M - REST
T - Ran 7 miles (2 w/u + 5 @ 9:26)
W - Ran 6 easy miles + Swam 25 min
T - Cycled 10 easy miles + Swam 25 min
F - Waterskied (3 x 15 miles)
+ Open Water Swam 15 min
S - REST
S - Chewacla Sprint Triathlon
Total Ran = 16 miles
Total Cycled = 25 miles
Total Swam = 84 min
Total Waterskied = 45 miles
Quickly, let me show you this. We went to the lake early Friday morning and the fog was so intense in places we couldn't see more than a few feet in front of us. That's a little dangerous in a boat. Thankfully, parts of the lake were more like this with the clouds just hanging crazy low. (This picture was filtered to emphasize the clouds.)
We interrupt your regularly scheduled program...
I decided to forego marathon training and participate in the Chewacla Sprint Triathlon, after having convinced myself that I wouldn't. The YES won out because 1) I'm trying very hard not to overdo marathon training -- this would keep me from running long but still afford me a killer workout 2) I could check on our college kid and 3) well...my new back-ordered Pearl Izumi tri shorts were scheduled for arrival. Priorities, yes? Oh, one more... 4) WHY THE HECK NOT? I've decided I spend way too much time over thinking things and second guessing myself.
Sprint triathlons can vary in length and this one would be my longest swim yet. If you read my blog, you know I love the water. I'm just not a fast swimmer. I can tread water all day though. This is the muddy lake we swam in after storms pushed through the night before. We seeded ourselves and I was happy to be in the back. We did a horseshoe shaped swim around those orange buoys (which are actually massive). I only snorted water once (a personal best) and nobody asked me if I needed help -- I could hear them asking others. The swim time includes a long, very rocky, ouchy, hilly climb back to the transition area. Swim = 18:51
Back in transition, I put on my watch and helmet, decided against sunglasses, took a salt capsule and drank water. I washed the small rocks and other debris from my feet, dried them and put on my socks and running shoes. I removed my bike from the rack and walked it up the hill to the mount line. My heart was still racing (pun intended) from the swim and climb up the hill. T1 = 3:26
The ride was outside of Chewacla State Park in a wooded rural neighborhood. It was quite hilly but otherwise nothing else noteworthy. I was happy to pass a few people. Remember, I started wayyy in the back and swam slow. I carried 24 ounces of Tailwind on the bike and drank about half. Bike = 46:24
Back in transition, I spent precious time squeezing my bike back into its tight spot. I took off my helmet, drank more Tailwind and grabbed a GU to take with me. I forgot to put on my running belt with race number attached, but didn't realize it until later. T2 = 1:31
The run was described as "running to the top and back". Umm...I get it now. The park has a waterfall and we ran up to its trail head and back. It felt hilly in both directions. At this point I'm acutely aware of the 78 degrees with 100% humidity. {That's got to equate to a billion feels-like temp, right?} Luckily, I didn't get that dead leg feeling when I started the run, probably because I wasn't going very fast. Run = 30:46
Total Time = 1:40:56
1st in AG (1 out of 2 -- Bahahaha!)
I'm very pleased with my third triathlon. Being only in its second year, I thought it was managed and directed very well. There were food, drinks and beer at the finish but I didn't indulge in anything but a banana. The heat and humidity had me feeling a little sick and we were going to breakfast later. I never dried from the swim due to the excessive moisture in the air. It was a tough, tough course. You know, it takes a lot of self talk to get into deep water when you know you are going to be slower that most everyone else. Yet, I like to be challenged. And "I can do hard things." I'm happy I went with that YES.
Next week, it's back to regular programming...
And that's a wrap!
