tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70295568185646271622024-03-13T21:17:19.389-07:00PerseveranceIt's when things seem worst that you must not quit...allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-84435163722191406742016-02-05T09:24:00.000-08:002016-02-05T09:56:54.260-08:00Upper Buffalo Headwaters ChallengeIt's been a while and this wasn't a race, but it was probably one of the most mentally and physically challenging things I have done since the crash.<br />
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It all started when I found out I'd be moving to Little Rock, AR for work. I started searching Facebook for trails and rides and the <a href="http://www.ozarkoffroadcyclists.com/">OORC</a> <a href="http://www.ozarkoffroadcyclists.com/events/buffalo-headwaters-challenge">Upper Buffalo Headwaters Challenge</a> made the top of the list.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: OORC</td></tr>
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There was a half (26+ miles) and a full (44 miles). The full was advertised as 5500 feet of climbing, and would be physically and mentally challenging. The location would be "remote" and as I found out on the day of the ride there was no cell service and 911 would work off satellite, but if you were hurt it would be a minimum of 2 hours to airlift you out! They also encouraged you to have gear to spend the night in the woods if you got lost or hurt or broke your bike. My first thought when I read the info was "Ugghh, no way. It would be lots of climbing and suffering. There would be no lift and no resort accommodations." It sounded like the half would be like one lap at Mohican, which I already think is a horrible ride with only a few fun DH sections that aren't worth the climbs (but that's my opinion). There were going to be only 2 rest stops, the first at mile 17 and the 2nd at mile 30. The event would start at 9:30 for all participants and the cutoff time for the first stop was 12:30 and the second 3:30, respectively.<br />
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Somehow, the weeks went by and I let <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gus_michaels/">GM</a> talk me into the full. He kept saying it was nothing and I could handle it. I started spending more and more time once a week out in the woods doing a long ride pedaling more and more climbs (son of a ... why I have to be so stubborn is beyond me). He has no concept of how much I detest suffering, climbing and racing now. No wait, I think he does, he just likes it when I suffer, lol. I even begged <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dirtydrifts/">Dirty Drifts</a> to come down and do this with me as he is one of my favorite people to ride XC with but no luck. This ride would not only be almost twice as far as I'd ever ridden but it would be twice as much climbing as I'd ever done in one ride on a mountain bike. These thoughts were in the forefront of my mind and yet I still let him convince me the full was the way to go. <br />
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Friday, I drove the nearly 3 hours NW into the Ozarks to meet with what turned out to be an incredibly cool and welcoming group of riders. <a href="http://www.friendsofarkansassingletrack.org/">F.A.S.T. </a>had rented out a lodge about 45 minutes from the start (which was actually really close without camping -- another thing I prefer not to do). We had some sweet accommodations and great food. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Ken Sluyter</td></tr>
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There were 22 of us and we were up and at 'em and out the door by 7:30am. It sounded like most of the crew was breaking up into smaller groups to ride together and half were going to do the full and half were going to do the half. I knew I probably wouldn't be able to keep up on the climbs so I had prepared to ride alone. The event announcers went over final instructions for emergencies, aid station locations and then snapped pics of the 330 brave riders that were about to take on the challenge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare photo of me. Photo Credit: Michael Roys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Kevin Yingst.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I've always been a planner and a strategist, reviewing course layouts and forming my plan of attack, this event was no different. I figured if I could average 6 mph with breaks and pushing I'd finish around 4:30p (before dark). I had a map in my pocket and there was also one on my buff of the half. I had packed a jacket, tools, spare tube, a fun size pack of M & M's and (2) Reese mini-cups, mounted a light onto my handle bars, along with 3L of fluid. I had opted not to bring an extra cleat, derailleur hanger or chain link as I only knew how to fix the cleat anyway.<br />
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The challenge started with a 2 mile climb up a fire road to the start of the single track, some people of course were in a hurry and sprinted out to the front and up the hill. The climb was brutal and there was lots of bottle necking as people lost their momentum and had to dismount. I followed a guy for awhile until he lost his momentum and abruptly stopped. I too had to dismount as there was nowhere to go (thankfully). I happily pushed with many others to the top. I knew the drop in would lead to about a mile of fun, i.e. DOWNHILL!! When we reached the drop-in, I waited for the people in front to go and give them a little head start before dropping in but others just kept cutting in front of me. Oh well, here goes nothing. I dropped in and started jumping all the rollers and rocks I could just for fun. I'd slow down before a section I could jump to give the people in front some room and then pedal hard and huck to flat off the tiny rollers and kickers. I could hear the guy behind me cheering and yelling. We were both laughing and I was having a blast. As I made my way down, surprisingly rider after rider started pulling over and letting me by (guess chivalry isn't dead after all). I repetitively shouted "thank you" and enjoyed the free speed.<br />
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When I reached the bottom there was a few miles of flat and lots of creek crossings. I'd never ridden anything like this. I saw lots of riders dismounting and walking and some riding. I would track stand, give some room and then charge on through. As they got bigger and bigger I got wetter and muddier and realized I'd have to start taking a pedal stroke or two to keep my momentum. They were also getting deeper and deeper and my socks were getting soaked just riding through.<br />
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We started a non-technical climb back out that seemed to take forever and I was pushing again. I saw some of my F.A.S.T cabin mates and we exchanged words of encouragement. JZ saw me one of the few times on a climb where I was actually pedaling and yelled something like " Downhillers do pedal uphill." I had to laugh, it wouldn't last long. When it was finally over after what seemed like an hour we dropped down on to a trail called Azalea falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: OORC</td></tr>
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This one had some small rocks and a slight down grade to start. I had remembered JZ saying this loop would be more my speed earlier in the week. A guy behind me yelled "Hey aren't you the girl from Iron Mountain?" I looked back and recognized a mountain biker I had met a few weeks ago. I yelled back "Hi!" and "Yeah!" He said something else as the down hill started but I couldn't hear him and I started shredding away. This downhill was a little more exposed and there were some small drop and kickers on the left side of the trail if you wanted even more fun.... and I always pick the fun way. I was having a blast and people again were moving out of my way (whenever they could find an open spot) as I caught them (except one guy - he looked back at me saw I was a girl I guess and just kept rolling in front of me -- oh well, I didn't care. I was having fun either way). It did get a little muddy over some of the rollers and one drop I flew over had me landing in peanut butter mud and I could feel my tire sliding...Oh boy, I was a little scared but that little fear and danger of living on the edge has become part of the fun nowadays. I told myself "hold on to the bike, don't touch the brakes, ride it out." Needless to say I made it to the bottom with a big old smile on my face and upright. I looked back to see if that guy was there to talk to but no one was in sight so I started the next climb.<br />
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I made it through a little over 6.5 miles the first hour, so I was a bit ahead of schedule. I climbed back out and up to the top to the next fun trail called "sidewinder" and dropped in. This one was switchback after switchback to the bottom. It connected to a new section of trail, I believe was called "Wildcat." The trail was definitely new. The dirt wasn't packed and the flags were still in the ground. I would have gotten off and started pushing but the climb eventually went through a bunch of rocks and out of pride and to work on my tech skills, I rode up through all the rocks. The rocks ended with a nice big one you had to pull up on the front end and keep your momentum going to get up and over. RA apparently, didn't pull up hard enough, twisting his handlebars and taking a bar end to the gut -- ouch! As soon, as I cleared the last of the rocks I dismounted and started pushing, trying to catch my breath.<br />
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I was almost to the top of the climb when I noticed a ledge with a nice drop on the right.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was the drop. Photo Credit: OORC</td></tr>
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I pushed up farther, set my bike down and walked back to look at it. I saw some tire tread on the take off so someone sometime had already tried to hit it. Another rider was pushing up and I asked him if he could watch for on-coming riders so I could hit the drop. He was super cool and said he would. It was about the size of a drop at the Mohican Wilderness at home. I had punked out there too scared to do it without <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sdcrash/">SD</a> to help me back in November. GM still heckles me about pussing out that day, but there would be no heckling today! I was going for it. I marched back up to my bike decided to push up just a little farther. I had never hit a drop this size on a little bike like this or with clipless pedals and I wasn't wearing any pads or my full face. Lately thought I've been forcing myself to think more confident and try new stuff without SD and the guys around. It's the one skill SD can't teach but I am most certain he wishes he could. It holds me back more than anything. I shouted down to the guy "Clear?" He yelled to another rider coming up that I was going to hit the drop. The rider pulled off and I yelled "dropping" and went for it. I took no pedals and didn't touch the brakes. I flew off the drop and new I had too much speed. I landed way too far down the trail and grabbed the brakes and tried to make the right turn. The bike started to slide and I low sided but didn't go over the side. I had some dirt rash but I was fine. The guys were super stoked and yelling "That was awesome! You jumped at least 15 feet." I laughed and said it would have been awesome had I not crashed. The one guy was funny saying "Man, I wish I would have video taped that." I ended up with a scraped up right leg and my hip and right butt cheek have 2 pretty big bruises on them too, but all surface damage. We got back on our bikes and headed for the first aid station. I made it to mile 17 in a little under 3 hours. I was right on schedule even with my shenanigans. <br />
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The aid station was at the top of a hill (of course). It was the known as the Fire Tower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: OORC</td></tr>
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They had rice cakes (blueberry and raisin, pbj and one with bacon, peppers and onions -- I think).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: L. Danielle Many</td></tr>
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I had only been drinking Gatorade and water, so I wanted something salty, not sweet. I only wanted to stay for about 5-7 minutes so as not to lose too much time. More and more people arrived and I could overhear lots of people talking about how brutal the ride was thus far. I saw JZ and RA and told RA I was heading out and didn't want to waste anymore time. He agreed and we both left about the same time. I headed down a fire road to the next section.<br />
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I left the aid station riding next to some guy and he told me we were going to hit a downhill first. He then asked me if I was "fast" on the DH's. I had to smile. "Fast" is such a relative term I thought. I said "no." He then told me to go first anyways. If someone is that keen on letting me go first I've learned -- just go, so I dropped in. I looked back after a minute and he wasn't there. This downhill was super fun and I saw a lot of ladies through here. As they let me pass, I yelled words of encouragement and thanks. When I got to the bottom the creek crossings were double the size of the ones earlier in the day. I have no idea which ones you walk and which ones you ride and I was tired of wet socks so I hiked me and my bike through a few barefoot, sat down on the other side and put my shoes and socks back on. This section was flat but we ran into a rock garden that reminded me of West Branch. There's no downhill momentum to carry you, so you kind of just have to slam your way through. There were lots of loose small rocks I could feel shifting under my tires and a few big ones you had to pick your way through.<br />
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Mile 22 had the biggest stream crossing by far. I think it was about 30 yards or so and almost up to my mid thigh. It was around 70 degrees so the cold water felt great on my legs. A few people rode through it well above their crank and hubs. I chose to keep my shoes and socks dry and again barefoot hike a biked it. I was half way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: River Valley Adventures</td></tr>
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I finally had to go to the bathroom too and found a spot in the woods. I had been drinking all day but was surprised this was the first time in over 3 hours I had to go. We were back on a fire road and this was by far THE HARDEST and WORST part of the ride. This climb would be 7-8 miles of fire road back to the fire tower, aid station and mile marker 30. It would get as steep as 20-21% at some points and you'd climb or push in my case crest the top and the pitch would just get steep again. It was how can I say this "f*cking awful!" It got to the point where I would hop on my bike for 10 seconds here and there just to see my Garmin speed go faster than the 1.2 mph I was averaging on foot pushing. I met up with 2 guys and we ended up finishing the last half mile or so back to the fire tower together. It was 2:45pm at the 30 mile check-in. I made the last cut-off by 45 minutes. <br />
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The aid station was a ghost town. The volunteers told us we were the last ones. I was shocked! I hadn't planned on being first but wasn't planning on being last. One of the guys said there was at least 5 riders behind us. That didn't make me feel much better though. I found out many people who had wanted to do the full had dropped to the half after reaching the first aid station at mile 17 and some had even bailed after the first aid station and taken the road back. I knew this ride would be no joke and I'd suffer because I was out of shape but I wasn't feeling that bad yet and only had 14 miles to go. I always have a "striking distance" point where if I get to a certain mile I know all I have to do it hold on and finish. Today it was mile 40 (so really just 10 more miles and I knew I'd make it).<br />
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I left the aid station for the last time ready to finish this thing. I turned on my headphones for the first time that day and dropped down the same single track we had the first time we left the aid station. I could tell my legs were tired but I felt super flowy and smooth jamming to the music, not having to pass anyone and just enjoying the trail. I got to the bottom and was at nearly 33 miles. Sweet! I pedaled on hoping for a few miles of flat, because the only other way to go was up. I came to an intersection I had turned left at earlier in the day and turned right. I was headed for home! <br />
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The climbing started again unfortunately, ugghh. I was off and pushing sooner and sooner, not wanting to trash my quads too much before making it to the top and getting on a trail called "Bear." It had a slight decline, not even a down hill and I was weaving my way through some trees and twisties and I caught a hidden tree stump funny with my front tire. It sent me flying over the bars. I slammed the back of my head into the ground and my glasses went flying. I was in shock! This crash hurt so much more than sliding out on after the drop. I wasn't going fast or being aggressive, just a random weird crash. I got up slowly and took some Aleve I had brought with me. The back of my head on the right side hurt a little where it had slammed into the ground but I wasn't dizzy and seemed ok. I put my glasses back on and grabbed my bike. It seemed ok and then I realized the shifter was broken -- "Son of A...!"<br />
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I could shift down to make it harder but I couldn't shift up to make it easier and I had 9 miles to go. I had a moment of panic and thought about how if I can't ride it out I might be sleeping in the woods after all. Then I just got pissed off. I wasn't giving up and I still had one gear. I hopped back on the bike and did thing only thing I could... I kept going. I rode when I could and pushed when I had to. Nothing had changed except I had to start pushing sooner. I made it to the Buffalo Headwaters Trail and ran into some of the volunteers cleaning up the markers and told them what happened. I knew there was a shorter route to cut out 2 miles up ahead and double checked with them. It was now a safety/survival issue for me. I had one gear left to get me through this. My bike hadn't seized up but I was done. I would ride 40+ miles either way. I headed straight instead of turning right and hik-a-biked myself up and out of the woods. I was all too elated to see the familiar road back to the start and coast the last 0.25 miles downhill. I had coke in my car for the post ride, but it was warm and a fellow rider parked next to me finishing when I did offered me a cold one! It was the BEST tasting coke I've ever had. I had been dreaming of one for about the last 3.5 hours. I had done it!!! <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/483055375"> I had survived the UBHWC of 2016</a>!!! I was pumped. <br />
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The course was very well marked. I missed a turn here and there but never by more than a 100 feet or so and the weather was beyond perfect with sun and 60 degree temps. The volunteers were amazingly awesome and OORC put on quite an EPIC event. They do a spectacular job and if you live in Arkansas and ride a mountain bike of any kind this is a great adventure to do. allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-51391664887459666692015-05-20T12:59:00.000-07:002016-08-19T00:31:09.594-07:00Mayhem Enduro <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I swore I'd never race a mountain bike. I even promised a certain someone I wouldn't use my powers for evil, but after almost a year of shredding with some amazing guys (SD, CF, HB, JB, JS, GM, IM, DR and the owner of <a href="http://www.mentorbicyclehub.com/">The Bicycle Hub</a>, RP .... also who I race for), I started kicking the idea of racing <a href="http://bikeaoa.org/mayhem-enduro/">The Mayehm Enduro</a> around.<br />
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I'd talked to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/websters__adventures/">SD</a> about it and to my surprise, he was completely okay with me doing it under two conditions....<br />
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1) I was super careful and only hit the features I knew I could make<br />
2) I had to have fun and enjoy it<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCSrexSaldE/VVzfpLnGiSI/AAAAAAAAA_E/hYokt_giOpI/s1600/11057333_10108528869878284_2140472424931324757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCSrexSaldE/VVzfpLnGiSI/AAAAAAAAA_E/hYokt_giOpI/s320/11057333_10108528869878284_2140472424931324757_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty much sums up our relationship (SD & ME). He's out of control - lol! Photo Credit: Chad Fonger</td></tr>
