Chickamauga, that is. This is going to be my next HM that is on my list. I signed up for this one hoping to maybe work on my PR. I have not done much since finishing the TRI last weekend. I set my alarm clock this morning to go run and I overslept. BOOOO!!!!!
I am going to start back running at least 5 days a week with my long runs on the weekend. I am going to try and run it someone under 2:18. Yes, I said it and now it is on the table. That is the only way I will get faster. I have to dedicate myself to get out there and go.
This weekend I joined some of my TRI friends for a bike stroll. We headed out on our Sat. morning ride and turned it into a 3 county tour. No this is not turning into a Gilligan's Island song but it would be funny. We finished up with 38 miles at a 16 mph average. I have not been that far in the saddle in a long time. It was very fun and I can not wait until I do my next century ride. But for now, I have about 6 weeks to get ready for Chick.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Vidalia Onion Sprint TRI race recap
On an early morning of Saturday 19th, I was awake by 4:00 a.m. I slept with my watch on so I could keep up with the time. I could not sleep worth a hoot because of my nerves. I had alot of things going through my mind. Did I remember to bring everything, do I have the right drinks, do I have the right gels and food? My stomach was now in knots. I was about to loose everything I had from the night before. But I had to be strong and just suck it up and go on with my race day practices.
We were dressed and ready to go downstairs and eat. I had a 1/2 bowl of cereal before throwing it in the trash. Then I got a cup getting ready to pour some coffee and Kenny said "Tim, you are going to drink coffee before the race?" Then I thought I did not know what I doing. So I got some juice and a banana with some pop tarts. Now I really wanted to puke. Kenny's parents were sitting with us telling us that they were nervous for him. I was glad I was in the same company with bad nerves.
Well by now we were loaded up and ready to head out to the race. It was a dark and humid morning. I was hoping the rain would hold off for us and thankfully it did. We got the race site around 6:00 a.m. and I had to put on my head lamp so I could see everything. Off to the packet pickup tent for my goodies. I received my packet and I had to change it from Clydesdale to Novice. The director asked me if I really wanted to change due to the low number of us big folks. She told me that I would have a better chance of placing. I quickly told her that I did not care about placing but I just wanted to survive.
Now it was off to body marking. That was so cool. I have always wanted my numbers put on me. I actually stopped and thought, I am going to actually do this. It is now or never. I went back to get my bike and checked my tire pressure. A little bit of air in the tires and now heading to the transition area. Mandie was wanting to be so helpful and carry things for me but I refused to let her help. I wanted to do everything on my own. I entered into the transition area and only athletes could enter. I thought that was cool. I found out where my rack was at and started to place my transition area out on the ground. It was still a little damp out so I started with my towel. Next it was my running shoes with my bib number under them. Then I put my bike shoes down with my socks in them. I put my helmet down with the straps over the sides and my sunglasses inside it. I had some bottles with water and gatoraide. The water was for cleaning my feet before putting the socks on. I was now ready.
Now it was time to walk around and listen to everyone. Note, I was listening and not talking. I was very nervous. I wanted to cry and puke at the same time. Nerves were flying. Thanks to everyone for trying to make me feel better. The gun went off and the first wave was off. OMG it is now to late to turn around. 2nd wave in, 3rd wave in, 4th wave in and now it is time for us novice peps. Now my heart rate is somewhere over 2,000.
In the water and we are off and racing. Instantly my right foot is cramping up. I am swimming freestyle up to the 50M mark. I was hitting someones foot and kicking someones hand. Then I heard someone flying up beside me. He had a late start. I got out to the 100M mark and noticed the swimmer beside me is now panicking. I did not know what to do. I am not trained in water rescue. The boat looked far away. So I continued on and for a moment it looked like he was getting back on track. Later I found out they had to help him out of the water. I started thinking this could be me. I have to continue strong. Continue on, go forward and just go at a smart pace. I started to swim on my side and I was drifting off so the I started to swim doggie paddle. It might have been slow but it worked.