I decided to forego marathon training and participate in the Chewacla Sprint Triathlon, after having convinced myself that I wouldn't. The YES won out because 1) I'm trying very hard not to overdo marathon training -- this would keep me from running long but still afford me a killer workout 2) I could check on our college kid and 3) well...my new back-ordered Pearl Izumi tri shorts were scheduled for arrival. Priorities, yes? Oh, one more... 4) WHY THE HECK NOT? I've decided I spend way too much time over thinking things and second guessing myself.
 |
| Everyone received a soft T-shirt and very nice visor. |
Sprint triathlons can vary in length and this one would be my longest swim yet. If you read my blog, you know I love the water. I'm just not a fast swimmer. I can tread water all day though. This is the muddy lake we swam in after storms pushed through the night before. We seeded ourselves and I was happy to be in the back. We did a horseshoe shaped swim around those orange buoys (which are actually massive). I only snorted water once (a personal best) and nobody asked me if I needed help -- I could hear them asking others. The swim time includes a long, very rocky, ouchy, hilly climb back to the transition area. Swim = 18:51
 |
| It never seems far until you get in! Those orange buoys are actually massive! |
Back in transition, I put on my watch and helmet, decided against sunglasses, took a salt capsule and drank water. I washed the small rocks and other debris from my feet, dried them and put on my socks and running shoes. I removed my bike from the rack and walked it up the hill to the mount line. My heart was still racing (pun intended) from the swim and climb up the hill. T1 = 3:26
The ride was outside of Chewacla State Park in a wooded rural neighborhood. It was quite hilly but otherwise nothing else noteworthy. I was happy to pass a few people. Remember, I started wayyy in the back and swam slow. I carried 24 ounces of Tailwind on the bike and drank about half. Bike = 46:24
Back in transition, I spent precious time squeezing my bike back into its tight spot. I took off my helmet, drank more Tailwind and grabbed a GU to take with me. I forgot to put on my running belt with race number attached, but didn't realize it until later. T2 = 1:31
The run was described as "running to the top and back". Umm...I get it now. The park has a waterfall and we ran up to its trail head and back. It felt hilly in both directions. At this point I'm acutely aware of the 78 degrees with 100% humidity. {That's got to equate to a billion feels-like temp, right?} Luckily, I didn't get that dead leg feeling when I started the run, probably because I wasn't going very fast. Run = 30:46
 |
| The kid was at the finish and took some great pics for me. |
Total Time = 1:40:56
1st in AG (1 out of 2 -- Bahahaha!)
I'm very pleased with my third triathlon. Being only in its second year, I thought it was managed and directed very well. There were food, drinks and beer at the finish but I didn't indulge in anything but a banana. The heat and humidity had me feeling a little sick and we were going to breakfast later. I never dried from the swim due to the excessive moisture in the air. It was a tough, tough course. You know, it takes a lot of self talk to get into deep water when you know you are going to be slower that most everyone else. Yet, I like to be challenged. And "I can do hard things." I'm happy I went with that YES.
 |
| We had to take this picture with the rival unmentionable college mascot just to mess with PoPo. |
Next week, it's back to regular programming...
And that's a wrap!
Do you (would you) interrupt your training to do something else?
I know you couldn't make up your mind about this race but I'm glad you did it. Plus it does change things up in the marathon training and it was a great cross-training. You can do hard things and you proved it once again today! Congratulations to you my friend!
ReplyDeleteThat was my mantra for the swim. I could hear other people around/behind me stopping to rest on the kayaks, etc. That motivated me to stay calm. I feel better about today's swim, even though it was still super slow.
DeleteAwesome. Simply awesome! I admire you for saying YES to the tri and going for it. As I have mentioned, I want to do a tri someday (not anytime in the immediate future, though). I will have LOTS of water-training ahead of that mountain. UGH! But, I also like to do hard things ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou can absolutely do a triathlon! Remember, you don't have to swim fancy or fast. You can make up time on the bike and run.
DeleteGood for you for switching up your training and doing the tri! I just couldn't do the open water swim so my hat is off to you! Congrats on your age group win (a win is a win)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
A win is a win! I showed up...the very first rule in AG placement.
DeleteCongrats on the triathlon! And thats awesome that you won your age group, even if there was only 2 of you in it. I am always so impressed by anyone who can do a triathlon. Good for you for finding a way to break up your marathon training a bit!