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I signed up at the last minute and realized there were only 10 women in the race. They were all ranked "Pro/Expert" including <a href="http://bikewithrae.webs.com/">Rae Gandolf</a>, <a href="http://www.marlastreb.com/">Marla Streb</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/angiweston/">Angi Weston</a>!!! (Ugh, I had never raced a mountain bike in anyway, unless you count SD saying "Ready, ready... Time to get RAD" and then dropping me on a downhill as I rode as hard as I could to get to the bottom before he could drink a whole water bottle). I registered as "sport" as they had no "novice/beginner" category -- GULP. <br />
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I was so nervous on Saturday. I pre-rode stages 4 and 5 and crashed on a gap three times and a steep I had easily conquered a week ago without problems following the guys. What was going on? I also found out <a href="https://instagram.com/p/2vuTX-PUWE/?taken-by=mcflow">MC had gone down badly and he's way better than me</a>. Thankfully, it looks like he will make a full recovery. I was beyond nervous. I didn't want to get hurt. My friends suggested I go around the features, but that was impossible. I am not an XC rider and this was an enduro.<br />
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I texted SD and he said it would be ok if I didn't want to race. He didn't want me to get hurt and we were going to <a href="http://www.mountaincreekbikepark.com/">Mountain Creek</a> the following weekend to downhill and he wanted me to rest. I went back and forth. Even GM said he was relieved when I told him I didn't think I wanted to race. He had originally pushed for me to enter it.<br />
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Race morning came and I rolled around on my bike. I had put the bib on and was going over my bike when I realized the rear suspension was locked! That's why I had crashed!! I opened it and started suiting up to race....."What the heck was I doing?" I kept asking myself. I rolled by GM and told him I was going to the bathroom (with all my gear, hahaha). He knew though. I said a small prayer that we would all come out of this without any damage and headed to the start.<br />
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The first transfer was really long... like 15-20 minutes of pedaling. I came around a left hand corner with a small descent and roots and there was a guy sitting on the ground moaning and another guy standing by him... "Oh no! Someone had crashed on a transfer -- Eek!" I asked if they were ok and the one guy said "yeah" so I pedaled on. Per SD's direction I had worn my full face and pads. I did opt for sunglasses though. No way could I ride with goggles. It was so hot in my full face but hey I'd pass out from heat stroke before I cracked my skull again. <br />
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I got to the start of section 1 (Bumpy Hollow) and had to pee. I ditched my bike and hit the bushes. Nervous as hell I rode up to the start table. I started thinking about the features in the sections and tried to calm myself. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1... GO!" and I was off. I rolled through the berms to the road gap and pulled right and hit the go around. I knew the first part would be slow as I can't hit the road gap into the berm turn.... yet. I pedaled across the road and went through the berms into the three big tables. I hit them a little conservatively as I was thinking of MC and sending it might lead to ending it for me. I cleared the last table and drifted around the grass corner to the first gap. "Ready, ready" I told myself and "send it." I cleared the gap easily and my instincts kicked in and I drifted into the right turn -- I did it! I did it! I made the gap and the drift. I started thinking about SD, wishing he was here to follow him and calm me down. I was getting worked up as I knew a double I had cased twice and gone OTB in the past was coming up. He had once told me he's always with me in spirit and to "send that shit!" I thought "you better be right!!" I was coming up on it and I told myself "no brakes" and "send it." I flew over the double and cleared it perfectly!!!! YESSSSS!!! It was on. I started pedaling my ass off after that and knew I rode section 1 better than ever. <br />
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I was so hot after section 1 that I ripped my helmet and gloves off and pushed through half of the transfer to section 2. I was stoked 1 down 4 to go and the hardest stage was still to come.<br />
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Section 2 (Playa) started with a lot of pedaling to the "Death Drop." It's a double drop that you can roll. I had finally (wo)manned up and rolled it about 3 weeks before the race, after I made GM roll it and show me the line. Today, I knew it by heart and bombed it. Pedaled up to the wall berms and gap jump that lay ahead. I dropped in and again tried to calm myself and think about SD's advice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kK8NIqDbc4/VVzZn5ihKiI/AAAAAAAAA-s/_PeCSIwa6l4/s1600/11115607_10205645740456358_2088366013423228472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kK8NIqDbc4/VVzZn5ihKiI/AAAAAAAAA-s/_PeCSIwa6l4/s320/11115607_10205645740456358_2088366013423228472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall berm to Gap Photo Credit: <a href="https://instagram.com/fancypantsvance/">Vance Nonno</a></td></tr>
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There was a wall berm gap that I had bailed on following SD into a week or so ago. I had even gone down earlier in the week and tried it. I cleared the gap every time, but I crashed into the wall all three tries. RG had told me I had to look where I wanted to go. Right before I dropped the wall berm I told myself "commit!" and I made the turn and hit the gap. I landed on the trail to the left away from the wall, where you are suppose to and was shocked! I yelled "yeah, yeah, hell yeah!!!" There were a few spectators and I was the first girl through and they started cheering and yelling too. I hit the table and step up after and ripped through the berm done with the hardest part of stage 2. I finished the stage again knowing it was the best I'd ever ridden through there. <br />
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I pretty much pushed the bike all the way through section 3's transfer. I was getting nauseated and I was dumping water on my head to keep cool. Thank goodness a down hiller had taught me how to ride and that there was absolutely no shame in pushing. People rode by me and I just kept pushing. <br />
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Section 3 (West Niles) was by far the scariest stage for me. It had 3 step downs, a step up, 2 doubles and about 6-8 gap jumps with a sketchy rocky descent for those good enough to hit the rock on gap rock off. The biggest feature was the first step down, into a berm and then a double. I had hit it with GM about 3 weeks ago. He had told me not to hit it, if I wasn't comfortable. I was uncomfortable with everything! Was he nuts? I watched him hit it with the kind of speed and precision that wins enduros. I was in awe. I also watched a guy hit the the line and crash into a tree after the double right before I was about to hit it for my first time. I cased the step down a little but it didn't matter, going into the berm because the course was built by down hillers so with just two pedal strokes into the berm I was still able to clear the double on my first try. GM wasn't the only one who was surprised, haha. Anyway, back to the race. I was nervous. I cased the step down a tiny bit and even the double with my back tire. I popped over the step up a little too fast and almost went off the trail, but managed to make the sharp left turn into a gap and then an immediate right berm into a rock garden. I skipped the next step down as I had crashed twice on it (the second time really hard with a full face on) and pedaled my ass off into the next double. I was through the worst of it. I climbed for a few seconds and then started through a few turns before hitting another step down into a left berm and 2 smaller rock gaps. I flew around the left turn where the line splits and told myself take the high side, it's quicker and better. The low side is easy to want to take off the turn but it's slower and sketchy. It was dry and my tire slid into a tree on the turn and got stuck for a second. I started yelling "Quicksand!!! Someone put quicksand on the course." I could hear and see spectators laughing as I was almost done. I pedaled past the rock on/rock off jump (I had crashed on the rock off part twice) and chose the go around. There was a woman walking her bike and she hurried to get out of my way. I yelled "sorry and thank you!" And then just for a final laugh I yelled "awkward, awkward descent!!!" as I slid/rolled down to the bottom, hahaha. I had done it. The hardest stage was over! Again, I rode another section better than ever... 3 for 3! Two more to go. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock descent if you chose the harder line. Photo Credit: Vance Nonno</td></tr>
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I was actually starting to enjoy myself. I was less nervous and having fun as instructed. My nausea was manageable and there was an aid station to get more fluids.<br />
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Section 4 (Beaver City DH) : I had ridden the harder line the night before to look at the gap and 3 tables but I had not ridden the go around route so it was gonna be a little bit of a surprise as I just wasn't ready to hit that gap in the race for the first time. I remembered there were some little drop/kickers to get speed off of somewhere. I knew this stage was gonna be about pedal speed. I hit it hard at the start and flew to through the go around, blasted the little drops and stole as much speed as possible off them. I debated the rock to rock gap I had flatted on but at the last second bailed and pulled right to bounce through the rocks instead. I was pedaling and heard a guy coming behind me and yelling. I knew there was a gap coming up. I couldn't pull off and make the gap. It was a huck to straight flat, no turns and open. I had hit the night before for the first time. I pedaled hard and sent it. I flew through the air and landed perfect. I pedaled up and to the right out of the guy's way. He came flying by and yelled "Thanks and nice jump!" I was pumped. Everybody in enduro was so cool and encouraging. The stage ends with a downhill and your choice of two lines. The higher line was again better, but I took the lower line which was tighter and almost wrecked, going into the finish - Doh!!! Still upright and in one piece I again knew I rolled in with my best time ever.<br />
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The transfer to 5 was about as long as the first transfer to section 1. I was fried by then. I rode with my helmet, gloves and pads hooked on my handlebar. I had a headache and my nausea was still there. I pedaled about 3-5mph, keeping my heart rate down as low as possible and trying to get as much fresh air as possible and cool off a little. Stage 5 thankfully, had VN's dad there with snacks, including pickles! I ate 3 of them and took about a 10 minute break before starting the stage. I met Marla Streb and she was super freaking cool! She gave me some pointers for my upcoming trip to Mountain Creek before riding off and shredding the last stage. <br />
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Section 5 (Beaver City Brainer) Not sure if I had taken too long of a rest or my body had had enough but I almost crashed in the first 100 meters on some rocks and then my tire slipped around the next turn and almost washed out. I came up on the first feature which I thought was a gap, but it was a step down to a double and a steep. I didn't have nearly enough speed and you have to jump it otherwise you do the go around -- CRAP!!! I pulled right and sprinted around the go around pumped the double and hit the steep. Angry with my stupid mistake, I tried to hammer it and then I saw the gap I kept crashing on the night before. I cleared it without any issues and headed for the creek gap and the finish! I debated this jump in my head for days. I knew I could make it. I just had to go fast. As I dropped down, I thought "Pin it and send it!" I also thought about how I had a pretty good race on the day and how tired I was and that I had not crashed once. My wreck from August flashed through my head and I decided to skip it. There would be another day and I wanted to hit it with SD or GM pacing me into it. I put my ego in check and rolled around to the finish.<br />
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And there you have it. Some people do an XC race on dirt sidewalk type of terrain or something with a lot of climbs... but nope not me. I decided this "wannabe shredder" was gonna bite off more than she could chew and go big or go home. I was super pumped when I finished. Not one crash. I had hit almost every flipping feature and I had raced the best I could. I figured I'd get last, which was gonna be super embarrassing, but I had put together a pretty good race for a first timer that hadn't even been mountain biking for a full year yet. I also knew SD was gonna be super proud of me, especially since I hadn't crashed and I'd hit a bunch of features. <br />
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I immediately got a beer and sat down watching the rest of the guys come in. NF had a great race, IM's crazy ass went OTB on the creek gap, <a href="https://instagram.com/fancypantsvance/">VN</a> got blinded jumping the creek gap with popcorn and beer spray and burped his bike through the finish (ahahahaha -- EPIC!) and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gus_michaels/">GM, well like I said before... "I watched him hit it with the kind of speed and precision that wins enduros" AND HE DID!!!! (by one second)</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GM on the podium - FYI "You're gonna break it!" </td></tr>
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He was nice enough to decline the $20 I offered him to go get my car and come pick me up. He made me climb back up the hill with him and TC to the campsite after two beers telling me it was good training for my next enduro...."WHAT?!?!?!?!!?!" <br />
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I can't say enough amazing things about this race, the course and the organizers and volunteers (<a href="http://bikeaoa.org/">AOA </a>and HB). <a href="http://bikeaoa.org/the-wilds/">The Wilds</a> is an amazing gem in Ohio for mountain bike riding. If you want to get rad... this is the race for you!!! Oh and to boot, I won a pass for <a href="http://raysmtb.com/">Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park</a> next year -- WINNING!!!<br />
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I keep kicking around the idea of doing another one. <a href="http://bikeaoa.org/mayhem-results/">I didn't finish last </a>and I do need to start training... for something. I hate being out of shape, but I love the rush from riding mountain bikes like this. Hmmmmm, maybe GM is onto something.....maybe.<br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-72160844276897266592015-02-01T13:35:00.002-08:002015-02-01T16:50:16.026-08:00Run For Regis Half Marathon It has been nearly 6 months since my accident and my awesome doc had encouraged me to start working out, but to take it slow, not push myself too hard and listen to my body. My knee is still not healed and it swells after lots of time on my feet, but I am incapable of not working out and having fun. <br />
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All that said, I wanted to try running again and I thought as long I was careful not to fall, the trails might be a little more forgiving than the pavement. I signed myself up for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunforRegis">Winter Run for Regis </a>half marathon the day it opened. <br />
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I even talked one of my co-workers, BE who is quite a good trail runner (the girl can run down hills like she's flying!) into trail running with me in prep for this. We hit up a few of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/crtrs/">CRTR</a> runs on Thursday nights and met a few times at Ledges to run the actual course. I slipped sometimes. I fell sometimes. I got muddy sometimes. I suffered sometimes, but I always enjoyed myself and got better and better.<br />
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Race morning finally came and I was so nervous, my back would hurt or my knee would ache or I'd fall on my bad wrist, or I'd just not be able to cover the distance or a million other things, like forgetting my pre-race breakfast (a banana) on the counter.<br />
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It was cold! I thought even with my bunz on under my tights, yep I'm gonna freeze my ass. I did absolutely no warm-up figuring 2-3 hours on the trails would be plenty of running. I lined up by <a href="http://trisaratopsimadventure.blogspot.com/">TriSaraTops</a> in the middle. My only plan was not to die and survive this thing. There were a lot of runners for single track (over 100 runners). We were to run the orange loop (8.4) then the green (4.7).<br />
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This was by far the slowest and most comfortable start to a race I have ever experienced. It was awesome. No one was too crazy about getting going (those people -- pretty much all my awesome teammates were already up at the front from the get-go). We were running the loop backwards from what I knew of it so we were going to get a big downhill and then climb. I did end up passing a few people through that section as they had chosen to gingerly make their way down! I comfortably sat on person after person passing only when there was an opening or they looked like they were slowing on the climbs. I forced myself not to run any of the big hills in the beginning for fear I'd blow myself up after the first hour. I figured I'd run 11:30-12:00/mile so I had to be patient.<br />
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I latched on to AC for a few miles and let her pull me through. She was stronger on the uphills, but after telling myself to relax, see where I wanted to go on the DH and just mimic the ground I let go of the brakes (aka my quads and just bombed down the hills). I slipped only twice and went down, but was perfectly fine. I had my headphones with me, but I had told myself to just run under control to the first aid station very comfortably and had been enjoying the chat with AC. We hit the first station, which was at Pine Hollow at the top of the "Sound of Music" hill around 50-55 minutes. I took a gel and some Gatorade (no time to dawdle, it was after all a race).<br />
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We headed back into the woods and I took a glance at my Garmin. I was running 10:30-11:00 minutes. I got a little excited thinking I might actually be able to finish this mother in under 2:30! We started passing a few people again and then I ended up next to AC and then in front of her. Around 5-5.5 miles I felt I had reached the point where I was on my own. I popped my headphones in and just started focusing on staying under control and relaxing. I looked around at the trees and one by one runners kept coming back to me. I felt amazing! I just kept saying "on your left" and "Morning" as I passed by. Most everyone said "hello" and moved out of the way and some even said I looked strong -- Woot!! I wasn't trying to kill myself and I.WAS.HAVING.FUN.IN.A.RACE! I had to smile. I've always been mentally tough about pushing myself and suffering, but I have never felt this centered and calm. I had worked a lot on my mental game and focusing on doing things that scared me and picturing myself doing the task without fail in my head. I was afraid it would make me cocky or conceited but it's not that at all. It's the confidence in my training, skill and mental strength to "do it more better" as HB always tells me that is making the once thought impossible, now possible. Part of it is thanks to "the #ZenDHMaster," SD as I jokingly call him. He's forced me to see how to focus on accomplishing the task at hand and being confident about it and accepting that "falling down" is gonna happen but it can be minimized, cause when I make it, it's a whole lot of fun and even at times one hell of a rush. I felt great coming into the next aid station. Holy crap, I only had 4.7 miles left and I would have run my longest and hardest trail race ever!<br />
