Oh . . . what an awesome experience my Triathlon at Pacific Grove was . . . way back in September of 2010. I was on top of the world, I felt like I could do anything . . . or NOTHING.
Yes, I am sad to confess that I have done NOTHING since September of 2010.
At first, I told myself that I deserved a two week break from my training. Not only deserved, but my body needed it.
Two weeks passed and then the hectic schedule of a working Mom became my excuse. Jakob had football practices and play rehearsals. Hana had gymnastics and piano lessons. My regular workouts were quickly getting pushed further and further aside.
And then the holidays arrived . . . with all their wicked food. Now, don't get me wrong. I love wicked food. And when I'm burning massive calories each day, I don't feel much guilt when I indulge. However, if you refer to paragraph two - you will understand my problem.
My true horror was stepping on the scale two days ago to discover that I have gained eight pounds since September. EIGHT POUNDS! I was only slightly mollified when the Wii Fit told me I am still within a healthy weight and also told me my Wii Fit age is 33 (not my true 37 . . . Wii Fit, I think I'll keep you around!). But still . . . how am I supposed to drag my blubber butt across the finish line at the February Davis Stampede (13 miles)??
I had contemplated NOT running in the February race, but I can't become that kind of quitter. Where is my inner Warrior Princess?? Well, recently she's been busy eating PIE, but we'll see her again in February . I promise.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
My First Olympic Distance Triathlon - Pacific Grove
It's crazy to think that 10 months of training finally reached it's fruition. In the last couple of weeks, I have been a basket of nerves about Race Day, September 11, 2010. The day before the race, I went almost entirely into myself - I was so nervous. But Race Day has come and gone and I am still here to tell the story . . . so tell the story I shall!
About a month ago, I decided to do an "Olympic Distance Workout". The purpose was to make sure that my body could actually do all three disciplines, back to back. My husband took the kids back to School shopping while I took the morning for myself. The entire workout took me 4 hours and 41 minutes . . . I didn't really care about my time. I was just relieved that I could do it all back to back without dying. Some of my nerves were calmed once I had the knowledge that I could manage it physically.
Fast forward 3 weeks later. I travel to Pacific Grove for a free swim clinic that TRI CALIFORNIA was offering for the triathletes competing at Pacific Grove. I knew I needed to be there so I could learn how to swim in the kelp beds in the ocean! That day also went a long way toward calming some nerves. I survived my first ocean swim and felt pretty good about it. A HUGE thank you goes out to the volunteer coaches who gave their time that day for us "first timers".
And then Race Day was upon me. My husband and 3 of my 4 kids were travelling with me to Pacific grove, CA. My parents were in route too, from Merced, CA. All to watch me race and cheer me on. I wanted to throw up. On the drive there, I asked myself more than once, "what have you gotten yourself into??". Why the increased stress? Despite my Olympic Workout and ocean practice swim? I had discovered that I had only 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire course . . . and my workout time was 4 hours and 41 minutes. I did not have much wiggle room. No room for a flat tire on the bike . . . no room for flipping over onto my back to rest on the swim . . . no margin for error.
We arrived on Friday with plenty of time to attend the Athlete Expo and pick up my race packet. My bib number was 849. We wandered around the Expo and I was able to buy a new pair of bike gloves (I had lost my own). And then I discovered a booth operated by a local chiropractor, offering free massage to the athletes. I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to Gonzalez Chiropractic in Monterey, CA. My left calf had been in pain for 3 days prior to the race. I was afraid of experiencing a cramp during the swim (this had happened to me during training). The lovely chiropractor worked out all the "little bits of concrete" (his words) from my calf. He then taped up my leg for the next day. God bless him . . . I know it made a difference. Then my parents arrived and we headed to BUBBA GUMPS for a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to have my parents there - my biggest fans, no matter what I do!
I did manage to get a good night's sleep - thanks to the Marriott. I do strongly suggest reserving a good quality hotel room for the night before a race. A good night's sleep is vital! So, well rested - we headed out to the race. I left my family at the Transition Area for the athletes and entered into the "holding pen" for athletes until my wave's start. I had to wait almost 2 hours! I was grouped with other women my age, many of them members of Team in Training and I have to give another HUGE thank you to all those TNT members. So encouraging and friendly . . . I had instant friends. Another thank you to TRI California, for beginning their event with a prayer - it really put my mind in the right place. As I waited, the fog lifted and the earlier waves broke up a lot of the kelp . . . so there was a silver lining to waiting. As I waited, I also spotted a seal swimming near the swim course and I said a silent prayer (God, your creatures are beautiful, but please keep them away from me this morning). Then it was time to put the wetsuit on and make my way down to the beach.
