Hey! So let me tell you… the week before a race you go into “taper”, which means you barely exercise, compared to what you were doing. And, the week after the race is “recovery week” which is also several rest days and easy stuff. I was losing my mind, and eating too much food. But- I only gained 2.3 lbs, so it could have been worse, I guess.
My next race is a half-marathon on October 15… I spent the week after Augusta 70.3 reviewing my race, jotting down lessons learned, and dreamed of going to NC 70.3 later in October for a do-over. You see, after my coach and I unpacked the race, I realized that I “left the race” mentally and emotionally perhaps just before the run. I didn’t make my bike goal of 16 mph, and then when my run was a slog of 16-17 minute miles, I thought I was tired, and couldn’t do it. But– I was never sore, never cramped, never sick, and my recovery was easy and perfect after a night of sleep. All that to say– even tho hot and tired and disappointed, I could have pushed thru it and ran faster. Oh well, lesson learned. At least I had my first official 70.3 finish, and I didn’t quit. And, I heard this past week that triathlon is 50% physical and 90% mental (clearly must be “new math” or just bad math, but I believe it’s probably accurate!)
Meanwhile, work was slow this week with a low census, and we were staffed quite well. My boss offered me the day off on Sunday. Knowing there was a local triathlon, she didn’t have to offer twice! And so, a week after Augusta 70.3, I was back in the lake at the Cohutta Springs Triathlon to do what I love. Swim 1/2 mile, bike 18 miles and run 4 miles.
The Swim: goal 30 min; actual 26 😳👍🏻
The water was 76, so I opted to wear my sleeveless wetsuit for added buoyancy and security and any speed it might lend. Oh man– I can handle being a slow swimmer– but what I’m tired of- is being so darn anxious in the water. I would swim 20 strokes, then do some breast stroke, then flip on my back… every time I stopped, I’d remind myself, “Deb, there isn’t a current pushing you along. When you stop, you’re stopped!” Not quite to the halfway point, I held onto a canoe and took off the top part of my wetsuit. Honestly- I’m not sure if it WAS too tight in the chest, or if I just felt like it was. Regardless, I certainly felt better with it flopping loose in the water, and off I continued. (Note to self: buy lava pants!)… it’s just weird. I keep going, so I don’t actually panic, and I don’t have any pain or anything, but I just always feel anxious. Not of drowning per se– not of creatures in the lake— I’m just so out of breath during the swim- and I’m not quite that bad in the pool, so I know it’s got to be mostly anxiety. Finally, it was over. Only 8 swimmers finished slower than me. But that’s just fine. Everyone got out safely! 26 minutes pleased me because I was sure I had taken longer than 30. My new goal? I just want to swim steady and consistent without stopping. If I could just do that, I’d be a little faster.
THE BIKE: goal 1:05, actual- 1:05! Woot!👊🏻
This was fun!!! The first 4 miles were flat and fast, except for one hill which was steep but short. Then the next 5 miles were rollers. And at mile 9 we turned around, and repeated those 5 miles of rollers. I felt strong, and averaged 16.6 mph overall which makes up for my 15.1 last week at Augusta. I think the fueling had something to do with it– besides of course only being 18 miles instead of 56.😜 I used Tailwind this ride, and had one 20 ounce bottle with 250 calories in it. I started drinking within 10 minutes on the bike, because last weekend at Augusta 70.3, I believe I waited too long by waiting an hour to start taking calories. Anyways– the ride was so much fun, and it’s the one area of triathlon where I actually am kinda sorta good at, or am getting better at, so I just really really love the bike. Hills are a challenge for me– carrying 202 lbs up the hills…. but each season there is a little less to carry up, so that’s a good thing! Out of 109, I finished 62 on the bike!
THE RUN: goal: 56 min, actual: 54:53
Ah! The run. Normally, I really enjoy running. Believe it or not– you can get an endorphin kick off even a slow pace! But last week I was reminded that running fresh out of bed, or running off the stress of the workday (let me outta here and let me run free!!!!!!!!) is far far different from running off of a bike ride.