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I headed out for my green loop and realized it was gonna be fast going out and the last mile was gonna be by far the hardest and all uphill with boulders to run/climb over. I lost the markers twice and was unsure where to go, but a photographer or another runner was there to point me in the right direction each time. I pushed a little through the last couple miles to compensate for the hellish climb out I knew would be coming. I was so relieved to be the runner still running and enjoying the race and not the one in survival mode barely moving forward. Just as I thought the last mile was hard. I had gotten a blister on my left arch and my legs were starting to get tired. I passed a lot of runners going out which meant I must have been in the front half of the racers. I pushed up to the Octagon where there was food and warm dry clothes. I felt great and finished my first race of 2015. I had done more than survive I had destroyed my goal....... maybe this trail stuff (be it on a bike or foot) isn't as bad as I had once thought. <br />
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Total Time: <a href="http://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-11078">2:16:29</a>. <br />
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Managed to finish 19/116 overall (keep in mind 4 of the people that beat me were my own teammates -- HOLLA for <a href="http://www.mentorbicyclehub.com/">TBH</a>!!!!)<br />
7th women overall<br />
5th in my AG. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runner's were still finishing when I took this, but I was cold and had to roll! </td></tr>
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<a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> <a href="http://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-11078">cleaned up today at this Race</a>!!<br />
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Cash (EP) won the 50K<br />
Ghost (KL) finished 4th OA<br />
<a href="https://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">Daisy</a> finished 5th OA and won the women's half (her sister took 2nd for the women too)<br />
Return of the Mack was 7th OA<br />
Marsassy was 11th OA<br />
JT finished 23rd OA, just behind me<br />
JC rolled through a solid 8.4 miles with a bad foot. <br />
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And the race schwag was really sUweeeet!!!<br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-25182701007036621702014-12-10T11:46:00.000-08:002014-12-10T11:46:37.885-08:00Interclub Relay Race So much has happened since my last entry, some of it good and some of it pretty heartbreaking, but somehow I came out the other side walking and yep, running again.<br />
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After the accident, I found I wanted to try running since my knee was only holding up to so much climbing on the bike, so I signed myself up for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunforRegis">Run for Regis</a> in January and hit the trails. Somewhere, somehow and God willing I love them now, on the bike or on foot, muddy and full of bugs bring 'em on (I just keep baby wipes and clean clothes in the car now for after - HA!).<br />
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So our unofficial team leader, <a href="https://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">Daisy</a> talked 6 of us from <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> into signing up for the <a href="http://www.northeastrunningclub.org/RaceDetails.aspx?RaceID=196">Northeast Running Clubs: Interclub Relay Race</a> and still unable to say "No Daisy, that's a bad idea for me." I replied "IN." I was thankfully given the 3 mile leg. My other teammates (MarSassy and Ghost) would run the 5 and 8 mile legs (no sense in leaving the slowpoke out there any longer than need be). Team: Felonious Jogger Floggers was born. <br />
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It was low 30's and sunny. I ended up changing into capris and road shoes after I pre-ran part of the bridle trail and started cooking during my warm-up and saw it was fairly dry. It had been a few weeks since I had hungout with my teammates but we picked up right where we left off taking silly pics and joking around before sufferfest began. <br />
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Ghost took off at 9am with the 8 mile group and then MarSassy left 3 minutes later for the 5 mile route and then I would leave 3 minutes after that with the 3 milers. I started with B-Dizzle who was talking trash about the OSU vs. WI game and how he was gonna beat me, just like my Badgers had gotten beat. I had nothing good to say to his truths so I just wrapped my arms around him and hugged him until the race started so I could stay warm. <br />
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I detest 3 mile races. It's always balls out from the start, blow-up around the 1.5-2 mile mark and then curse my way to the finish for the last mile or so. I was in the second row and true to form the race started like there was a hole shot, ugh! I ripped through the first half mile before I finally convinced myself to back off. I was running comfortable not sure how much climbing I would have to do. I even felt good enough to yell at B-Dizzle as I passed him to quit goofing around because he had stopped to tie his shoe. He was up and past me before the first mile. The course was rolling and mile 1 clipped off at 8:20. <br />
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E-Gad!!! That was the slowest first mile in a race I had probably run in 4 years, not counting a marathon or half iron. Well, my pride was damaged and I started picking it up. I dropped a few people and passed a few more. Mile 2 was pretty flat and maybe a little more downhill. Downhills on a mountain bike or on foot --- SOLD!!! Mile 2 - 7:49. <br />
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The last mile was rolling (upish) and had 2 steep, albeit short climbs. I walked both briskly since hills tend to make my knee swell and I was moving as fast as the guy in front of me was jogging, hahaha! <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/author/speedypepper/">E-speed</a> had once told me "walking uphill with a purpose is just as fast as running sometimes." The walking also allowed me a little bit of recovery so I started closing on the downhills on the guy in front of me and eventually got him before the finish. Mile 3 - 8:05. <br />
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Time: 24:14. <br />
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Thank goodness for the guys, they ran fast enough to put us in 5th place overall for the co-ed teams, with MarSassy running a 42:03 for 5 miles and Ghost ripping off 1:00:13 for 8 miles. <br />
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<a href="http://www.northeastrunningclub.org/results/128201491910PM2014InterclubRunResults.pdf"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.northeastrunningclub.org/results/128201491910PM2014InterclubRunResults.pdf">Total Time: 2:06:13</a><br />
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Our other Team: Two Roses and a Thorn (very fitting if you know Cash) finished 3rd overall for the co-ed teams even with Crash taking a wrong turn and ending up with a 5 minute detour. They still got him his wood after all.<br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-66990201115161871782014-07-13T13:41:00.000-07:002014-07-14T14:28:42.757-07:00Round Up TriathlonOur team had been kicking around the idea of doing the "Round Up Tri" hosted by <a href="http://www.champracing.org/home">Champ Racing</a> and we needed 5 girls to compete, so not wanting our team to be short and after 10 years of letting <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">Daisy</a> talk me into stuff, I submitted my entry (when am I ever gonna learn??). I picked up the Joker from Daisy's husband earlier in the week and set it in the bike room. I had no time to ride it and knew he was such a perfectionist that my bike was clean as a whistle and up to spec. <br />
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I ran a few miles throughout the week to keep my legs loose and spent race day morning bass fishing with my dad to relax. The 5:30am wake-up call and half the day in the sun may have been a little more than I could handle when I passed out at 3p at my parents. My dad woke me up a little after 4:30p saying "don't you have a race tonight?" I nodded still half asleep, slowly dragging myself out of the recliner. <br />
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I stopped to grab a coke on the way to the race in hopes it would pep me up. It was muggy and hot and I was not feeling it, at all. I arrived and dawdled, taking my time getting my packet and setting up, trying to decide if I wanted to drop to the super-sprint or just hang with Shooter and Animal and drink beer. Daisy was not having any of it. She told me to rack my gear and get ready. Damn!!! I had no urge to warm-up and my jogging included 2 trips to the bathroom before donning my wetsuit. It was a 500Y/400m (something like that) clockwise swim. I breathe on my right so I had that going for me, but I hadn't swam since January and knew I was going to blow-up in the water at some point. <br />
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Only (2) of my teammates had made it out (Daisy and SG), but BAFF only had (3) girls competing too, so it looked like we'd still have a shot at the team competition. I lined up in the 2nd row. I didn't care to have a good start position, heck I didn't even want to start. The swim always looks so much farther in open water than in a pool too and this one looked like a good 15 minutes for me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Elisa Budoff</td></tr>
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The horn sounded and off I went. The ground was mushy and slimy and disgusting. I dove in. I couldn't take the nastiness between my toes and I made my way to the firs buoy. I arrived at the first buoy a lot faster than what I would have thought and that seemed odd because I was not in any type of swim shape. Just a few strokes after that it happened -- I blew up, ugh. My arms and lungs were on fire. I was hyperventilating trying to get air and it felt like someone was trying to drill a hole between my shoulder blades. I could feel my hips sinking and my stroke length shortening. Since learning to mountain bike, I have been focusing on not fighting the bike and relaxing, letting it all just flow. I stopped fighting with water and taking long strokes again and focusing on keeping my core tight. I could feel myself gliding through the water much better. I never completely relaxed because my back and my arms continued to ache and burn. I was exhausted but I wasn't cramping and I knew I could swim like this long enough to get through the swim. The sun was so bad on the way back I couldn't see the last buoy until I was almost on top of it (I was extremely happy to be swimming in a straight line). I had some body contact on and off with 2 girls from that point in, nothing too bad and I just made sure to 1) hold my line 2) avoid getting kicked in the face at all costs. To my surprise, I exited the water with Daisy! I heard Animal yelling and cheering for us and I had to smile and laugh at his ridiculous screaming. We made a mad dash to the kiddie pool and joked about pushing each other down all the way to transition. Ahhh, just like old times, I thought. We had swam together in a full once and it amazes me how we're like magnets in the water now. <br />
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I immediately sat down in T1. I was done. Daisy's husband, Shooter started screaming at me to get up and this was a triathlon and what the hell was I doing (take note this is one of my teammates yelling and heckling me, hahahahaha!!!!). I yelled back "I'm old! Leave me alone!!!!" to which he proceeded to heckle me even harder. I ripped off my wetsuit threw on my bike gear and ran out of T1. The worst part was over. I had survived. Now, I just had to make up ground on the people ahead of me. <br />
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The bike course was 12-13 miles (2 loops) that was mostly flat with a few small rollers. There were no big climbs and all right turns. I messed up my Garmin so I don't have the first 2ish miles, but the course was pretty fast, from the splits I did get. I had a hard time recovering from the swim and didn't start to come around on the bike until 4 miles in. I felt like I felt like I was going about 17 mph, my left quad was tight and my seat felt nose up and was smashing my crotch. Arggghhhh, this was suppose to be the part of the race I enjoyed the most. I started laughing in between sucking air and thinking about all the stuff not right with my race and then I did something I never do. Instead of telling myself to "stop being a pansy and push harder." I told myself to "relax, focus on your breathing, stop fighting the bike and let it flow." I don't know if it helped my speed but I felt better on the bike and the miles started clipping off. My Garmin takes 5 mile splits on the bike (split 1- 14:10, split 2- 13:40). I caught 1 BAFF team member and knew my other 2 teammates were ahead of me so I was hoping that had moved us into the lead for the team competition. I pulled into the park and pulled my feet out of my shoes too early having to soft pedal longer than I should have (Come on Heier, Get it together!!!" I thought).<br />
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I jumped off my bike and thought I sent a shoe flying but luckily it just scraped the ground and stayed attached to the pedals as I ran for my bike rack. I was surprised to see people had racked in my spot so I threw my bike on the rack as close to my stuff as possible, pulled on my racing flats and headed out. This transition was much better than T1, no sitting needed.<br />
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My breathing was labored but my legs actually felt ok. I'm still running less than 10/mpw and having pain in that left foot, but it's way better and I know in general I look more like a runner and less like Chunk doing the ole' truffle shuffle. Animal and EB were all cheering for me as I ran by. I waved and smiled. It was almost over. I could see SG just ahead about a 1/4 mile and she was coming back to me faster than I had hoped. I felt like I was running 8:30-8:45/mile, but I can never tell. I started passing people one by one on the run. I caught SG about a 1/2 mile later. She looked like she was hurting and I told her we were doing great in the team competition and we just had to survive this run. She's a tough triathlete and I thought she might start pacing off me, but a cramp was really bugging her. The run was entirely within the campsite and there were lots of little kids cheering and thankfully as I made a wrong turn they redirected me back onto course. I was so stoked towards the end of the loop to see (2) little kids with a hose and these awesome water guns screaming "You want to get shot?" I was elated and yelled "Fire away!!!" They blasted me with water and it felt amazing. I yelled "Thank you!!!" and just past them ST's wife was running a FREE beer stand. I was so tempted to just stop and have a nice summer ale, but I continued on. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Chris Martino</td></tr>
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As I came through to start my second loop Shooter and Animal were holding out beer for me and I stopped and grabbed Animal's. It was soooooo delicious. I handed it back to him, ready to give him a big hug, but then I remembered I was racing and all he got was a wave as I started running again. About half way through my last lap, I saw KZ and she was coming hard. Oh crap!! I knew she was a better runner than me and I still had about 0.8 miles left to the finish. My Garmin had logged splits of 7:35 and 7:38 so I knew I was running steady. I decided to lay some surges down. If KZ got within striking distance of me she would be nearly impossible to outsprint. I picked it up until I hit the water boys again and then slowed so I could get blasted for the second time - it was so glorious. I started to pick it back up until I got to the trail portion of the race and before I entered the woods looked back one more time. No one was there. I took it easy through the woods and as I exited started to hammer for the finish, not realizing how close it was (I probably should have run hard through the woods on the trail it was so close to the end). I crossed the line in 1:12:27. My goal had been sub-1:10. I came away with 3rd female overall, losing to DT (who is an extremely well rounded triathlete) and my insanely awesome teammate, none other than Daisy. You would think after all these years, she would be tired of hurting me, but no apparently it never gets old for her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Bicycle Hub photo courtesy of Elisa Budoff</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 3 women photo courtesy of Elisa Budoff</td></tr>
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Overall the race was rough for me. I just don't like suffering and pushing myself like I used to. It doesn't help my case preparing so poorly as I did either, but I love being part of <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> and sharing this nonsense with them. allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-6784058836217318962014-06-04T11:47:00.002-07:002014-06-04T12:02:42.548-07:00Twinsburg Duathlon 2014I can't say enough about the races or the race director of <a href="http://www.ncmultisports.com/">Northcoast Multisports</a>, but I love his events and always make the effort to participate and volunteer as much as possible for their events. My family even gets a little endurance bug and will jump in a race or two with me. This year would be no different. My little brother (who has never ridden a road bike in his life) was going to "Man Up" and do the du!! <br />
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I had done this race one time solo a few years back in nursing school and 2 years ago as a relay with my mom. This year I would be going solo again with my only excuse for being slow that I'm old (haha). I had put the Joker (Quintana Roo CD0.1) back together after using parts for EPIC bike ride from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. the weekend before. I also changed out the pedals on Flo' Rida (LiteSpeed C1) for my brother to ride. I would have rather ridden my road bike, but no way I was going to put my brother on that homicidal tri bike of mine.<br />
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I was so stoked to see my brother race. He tried to act calm cool and collected but I could tell he was nervous. I helped him get set-up in transition and walked him in and out of the entrance/exit and showed him the mount/dismount line. All the little helpful details I gave him and his reply "You f^ck%ng triathletes are crazy!" I had to laugh. I was hanging on to my multisport background by a hair. I was pretty much just a roadie now (and yep, I had to agree triathletes were crazy). <br />
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<a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> was in full effect this weekend with some of us racing Mohican yesterday and some of us (<a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/team-roster/meet-elizabeth-hiser-miceli/">E-speed</a>, <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/team-roster/meet-dave-miceli/">DM</a> and me) doing the Du today. We snapped a few pics before the race. I tried to talk my brother into a warm-up "jog." He adamantly refused asking me to explain the route for the run and bike. I foolishly agreed and bypassed my warm-up.<br />
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We lined up in the middle of the field and I tried to coax my brother closer to the front. He said "no, but you can go." The competitor in me knew I should get up closer to the front, but I love my brother like no other and he won. I started back with him. <br />
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The horn sounded and we took off balls out!! I was sucking wind after 1/4 mile. Ugghh, old age, no warm-up, this was gonna hurt the whole way....here we go. I saw a lot more women than I would have liked (maybe 10 or so) up in front of me. I knew my run was weak only averaging 5 miles per week, but even on tired legs I was gonna try and rip the bike. <br />
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About 3/4 of a mile into the run people started coming back to me. I started to settle in and make my way to mile 1 -- 6:52. Oh boy, no wonder I felt bad. I hadn't see the south side of 7 minutes for a few years. I made my way up the hill and into T1. The run is a tad over 2 miles apparently. Time 14:54 (7:06/mile)<br />
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Transition is easy in a du, no fighting with the wetsuit, just grab and go. I was in and out in less than :45 seconds.<br />