Our wave had about 10 minutes to get into the ocean and acclimate our nervous system to the 59 degree water. I stayed in the water until the very last minute (my body needs every moment to get used to that water). Then we were back on the beach and waiting at the start line. My family was watching from the sea wall above me and I was thinking "well, Sarah, it's now or never". The horn blows and we all run from the beach and into the water. I got shoved and kicked a lot . . . it's not malicious, it just happens! Then we all begin to spread out a little. About 400 yards into the first 1/2 mile lap of the swim, I was thinking "I can't believe I have to do this again!!". As I swam out to the furthest point of the course - out into the open water, unprotected from the cove, I was thinking "remember God, keep your creatures away, please!!". As I made the last turn on that first lap, I wasn't thrilled about doing it again, but the kelp hadn't been bad and no seals had bothered me. By lap #2, I was definately swimming slower. I got tangled up in the kelp a little more that second time around. And the amazing superwomen from the 40+ wave began to catch up to me and swim past me . . . but I used it as an opportunity to try to pace with them and hopefully improve my own time. And then as I made the last turn on the last lap, with about 200 yards left to swim, my left hand cramped up (a side effect of my rudimentary ribs which interfere with the nerves travelling to my left arm). I basically had a claw for a left hand. And here is where I say THANK YOU to my swim coach, Holly, who made me practice swimming one handed in workouts. That last 200 yards was completed with my left hand closed in a fist. And as I was swimming like a crab, I was thinking "Sarah, you're going to do this! The hardest part is almost behind you".
As I entered the transition area, I had to get out of my wetsuit and then run to the port-a-pottie! I don't know why - but I ALWAYS have to pee after I get out of the water. I heard some athletes discussing how they just pee in their wetsuit in the water, but YUCK! First, my wetsuit cost a lot of money. Second, I have several more miles in front of me and I can't smell like pee the entire time. So, after peeing . . . my stupid left hand was still a claw and I had a heck of a time trying to get my shoes on, zipping up my cycling jersey . . . it was comical. But I got on that bike and out of the transition area.
The bike had been another source of worry for me. The course had a lot more hills than I had trained for. In Davis, CA we have ZERO real hills to train on. My next prayer went out (God, please no flat tires. I beg you.). ThenI realized as I began the bike that the wind coming off the ocean (we biked along beautiful Oceanview Blvd the entire way) was almost as bad as the hills. Even going downhill on the"out" portion of the lap was hard. But the "in" portion of the lap was fun . . . fast and beautiful. I ate every 30 minutes on the bike. If you can call the "gels" and powerbars that I consumed real food. But they kept me going. And I went through 2 water bottles filled with gatorade. My family was there . . . cheering me on. My son calling out to me"Come on, Mama - you gotta want it!!". That was great. And as I glanced down at my watch, I was beginning to think . . . "I can finish this race before 4:45 as long as I can get off the bike by the 2 hour mark".
Transition 2 was much easier than my first. Although I STILL had to stop and go pee. I don't know how these other athletes do it! I guess if I could finish the whole course in 2 hours, I wouldn't have to stop and pee either . . . but my bladder just couldn't handle it! This time, my left hand was no longer a claw and all I had to do was rack my bike, take off my helmet and gloves and hit the ground running . . .
Aahhhh, the running. While the swim is the hardest part, the run is my most dreaded part. I just hate to run. And after I had been on the bike for 2 hours, my legs were just rubber. Another prayer (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I can!). My first 2 mile lap was garbage. And I was thinking "Crap! I have to do that TWO more times". As I began my second lap, I was feeling better. This complete stranger was ringing her cow bell for me and yelling "You go, girl!!". All the spectators were so supportive. But none as much as my family. The great part of the run is that I was going much slower than the bike and I could hear more of their cheers. And I could also talk to other runners on the course, and we did alot of encouraging for one another. As I rounded into my last lap, I was on a high. I ran my fastest split, which is hilarious to me considering my body had been in constant motion for over 4 hours and I should have been exhausted. But I was elated. 10 months of training and here I was on the last lap. I was going to finish the course before the cutoff, no problem! Then the finish line came into view and I picked up my speed even more and in that moment I felt like I could do anything. With my arms over my head and laughing the whole way, I crossed the finish line. They draped my medal over my neck and my family was there to hug me, my Mom to cry tears of joy with me. That moment was a treasure.