ReplyDeleteIt has helped to have some distraction this marathon training cycle. I'm trying hard not to dwell on last year's debacle. Hopefully, the cross training is easier on this old body, too.
DeleteCongratulations on your age group win! And for saying 'yes'. It looks like you had fun and your run photo makes it look effortless!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know I can look like I'm running effortlessly! This one was tough. And hot!
DeleteYou are amazing. I see an Ironman in your future.
ReplyDeleteI skipped my long run this weekend to go boating. The summer is too short.
Oh...I think I couldn't commit to the training time an Ironman would require. And, there's that little detail -- I'd have to learn how to swim for real.
DeleteOh my gosh, you are awesome! I definitely overthink everything but sometimes you just have to push that "register" button. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe older I get, the worse I am getting about over thinking stuff. It's like I can't make a decision any more. Why is that?
DeleteCongrats on your triathlon and age group win - thats totally amazing!!
ReplyDeleteIt really only took participation to place. At my age, not many older women do these Tris. I showed up. I completed all legs. I placed. No shame!
DeleteI think this was well worth interrupting your training for. How amazing to see a waterfall at the top of the trail!
ReplyDeleteYour suit is amazing by the way. I usually don't see too many "Pretty" tri suits.
PS. What lake do you go to to do your boating?
We couldn't see the waterfall at the top. You had to hike DOWN to it. But I could hear it and got glimpses of the rushing stream. I was very happy with my Pearl Izumi 2 piece tri kit. We ski on Lake Jordan.
DeleteHolly, congrats! You are amazing! I just don't know about swimming. But I do love your race kit, and you know I'm all about the clothes...
ReplyDeleteI know you would have no problem with a Tri. My swimming sucks. It doesn't matter. The key is staying calm. I love my 2 piece tri kit. I had not worn it until today. Whew!
DeleteHoHo - Congrats! You are an inspiration! I love how you think you are a slow swimmer and you're still putting your big girl pants on and getting this triathlon done!
ReplyDeleteVery awesome! Your willpower and stamina is amazing!
Excellent saying for what it's like. I do just put those panties on and get the swim done. I almost feel like I've conquered the whole race once the swim leg is over. The other two legs are just gravy.
DeleteThis is awesome! Somewhere deep inside me there is a desire to do a triathlon, but I dread the idea of training for the swimming portion. But oh my, your tri suit is super cool and almost makes me want to go for it! :) Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou may not know, but my first one was accidental. I was going to do a duathlon and they told me it had been merged with the tri. Since it was a shallow swim, they said I could walk in the water. Yep! So this year has taken a crazy, unplanned turn.
DeleteWow! Congrats! That sounds like an extremely hard race and you rocked it!! You make me want to do a tri. I think that's a good idea to take a break from marathon training. That way you aren't completely burnt out by the end. I love your title! Thanks for hosting. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYou can absolutely do a Tri. My swim training (except for those open water swims at the lake) is done in my backyard pool. You can use your parents pool.
DeleteHow inspiring! Congrats on placing 1st and not being afraid of doing the hard things!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a feeling of accomplishment when you complete something you find very difficult, regardless of how slow or fast you do it.
DeleteHuge congrats Holly! I love how you've stuck with tris and I love your new tri suit. I find when I put tri training in the mix, I neglect marathon training. Nevertheless I'll tri again....just need more swim practice. Thanks for the linkup!
ReplyDeleteYou know, if I actually went through a training cycle for a triathlon I might actually do a bit better. But as you know, I sorta stumbled upon this even over the summer. Maybe next spring.
Deletecongrats on a great trialthon! I watched the highlights from the womens olympic tri yesterday and to see an American win is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI saw the highlights on that too! She was incredible and left her competitor in the dust.
DeleteCongrats on first place In your age group! Open water swimming both intimidates and appeals to me. It sounds challenging but looks fun!
ReplyDeleteI find the swim very challenging, even though I don't panic in the water like some did yesterday. It's something I can always practice and hopefully improve on days that I cross train.
