon Larson

My Tri coach once advised to write a race strategy. Detailed. He would say, "I want to read it and be able to visualize what time you will get up, what you will eat for breakfast, what color socks you will pack, how your transition area is situated and the way your race is going to play out as if I'm you."
My race strategy for Eugene looked a little like a programming flow chart...if this, then:
If dizzy before mile 6...then don't hurt yourself, it was a good attempt given the past few weeks.
If dizzy at mile 9, then head for the split off and run the course for the half...work out the confusion later.
If dizzy at mile 13, then take a walk break, drink, Gu, and keep repeating, I'm halfway done.
If dizzy at mile 16, then take a walk break, drink, Gu, and think about Amberle running next to you and how far her training has progressed.
If dizzy at mile 18, then take a walk break, drink, GU, and start making a mental list of all the things you are thankful for.
If dizzy at mile 20, suck it up...No regrets...the only thing that is keeping you from finishing now is if you pass out.
Somehow that worked-at each marker I felt a little more determined to press on.
Everything is kind of a blur-trees, park benches, flowers, the river, Mainstreet in Springfield, brew pubs on six corners, lots of green shirts, water stations, and Hayward field coming into view.

I'm two-thirds of a maniac :) One more race to qualify.

YRCM 2010

“Pain is temporary, but pride lasts forever”

Marathon #4. Every marathon is unique and presents its own challenges.
Yakima River Canyon is the most challenging course I have run so far, but also the most amazing in terms of scenery and the enthusiasm from other runners.

The event was on a Saturday, so I left work a little early to drive out; two and a half hours from North Seattle. I mis-read where the event headquarters would be. I thought it was at the Days Inn in Ellensburg (where I was staying), but it was actually in Selah at the civic center. It turned out great, because we checked in and drove the course on the way. The canyon is beautiful. There's a stark contrast between the sky, the rocks, the hills and grassy areas and the river flowing through.
We made it to the pasta dinner, a little late, but I got my packet and stayed to listen to the guest speakers. The event is organized by two marathon maniacs (the Dolphin's) and they are 80...yes, 80. I hope I'm that energetic when I get there.

What I loved:
-Everything was so well organized, especially for out-of-towners. Most accommodations have a fee for late check out or charge another night. The organizer arranged for showers(soap, shampoo and towels) and transportation so you could check out early and not have to drive home smelling like you just ran 26.2 miles.

-The race started a block from the place I was staying. I actually got to sleep until 6.

-The pasta dinner was $7

-Scenery...reminded me of New Mexico and the desert. I still love the green of the Seattle area, but variety is always welcome.

-Friendly runners-hugs, pats on the back, hi-fives...really makes the miles enjoyable.

Challenges:
-regulating my body temp. In the shadows of the canyon, it was chilly, but a lot of the route was directly in the sun. It was a constant cycle of sweating-chills.

-water. I read on a Runner's World post that the race had water every mile. The person posting said to be careful about water intoxication. So I didn't bring my fuel belt...BIG mistake and my own fault. I started to get dehydrated at mile 15, cramping in the quads and muscle spasm in my left calf at mile 18.

-slant of the road...well, the canyon is winding and at the different curves in the path, the road level of the road would shift. I believe it's called camber. I could feel it in my hips. I'm not sure you can train for that.

The BIG Bummer:
My friend, who has been training with me through out the winter, found out she tore her IT band completely from the bone. Depressing and disappointing and I missed her out there.

I am proud of this marathon...it was tough, but I made it...and 26.2 miles is still a long way to run.

Seattle Marathon 2009

In the world of running, I'm like a toddler. I have a couple of years behind me, a few key experiences and a vast amount of growing before me.

As I have been considering my goals for next year, it's almost fate that I met Jim, a Marathon Maniac, on the course. He has been running as many years as I've been alive. He ran the Ghost of Seattle Marathon the day before the Seattle Marathon and has completed 300+ events. We ran together around Seward park and leap frogged along Lake Washington Blvd as I stopped to hug the girls and get GU. And he smoked me at Galer-Madison. While it's tempting to let my ego be deflated by that...I'm amazed. 26.2 isn't the finish...it's really the beginning.

Reflections:

I love the energy at the starting line and the celebration at the end.
Writing a race-strategy and a packing list the night before, really helped me be prepared mentally.
Tunnel is still spooky.
I-90 was clear over the "pond"...no fog.
Cued my playlist @ 4:30 with U2...my push it music.
Galer-Madison still sucks and I feel like I have a score to settle next year.
Have never felt so elated to see the Space Needle.
The weather was perfect (as Seattle goes) considering it poured on me the week before.

Discovered I have developed a pet peeve...I find it annoying when spectators (most likely non-runners)at mile 23 yell out "You're almost there." I guess considering what is behind you that's a true statement. But given how you feel and being the moments where you are digging deep to push through the wall, "almost there" is more like mile marker 26; for me anyway.

My chip time was 4:46:55, which means I beat last year by 22 minutes, hit the sub 5 goal, enjoyed the run and sprinted the last .2 :)

And now I'm off to eat some more and think about the next race.