Official time: 4:23:07. That was my victory. I left 4:41 in the dust!
A few closing reflections . . .
Next time (oh yes, there will be a NEXT TIME), I will remember to put the Body Glide all over my neck. The wetsuit seems to rub everywhere and I have three raw spots on my neck that look like HICKIES!!! Mortified. I will also take into consideration that when you tape up your calf, expect to see funky tan lines on said calf by the end of the day.
But all in all, it was a fabulous experience. There will probably never be anything like the first time, but I'm hoping to add some more terrific memories as I steadily decrease my times. And who knows . . . .maybe a half-Ironman before I'm 40??
My final thank you . . . really more a prayer of thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for giving me this healthy body and blessing me with such an incredible group of family and friends and making the beautiful Pacific Ocean and coastline. All praise, glory and honor be to You. Without You, I couldn't take two steps, let alone finish a Triathlon. Amen.
About a month ago, I decided to do an "Olympic Distance Workout". The purpose was to make sure that my body could actually do all three disciplines, back to back. My husband took the kids back to School shopping while I took the morning for myself. The entire workout took me 4 hours and 41 minutes . . . I didn't really care about my time. I was just relieved that I could do it all back to back without dying. Some of my nerves were calmed once I had the knowledge that I could manage it physically.
Fast forward 3 weeks later. I travel to Pacific Grove for a free swim clinic that TRI CALIFORNIA was offering for the triathletes competing at Pacific Grove. I knew I needed to be there so I could learn how to swim in the kelp beds in the ocean! That day also went a long way toward calming some nerves. I survived my first ocean swim and felt pretty good about it. A HUGE thank you goes out to the volunteer coaches who gave their time that day for us "first timers".
And then Race Day was upon me. My husband and 3 of my 4 kids were travelling with me to Pacific grove, CA. My parents were in route too, from Merced, CA. All to watch me race and cheer me on. I wanted to throw up. On the drive there, I asked myself more than once, "what have you gotten yourself into??". Why the increased stress? Despite my Olympic Workout and ocean practice swim? I had discovered that I had only 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire course . . . and my workout time was 4 hours and 41 minutes. I did not have much wiggle room. No room for a flat tire on the bike . . . no room for flipping over onto my back to rest on the swim . . . no margin for error.
We arrived on Friday with plenty of time to attend the Athlete Expo and pick up my race packet. My bib number was 849. We wandered around the Expo and I was able to buy a new pair of bike gloves (I had lost my own). And then I discovered a booth operated by a local chiropractor, offering free massage to the athletes. I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to Gonzalez Chiropractic in Monterey, CA. My left calf had been in pain for 3 days prior to the race. I was afraid of experiencing a cramp during the swim (this had happened to me during training). The lovely chiropractor worked out all the "little bits of concrete" (his words) from my calf. He then taped up my leg for the next day. God bless him . . . I know it made a difference. Then my parents arrived and we headed to BUBBA GUMPS for a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to have my parents there - my biggest fans, no matter what I do!
I did manage to get a good night's sleep - thanks to the Marriott. I do strongly suggest reserving a good quality hotel room for the night before a race. A good night's sleep is vital! So, well rested - we headed out to the race. I left my family at the Transition Area for the athletes and entered into the "holding pen" for athletes until my wave's start. I had to wait almost 2 hours! I was grouped with other women my age, many of them members of Team in Training and I have to give another HUGE thank you to all those TNT members. So encouraging and friendly . . . I had instant friends. Another thank you to TRI California, for beginning their event with a prayer - it really put my mind in the right place. As I waited, the fog lifted and the earlier waves broke up a lot of the kelp . . . so there was a silver lining to waiting. As I waited, I also spotted a seal swimming near the swim course and I said a silent prayer (God, your creatures are beautiful, but please keep them away from me this morning). Then it was time to put the wetsuit on and make my way down to the beach.