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I always coming screaming out of T1 on the bike and this was no different. I started passing people one after another. I knew I had taken off fast because no one was moving even remotely as fast as me. Not having any water or gels I focused on trying to settle myself down on the bike and ride this like a time trial. I stayed on my aero bars unless I was making a turn. A few times I caught myself not pedaling through the corners and backing off on my pedal stroke like I do when crit racing or pace lining. I had to remind myself this was steady state and to keep up the intensity. My legs were tight. They would not loosen up. There was a tiny headwind going south and I felt like I was going 14 mph at some points. I started thinking about why I do this to myself. I love riding. I don't even follow any training plans anymore. I just ride and have fun. This was not fun, this was hurting, and then my Garmin beeped for the first 5 miles -- 14:21. Damn, I thought this is why I do this to put it down and see what I am made of. I knew my second run was going to be rough no matter what time I put up for the bike, so right then and there I made the decision to at least try and put up the fastest female bike split on the date. I could see more people up ahead and I reeled them in one at a time. The only mistake I made was not passing a friend sooner on Glenwood, up the hill. I didn't draft but I let him pace me up for a minute or so, matching his pedal stroke before telling myself to stop being a sissy and get up the climb. I went around him finally and yelled at him to pick it up. I could see one more person in the distance and I was set on trying to get them before T2. The course was all downhill from that point and I just kept pushing. I closed on the cyclist before T2 and lo' and behold it was my teammate, e-speed. I yelled some words of encouragement at her and pulled my feet out of my shoes, before successfully completing a flying dismount. Time 28:48 (avg. 20.8mph). <br />
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Ran into T2, dropped my stuff and out I went in :40 seconds. As I passed transition on the run I saw my parents cheering and yelling. I threw up my fist and yelled "I ripped that sh%t!!!" I could tell my parents were excited. My dad ALWAYS teases me about how slow I am, but I know he's super pumped and proud of me. My mom was smiling and cheering, she's watched me race so many times, if I didn't do this she'd be worried, haha. <br />
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I checked my watch. I was ahead of my projected time. I was at 45 minutes out. I knew I couldn't break an hour, but definitely the 1:05 I had put in. My body was pooped and running was so foreign now. Two miles might as well be a marathon! I did my best to run and hold my form. I knew if it got bad or I had any pain, I would have to walk per physical therapy recommendations. My foot has been so much better, but it's still not completely healed. My teammate passed me back in less than a 1/4 of a mile from T2 and would go on to crush me on the run. I thought about my little brother and hoped he was having a good race and I pushed a little harder. I wanted to finish and go back for him. A few guys passed me on the 2nd run, but there wasn't a female in sight. I was shocked. I knew I was sitting in the top 10, maybe even top 5. I rounded the corner and saw the finish line about 200 meters up. "Less than 1 minute, if you move your ass" I told myself. I picked it up and finished in 1:01:28. Second run 16:20 (7:47/mile). And you know what -- I pulled off the fastest female bike split on the day, just like I swore I would!! Whoooo Hooooo!!!!<br />
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I took a minute to congratulate my teammate on being 2nd Female Overall (Way to Go <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/team-roster/meet-elizabeth-hiser-miceli/">E-speed</a>, her ubby, <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/team-roster/meet-dave-miceli/">DM</a> pulled off a 4th in an insanely fast AG!!), made sure I wasn't going to vomit, grabbed my water bottle and headed back out to look for my brother. I found him with less than a mile to go. I ran along side him encouraging him and cheering for him. I think I annoyed him more than helped him --haha. <br />
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My sister-in-law, niece and nephew had also made it out and when he picked it up to finish they were all cheering for him with my parents. I couldn't have been prouder. He completed his first Du!! <br />
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My family congratulated us and I could tell everyone was so proud of my brother, even my niece agreed "daddy is fast." I was amped and excited, our makeshift family morning had gone so well. I proceeded to torture my 4 year old niece post race by tickling and shaking her to which we both were laughing hyserically. I love it when she sees me for the first time. She always gets this huge grin and yells "Aunt Beth!!!" like she just knows there is going to be some ridiculousness and lots of laughing to come. LOVE.THAT.LITTLE.GIRL. <br />
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My nephew he smiles at me when he sees me, but as always he is looking for food and trying to get into trouble, haha (of course, he is only 2). <br />
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We rounded out the morning by hitting up Bob Evans and taking some selfies.<br />
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I'm so lucky to have the family I have and some days like these it all comes together perfectly and I thank God this is my life, even when it hurts a little, haha. allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-29087707386625785352014-04-22T12:50:00.001-07:002014-04-22T13:33:31.709-07:00Race At The Lake 1 (RATL - 1)Well, I finally did it. I (wo)-manned up and got in my first and certainly not last crit race! And it was glorious....for 10 laps.<br />
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I had plenty of experience riding in groups and understood it was not about who was the fastest, but who was the smartest. I felt confident in my bike handling skills and knew even after riding for 18 days straight for <a href="http://30daysofbiking.com/">#30DaysOfBiking</a>, I could hold my own. Plus I wanted to see what Flo Rida' could do, so off to <a href="http://www.summitfreewheelers.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=509627&module_id=40146">RATL hosted by the Summit FreeWheelers</a> it would be. They would run all the CAT women together (1,2,3 and the 4s). Since, I am a rookie I start at 4 (not that I have any urge to CAT up, EVER, but eventually I will have to). Of course, this is what when I watched my first crit race...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H3FBXOfkeY/U1bHkNZ1qZI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Vgs6kbyT_fA/s1600/velo_rose_crit_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H3FBXOfkeY/U1bHkNZ1qZI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Vgs6kbyT_fA/s1600/velo_rose_crit_4.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needless to say RK is back up and racing stronger than ever!</td></tr>
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I had plenty of rest and headed down about 8am. My race was to go off at 10:15am, so I had lots of time so even stopped to make a deposit at the ATM. I was less than 5 miles away from the race site when I realized I didn't have enough cash to register. A 10 minute detour back to an ATM (that wasn't my bank) and about $6 in fees later I rolled into the park. I got my gear all ready and watched the men's CAT 5 race and cheered for (2) of my teammates. The field was huge, 55 guys!! They only raced 8 miles, but the pace was brutal and they hammered over 24 mph average. <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">DaisyDuc's </a>hubby is a monster on the bike and came away with 4th for Team Bicycle Hub! <br />
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<a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">Daisy</a> and I rolled out for a warm-up. My legs felt heavy and stiff riding over some small rollers. I checked my heart rate and it said 169bpm. Ooohhhh, this was going to be ugly. I was bummed I would probably get dropped and not be able to hang with the field very long. We rolled back into the parking lot and too my surprise my mom was there! I gave her a hug and chatted with her before deciding to pin my # on. <br />
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I soft pedaled back to my car and grabbed it out of my car. I then locked the door and yep, you guessed it I realized my motherF-ing keys were inside. I was so annoyed with myself at this point. Maybe it was fatigue or nerves, but there they sat on my gym bag on my passengers seat. I debated riding home and back (about 60 miles round trip) or getting a ride with my mom immediately to go get them and just skip the race, but my mom said that was dumb and she would just go get them and bring them back for me. I felt horrible, but then Daisy, my knight in green argyle spandex swooped in and offered to call AAA. I was so grateful and relieved my mom wouldn't have to go back to my house and I didn't have to ride there either. I was still annoyed but needed to get my head together. I road a few more easy laps around the parking lot as the CAT 4 men finished before taking off my warm-ups and staging.<br />
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I only wore my kit with arm warmers. Kevlar and JE had warned me that after 2 laps I'd be plenty warm. We rolled around 1/2 the course to the start. I was pretty cold when we got to the start. It was a great start spot, right on a hill. It would be 12 laps, about 15 miles, lap 4 was our preme lap (dont' quote me on that). I lined up in the middle with SG. EP and Daisy took the inside left, front. <br />
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Cycling is a gentleman's sport, so you don't brake check your opponents or try to run them into potholes and barricades, however small tricks and tactics that do not involve endangering other rider's safety is common. I was on red alert and although the course is 2 lanes and closed off to cars as soon as the bell went off the experienced CAT's jumped...and so did I. This was not a no-drop group ride. The main field hammered a little up the hill at the start and immediately dropped a few who had not clipped in quick enough and stayed on a wheel. I got low and settled myself in about 5-6 riders back. I wanted to stay near the front, in case of any breaks. I figured there would be 1 or 2 on the preme laps and the last 2-3, but it was the start of the season and I was betting everyone would air on the side of caution and feel out the field. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwFE17yyt2o/U1bEeZtsCaI/AAAAAAAAA3w/VaM-W3di0cA/s1600/RATL_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwFE17yyt2o/U1bEeZtsCaI/AAAAAAAAA3w/VaM-W3di0cA/s1600/RATL_1_1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RATL 1 courtesy of WAS Labs Cycling</td></tr>
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The course dropped down and wound around some corners and through the parking lot where we had staged and most of the other people were. It was a rush railing left and right, my heart was beating at what I guessed was 150-165 and coming back down (I was already recovering from the start), and I knew I could ride at that rate all day. We came around and back up the hill. My legs felt heavy on the climb and I could feel my heart rate go up. I hung onto the wheel in front of me and let the girl pull me up to the start/finish. Whooo hoooo!!!! 1 down 11 to go.<br />
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Each lap, I invested my time trying to stay toward the front, tucking into the pack and conserving as much energy as possible. I was starting to fatigue from all the days of riding and thought, maybe I can't hold onto this. I checked the lap counter as we came around -- 8 to go!!! Oh man, I was hoping, I had already done 8!<br />
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I checked around, we had started with 16 and were down to 10. I knew (3) of the riders were at least Cat 3s, and I was still there with them. My teammate and beast on the bicycle, DaisyDuc was also still in the main field. She looked like she was soft pedaling on the outside at times, fresh as a you guessed it, Daisy! I on the other hand, was wheel sucking like it was my job. She broke from the field on our preme lap. I immediately sat up and reminded myself "do not chase your teammate." I started yelling in my head "Go Daisy!! Go!!" The field picked up the pace a little but she took it uncontested. I'm betting had she just kept pushing and going she could have gotten away and stayed away from the main field. The girl can push some watts!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy grabbing her preme - photo courtesy of WAS Labs Cycling</td></tr>
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Lap after lap just kept going by and there I was still in it. There was only one breakaway attempt before the hill in the middle of the race that failed. My legs weren't ready to give up. Every lap I came around I felt better and better. <br />
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The only mishap was a girl on my right was forcing me off my line left. Daisy was on my left and we rubbed shoulders and handlebars a little bit. I yelled "My bad!!" and we kept riding. No one was moving us out of the race.<br />
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Oh and the other mishap, I don't know what I was thinking but I thought we were on lap 11 and I wanted to be at the front coming off the climb, so I powered up to the front and pushed on the hill a little. My legs were heavy but I knew I could suffer for 3 minutes. I rolled up to the top and heard the official yell "Two laps to go!!!" Wait what?!?!?! What?!?! Say again?!?! I couldn't ride like that for 2 more laps. Immediately, defeated and sucking air the main field went around me. I was caught up in my lap mistake for too long that when I decided I would still try to hang on, it was too late they were gone. I should have just said "F$*K!!" and jumped right back on, but it was like a slap to the face. It had shocked me and I had spent a lot of gas. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGN-LdoV8To/U1bGIZYsxhI/AAAAAAAAA4w/yzPLzLbcdkQ/s1600/RATL_1_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGN-LdoV8To/U1bGIZYsxhI/AAAAAAAAA4w/yzPLzLbcdkQ/s1600/RATL_1_8.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I thought was lap 11, photo courtesy of Joey & Janet Edwards</td></tr>
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I rode my last 2 laps of shame alone, waving and smiling to my teammates yelling "I can't count!!" I even lapped 2 girls right before the finish and encouraged them to get on my wheel, but they had one more to go and they waved me on. <br />
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I finished 9th overall, 5th in the CAT 4s. I was super annoyed with myself and all the absent minded mistakes I had made that morning (it continued on into the afternoon too, post-RATL). <br />
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Daisy took 2nd in the CAT 4s. I am guessing our average speed was 18-20 mph -- completely doable. Overall, I thought I did a great job, suffering on and off, staying with the main field and paying attention, at least until the end of lap 10. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnGrnD3Xm2g/U1bEVLJuPiI/AAAAAAAAA3g/qJrxYTS389g/s1600/TBH_RATL_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnGrnD3Xm2g/U1bEVLJuPiI/AAAAAAAAA3g/qJrxYTS389g/s1600/TBH_RATL_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TBH representing at RATL photo courtesy of The Bicycle Hub</td></tr>
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The race was well run, the course was fun, and the weather was perfect. It was very beginner friendly and I can not encourage enough women to give it a try if they ever were interested in crit racing. <a href="http://www.summitfreewheelers.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=509627">Summit Freewheelers</a> did a wonderful job hosting.<br />
<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-87603780185549545012014-03-17T03:16:00.000-07:002014-03-17T03:16:28.042-07:00St. Malachi 2 Miler Just when my running had progressed to almost an hour of intervals on the treadmill, it was side lined by my nose surgery on February 5th. Fast forward to March 3rd and my plastic surgeon says "You can start running again." Elated I left the office and immediately ran 2 miles that day and signed up for the <a href="http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/Malachi/">St. Malachi 2 miler on March 15th</a>. I had no running fitness, but it was a <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">team race</a> and my physical therapist and ortho doc has said I could give it a go. <br />
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I arrived almost an hour before the start and it was pretty dead and then I remembered the 5 mile (which was the big draw) started 45 minutes after my race. I scored a parking spot right by the start and headed over to get my packet.<br />
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The local running company that puts on this race had been where I first started dabbling in road racing years ago, but as of late they were not gaining many points with me, seeming to be more about entertainment and the experience than the actual race part. Their courses had become notorious for being short, seemed to keep downtown Cleveland (and Marginal Road) at it's epicenter and become a little disorganized (last time I had run a race I had not had an official time and had to email the RD). I walked up to the pre-registration table to get my packet and they couldn't find my bib. I was sent to the timing table where I explained the problem and pulled up my confirmation email. They gave me a new bib and a large shirt. I told them I was a small and they said they had me marked down for a large. I informed them I would never order a large. They then said if I wanted a small I had to head upstairs for assistance. As I headed upstairs, I debated saying to hell with it -- did I really need another shirt? Needless to say I got the shirt after a few minutes of trying to clarify the issue and was back at my car.<br />
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I realized our team picture was at 9:10, but my race was at 9:00 and there was just no way I would make it. Bummed I would miss the pic, I texted <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">DaisyDuc</a> the bad news before heading out for a 15 minute warm-up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy6q7jyWTUg/UybCp-QDPaI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/lYcD4MUnBYg/s1600/st_malachi_2014_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wy6q7jyWTUg/UybCp-QDPaI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/lYcD4MUnBYg/s1600/st_malachi_2014_3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was there in TBH spirit! Photo credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/ESpeed77">https://twitter.com/ESpeed77</a></td></tr>
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It was windy and felt about mid to high 30s. I opted for shorts, my TBH tank and arm warmers. I was getting cold and tight hopping around at the start line trying to stay loose waiting for the eternal 7 minutes to start to hurry up and pass. We started right on Detroit this year so you immediately run up and over the bridge. <br />
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I started only a few rows back from the front and still had to go around walkers and slower runners. I focused on trying to hold back and push my hips forward, while trying to keep my core tight. I was working from the start and when we turned off the bridge to run down W. 3rd my legs felt heavy. I was probably only a 1/2 mile in and getting tired, by 3/4 mile I could feel I was starting to blow-up. My goal was to run with good form (If it went bad I would make myself walk. I was not going to undo all the work I had done to fix my foot) and hopefully break 8:00/miles. As we approached the first mile marker I heard 7 minutes!!! Holy hell, no wonder I felt so bad. I wasn't ready for that pace. I had only seen that pace for 3 minutes at a time in January on the treadmill with recovery breaks in between. My saving grace thought "well at least you don't feel this bad running 8:00/mile." <br />