I knew I would be tired, but my goal was to stay in the game mentally, race with a happy heart, and run my 4:1 intervals. And, happy to say, I did! Surprisingly- I felt amazing when I started the run and my first mile was my fastest! 13:25 was my first mile, but I cannot lie- it was downhill for the first 1/4 mile or so. Anyways… I walked the hills and I walked the two aid stations. The first aid station I ran into my cousin’s son who is a student at the university here. It was fun to catch up with Wyatt and talk as I walked by both times. The second aid station– also staffed by college kids– all so helpful and encouraging. I don’t remember what was initially said, or what happened, but I told them “don’t get old and fat, kids”… they all laughed. Then I told them “but I’ve lost 70 lbs, so I’m working on the fat part”, and they all broke into applause and cheered me on my way! That was cool! I wasn’t expecting that!!
Finally the homeward stretch back to the finish line. It was so nice knowing several spectators at this local race, because lets be honest– hearing someone shout your name and cheer you on is a real boost. It was fun. Coming thru the finish chute was fun, and I saw more friends, and just like that, another triathlon was crushed!! I say “crush” because I met my goals:
1. Didn’t drown
2. Time goals
3. Stayed happy
4. Pushed on the run, even when I “felt” tired and wanted to stop.
And that was that, I got my gear, my bike, loaded up, and headed home, eager to spend a little time with the husband before the work week began again. It never, ever, ever occurred to me to stay for the awards ceremony…. I mean, this triathlon doesn’t even have an Athena category!!😡 I really need to ask them to add that. So a few hours later, my friend texts me and says “you podiumed! But you were already gone!”
Say whaaaaaaat???? Yes folks, I placed 3rd in my age group. 😂😜💕. God bless small triathlons, where only 5 are in the age group, and one of them placed in the “overall female” category, which moved me up to 3rd. Like I said– it’s so comical really– but shoot– I’ll take it! Lol. Out of 109 runners, only one person ran slower than me, and yet– I am ok with my pace. I would have loved a 14:00 pace at Augusta! It’s all relative, and triathlon for me, is just about competing with myself.
THAT’S A WRAP
This season has been so much fun, and my most active one yet— a total of 5 triathlons this year! Well, ok, one was a relay.
Choo 70.3— May 2017— i did the bike leg as a relay with my friends April and David. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and would encourage everyone to do a relay some time! I didn’t have the stress of the swim, I was able to chill and drink coffee while April swam, then I rode my best for 56 miles, which ended up being 15.9 mph, which was my fastest bike ever at that point! And then while David ran, I got to hang out and socialize. It was a perfect race!
(I love this pic of me telling david how fast I rode on the bike!)
Chattanooga Waterfront Sprint– June 2017
This was going to be my first Olympic distance, but I downed to the sprint because a good friend was doing her very first triathlon, and I wanted to be able to see her and cheer her on. It was a great race for me– my bike split was over 17 mph! And my run was 13 min pace. Oh geez if I could do that for 56 miles and 13 miles!
Secret City Sprint— July 2017
(2016 and 2017…. 30 lbs off!)
Another fun sprint, with a pool swim. This pool is 100 yards long. Built by the Army Corp of Engineers, the thing is amazing. This is where my first tri was in 2013 when I got back into triathlon. A special place, great for beginners. The bike is flat and fast, but the run is hilly. I had a fast bike, and an awful run. Even so- loved it!
And that sums up the season. You can read all about Augusta 70.3 in my previous blog post.
Next up & Goals:
4 Bridges half marathon in 9 days, and then 6 months of hard work to get ready for Oceanside 70.3 on April 7. I hope to lose 18 lbs by then, which should be possible if for once I would commit to carrots instead of cookies when I’m tired or frustrated. 😉😏 Give triathlon a try, if you haven’t already! I promise you can suck at it and still love it! 💕
My first tri in 2013 at 250, and last weekend at 202.
Midlife Triathlon 