Our wave had about 10 minutes to get into the ocean and acclimate our nervous system to the 59 degree water. I stayed in the water until the very last minute (my body needs every moment to get used to that water). Then we were back on the beach and waiting at the start line. My family was watching from the sea wall above me and I was thinking "well, Sarah, it's now or never". The horn blows and we all run from the beach and into the water. I got shoved and kicked a lot . . . it's not malicious, it just happens! Then we all begin to spread out a little. About 400 yards into the first 1/2 mile lap of the swim, I was thinking "I can't believe I have to do this again!!". As I swam out to the furthest point of the course - out into the open water, unprotected from the cove, I was thinking "remember God, keep your creatures away, please!!". As I made the last turn on that first lap, I wasn't thrilled about doing it again, but the kelp hadn't been bad and no seals had bothered me. By lap #2, I was definately swimming slower. I got tangled up in the kelp a little more that second time around. And the amazing superwomen from the 40+ wave began to catch up to me and swim past me . . . but I used it as an opportunity to try to pace with them and hopefully improve my own time. And then as I made the last turn on the last lap, with about 200 yards left to swim, my left hand cramped up (a side effect of my rudimentary ribs which interfere with the nerves travelling to my left arm). I basically had a claw for a left hand. And here is where I say THANK YOU to my swim coach, Holly, who made me practice swimming one handed in workouts. That last 200 yards was completed with my left hand closed in a fist. And as I was swimming like a crab, I was thinking "Sarah, you're going to do this! The hardest part is almost behind you".
As I entered the transition area, I had to get out of my wetsuit and then run to the port-a-pottie! I don't know why - but I ALWAYS have to pee after I get out of the water. I heard some athletes discussing how they just pee in their wetsuit in the water, but YUCK! First, my wetsuit cost a lot of money. Second, I have several more miles in front of me and I can't smell like pee the entire time. So, after peeing . . . my stupid left hand was still a claw and I had a heck of a time trying to get my shoes on, zipping up my cycling jersey . . . it was comical. But I got on that bike and out of the transition area.
The bike had been another source of worry for me. The course had a lot more hills than I had trained for. In Davis, CA we have ZERO real hills to train on. My next prayer went out (God, please no flat tires. I beg you.). ThenI realized as I began the bike that the wind coming off the ocean (we biked along beautiful Oceanview Blvd the entire way) was almost as bad as the hills. Even going downhill on the"out" portion of the lap was hard. But the "in" portion of the lap was fun . . . fast and beautiful. I ate every 30 minutes on the bike. If you can call the "gels" and powerbars that I consumed real food. But they kept me going. And I went through 2 water bottles filled with gatorade. My family was there . . . cheering me on. My son calling out to me"Come on, Mama - you gotta want it!!". That was great. And as I glanced down at my watch, I was beginning to think . . . "I can finish this race before 4:45 as long as I can get off the bike by the 2 hour mark".
Transition 2 was much easier than my first. Although I STILL had to stop and go pee. I don't know how these other athletes do it! I guess if I could finish the whole course in 2 hours, I wouldn't have to stop and pee either . . . but my bladder just couldn't handle it! This time, my left hand was no longer a claw and all I had to do was rack my bike, take off my helmet and gloves and hit the ground running . . .
Aahhhh, the running. While the swim is the hardest part, the run is my most dreaded part. I just hate to run. And after I had been on the bike for 2 hours, my legs were just rubber. Another prayer (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I can!). My first 2 mile lap was garbage. And I was thinking "Crap! I have to do that TWO more times". As I began my second lap, I was feeling better. This complete stranger was ringing her cow bell for me and yelling "You go, girl!!". All the spectators were so supportive. But none as much as my family. The great part of the run is that I was going much slower than the bike and I could hear more of their cheers. And I could also talk to other runners on the course, and we did alot of encouraging for one another. As I rounded into my last lap, I was on a high. I ran my fastest split, which is hilarious to me considering my body had been in constant motion for over 4 hours and I should have been exhausted. But I was elated. 10 months of training and here I was on the last lap. I was going to finish the course before the cutoff, no problem! Then the finish line came into view and I picked up my speed even more and in that moment I felt like I could do anything. With my arms over my head and laughing the whole way, I crossed the finish line. They draped my medal over my neck and my family was there to hug me, my Mom to cry tears of joy with me. That moment was a treasure.
Official time: 4:23:07. That was my victory. I left 4:41 in the dust!
A few closing reflections . . .
Next time (oh yes, there will be a NEXT TIME), I will remember to put the Body Glide all over my neck. The wetsuit seems to rub everywhere and I have three raw spots on my neck that look like HICKIES!!! Mortified. I will also take into consideration that when you tape up your calf, expect to see funky tan lines on said calf by the end of the day.
But all in all, it was a fabulous experience. There will probably never be anything like the first time, but I'm hoping to add some more terrific memories as I steadily decrease my times. And who knows . . . .maybe a half-Ironman before I'm 40??