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In a brief moment of weakness while I was tired, but still maintaining proper form I debated doing my old turtle shuffling to recover, just for a short bit. The voice of pride in my head quickly lost to the voice of reason "what are you an idiot? do you want to hurt your foot some more?" My mind made up I began suffering back up and over the bridge. The race was half over and it was literally all downhill after I crested this last incline. I was suffering, but passing people as I pushed up the bridge. Although, the bridge was slowing me down, I forced myself to slow down more. I was tired, my form was about to drop. This race was not worth me getting hurt. My lungs were burning and so was my nose (Since my surgery, if I run hard my nose will start burning and then throbbing like someone hit me in the tip of it. It usually subsides after about 5 minutes of walking around. I think it's all the blood flowing and putting pressure on those tender areas that aren't quite healed yet) I tried to open up my legs on the down hill, but they were like lead. This is so fun right? As I neared the church, lots of people were cheering and when I rounded the corner I saw all my teammates screaming and cheering just for me. I smiled and let my legs carry me down the hills to the finish. I couldn't get into another gear and with about a quarter mile to go I decided to hold pace and stop fighting, just to take it all in and enjoy running pain free again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtdrlY7MbUU/UybBh8IDliI/AAAAAAAAA10/9TE9_SD3k-Q/s1600/st_malachi_2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtdrlY7MbUU/UybBh8IDliI/AAAAAAAAA10/9TE9_SD3k-Q/s1600/st_malachi_2014_1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably couldn't have taken a worse running pic, if I tried :) Photo credit: hermescleveland</td></tr>
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I made the final turn and instinctively started trying to push when I saw I could run under 14:30. I figured I had 5 seconds on the clock from the chip timed start. I hustled in at 14:30 on the dot. My Garmin had 14:25. Yikes, almost :20 seconds slower for the second mile and my Garmin had beeped almost a 100 meters after the first mile marker. Total distance 1.96 miles. I am pretty conscientious about running the tangents, so if I had to guess the course was probably a hair short (I guess we each have to decided for ourselves how important that is when racing). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjEQ-PWOZ0c/UybBomKZjMI/AAAAAAAAA18/VfEbbSxyKGI/s1600/st_malachi_2014_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjEQ-PWOZ0c/UybBomKZjMI/AAAAAAAAA18/VfEbbSxyKGI/s1600/st_malachi_2014_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Cleveland Triathlon Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stopped at the food table to say "hi" and thank all the <a href="http://www.clevetriclub.com/">Cleveland Triathlon Club</a> volunteers for coming out before hustling back up the hill to my car before I froze my ass off. I ran into some of my friends at the top and managed a picture before I started to shiver. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNIzkBhqbhI/UybBuASC2lI/AAAAAAAAA2E/a8yXNzvlgN4/s1600/tbh_malachi_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNIzkBhqbhI/UybBuASC2lI/AAAAAAAAA2E/a8yXNzvlgN4/s1600/tbh_malachi_2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/ESpeed77">https://twitter.com/ESpeed77</a></td></tr>
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Warm and cow-belled up, I cheered for my teammates as they came by in the 5 miler. <a href="http://teambicyclehub.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> didn't do too bad overall. We had 2 age group wins and I just missed 3rd in my age group by a "smidgen" as my teammate reported on our team page. <br />
<br />
<br />
It was a good day to be in green and running pain free. I am so thankful for the amazing doctors at CCF who got me up and running after all this time. That said, I.AM.SO.STOKED to race for <a href="http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/">The Bicycle Hub's</a> team again this year. <br />
<br />
Total time was <a href="http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/results/2014/MALACHI2.htm#18">14:21, which is a PR</a> (as I have only run <a href="http://www.perseverance13.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-shot-in-dark-2-person-relay.html">one other 2 mile race</a>). <br />
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Welcome to the 2014 season!!!! allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-1821181828577556272014-03-05T12:12:00.000-08:002014-12-18T15:18:23.441-08:00Pump and JumpI have found a new hobby to supplement my road riding (because swimming and running weren't enough already). It's dangerous, scary and at times painful. <a href="http://www.raysmtb.com/">Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park</a> has become my new haunt. <br />
<br />
I had been wanting to try it for nearly a year, but since I had not particularly cared for mountain biking at <a href="http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Royalview-Mountain-Bike-Trail.aspx">Royalview</a> in the fall, I had been told I probably wouldn't like Ray's. I have never been one to make a judgment without at least trying something two times (except running 100 miles), so I resolved to one day hit Ray's and try mountain biking at least one more time before throwing in the towel.<br />
<br />
About one month ago my sponsors, <a href="http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/">The Bicycle Hub</a> and some friends were going to Ray's. I knew they loved down hilling and were probably amazing, but they offered to give me some pointers and I agreed. I brought my own helmet and gloves and bought the <a href="http://www.raysmtb.com/about/1st-timer-deal.html">1st timer deal</a> (admission, bike rental and pads for $28ish). I asked for a jump bike per my friends recommendation and began to adjust the seat like I would for a road bike. The guys behind the counter came over and explained that a jump bike wasn't normally set to one's seat height. It stayed flush with the down tube so it was out of the way when "jumping." The guy recommended I start with a XC bike if I wanted more comfort and to have the seat a little higher, so I immediately switched. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMeI-3YyhPo/Uxd_jIr8F7I/AAAAAAAAA1M/n6vlAGMgFpc/s1600/rays_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMeI-3YyhPo/Uxd_jIr8F7I/AAAAAAAAA1M/n6vlAGMgFpc/s1600/rays_1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to laugh at the name of this Gary Fisher </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All padded up, I went over to the yellow novice section.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7qcnti28l8/Uxd55mLzG5I/AAAAAAAAA08/P6cFoqN4AE0/s1600/rays_mtb_park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7qcnti28l8/Uxd55mLzG5I/AAAAAAAAA08/P6cFoqN4AE0/s1600/rays_mtb_park.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the "yellow novice section" I refer to is green on this map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had a BMX as a kid (until I was 12), and I now ride a crotch rocket, so I was hoping some bike handling skills would be similar. I practiced pumping over the whoop-de-doos and cornering on the berms. I also worked on the table top jumps and riding the tracks. It felt really tight and awkward -- this should have been so easy, but it wasn't. The adult in me constantly thought of all the "what could go wrongs" with each task instead of the Cru Jones (from the movien "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091817/">Rad</a>") attitude I had as a kid that "I can't do that with my bike." I quickly learned I would only be sitting when I would be going from room to room, controlling the bike standing up was way easier. It wasn't long before I caught on and we moved from the novice area to the beginner section where everything was the same just bigger, longer and steeper. <br />
<br />
Here is where I took my first of 2 spills that night, both were off the tracks. I started to get bold and on one loop took a path back that I hadn't planned on and had to ride over a track about 2-3 feet off the ground that included a log as part of the bridge. My back tire slipped off and down I went. My left hip stung like a mother, but I was okay. My pride was more damaged, I think. I jumped right back up and told the guys I was okay, but from that point on I was a little hesitant for the night and thought "maybe this isn't for me." <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNIXeSh4jxQ/Uxd_oDkMo6I/AAAAAAAAA1U/FjYRdXI__Dg/s1600/rays_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNIXeSh4jxQ/Uxd_oDkMo6I/AAAAAAAAA1U/FjYRdXI__Dg/s1600/rays_2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's still sensitive over 1 month later in that spot</td></tr>
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We went to the rhythm room next (It's really called transferland, but if you ever see or ride the room, you would understand our alias). This is my favorite room. The guys can pretty much "fly" in here. I was in awe, wishing I could drop in and try, but I was terrified, so I just watched. Re-inspired to not give up and channel my inner <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085204/">BMX Bandit</a>, we left and went into the pump track, sport /beginner section. I was still hesitant, there was a steep drop-in on the pump track and that went into a steep berm, but I was determined. I failed to take the berm the first 2 times not trusting the bike to hold on the wall as I went around. Both times I jumped off the bike and dropped it. The guys asked if I was okay and kept telling me I could do it and to "stop being such a pussy!" (I love the guys for never going easy on me and always pushing me). On the third try, I told myself, "Stop being a pansy, you know the bike will hold the corner. Either do it or quit, but stop being a pansy." I dropped-in determined to come through the berm on the bike or my face. I flew (for me) over the pump track and ripped through the berm! I had done it. <br />
<br />
My confidence had been restored. I rode around the rest of the night in that section, working on my skills and trying to get faster. I was definitely coming back. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUdvL83coqE/UxeBdnpYlZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/DwAV1W5iKOg/s1600/ray_mtb_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUdvL83coqE/UxeBdnpYlZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/DwAV1W5iKOg/s1600/ray_mtb_4.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles, after a successful first time at Ray's MTB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fast forward over a month later and one nose surgery. I had just received clearance to run and swim on a Monday and thought that must mean I can hit up Ray's too. It was the "unofficial women's Monday night ride" so me and a few of my girlfriends hit up the park (a few of the guys I knew came too, which was great because they gave us some free and sound instruction). RP, the owner of <a href="http://www.mentorbicyclehub.com/">The Bicycle Hub</a> couldn't come, so when I told him I was definitely getting a jump bike this time (they are lighter and more nimble - sketchier handling, but way more fun) he offered up his super awesome Deity! I was so excited. <br />
<br />
I picked up everything really quick this time and when we went in the rhythm room, where I (wo)manned up and made one run. I almost peed my pants and when I dropped in the speed picked up so fast when I pulled up to hit the first table top I manual-ed across it (unknowingly until SD asked me if it felt weird the first jump and when I said yes, he proceeded to fill me in), I made it out to the half way point, stopped and then dropped back in for the return trip. E-speed video taped it and it looks really slow, but nevertheless -- I did it!!<br />
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<br />
After that, I worked on jumping the table tops a lot more, trying to get my back wheel off the ground. Time flew by and before I knew, it was 10pm and closing time. I put the bike away and returned my pads, already excited for next Monday. <br />
<br />
Here I sit now 2 days later and muscles I didn't even know I had ache from all the great fun of Ray's, but sore muscles never stopped me before and they sure wont now. <br />
<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-10153991925406748512013-12-22T05:29:00.001-08:002013-12-22T05:29:05.478-08:002013 Year in Review <div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJefl4Z5jjo/UrbodcRwnSI/AAAAAAAAA0I/Pjagog7EiSQ/s1600/2013-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJefl4Z5jjo/UrbodcRwnSI/AAAAAAAAA0I/Pjagog7EiSQ/s400/2013-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Well, it's time to wrap up another year of multisport and gimping. I am impatiently hoping 2014 takes a positive turn with regards to my foot and running. That said here's my 2013 wrap up:</div>
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</div>
<div>
3/03 - Youngstown 1/2 Marathon - 1:58:21</div>
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3/06 - St. Malachi 5 Miler - 38:394/27 - Pineline Marathon - 3:58:31, 2nd Female Overall</div>
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7/20 - Shot in the Dark (2 Person Relay): Team Spin Hub - Total time: 29:05, My time: 15:04, 9th Co-ed team Overall</div>
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6/14 - I took Janet Edwards QOM on the BP to Hunan section of Strava (she took it back on 7/02 <img goomoji="gtalk.32A" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/gtalk/32A" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" />)</div>
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7/21 - Huntington Sprint Tri - 1:12:47, 1st in Age Group</div>
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8/18 - Machine Head Sprint Tri - 1:27:39, 3rd Female Overall</div>
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9/08 - Rev3 Half Tri - 5:34:58 3rd in Age Group, 24th Female Overall (although only my 2nd half, still counts as a PR!)</div>
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</div>
<div>
With my foot still bothering me after 3 years, running was difficult and I spent a very large amount of time on the bike. I completed the Sunday in June 100K, The Bicycle Hub Hungarian 100K, Women's only Rapha 100K, and the Sweet Corn Challenge (104 miles). </div>
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</div>
<div>
Fun Facts for the Summer</div>
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<div>
I also had never ridden over 200 miles in a 7 day period until the week of 8/11-8/17, but I managed the full 100 mile Emerald Necklace on Sunday 8/11 (solo), 21.4 miles rode to volunteer at the Dark Horse 5K run, then rode the Rev3 Preview Day with a friend in 5:06:xx (fastest century ever for me) on the following Saturday on 8/17 .</div>
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I have only averaged over 20 mph in sprints on the bike, but managed 20.4 mph on an insanely windy Rev3 half course </div>
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I only swam and ran a handful of times over the summer but I broke over 2,000 miles cycling (which is a lot for me). This was easily the best cycling shape I have ever been in.</div>
<div>
Only got 4 flats over the summer, broke 1 crank arm and pedal, ripped off 1 derailleur hanger, broke a spoke and snapped a chain. No crashes. </div>
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</div>
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Representing the Bicycle Hub was a lot of fun. I was able to meet new people and ride with old friends. And I got to wear a cool kit -- Argyle definitely makes you faster on the bike. </div>
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All in all it was THE BEST summer of riding ever for me (at least so far, wait until next year). </div>
allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-30227551265970325152013-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-23T05:00:55.460-07:00Rev 3 Half Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcXmpR5N-0o/UkAo2YN8gFI/AAAAAAAAAxg/BnsyILJZ5wI/s1600/rev3logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mcXmpR5N-0o/UkAo2YN8gFI/AAAAAAAAAxg/BnsyILJZ5wI/s1600/rev3logo.jpg" /></a></div>
It was my turn at the front. I stood on the ramp until one volunteer said "Go!" and the other said "wait a second." Tara and I were confused as to what to do and we both simultaneously chose to head into the water.<br />
<br />
The water felt nice and cool as it encircled me. I pulled my face out of the water and luckily my goggles held without any leakage. I went to work. I kept pulling right and having to over correct. I felt weak in the water as I saw pink cap upon pink cap passing me the first 1/4 mile or so. It is stupid I swam only a few times all summer, and yet I STILL expect myself to swim better than ever. The swim was counterclockwise and our first turn took us through a narrow marina. I could see all the pretty boats on my right with every breathe and took note of the rock wall to my left. I tried to site off the boats, but the water through the marina was so narrow I found myself enough to the right my hand brushed the rocks below me a few times. Drat!! I had to overcorrect a few times and luckily did not cut myself on any of the rocks as some did. I started coming up on schools of pink caps around this point and even some other colored caps from the waves ahead of me. I fought my way through packs on and off, corrected my frequent off course swimming and finally after 42:04 I was out of the bay. It was a lack luster swim for sure, but I only had two goals for this race --- Beat Roark on the bike and PR. <br />
<br />
I ran up the ramp to the wetsuit strippers and they were awesome. They yelled at me to "lay down" and ripped off my suit and yanked me back up to my feet before I knew it. "HELL YEAH" for those wetsuit strippers. I pulled on my shoes and started my run to T1. My foot was already aching and I trotted along for the 0.3ish mile run or so. 7:11 later I was out and on the Joker.... Showtime!!!<br />
<br />
I was excited and I didn't think I went out too hard on the bike, but as I flew down the first stretch I was flying by people. No one was even close to my speed. I wore my regular helmet, removed my aero drink system and took only 2 bottles. Today, I was kinda fighting the system, although I was on a tri bike with 60s (but all that came on the bike - no special upgrades for today). Roark was on his fancy tri bike, aero helmet in place, and 10.5 years of youth up ahead of me somewhere. I had my work cut out for me. I had ridden a lot with groups this summer and the aero position had become a little foreign to me but I forced myself to drop down. <br />
<br />
The wind was insane. It felt like it was every way I turned. I could only tell it was worse from the north and the east because it would be a little less worse when I turned south or west. I had never raced in conditions like this and the crosswinds made holding my front wheel straight a bit challenging. It had crossed my mind Roark was running a disc on the back and I prayed he would be safe in this wind. We hit the first town and a busy intersection that had 2 police officers signaling and directing traffic. I approached with another girl thinking they would stop the traffic turning left in front of us, but nope. One of the officers put up his hand and signaled for us to stop. I yelled "Seriously, you're stopping us?" The cop yelled back "Yes!" I was pissed to say the least. We stopped as instructed. I couldn't believe it. It was only a few seconds before we got going again and I pedaled hard trying to make up for lost time. <br />
<br />
I continued to pass people left and left. No one was going as fast as me so I didn't need to worry about drafting of blocking penalties. I saw a few packs riding together most looked unintentional but a few were definitely on purpose. I watched one guy sitting about 1 bike length off another guy passing when he passed and pulling right back into the draft on the lead guy. A little irritate, I thought about telling the guy he was giving the guy behind him a free ride, but I thought "you know what if that guy needs to draft to go that fast and beat me, well then he's already lost." I didn't care. I already knew I was better on the bike than that wheel sucker. I hit the one steep little hill called "the teddy bear" on the course and hit it just right so I only had to work hard at the top for a few seconds (too boot I got the QOM on Strava too -- holla'!!)<br />
<br />
The course loops back on itself and heads out on 113, which is my least favorite road. The wind was all in my face and too add insult to injury it started raining. My left hip flexor was cramping and sending a radiating pain around to my back and I resolved to just take it easy and ride through it until I could turn off this Godforsaken road. I snuck a peak at my Garmin one time and saw 14.x mph at one time and boy was that a bad idea. Disgusted, I just kept pedaling, trying to be patient and get through this segment. My only comfort -- I was STILL passing people and significantly faster. <br />
<br />
I turned off the dreadful 113 and started to make my way back to Cedar Point. My left hip was still cramping on and off but it didn't matter I was pushing 20+ mph practically spinning (boy had the 2 weeks of easy cycling leading up to the race helped). I told myself repeatedly, "Ride like <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">DaisyDuc</a>." <br />