The Running Curve and the Portland Marathon

I will always remember this marathon as a day of self-discovery and a test of my ability to adapt to
circumstances that sometimes get away from me.

Through a random chain of events, I arrived at the marathon about 15 minutes after the start time.
I located the information booth and the race director curtly told me that I could not
offically start. He wouldn't allow me to cross the mat. In other words my race would not be official and I would not have a chip time.

As I have prepared for events in the past, this is a scenario that I never thought
would come up. But there I was, crushed, and wondering what to do.

I called Shane instinctively. He was with the girls and he said to me, "remember it's running that you love and just go for it.
Run the course anyway."

So, map in hand, I just started running. In that moment, I realized how much Shane has always been there
for me. It's easy to be a friend to someone when they are happy and things are going well.
But in times of uncertainty, when I doubt myself, he always lifts me up.

Determined that I was going to finish, I ran with all my heart.
I managed to catch up to some of the other runners. I ditched the run-walk strategy that I
had used in training and pushed through to mile 18. At the top of St. John's Bridge I had to stop
to take in the scenery. Somewhere I have never been. A moment in time, unique and mine. A place that
only running could take me. And Shane is right...I love running for all of these moments taken together.

My running curve-I know now, I can do more than I think I can. Maybe in some way I have held myself back.
What I mean by that is, I think of myself as a slow runner. I tell myself I'm not competitive.
I tend to think that speeds is for the elites.
Not that I think I'll be on the level of Deena Kastor or any Kenyan, but I can expect more from myself as a runner.

Kirkland Tri

This weekend, Mckenna and I completed our first Tri. Saturday it poured on Mckenna's event, but she did great in spite of the rain and mud. I think she was disappointed it was over so quickly. And Sunday was my event. I arrived early, pre-sunrise and the water was perfect. The lake was serene with twilight and park lights shimmering on the surface, completely oblivious to the fact that soon thousands of Tri athletes would be invading. After arranging my gear in my little corner of the rows of bikes racked for take off, I made my way to the pre-race announcement area. The event was packed with energy and conversational buzz, so I was catching only bits and pieces of the briefing...something about body count and scuba divers checking to make sure everyone was accounted for...that was definitely the part I could have missed hearing.
I found another novice (obvious by the pink cap) to chat with and we watched as the horn sounded and the swim began. Got a hug from my coach, just before his wave went out. It was comforting to see him there among the sea of faces. I was in the last wave and I hung toward the back to minimize the chance someone might swim over me. I could feel the water churning and I took a deep breath and started out. I concentrated on breathing, blowing bubbles and thinking I'm swimming over the trees (a little visual from Marc). I looked up to sight and was almost to the first buoy. I could see other swimmers around me backstroking and breaststroking and then I was actually swimming ahead of them. Even my dainty swim stroke (as Mckenna calls it) pulled me ahead. Later, Mckenna would tell me that she spotted me in the water from the spectator area because she recognized my stroke. Then all of sudden, the swim was over. Swim split 13:12
Running toward T1, the grass was still so muddy, my mind went blank. I took my bike off the rack, then realized I needed to put on my shoes...almost forgot my helmet...not the ideal transition. I guess I was too surprised the swim went so smooth. T1 time 3:54
The Kirkland bike route is hilly. Even the seasoned tri-athletes say so. I was determined not to walk my bike. I guess that's a Cindy taboo. Even though I had biked the route before the race, it seemed to go on forever. On 132nd street I was convinced I was the last...there was no one behind me. There's a nice descent however, back to Houghton Park and I tucked and coasted. Bike split 54:19
T1 better than T2, 2:17
Ahhh...running...beautiful, familiar, sweet...was over much too fast...Run split 27:48.
I can say with conviction, I love the triathlon. It's fun and messy and crazy. And it's made me a stronger runner. TRI it! You will fall in love.

No Day but Today

What I will remember about today...

The drive

The alarm ringing at 4am, I'm already awake, sleepy, but energized
The Cascade Mountains are spectacular in the moonlight covered with snow
Driving through the fog, singing to RENT, my Jeep transformed into a Broadway theater
Thankful for coffee stands open at 5am on Saturday morning
Cherry-pomegranate poptarts and day breaking over the foothills
The City of Wenatchee is known as the "Apple Capital of the World"
Everything in bloom


The run

Lining up and suddenly wanting to PR
A rowing club on rowing machines in a parking lot
Running over the Columbia River
Rolling hills sometimes means down hill out and up hill back
Hill workouts @#$%, but I'm glad I did them
Florescent green running shoes (green is really in at the moment)
Chocolate Gu
T-shirt quote "Courage to start, Faith to Finish"
Passing other runners-a new and interesting feeling
At mile 10, thinking "I can run faster"
Crossing the finish line and wanting to keep running

Post race

Felt great. I beat my last half by 13 minutes, so I did PR, though it was a last minute goal.
I'm beginning to believe I can run faster and do a sub 2.

After an apple and lots of water, I sat next to a couple watching the other runners cross.
They have been married for 30 years and running together for 15. I thought it was so sweet how they held hands, put their heads together to talk and shared a post-race muffin.