My final thank you . . . really more a prayer of thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for giving me this healthy body and blessing me with such an incredible group of family and friends and making the beautiful Pacific Ocean and coastline. All praise, glory and honor be to You. Without You, I couldn't take two steps, let alone finish a Triathlon. Amen.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
An 8 minute mile . . .
I think I have found the "sweet spot" for running . . . around 8pm for this girl. I have tried running at all different times of day; early in the morning, heat of the afternoon and at dusk. Mornings are nice and cool but I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON. My body protests. And afternoons are just HOT. But dusk is my time . . . and I was thrilled while running a 5K last Friday and my second mile split was 8 minutes!! I couldn't believe it! I kept looking at my stopwatch, thinking "am I doing that math right???". And it was faster than my first mile - which has never happened to me. My oldest daughter (of cross country running fame) tells me that this happens with some runners. Maybe some runners but not this runner!
But we are only as good as our last performance and this morning I DID NOT run an 8 minute mile. Not even during the first mile. I blame it on the morning. The morning is a nasty time of day and I hadn't even had a cup of coffee yet! I will be forever chasing this darn 8 minute mile now. To have achieved it once means I can do it!! So much more frustrating when I fall short (or long in this case!).
Today, my husband suggested that I give my September TRI a trial run . . . try to swim 1 mile, bike 25 miles and run 6 miles . . . back to back. He's right, I need to do a trial run and I think I'll schedule it so I'm finishing up with my run at dusk!
But we are only as good as our last performance and this morning I DID NOT run an 8 minute mile. Not even during the first mile. I blame it on the morning. The morning is a nasty time of day and I hadn't even had a cup of coffee yet! I will be forever chasing this darn 8 minute mile now. To have achieved it once means I can do it!! So much more frustrating when I fall short (or long in this case!).
Today, my husband suggested that I give my September TRI a trial run . . . try to swim 1 mile, bike 25 miles and run 6 miles . . . back to back. He's right, I need to do a trial run and I think I'll schedule it so I'm finishing up with my run at dusk!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Ouch: Dealing With DOMS
It's Tuesday night and my first triathlon was Sunday morning. I felt so alive and STRONG on Sunday. I was still feeling pretty good on Monday and even went to my Master swim class Monday evening. But about an hour ago, I began to feel like I just stepped out of the ring with Mike Tyson. My right quad is on fire and muscles are twitching. The triceps in both my arms are tender and sore. My lower back is stiff. What the H E double hockey sticks??
My husband says smugly from the couch that you always "feel it" two days later.
Of course, I had to do my own research. And what my husband is referring to is DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. This muscle pain or soreness is typically felt 12-48 hours after strenuous exercise - BUT leads to GREATER overall stamina and strength as your body recovers and rebuilds (so there is a payoff here).
What causes our little friend DOMS? Get this . . . microscopic tearing of my muscle fibers.
OK, OK . . . so how do I make it go away? In my research, there is no "proven" method, but here are the suggestions on how to recover from DOMS:
1. Take a break for awhile. It should go away in 3 to 7 days! (genius)
2. Ice Bath (forget it! I'd rather be sore)
3. Sports Massage (not likely . . . the cost of the triathlon put a big enough dent in my wallet)
4. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflamitory . . . like Ibuprofen or asprin (now we're talking)
5. Yoga (my training schedule has no room for one more class, are you kidding me?)
But I guess the better question is - can it be prevented??
Yes.
Stretch after your strenuous exercise. Even if you're feeling like the Queen of the World and want to take pictures to savor the moment and talk to the other athletes and call your husband to gloat . . . take 10 minutes from your parade of one to STRETCH. And if they offer a FREE sports massage after the event (as they did at Donner Lake), take advantage of the offer. I'm just saying . . . it was probably factored into your entry fee anyway, you might as well use it.
But I think ultimately, the soreness is like a battle scar. And I'm proud of it. So, go ahead, little microscopic muscle fibers . . . tear away!! With every wince, I will remind myself that my body is busy building a Warrior Princess.
My husband says smugly from the couch that you always "feel it" two days later.
Of course, I had to do my own research. And what my husband is referring to is DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. This muscle pain or soreness is typically felt 12-48 hours after strenuous exercise - BUT leads to GREATER overall stamina and strength as your body recovers and rebuilds (so there is a payoff here).