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The wind was even worse on the way back and I fought to stay on my aero bars. The worst being the Cedar Point Road on the way back. The wind was blowing the water from the Lake so hard I could feel the spray as I rode. All my attention was focused on avoiding pot holes and keeping the front wheel straight. I passed a guy that yelled "You're slaying it girl!!" I was pumped I knew barring any mechanicals I was going to break 20 mph even in this mini-tornado. <br />
<br />
I made it to the park and soft pedaled ripping my feet out of my shoes. I jumped off my bike and ran for T2. My race was over. I had biked a 2:43:12 and averaged 20.6 mph, but would it be enough to hold Roark off?<br />
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T2 - 1:36 (debating dropping out vs. hobbling though 13.1 miles.<br />
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I changed my shoes, grabbed my flask and visor and headed out for my 2 hour trot. Memories of the year before hit me as I ran down the causeway. I was moving about a minute a mile faster this year though and I would only have to do 1 loop (thank God). I hit the first aid station and yep, you guessed it I asked for ... Coke. <br />
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My foot held for about 5-6 miles before it really started aching. I never saw Roark on the course, which made me think he was having a pretty good race and had put quite a jump on me out of the water. I would later learn it was about 11 minutes (I suck). I saw SG and throughout the remainder of the miles. We would exchange shouts of encouragement whenever we saw each other. I was slowly closing the the gap until about mile 9 when I started cramping in my left leg. My hamstring and calf had checked out. I couldn't close the gap. I always dread this part of the race where it hurts so bad and your done, but the race isn't over yet. It f*cking hurts. <br />
<br />
With 2 miles to go I caught SG and encouraged her to keep pushing. She leap frogged ahead and I was jealous of her energy and strength as I was on E. I reeled her back in though with a little less than a mile to go. She seemed ready to be done at this point to, but we were not giving up. We fought the last headwind of the day together, pushing each other to the finish. We looped through the finishing shoot and each made silly poses (SG jumped and I did some silly pose with my nieces signature deuces). I managed a 2:00:56 for the half. <br />
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<br />
Total time was 5:34:58 (12+ minute PR)<br />
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I even managed 3rd in my AG as 1st was actually 2nd female overall.<br />
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And who won the bike you ask..........<br />
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Well, he did by 4 FREAKIN' seconds. It was a hard pill to swallow, but next time the Maillot Jaune is mine!!!!!<br />
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aallanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-80299250231192593742013-09-11T22:36:00.002-07:002013-09-11T22:36:13.210-07:00Pre- Race for Rev 3 HalfSo the summer has been all about the bike (contrary to what Lance's title book says -- hehe). I had finally broken the 200 mile mark in a week of riding and had been pretty religious about getting out 3 or more times a week to ride. I was also addicted to "<a href="http://www.strava.com/">Strava</a>" and beating Roark on as many segments as possible. That said when I was offered a FREE entry to the <a href="http://rev3tri.com/">Rev 3</a> half I couldn't turn it down. <br />
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Not living near a lake and absolutely detesting running, due to the same old foot saga I had more than enough excuses to capitalize on the bike, except for the fact that I broke the joker on August 21st, just 2 days before my crash a year ago (it's pretty obvious I should not ride the joker this week in the future).<br />
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Luckily, Roark would not allow me to go into withdrawals and had me on a road bike for the 2 weeks leading up to the race. <br />
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On Saturday morning, the day before the race, the joker was fixed. It was better than ever and I longingly took it out for an albeit short 15 mile test ride in the morning before heading to Cedar Point. Sitting on the joker felt like home and my legs felt great. It took all I had not to "rip it" that morning and open 'er up.<br />
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We hit the expo first, so we could make the earlier mandatory athlete meeting. There was lots of nervous energy and excitement in anticipation for tomorrow's race. Rev had a green screen set-up this year for the athletes to have a little pre-race fun and we couldn't resist. Tomorrow we would swim, bike run, but today we would bumper cars!! We couldn't pass up the chance to do the "deuces" sign for my niece, G.<br />
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We then racked our bikes in transition for the evening. I covered the seat and handlebars just in case as there was a chance of rain. I also hoped treating the joker well the night before would assuage him to treat me well tomorrow (after barely 1 year I have been through more with that rotten S.O.B. than most people go through in a lifetime on a bicycle, including crashes, flats, broken parts, etc...). We had suffered through a lot together and tomorrow I knew would be a sufferfest but hopefully not in vain.<br />
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We checked into the "spooktacular" hotel and took some silly photos before dinner.<br />
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Then we headed to Sortino's to meet Cash. He was doing the full distance again. There was a moment of sadness as I thought of <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">DaisyDuc</a> and how the 3 amigos had not been whole all summer (due to me, not racing) and the laughs of last year I had experienced with them. She would not make it for my race tomorrow, but she would be there in time to drink beer and celebrate as we cheered Cash on through the miles of the marathon. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We jokingly, struck a pose similar to the year before and got SG to sub for Daisy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 3 Amigos Whole & Full :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There was a moment of confusion due to the photobomber (pay him no attention), but it all worked out in the end.</span></td></tr>
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Sunday morning came all too fast for me as I slept like crap (maybe 3 hrs). I took a hot shower in hopes of waking my butt up for the race, had some crappy coffee and (2) instant oatmeals before cracking my ankle on the end of the bed (then I was awake -- son of a b^tch did that hurt!!)<br />
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The humidity was high, but the wind was in full effect at 6:00am when we left the hotel. It was way warmer than last year at this time of the morning. We got to the race and started setting up our gear. Roark was definitely more excited and nervous than me. I knew my race would start with the bike and end with the bike the rest was just stuff I had to do in between like going to the bathroom, ultimately you want to pee, but before you do you have to find a toilet and sit down and then when you're done it's still not over because you have to wipe and wash your hands, but honestly all you really cared about was peeing!! You get the drift. There is always a moment of ten on racing morning when I think of pulling out of the race and DNSing. I couldn't come up with any legit reason, so I left my bike racked until it was too late and they closed transition. <br />
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The swim got moved to the bay so I decided to drop shoes at the swim exit as the run would be 3-4 minutes being as it was somewhere around 0.3 miles to transition. We were going to have to swim through the marina of boats on the right with rocks on our left and then beyond that the break wall would be a crap shoot if we would have calm waters. I was also unfortunately, in the last wave and was going to have to fight my way through not only the water, rocks and boats, but also the slower swimmers. The only good thing was it was a time trial swim start, 2 at a time every 3 seconds. I lined up for the swim start with a girl named "Tara" who was nice enough to zip me up. As we moved closer and closer to the front I thought "I hope these goggles don't leak, since we have no warm-up" and "just step out of line and DNS because this is gonna hurt a lot." I got closer and closer to the water and held my ground until....<br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-20752124308429294982013-08-21T07:47:00.000-07:002013-08-21T07:47:27.947-07:00Keep Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' It had been nagging at me all summer to ride 200+ miles in 7 consecutive days and this past week presented the perfect opportunity, except for the fact that I was considering racing on the 8th day. Ah what the heck, no guts, no glory.<br />
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Two Sundays ago, I somehow had a whole day to myself with perfect weather. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, I readied my untrusty stead (a.k.a the joker), grabbed and extra tube and headed out. I had never ridden the full <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/us/shaker-heights-oh/emerald-necklace-100-mile-loop-route-55611472">Emerald Necklace </a>so I looked up the map my ride route and hit the road. About 30 or so miles, in, I ended up missing a turn and riding through East Cleveland where I noticed my bike was worth more than most of the cars. I had (2) thoughts: Pedal your ass through here as quickly as possible and don't stop. I had just made it to the outskirts of downtown Cleveland (E. 17th and St. Clair) when I hit a big bump and double pinch flatted. Luckily I had grabbed that extra tube and after wrestling with my stupid valve extenders for about 10 minutes I was up and riding again. I decided to head to <a href="http://www.spinbikeshop.com/">Spin</a> as it was only 8 miles away vs. trying to navigate my way back home. They hooked me up with some extra tubes and CO2 cartridges before hitting the parkway. I had ridden more on the west side this year than ever before and I actually knew a good portion of the road for about 20 miles. It was relatively flat with a very slight grade for about 20-30 miles until I rode east of I-77 and then the climbing began. The sun was at it's highest point and I was cooking. Tons of motorcyclists passed me, making me wish I had taken this bike of mine out instead. I stopped at Station Bridge to refill my bottles and upon leaving hit what I think was the steepest climb of the day. I cramped in my cavs and hamstrings for about 2 miles and spent the time spinning and hydrating. I climbed through the Bedford Reservation and it took all I had to push those pedals the rest of the way home. Nearly 6 hours of riding with over 4500ft. of climbing and I completed my first completely unsupported century solo. Oh and I had a bit of a sun burn.<br />
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Friday I rode from home up to Willoughby to help <a href="http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/">The Bicycle Hub</a> run a challenge/aid station at the <a href="http://nercdarkhorse5k.blogspot.com/">Dark Horse 5K</a>. It was like the Warrior Dash, but in the dark (headlamps, glow sticks and flashlights galore). Roark met me up there after work, so thankfully I didn't have to ride home in the dark. Chalk up another 21+ miles.<br />
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I managed 5 hours of sleep before heading out to the Rev3 preview day at Sawmill Creek, hosted by the <a href="http://www.clevetriclub.com/">CTC</a>. I wasn't really too keen on swimming, but I neglect it so much and I HAD TO that day. A quick 30 minute swim and I was hustling to get ready to roll for the ride. My friend, Danner had never ridden a full century and with the course being only 2,500 feet of climbing and supported, it was the perfect opportunity. <br />
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We set out with the B group and ran into my friend TK who was also game for the full century. The ride started out fine but after 10 miles or so 90% of the group was riding in a paceline in their f*ck#ng aero bars! I couldn't believe it. I always here how roadies think triathletes are stupid and refer to us as "tritards" and how against having people join group rides on tri bikes are but that day, I found myself agreeing. I am without a doubt of a roadie mindset now, posing as a triathlete. I couldn't believe how stupid and/or ignorant they were being, especially with all the crashes this year. We decided to get away from this group and jumped up to the B+ group where it was still occurring but much less frequently. I don't give a crap how fast my average speed is or about any <a href="http://www.strava.com/">Strava</a> segments....<br />
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**FYI - If I catch you riding with me on your aero bars I WILL CALL YOUR ASS OUT!!!** <br />
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SAFETY IS MY FIRST CONCERN on my bicycle.<br />
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We rolled through the first loop with about 20-30 people, but when we made the left hand turn to hit the second loop it was .... <i>CRICKETS!! </i>I think we saw 2 other guys turn with us but it was pretty lonely. We picked up a girl on a custom Shiv riding 90s that couldn't have weighed more than 130lbs (the wind got under her at one point and she almost ended up in the other lane) and we fought the wind the last 25 miles or so with her back to Sawmill. My Garmin only had 97 miles on it and my friend wanted a legit 100, so the 3 of us rolled past the resort for a few more miles to get our triple digit ride in. I came to find out our new friend had never ridden 100 before either, so it was a great to get to share that moment with my 2 riding buddies. As for me, I hit my 200th mile about 20+ miles before that and had my own secret victory party pedaling through the headwinds with them. We managed 100.5 miles in just a hair over 5 hours. <br />
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Total Miles: 221.4 miles<br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-38923272278944415722013-08-02T06:39:00.003-07:002013-08-02T06:47:51.263-07:00Huntington TriathlonThe race went like this swim, fumble around, bike, fumble around, run -- finish.<br />
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My last triathlon had been the full at <a href="http://rev3tri.com/">Rev3</a> last year. Other than that it had been nearly 2 years since I had done anything. I had no intention of doing this race, heck I was seriously considering giving the Eastern Ohio TT a shot, but after Roark signed up I was scraping for some quality time with him, even if it meant suffering a little (who am I kidding, -- a lot). <br />
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I saw so many familiar faces and was happy to rack my bike and gear quickly so I could socialize. The nervous feeling I used to get was barely there. I had never done this race and having been in the water less than 5 times this year and all but boycotting running, the goal was 1:15, smash the bike and have fun!<br />
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I originally, thought I would be in the first women's wave so I was a little surprised to see the wave break at 34 and under. I had a rather large moment of sadness as I realized I was going off in the "old lady wave." I don't know why it bothers me so much these days, maybe it's because I am closer to 40 than 30 or maybe it's the few gray hairs I have found, or maybe it's the fact that Roark is over 10 years younger than me and I am just trying to hide my oldness from him for as long as possible.... I even had a little discussion with <a href="http://trisaratopsimadventure.blogspot.com/">TriSaraTops</a> at the shoreline about it. <br />
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Shoulder to shoulder we left the beach running head on into the waves. My left goggle was leaking in the warm-up, so I knew it was going to be a 1-eyed swim eventually. I waited until there was a break in the wave sets and plunged in swimming for the first buoy. The swim was clockwise and I breathe to the right so I could sight off the shore. The waves were fine once out past the break wall and I just settled in to a comfortably hard pace, figuring I would be in the water a good 10 minutes and I didn't know where the last buoy was. I was actually, a little surprised how quick the swim actually was and when I hit the shore I glanced at my watch to see just a hair over 9:00. I attempted to strip my wetsuit in the water as Roark had instructed me (which I have never done before) and I fumbled around for a minute or so, with the waves crashing into me, unable to get the right leg of my suit off -- DAMN!!!! At last, I was successful and ran my unhappy ass up to T1. I was surprised at all the people walking up and I passed at least 5 or 6 people on my little trek. <br />
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T1 was uneventful and I was on my way in no time. I did take note of the many very empty bike racks. The thought that I was in the last wave had escaped me and critical thinking was not my forte at the moment. Worried I might not make my goal of 1:15 due to the water fumbling and lack of intensity I was racing with I hustled out determined to have a better bike than swim.<br />
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The course was of course, FLAT (we were on the west side). I tried to ride aero, but it would only last for a little bit at a time. I was not comfortable and most of my riding these days has been on hilly routes and with groups -- herein lies the problem. I didn't get passed by one person (guy or girl) and rode by effort only, unable to see my speed on my Garmin and without a heart rate monitor. My quads were a little baked from the race last night, but I have raced soar before and it was completely tolerable. I decided to do a flying dismount after debating with myself for a few minutes as it had been a few years since my last one. What do ya know, it was like riding a bike, no issues off the bike and high tailing it into T2 successfully. Garmin split on my bike was 12.4 miles in 33:57, avg 21.9mph and my avg watts were 204, which is great for me (normally, I push 170-190 watts on a ride). I got the QOM on Strava for the course to boot (course, I am the only girl too -- hehe).<br />
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T2 I had forgotten my tri shoes with the Yankz and had to pull on my trainers that had the broken shoe string. Fumbled around trying to get them tied and double knotted before heading out to my impending punishment. <br />
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I had no idea where I was in relation to the other girls. I did see my friend BS running up the last hill toward the finish thinking he probably won the men's race. As I made my way out I saw Roark directing me to the left and cheering along with JL and some of the Spin peeps. I smiled and yelled something about this being my top speed and I was already suffering on the run. <br />
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I can never tell my pace when I come off the bike, but it felt slow. I was guessing around 8:45/mile. I was hoping to be 8:00/mile flat. I hit the first mile marker and saw 8:24 --- ooiii. Not good. As I made the turn around I saw a few girls hot on my heels, one of them being TriSaraTops. She looked strong and I felt miserable. My first thought was there was no way I could hold them off for 2 miles. She, especially was just too close, and then I had a plan. I was going to surge in the shaded spots as much as possible. I wouldn't be able to hold a faster pace, but maybe surging on and off would keep them at bay. I pushed and pushed. The sun actually took a little "behind the clouds break" so I surged a little more than I really wanted, which would probably be my saving grace. I dare not look behind me again and right after mile 2, I saw Roark running the other way. I hoped he would run with me and encourage me but nope. He yelled at me to pick it up and ditched me :) To add insult to injury my shoe came untied. I debated tying it and decided it wasn't worth it and if the damn thing came off I would come back for it. I knew I was so close to the finish making the final turn to run up the last hill, but I knew the other girls were even closer. I gave it all I had to get up that last hill. I saw Roark and TK screaming at me to hurry and that there were girls right behind me. One girl caught me right at the top of the hill, but she was in the wave ahead of me, so I already had 4 minutes on her. I crossed the line, only to turn around and see TriSaraTops RIGHT behind me (you can read her version <a href="http://trisaratopsimadventure.blogspot.com/2013/07/race-report-huntington-sprint-triathlon.html">here</a>). She had run out of road, literally. I was spent and it had hurt. Next time I would not be so lucky. <br />