DeleteI can only imagine how hard a tri is, but I remember a talk from way back at my first half, about how triathletes tend to get injured less -- no doubt due to all the cross training.
ReplyDeleteOne week definitely won't derail you (just look at me basically not moving for a week) & all the swimming & biking counts.
Congrats on your AG win! I've no doubypt you'd beat me swimming. I'm not fast at ANYTHING!
I can't tell you how much easier these things feel on the body! As runners we are used to all that pounding and you don't get that with a Sprint Tri. I think you'd beat me in swimming, no doubt.
DeleteWay to go with your sprint tri, and congrats on getting first place! Even if its only out of two people, first place and first place and definitely worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteI know how hard I worked during the race and have no shame about earning first place. I passed #2 during the last quarter mile of the run too. And, I showed up!
DeleteOh my goodness, fabulous job on your triathlon. This was my favorite part " I only snorted water once (a personal best) and nobody asked me if I needed help -- I could hear them asking others." I doggie paddle at best..so I think you rock! Congrats on winning your age group also!
ReplyDeleteHa! I was very proud of both of those things during the swim. Several people had to stop and rest on the kayaks. That motivated me to just stay calm and keep going. I'm trying to perfect my doggie paddle.
DeleteWow congrats on the tri!! You are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteJust crazy enough to keep tri-ing!!
DeleteGreat job on the triathlon. If Au**** is unmentionable, I take it y'all are Bama fans?
ReplyDeleteRoll Tide! Yes, we bleed crimson. But the kid is attending Au****.
DeleteCongrats on the tri and the great week of training! It looks like you had a lot of fun and the tri was probably really good cross training with all the marathon training (plus you did get in a good number of running miles this week). I love the pic of you with the tiger and it looks like the tri had some nice swag with those soft shirts, too. You can't beat a great race shirt and a pint glass for post-race "recovery beverages". Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThe kid and I decided we had to take a pic with the rival mascot to get my husband's goat. It worked! LOL. I was pleased with both the shirt and the sweatband visor. I've never tried one of those.
DeleteGreat job on that tri! It sounds like a tough one with the humidity, heat and elevation.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about these events is you don't notice how hot it is until you get to the run portion. You complete most of the race either wet or on a breezy bike.
DeleteGreat job on your race! I would love to do a tri but the swimming is my weakness! I love the picture of you on the water skis too :)
ReplyDeleteSwimming is definitely my weakness too! I just go ahead and do it anyway. LOL.
DeleteI went to watch a half Ironman this weekend and had no desire to join the athletes out there, but I still think sprint triathlons sound fun. The swim spooks me out a bit, but I like your idea of starting in a later wave. Congratulations on another tri and another award!! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine training for an Ironman. What a commitment! Since you wear a timing device on your ankle, it doesn't matter when you start. Being toward the back definitely keeps you out of the frenzy.
DeleteI absolutely LOVE the picture of you waterskiing on the early morning!!!!
ReplyDeleteand congrats on your tri!!!!!
you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was pretty dangerous on parts of the lake that morning where you absolutely couldn't see anything because of fog. So, we stuck to the places where the clouds were just barely off the water. It was still very eerie.
DeleteWOW!!! Huge congrats to you!!! I love that picture of you skiing, looks like it was enhanced by snapseed? I love that app! Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteI believe I did use Snapseed on this one. I typically don't enhance my pictures (or if I do it's mild) but I wanted to make sure the clouds were visible. Obviously, the light was not very good that morning.
DeleteCongratulations on your third Tri and your AG placement!! that is amazing!! I'm glad you went with that yes too!
ReplyDeleteIt was a definitely a lesson in not overthinking things or letting self doubt creep in.
DeleteI think cross training is a great reason to change up marathon training. Love the photo of you running. I don't like open water swimming, and I am not big on biking either but this makes me want to tri !