What causes our little friend DOMS? Get this . . . microscopic tearing of my muscle fibers.
OK, OK . . . so how do I make it go away? In my research, there is no "proven" method, but here are the suggestions on how to recover from DOMS:
1. Take a break for awhile. It should go away in 3 to 7 days! (genius)
2. Ice Bath (forget it! I'd rather be sore)
3. Sports Massage (not likely . . . the cost of the triathlon put a big enough dent in my wallet)
4. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflamitory . . . like Ibuprofen or asprin (now we're talking)
5. Yoga (my training schedule has no room for one more class, are you kidding me?)
But I guess the better question is - can it be prevented??
Yes.
Stretch after your strenuous exercise. Even if you're feeling like the Queen of the World and want to take pictures to savor the moment and talk to the other athletes and call your husband to gloat . . . take 10 minutes from your parade of one to STRETCH. And if they offer a FREE sports massage after the event (as they did at Donner Lake), take advantage of the offer. I'm just saying . . . it was probably factored into your entry fee anyway, you might as well use it.
But I think ultimately, the soreness is like a battle scar. And I'm proud of it. So, go ahead, little microscopic muscle fibers . . . tear away!! With every wince, I will remind myself that my body is busy building a Warrior Princess.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Reflections of my first Triathlon: Donner Lake Triathlon 2010
So . . . I signed up for the Donner Lake Triathlon as an afterthought. I had originally signed up for the Triathlon at Pacific Grove - Olympic Distance. And then I thought - hey! I need a "warm up" Sprint Distance before I tackle that big race. I looked up all the races coming up in my area and chose Donner because it fit my schedule. Little did I know that I had selected one of the hardest Triathlons out there!
The swim was fine . . . in fact, I think the swim is what people stress about the most. But at Donner Lake, the water was nice and warm and the lake was smooth as glass. It is a lake and so the water isn't very clear. I've been in a grand total of 3 lakes up to this point in my life, and I think with the exception of Lake Tahoe, lakes are dark and murky - accept that.
The run was also fine . . . in fact, it was a nice and shady route. There is a slight incline, but nothing too bad. You run along South Shore drive. At one point, a little girl ran out with her little siblings to cheer me on as I ran past their house. It was pretty cool.
But the bike . . . God have mercy. If you ever decide to sign up for the Donner Lake Triathlon, you MUST be able to train on a freakin MOUNTAIN. No . . . not "hills" but a MOUNTAIN! You bike straight up Highway 40, climbing 1200 feet over 3 miles. It never lets up for even 10 feet. It's UPHILL FOR 3 MILES! And then, you come screaming down that mountain - hands gripping your brakes. I think I shaved 2 years off the life of my brakes coming down that hill. It was a strange mixture of fear and joy, coming downhill for 3 miles after climbing 3 miles.
So, I have a friend who is a very experienced Triathlete who couldn't believe I chose Donner Lake as my first Triathlon experience. But here is the silver lining: all other races will seem like a cake walk in comparison (so I tell myself).
I learned a lot of a little tips from watching the other Triathletes, but that's a post for another day!
The swim was fine . . . in fact, I think the swim is what people stress about the most. But at Donner Lake, the water was nice and warm and the lake was smooth as glass. It is a lake and so the water isn't very clear. I've been in a grand total of 3 lakes up to this point in my life, and I think with the exception of Lake Tahoe, lakes are dark and murky - accept that.
The run was also fine . . . in fact, it was a nice and shady route. There is a slight incline, but nothing too bad. You run along South Shore drive. At one point, a little girl ran out with her little siblings to cheer me on as I ran past their house. It was pretty cool.
But the bike . . . God have mercy. If you ever decide to sign up for the Donner Lake Triathlon, you MUST be able to train on a freakin MOUNTAIN. No . . . not "hills" but a MOUNTAIN! You bike straight up Highway 40, climbing 1200 feet over 3 miles. It never lets up for even 10 feet. It's UPHILL FOR 3 MILES! And then, you come screaming down that mountain - hands gripping your brakes. I think I shaved 2 years off the life of my brakes coming down that hill. It was a strange mixture of fear and joy, coming downhill for 3 miles after climbing 3 miles.
So, I have a friend who is a very experienced Triathlete who couldn't believe I chose Donner Lake as my first Triathlon experience. But here is the silver lining: all other races will seem like a cake walk in comparison (so I tell myself).
I learned a lot of a little tips from watching the other Triathletes, but that's a post for another day!
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