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I was elated to see my time had been 1:12:47, over 2 minutes faster than my goal. No splits were available, but it's safe to say my bike split was probably one of the fastest for the women, and minus the part where TriSaraTops made me run so hard that I wanted to puke, I had fun. <br />
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Reflecting on this race, I find my nervous intensity and seriousness regarding triathlon racing is pretty much gone. I don't expect to win anything overall or in my age group, so it's a bonus if I do now. I don't train much (except riding my bike), hence I don't have huge expectations. I'm not a pro. I feel my glory days are passed me in regards to racing, but I'm having fun, a lot of fun. <br />
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<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-62588333716830909432013-07-22T09:12:00.001-07:002013-07-22T09:12:33.232-07:00A Shot In The Dark (2-Person Relay)I all but detest running now because it aggravates the ever continuing saga that is my foot pain, but after my <a href="http://thebicyclehubonline.com/">TBH</a> sponsor put out feelers to see who was in for <a href="http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/winking_lizard/index.html">this</a> race, I thought "What the heck? Why not?" I signed me and Roark up for a little painful fun. <br />
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I had packed my race bag the night before and Roark took it to work with him that morning with the plan that I would ride the cursed quintana downtown and meet up before the race, race and then drive home together in one car (whoo hoo -- Go Green!) <br />
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I left about around 6p thinking I had plenty of time to ride 10 miles. I even got to work in less than 23 minutes (faster than when I take my darn car!!). Just as I passed the old Cleveland Agora and hit E. 30th I saw a woman on the side of the road working on her bike. I stopped and asked if she was ok. She had a flat and I decided to stay and help fix it. We got her up and running and I high tailed it down to the Winking Lizard with little less than 30 minutes to spare. I wasn't really worried as my bike was my warm-up, but Roark really didn't get any picking up packets and running around trying to find me (he beat me anyway). <br />
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We were racing under the name "<a href="http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/winking_lizard/results/2013/2MILETEAM.HTM">Team Spin Hub</a>" as he works for a local competitor bike shop and I of course race for "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bicyclehub">The Bicycle Hub</a>." We found EP, DM and BK for some pre-race argyle photos and laughs. <br />
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We ended up starting so far back we had walkers in front of us -- whoops. I ran over to the right and hopped up on the sidewalk to avoid the pedestrian crowds and give myself a nice open route. Apparently, Roark and DM liked my plan as they were hot on my heels for the first 1/4 mile or so, until the road opened up at which point they ditched me. <br />
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As we turned left and made our way up the Detroit bridge, we could see the leaders coming back just as we were reaching the peak of the bridge. I could still see the guys just up ahead and at the turn-around Roark had gapped DM, just a few yards. I ran around the cone, relieved mile 1 was over. I pushed up the bridge, trying to gain ground as I figured this would be where most people would be trying to conserve energy. My quads were on fire, but no guts no glory, so I kept pushing. <br />
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DM had started to come back to me and I was trying to focus on catching him. We saw EP and baby and she yelled words of encouragement as we waved back at her. DM yelled to me "I lost him (in regards to Roark who had taken off). It's all about the beer now." I agreed and kept trying to close the gap.<br />
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We made the turn off the bridge and fought up the last incline with what looked to be a 10-year old girl right next to us. Her coach or father kept screaming from behind us "Go Now! Pick it up! Go Now!" REPETATIVELY! It was a little over the top. Thankfully, we pulled away from her and headed for the finish. DM just got me going 14:58. I had 15:04 on my Garmin for 2.05 miles. Roark went 14:00.<br />
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None of us felt we had great races. I even bent over at the finish line spitting, waiting for that feeling of nausea to go away or make me vomit (it went away). We grabbed some water and I headed back out to meet up with EP to see if her and the bun in the oven wanted some water. Since it was her first race preggers, she got a big ole "Preggers PR!" Apparently, the little guy kept kicking her every time she tried to run -- hehe. <br />
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We finished up and enjoyed the post race burgers and the music of my favorite local band the <a href="http://www.spazmatics.org/">Spazzmatics</a> before heading home to prep for possibly a second day of racing!<br />
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Official results were posted almost immediately and somehow my chip didn't work. I contacted the RD and asked if I could use my Garmin time and they were cool with that! We ended up 9th coed team in 29:05. Not too shabby for a swimmer and an old gimp. <br />
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allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-78477377809215806282013-03-28T06:24:00.006-07:002013-03-28T06:25:21.517-07:00Pretty sure Dolly Parton was Never a SwimmerOf all the disciplines in triathlon, I find swimming the most difficult. It takes technique and skill and just because you do a lot of it, doesn't mean you will get better. In addition to the actual swimming thing, wearing a swimsuit has always been an issue due to the girls and an unhealthy dose of being self conscious that has plagued me for years. I can honestly say it has been about 15 years since I wore a real suit. Usually, I just wear a sports bra top and buns or some swimming suit bottoms. In the past I tried on countless bikinis in hopes they would fit with absolutely no luck. The tops were never big enough or supportive enough and the bottoms that came in the set were always too big. I had researched and read many articles on the best supportive suits out there, but there really wasn't anything in my opinion. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHGTd5jYAfU/UVRCQ2IN3AI/AAAAAAAAAjU/sJ_oE6ZjB0U/s1600/rev_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHGTd5jYAfU/UVRCQ2IN3AI/AAAAAAAAAjU/sJ_oE6ZjB0U/s200/rev_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's me racing the full at Rev3 in, yep you guessed it, a sports bra.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.perseverance13.blogspot.com/2012/11/franken-boobie.html">only answer</a> for me had been <a href="http://www.perseverance13.blogspot.com/2012/10/do-you-like-boobs.html">the breast reduction</a>. Now, I had no excuses. I had even bought myself a <a href="http://www.bettydesigns.com/products/pucciesque-bikini">swimming suit by Betty Designs</a>, that I just thought looked amazing!! Originally, when I bought the suit I was 8 lbs. heavier and was to put it bluntly, too fat to wear it. I finally, put it on the other day and asked AH how bad it looked and he said "not that bad." I thought well maybe a few more pounds and I would give it another try modelling it, but AH changed his statement and said it was completely okay for me to wear in public. God, I hoped he wasn't lying because...<br />
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Yesterday, I woMAN'd up and went to the pool in a bikini (GULP!). I was so self conscious and there were little girls staring at me in the locker room. Not wanting them to see all the incisional scars from the surgery, I changed my top in the shower stall (hey I am a work in progress here).<br />
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I jumped in the water and hoped the top would hold the girls in place (Once a few years back, I had gone to take a stroke and my sports bra had risen up just a tad too much to expose the lower part of my breast. I was so embarassed and I immediately stopped to tuck it back in). I successfully swam 1300 yds without any complications and the suit worked just fine yesterday. There was hope after all. <br />
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My only issue now with the swimsuit is tightening up those flabbly areas and getting over my self conscious complex. AH says the more I wear the bikini the less self conscious I will feel. <br />
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So here's me in the bikini post-swim with no more excuses but to swim, swim, swim!!<br />
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allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-1974813537011051972013-03-25T12:35:00.001-07:002013-03-25T12:36:59.699-07:00Mile Repeats -- AgainI keep meaning to blog about my workouts and not just my races to see the progression in my training, but so far it's a fail as I have 0. I ran 4x800 a couple weeks ago with 400 meter recoveries and wanted to compare it to another time I had done that, but no workout logged or blogged anywhere -- <em>doh!</em> <br />
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About a month ago I went down to the KSU field house to run 3x1 mile repeats with <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/">Salty's</a> <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/author/jingermoore/">Ginger with a J</a> and get lapped by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CLEelitedev">CED</a> (a lot). The goal was 740. It was stuffy and warm. I went 727, 747, 744, avg. 739 -- right on goal. Not necessarily, the consistency I wanted though. Recovery time was whatever time it took to get to the 800 meter mark/2 lap job recovery (530-540).<br />
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I had the workout on my my training schedule again last week and having done my long run on Thursday that left the Sunday <a href="http://www.southeastrunningclub.org/">SERC</a> run. The goal was 737 -- only 2 seconds faster this time. I wouldn't be able to run with anybody, but I could use the fasties as rabbits to help pull me along. <br />
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I ran 3 easy miles for a warm-up with one at a solid effort. PR passed me right before the first repeat and I figured he would probably be running about 715-730, so I tried to focus on him. I felt awkward and unsettled trying to relax. The mile was a tad rolling and my pace was all over on the garmin. I gave up looking at it and tried to hit based on effort. Fail -- 742. Just a bit too slow, but within my 5 second rule. <br />
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I took my 800 meter recovery (445) to mentally settle myself and regroup for a better second mile. <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/author/saltyrunning/">Salty</a> came up on me just before my garmin beeped and I told her what I was doing before picking it up. She hung with me as we got to an intersection as it was turning yellow. I picked it up not wanting to get stuck at the light and although it hurt real good I dropped a 717. <br />
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Salty caught and passed me again on the recovery. I was excited only one more to go and I would be on cooldown a.k.a. trot mode. <br />
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Luckily for me a few runners had stopped to get water and when I started my third mile they were able to pull me through the first 400 meters or so before deciding to push a little harder as it felt too slow. I was closing on Salty and she became my focus, not the hurt. Mile 3 beeped off before I got to her in 723. I jogged easy for my last recovery 449 before hitting the rolling hills on my way back to the bagel shop. <br />
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My cool down was just a tad over 2 miles and I felt great. I avg 727 for the repeats and nearly a minute less on my recoveries. Now that's what I all progress. allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-77329644076329205592013-03-23T08:09:00.001-07:002013-03-23T08:09:49.676-07:00In the Long Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6wovwd2eae73b91&llr=z79lj9gab">my marathon</a> is quickly approaching I have finally hit those 20-milers. Yesterday, I was not, repeat not excited to see the typical Cleveland weather in full effect. It was 30's and snowing on and off. My foot was now hurting in the typical spots and on the outside. I assumed I would go out for 10 or so miles before it started throbbing or I would just be too pooped and call it a day. The target was 9:30/mile which should have been easy as I ripped off 18 the week before in sub-9.<br />
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I started off at what felt super easy and slow. It was about 7:30 am so rush hour traffic was passing me to and fro throughout my quaint little neighborhood. I opted to run short out and backs or loops to get fluid. What am I saying, I opted to run those because I planned to quit before 20 -- there the truth. Some of the side streets were lightly covered in snow and my shoes were slipping too, so footing was sketchy. I clipped off the first 9 miles in 1:27 and change (nice and easy). I figured the next 9 should easily be a negative split as I set out. <br />
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The road conditions had improved a bit, but I opted to run 3 loops around a 0.75 mile cul de sac anyway. I thought about my goals for this marathon a lot during this time.<br />
a) break 4 hours (The course is a snowmobile trail. I am not in PR shape. My foot is my "achilles.")<br />
b) I want to negative split this mother so bad, even if it means running 2 hrs on the front side and ripping a 1:50 on the second half. I just want to finally do it. I came oh so close at <a href="http://perseverance13.blogspot.com/2011/05/boston-marathon-2011.html">Boston</a>, but the damn beer ruined it!!<br />
c) I want to place top 3!! Last year there were only 10 women in the race, so there is a good chance I will place in the top 10 -- hehehe. First has been the same girl for the past few years and she is just too fast for me to even have a shot at her with a 3:15-3:30 finishing time. <br />
d) While I want to run hard and well and fast. This is my vacation and I want to be able to celebrate doing another endurance event with my family, not be hobbling and handicapped for the week. <br />
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All that said I came through the next 9 miles in 2:50 and change. I had run 4 minutes faster on the backside. There was no quitting now as I was within striking distance of my goal and I was only getting faster. I pushed the last two miles closing out at 8:24 and 8:00. Add one more goal: No matter what happens during the first 20-23 miles you can bet your running shoes I am gonna HTFU and bury myself the last few miles so I look tough coming in.<br />
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allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-29340425384408087892013-03-18T07:06:00.001-07:002013-03-18T07:07:55.319-07:00St. Malachi 5-miler 2013 -- Show me the $$!!<br />
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<img alt="Photo: Me and Cash at St. Malachi representing Team Bicycle Hub." class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="200" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c0.113.403.403/p403x403/487540_10151384595312998_366137081_n.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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It's been a few years since I have run this race and although a PR was going to be impossible I figured racing with <a href="http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/">my new team</a> and gauging where my fitness was at would be all the reward I needed.<br />
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The luck of the Irish was not on our side weather wise. The temperature was in the high 20's when I left and it was snowing. It even hailed during our warm-up, but thankfully that was short lived.<br />
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My new racing kit had not yet come in, but Cash let me borrow one of his old jerseys.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo: Team Bicycle Hub rocking it at St. Malachi 5 mi this morning and looking super sweet in the new shirts! Huge props to Eddie Po, Joe Edwards, Kevin Skilskyj, Dave Marsi, Lora Lynne Krider, ElizaBeth Heier, Kevlar and yours truly for nice runs through the slush!" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c63.0.403.403/p403x403/544210_10151377942898445_134224310_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy had wanted a team photo before the race, so we circled around the
church to find most everybody before snapping my first official Team
Bicycle Hub photo. </td></tr>
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I started my warm-up late, so I only got in 2 miles instead of the intended 4. My feet were already wet and my toes were cold. The temperature was rising so I stripped my long sleeve at the last second and just went with Cash's jersey and some arm warmers. I hopped around next to the starting line for 3-4 minutes trying to keep warm and loose before inching my way into the severely overcrowded start. We were like sardines, but it was warmer in the mix, that was for sure.<br />
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I started with one of my friends from <a href="http://www.southeastrunningclub.org/">SERC,</a> T.G.and jokingly told him my plan was to draft off him. <a href="http://www.usprotri.com/LAMASTRA.html">Local pro triathlete stud, J.L.</a> also started with us. He would actually go 28:15 and take 2nd in his AG, which is not too shabby, IMO. The kicker is he got up at 4am, rode the trainer for 4 hours and then ran down to the race from Lakewood. The only way to hash tag that is #HARDCORE!!<br />
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I was fairly close to the front, but I still had a 10 second delay to get over the start mats and with 2 quick sharp lefts it was a bottle neck. I forced myself to be patient. I worked to get around people and by the time I hit the bridge I was up to speed and trotting away.<br />
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My plan was simple, go out comfortably hard and come back uncomfortable and suffering. My Garmin was flashing between 720-750. My only goal was to go sub-40. I kept reminding myself to reign it in and slow down. Mile 1 - 749.<br />
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I was right where I had hoped to be. We ran down the W. 3rd hill and people flew by me like I was standing still. I caught T.G. and we ran together for a minute before he informed me it was his turn to draft off me. I felt too good and kept thought maybe I am not pushing enough, especially with all the fly-bys. We ran around the Brown's stadium and on to the dreaded Marginal road (although, the old St. Malachi course had some whopper hills in it, I still would have preferred it over Marginal with it's "lake effect everything" be it wind, snow, slush, whatever). Surprisingly, the wind wasn't too bad and with the downhill I clipped Mile 2 in 730.<br />
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The leaders were on there way back and I was pleased to see the women's field was being led by my friends from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CLEelitedev">Cleveland Elite Development team</a>. <a href="http://daisyduc.wordpress.com/">Daisy</a>, my <a href="http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/">Team Bicycle Hub</a> teammate was also right up there. She would go on win our AG and finish in the top 10 -- HOLLA!!! <br />
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As I hit the turnaround at Burke Driveway, I got a little excited, for about 1 second. I was halfway done and I felt great, until I hit all the water and slush. My feet were instantly soaked and cold. I caught Daisy's husband and ran with him for a bit. Once we got back on to Marginal I picked it up a little and tried to mentally stay strong as the hardest part was just ahead. Mile 3 - 757.<br />