ReplyDeleteI think growing up skiing on dark-water rivers and lakes definitely helps with getting in that open water, not that I'm a "good" swimmer though. The bike leg is probably my favorite, not the run leg. I'm tired by then. LOL.
DeleteHuge congratulations on your third triathlon - you are a force of nature and a beast!!! Your waterskiing picture looks like something out of a movie or a magazine. LOL at your picture with the rival unmentionable mascot, that must have drawn quite the reaction from PoPo. =D
ReplyDeleteYeah, PoPo was not impressed by that picture. I guess next I should do a Tri in the college town with the appropriate mascot. LOL.
DeleteCongrats on gutting out such a tough race! You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love that waterskiing picture - very cool but I can't imagine skiing in that kind of fog/low cloud cover. Very interesting!
The foggy skiing was unsettling. At least there were some places on the lake with just low clouds. Only one other time in my life have I been on the lake where you couldn't see anything. You couldn't tell which way was "up".
DeleteCongrats on completing another triathlon! That elevation looks crazy!
ReplyDeleteHa! I couldn't find a map with elevation prior to the race. But, I definitely suspected it would be that way.
DeleteSo awesome! Congrats! I'd be scared by so much of this--the muddy water, the crazy elevation of the run portion. I love how you say YES to it all and embrace the challenge. You rock!
ReplyDeleteYou know, they announced the water was 84 degrees. But it felt colder than that. I was quite comfy (maybe even a little chilled) in the water. Obviously, that didn't last.
DeleteYour water ski pic is awesome!!! Congrats on the tri! You said yes and got after it! So impressive! You definitely did let anything slow you down on this, crazy elevation and all! Hope you put your feet up for a few minutes :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I get so freaked out thinking about whether I should participate in things now. Once the event rolls around and I'm there, I just get the job done. It's weird. I need therapy.
DeleteAwesome job on your tri! Totally worth skipping some of marathon training for.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm paying the price this week. My runs have been a struggle. I hope that goes away soon.
DeleteLook at you hanging out with Aubie! Way to go on that tri -- my WarEagle daughter says that Chewacla is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful spot. I think they have cabins too. I should have looked around a little more. Maybe you can stay there on one of your visits to see your daughter!
DeleteAwesome job on your tri!! Congrats on the AG win! That swim looks tough and you did great! You are amazing! You picked a great interruption from marathon training!
ReplyDeleteThat water was so muddy! It really didn't show up in that early morning picture, but it sure did in others.
DeleteSo awesome, lady! So many congrats to you. :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. These sprint tris are a nice distraction for me so I won't obsess over marathon training. Maybe I'll buckle down and get serious about them next year.
DeleteYES to an awesome finish with a 1st place award! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteWell...I showed up. Always the first rule in AG placing.
DeleteCongrats on your tri! You are so awesome to just do it! That water skiing pic is really cool!
ReplyDeleteThey are fun and quite the challenge. I guess I'll have to move on to the Olympic distance next season. Yikes!!
DeleteIt is a nice park. We should have hiked down to the falls afterwards but the kid had done it before and I was a tad shaky by that point. And still wet! I've never tried a sweatband type visor so I look forward to using that.
ReplyDeleteGreat reason to interrupt marathon training and CONGRATS on the AG win!!! And that water skiing picture is gorgeous. Super eerie clouds. I do take breaks during training occasionally, especially when my body is in need of extra rest!
ReplyDeleteThe multi sport aspect of triathlons is great training, I think. And, it's been fun to try something new (3 times now).
DeleteCongrats on your 3rd triathalon... what an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that. They are quite the challenge, but yet a ton of fun.
DeleteI LOVEd reading this recap! Totally worth cutting back on marathon training for the Tri...An awesome cross-training day :-) It's funny how the swim seems ok, until you are in the water swimming buoy to buoy ;-) Congrats on your Finish and 1st in your age group, you earned it!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that! Looking at the swim is so deceiving. I always think -- that's not far! HA. I know you understand how big those triangle buoys are. They look so tiny in the picture. It's very rewarding to do something that challenges you in a big way.
Delete