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I made my way back around the stadium and started the climb that would ultimately, destroy me by the final mile. I kept reminding myself to pick up my feet and drive my knees forward, but they burned and were so heavy. I could feel myself slowing and a guy next to me turned back as he dropped me and yelled "Come on, keep coming, no slowing down on the hill." I dug in and tried to push myself up the hill, but it hurt. I ran 19 hills in 13.1 miles just a few weeks ago, but I can honestly say I suffered this 1 hill worse than all those put together. Easily, my slowest mile of the day beeped complete on my Garmin, Mile 4 - 808.<br />
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I did the math. I ONLY had to run an 8:36 last mile to break 40. I was just tired. I tried to force myself to maintain my effort as I fought my way back to the Detroit/Superior bridge. I didn't have to run harder. I just had to hold on. When I hit the bridge my legs were all but dead. I could barely get my feet off the ground. My quads felt like bricks. I could feel and see more people going by me. I tried to remind myself they were probably in as much pain as I was and that once I got to the top it was all downhill to the finish. I was pretty miserable though and even as we ran down the bridge my legs just wouldn't go. I had run 4x800 the day before the race and was undoubtedly paying for them now. I was hanging on for dear life, thinking we had to run one block before turning the corner to head for the finish, but I was wrong -- it was right there. Finally, my legs responded and I picked it up for the last tenth or so and finished in 38:39, well under my 40 minute goal. The only bummer...the last mile was short. Many of us only had 0.9. Mile 5 / 0.9 -7:13.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c96.0.403.403/p403x403/576711_10151456866328762_1711041127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo" border="0" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="320" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c96.0.403.403/p403x403/576711_10151456866328762_1711041127_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurtin' for Certain!</td></tr>
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Even if the course hadn't been short I still would have broken 40, so today IT WAS ALL CASH!! Not bad for a rust buster, but there is still more rust to be removed, so back to the training. allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-23807853113156885222013-03-03T19:11:00.000-08:002013-03-03T19:12:14.732-08:00Youngstown Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holy smokes -- dare I say it.... "I have a race report!!!" Holla!!!<br />
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In prep for the <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6wovwd2eae73b91&llr=z79lj9gab">Pine Line Marathon</a>, I signed myself up for <a href="http://www.ytownrunners.org/classic.html">the easiest half marathon in Ohio</a> (can you read the sarcasm in my typing?). I had run this 1/2 marathon once before and I had quite an experience. I was well prepared to suffer through 19 hills in 13.1 miles and then some to get 16-18 miles in on the day all by myself, but I was going to have a little luck on my side.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/">Salty Running's</a> very own <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/2013/03/03/gingers-training-log-3-2-13/">Ginjer with a J</a> (GwaJ) was looking to run long and selflessly volunteered to come along and run with me (mind you she ran a tempo just the day before, <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/2013/02/27/a-breakthrough-thirteen-years-in-the-making/">set a PR in the 5k</a> and broke the 6:00 minute barrier for the mile all in the last 2 weeks. Impressed? I sure as heck am. <br />
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I was up super early, but somehow got caught doing things around the house only to be scrambling to get out the door, and then I needed gas -- grrrrr!!! About 10 minutes later than planned I showed up at GwaJ's and we were off. <br />
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I forgot the directions and my google maps sent me to the wrong part of Mill Creek so we arrived with about 40 minutes to spare instead of the pre-planned hour. We managed a short warm-up of about 1.5 miles, before heading to the start. <br />
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The race starts on a nice rolling downhill, but unfortunately that means it ends on a hellish rolling uphill. We started pretty much in the back and trotted behind some slower runners through the first mile. I wore my Garmin this year as to avoid <a href="http://www.perseverance13.blogspot.com/2011/03/youngstown-12-marathon-race-recap_16.html">the mile marker disaster of 2011</a>. Mile 1 - 9:16 (darn, I knew we were trotting a little too comfortably). <br />
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The down hill continued and the runners spread themselves out so we could make our way around the slower ones with little effort. Mile 2 - 8:39.<br />
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The first hill hit around mile 3 and we went up at an easy pace. I had hoped to run sub-1:55, but I also wanted to talk and enjoy the run. GwaJ agreed, talking and enjoying the run was important part of the running plan. Mile 3 - 8:51. <br />
<br />
Almost a 1/3 of the way through the race and the sun started to peak through. Both of us were a little warmer than we had thought we would be, but we were running very relaxed. I focused on keeping my hips forward, driving my knees up and keeping my arms low. Ginger with a J had to use the port-o-john and we happened upon one right before the 4 mile marker. She tried to get me to run ahead and leave her in peace, but I refused. I grabbed a gatorade for each of us at a nearby aid station and waited patiently for my running buddy. There was someone in the port-o-john, so we lost some time, but when it was GwaJ she was all business in and out in under a minute (pretty sure that was a PR for her-- hehe). Mile 4 - 8:39 (not including potty break). <br />
<br />
We chatted about the course, other courses, runny noses, ovulation cycles, <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/2012/08/27/wanted-race-bandits/">banditing races</a>, even <a href="https://twitter.com/ShitNoOneSayss_">sh*t nobody says</a> (e.g. "I enjoy watching a movie with my pareints during a sex scene" or "That hill was too easy to run up" or "I love when the wind destroys my hair.") and everything else. The miles just kept on ticking by. Mile 5 -8:46. <br />
<br />
Our chatting continued and became the focus of our day it was amazing we kept our legs moving. I was even a little startled when we ran up on rocketman and he said "Hi." He joined the converstion and hung with us through mile 7 or so before deciding we were going just a bit too fast for him. Mile 6 - 8:43 and Mile 7 - 8:42. <br />
<br />
It was somewhere around this point our conversation veered back to the course at hand and how it would start rolling and going up through the worst climbs of the day. Mile 8 - 8:54.<br />
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And it would only get harder. Mile 9 - 8:58.<br />
<br />
And harder and when I say harder this hill to mile 10 is up hill long and tiered. When we finished the first tier and turned to the right to see another tier that swept up to the unknown GwaJ and I dug in and fought our way up to the top. There was a small reprieve with some flat as we passed the mile marker. Mile 10 - 9:12.<br />
<br />
Only 4 miles to go with one long ass climb to the finish I reminded myself. I still felt pretty good. The foot was a bit sore, but my form on the flats was strong and we were right aound 8:00/mile when I would check. Mile 11 -8:51. Back under 9:00/mile and only 2 to go.<br />
<br />
We weren't trying to push the pace as we were going to run a few miles after the race right away and I knew the finish was painful, so we just ran strong through the next flat section and continued to chat. Mile 12 - 8:40.<br />
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Finally, at the long last ugly mile the never ending climbing began. We could see runners in front of us walking and slowly making their way up the tiered hill. GwaJ and I obviously slowed down on the hill, but not as much as most as we began passing them one by one (all men I might add, so take that Chris O'Hare -- Hell yeah, we ran like girls!!!). We made it up the hill and made the last turn for the finish. Mile 13 - 9:12 (turns out we ran faster up the hill than down -- see mile 1 time, oh well).<br />
<br />
GwaJ pulled off shortly before the finish but before she did she said "kick it in if you can." "What?" I thought this wasn't suppose to be that kind of day, but I tried anyway. I ran for clock and almost got one more guy, but he kicked with like 20 feet, Sandbagger!! 0.11 - 0:52<br />
<br />
Total Time on Garmin: 1:56:18<br />
Chip Time 1:58:21<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXoxpbvoA00/UTQAlTBQoBI/AAAAAAAAAhU/aRqea59l5Ik/s1600/YRRC_half_marathon_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXoxpbvoA00/UTQAlTBQoBI/AAAAAAAAAhU/aRqea59l5Ik/s200/YRRC_half_marathon_2013.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<br />
We managed another 2 miles before both our feet had had enough, so we changed and headed out to Bob Evan's to mee the SERC gang for some laughs and yummy breakfast. <br />
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Overall, it was by far the funnest 1/2 I have ever run and I know it was because GwaJ was there. It was a very successful 16+ mile day of training. Can't wait to run with her again. <br />
<br />allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-44798493733391528522013-02-28T06:36:00.000-08:002013-02-28T06:36:38.876-08:00Rippin' that Sh*tI had planned on another tempo run this week, yesterday as a matter of fact, but I woke up with a headache and nauseated. I haven't had a sip of alcohol for over 2 weeks now and though, uh oh -- stomach flu. I managed to choke down 2 tylenol and sleep until about 11:30pm before getting up for the day (I work at night, so my day usually starts between 5p and 8p). <br />
<br />
I procrastinated until about 7:30am and decided to do some intervals instead. Sometimes, I just need to mix it up and I never follow a training plan to a "T" -- it's impossible. I opted for a <a href="http://www2.furman.edu/sites/first/Pages/default.aspx">"FIRST" workout</a>. It was 8 x 500 meters @ 5K pace with 100 meter RI. In hindsight, I should have done 10 x 500 as I ran 3 x 1 mile a few weeks ago, but oh well, I planned to run a long warm-up since it had started to snow and it was 35 degrees and dropping. <br />
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After 4 miles of trotting around my neighborhood I hit the 3/4 mile cirlce in the back of my development and hit the lap on my garmin to start my workout. Not having run a race in over 5 months, I thought I would target 7:30-7:40 per mile for the first 4 and try to push the last 4. Here's what I got...<br />
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Mile pace for the first (4) 500's (7:36, 7:26, 7:15, 7:19) -- avg 7:24<br />
Mile pace for the last (4) 500's (7:08, 7:14, 7:09, 6:45) -- avg. 703<br />
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Total miles: 8<br />
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I probably buried myself with those last 4 way too much, but hey sometimes you just rip that shit!!allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-51528930503590191602013-02-18T23:16:00.000-08:002013-02-18T23:17:43.279-08:00Thank You Sir, May I have Another? Almost hard to believe, but I talked myself into running another marathon!!! This will be #8 (if you count the 26.2 I did during the full at Rev3 last year). It seems just a short while ago, I was attempting to "finish" a marathon and then "qualify for Boston." <br />
<br />
I have to laugh because if you ask the average person their number, they might get offended and tell you "it's none of your business," but not us, runners. We WANT to be known for our high mileage (running that is -- wink wink). Not that I would call myself high mileage at all, as I only broke 30 miles this past week. The on again, off again training pattern, or lack therof this winter took it's toll on me, but after 6 weeks of consistent training, you can forget Stella, I've got my groove back.<br />
<br />
It's only 10 weeks until <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6wovwd2eae73b91&llr=z79lj9gab">my marathon</a> and although I don't see any PR on the horizon, I am looking forward to heading to my hometown and running with (or behind) my cousin for a few hours. I think AD (my aunt) is going to throw her hat in the ring and run the 1/2, and a few others may even form a relay team. <br />
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Finished a nice freezing cold 14 mile long run last Friday and I had an aha moment, when I decided to wears buns under my running tights instead of my usual thong and holy hell, no frozen buns. My knees were a little stiff from the cold but that was it. <br />
<br />
I even made it down to KSU's field house Tuesday to run some mile repeats with <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/">Salty Running's</a>, <a href="http://www.saltyrunning.com/author/jingermoore/">Ginger with a J</a> and get a sneak peak at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CLEelitedev">Cleveland Elite Development</a> (CED) doing some winter work and <em>Whoa!!</em> are they impressive (and completely out of my league) and inspiring. I'd like to get down there again for another work out, but I work the next few Tuesdays and who knows, maybe I can save $5 and 25 minutes of driving and hit the local outdoor track by then. <br />
<br />
I'm already excited to crank out a 16 miler with <a href="http://www.southeastrunningclub.org/">my running club</a> this weekend. Weather looks decent, in the 30's and partly cloudy to sunny. We had a decent group 2 weekends ago and a few newbies joined in so I am hoping with spring just around the corner and some encouragement via social media on my part, I can convince even more newbies to come out. <br />
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Goodness, did I just say I am excited to run 16 miles in 30 degree weather? Yep, I'm getting in marathon mode. <br />
allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-79839930630758682762012-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:002012-12-17T09:36:21.401-08:00Presents, Raffles, Prizes and Giveaways -- Get Yours!!So far, so good. This month has been without madness and perhaps my luck is improving! I really like the idea of ending the year on a good note.<br />
<br />
I have been putting in 45-50 hours/week trying to get in some OT to spend on Christmas gifts as I LOVE giving presents way more than getting them (my checking account probably doesn't agree). I plan to really delve into the shopping world with less than a week before Christmas just to put a little pressure on -- haha! <br />
<br />
I was fortunate enough to receive a $50 gift card from Fleet Feet and a $200 gift card to Liquid Lifestyles from teh Stan Bugarcic Memorial Fund Raiser. I donated $100 in hopes of pushing the fundraiser line closer to the goal. I know the money is no replacement for his loss, but perhaps it will be one less thing for the family to deal with. MR even threw in a hoodie with the NCM logo and some gloves. I can never thank him enough for all the support he has given me through the years and volunteering at his races has become a favorite past time of mine. <br />
<br />
I brought myself home a laughing hyena award that poked fun at my supposedly snapper bitten wetsuit that won me a brand spanking new one from <a href="http://www.blueseventy.com/">Blue Seventy.</a> I am not sure what kind it is, as it's on backordered until January. It just so happened my mom bought me a reaction for my birthday, but hey, who doesn't want 2 wetsuits? :)<br />
<br />
And now, I am diligently entering contest through the holidays and hoping by a stroke or two lucky enough to win a brand new Garmin 910xt here: <a href="http://falkeetriathlon.blogspot.com/2012/12/win-new-in-box-garmin-910xt-gps.html">http://falkeetriathlon.blogspot.com/2012/12/win-new-in-box-garmin-910xt-gps.html</a>. He needs 75 entrants or no dice -- I mean Garmin. So, go sign-up! I'd rather see a friend of mine get it. I mean if I don't that is ;)<br />
<br />
I'm also doing the USATNCC to motivate myself to workout more. It's easier said than done. I was hoping to run 50 miles and swim 10-13. Running is going well, but I can already tell you the swimming is a #FAIL! I have hit the pool one time, so far --EEK!! I entered this DecDoubleDown challenge<a href="https://twitter.com/girlsgonesporty"> @girlsgonesporty</a> too and I think perhaps when it's over I am going to be renamed this girls gone portly!! Ahhh!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, hoping to pull out some workouts via gym rat style here for the next 2 weeks.... or more! allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-72356684936577681552012-12-03T07:36:00.001-08:002012-12-03T07:37:01.743-08:00December -- Please Go Easy On Me!!I was doing well for a minute there, getting a little more diligent about my blogging and then -- BAM!! Life happened.<br />
<br />
This fall has been a little hard on me (to say the least). In August, I was hit by a car while riding my 2 month old brand spankin' new tri bike. Then in October I finally had the breast reduction I had wanted for about 20 years and with the arrival of Novemver, I had planned to head back to work in time for the holidays and put in some OT but unfortunately, my grandfather became ill and passed away. <br />
<br />
Needless to say it has been hectic and now --- THE HOLIDAYS! I am taking each day in stride just trying to find a balance between work and starting to train, again. It's never easy and now seems even more difficult due to the fact my fatigue level has been worse than normal. I had my annual check-up and my red blood cells and hematocrit came back low with my hemoglobin right on the lowest point of normal. I assumed it was because I had surgery and RBCs take about 53 days to replenish themselves, but then I saw my TSH levels and those were moderately elevated, so that is the next saga for me. Hopefully, it will literally just mean a "magic pill" and no side effects.<br />
<br />
To be continued....allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7029556818564627162.post-18727017850819837092012-11-12T05:18:00.001-08:002012-11-12T05:18:55.318-08:00Smelling the Roses Ride<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img height="120" src="http://frugaldad.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/smelltheflowers06082008.jpg" width="200" /></div>
I had been pushing myselft, specifically my quads with lunges, squats and then the brick the day before, so I needed a recovery day. The weather however was still beautiful and there was just no way I could pass up what could perhaps be my last chance to ride outside this year. I have some unfortunate family stuff going on right now, but I felt a short recovery ride would help clear my head. I quickly changed into cycling my cycling gear and my trusty steed and I set out.<br />
<br />
I chose a flat loop that had no climbing in it and would take about 45 minutes. The plan was to keep my heart rate under 130, but from the moment I left my house it was in the 130-140 range. Undoubtedly, adding to the situation was my sore lady bits. Apparently, my lady bits are just like a muscle -- can't just go out there and ride for nearly 2 hours without having some residual. You can forget HTFU, I need to "harden the crotch up!" (HTCU!)<br />
<br />
As I gingerly, pedaled up Glenwood I came up on a kid on his BMX bike riding on the wrong side of the road (against the traffic that is) and without a helmet. I could only shake my head in dismay. I whole heartedly wish there were stricter cycling laws in Ohio, especially after my own little body meets car, body meets cement episode. To make matters worse the kid started pedaling harder trying to "race" me on his side. I was very happy we were approaching the drug store where he was going and I was turning the opposite direction. It's like riding and defcon 1...<em>all the time!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I began to relax a little after about 20 minutes and my heart rate started trickling down. I soft pedaled frequently and felt at times like I was barely moving, especially when I hit the spots with a headwind. I tried to look around and just take in the scenery and the fresh air. As I made my way back, I did 4 hard pushes of anywhere from 1-3 minutes at the end of my ride. I pulled in the driveway breathing hard, sweating and de-stressed. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>By The Numbers:</u></strong><br />
<strong>Bike: </strong>12.01 miles, Time 46:59, Avg 15.3 (with stops), Ascent 343Ft, Avg HR 143 (with pushes) 136 (without pushes), Max 182allanjelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11352737405592563559noreply@blogger.com0