I MADE IT THROUGH!!!!!!!!
I was now out of the water and heading to T1.
14:17.9 Time 227 Place 2:04 Transition
Now I am on the bike and loving life. I made it through the hardest thing in my life. I was out on the bike course and around mile 1 I started to see some of my friends. They were cheering for me and screaming "You're on the bike!!!!!!" I was smiling from ear to ear. I can now relax and have fun. I was cheering everyone I passed and encouraged everyone to do good and have fun. When I got about a 1/2 mile out, I decided to take my feet out of my shoes and place them on top of my shoes and pedal in. A biker came around me and said to me "Dude, that is so cool. I wish I would have thought of that". Thanks to YouTube for showing me how to do it. I came in from the bike and ran into T2.
42:01.0 Time 127 Place 48 sec Transition
Now it is time to go out on the run. I heard them announce that Tom Adrian had just finished and I thought I can wait until I hear my name. I headed out with my race number bib on. My legs were starting to cramp up. I was in pain but I was going to run out through the crowd. I wanted to look like a champion. The run started out going straight uphill. It was an out and back then another out and back to the finish. I caught up with Samantha and we ran together. It was cool running with her knowing we were going to become triathletes together. Gen finished up and came back to get us. It was the 3 of us for the last mile. I could not remember everything going through my mind at the this point. We reached the top of the hill and I told Sam to go ahead because she deserved to finish first. She then told me no and lets finish together. I agreed and told her lets go cause it is downhill from here.
THE FINISH LINE IS NEAR AND I CAN SEE SOME OF MY FRIENDS LINING THE COURSE AND GIVING ME HIGH FIVES. THIS IS AWESOME. I FINISHED.
I am now a triathlete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say a big thank you to all that helped me get through this huge battle: Kenny, Stefanie, Sam, Gen, Joe, Dorene, Jason, Steve, Sam, Tom, Sarah and to all who have said those little prayers after reading my blog.
Most of all I have to give a huge and special thank you to a wonderful and caring person who has put up with a lot of crazy days and nights while I have been training. She has helped me with my coaching while walking up and down the shores while I tried to swim. She has taken the pictures for me so I know I will have lasting memories after the race. But most of all for being the best mother and wife she could be, Mandie. I love you very much.
We were dressed and ready to go downstairs and eat. I had a 1/2 bowl of cereal before throwing it in the trash. Then I got a cup getting ready to pour some coffee and Kenny said "Tim, you are going to drink coffee before the race?" Then I thought I did not know what I doing. So I got some juice and a banana with some pop tarts. Now I really wanted to puke. Kenny's parents were sitting with us telling us that they were nervous for him. I was glad I was in the same company with bad nerves.
Well by now we were loaded up and ready to head out to the race. It was a dark and humid morning. I was hoping the rain would hold off for us and thankfully it did. We got the race site around 6:00 a.m. and I had to put on my head lamp so I could see everything. Off to the packet pickup tent for my goodies. I received my packet and I had to change it from Clydesdale to Novice. The director asked me if I really wanted to change due to the low number of us big folks. She told me that I would have a better chance of placing. I quickly told her that I did not care about placing but I just wanted to survive.
Now it was off to body marking. That was so cool. I have always wanted my numbers put on me. I actually stopped and thought, I am going to actually do this. It is now or never. I went back to get my bike and checked my tire pressure. A little bit of air in the tires and now heading to the transition area. Mandie was wanting to be so helpful and carry things for me but I refused to let her help. I wanted to do everything on my own. I entered into the transition area and only athletes could enter. I thought that was cool. I found out where my rack was at and started to place my transition area out on the ground. It was still a little damp out so I started with my towel. Next it was my running shoes with my bib number under them. Then I put my bike shoes down with my socks in them. I put my helmet down with the straps over the sides and my sunglasses inside it. I had some bottles with water and gatoraide. The water was for cleaning my feet before putting the socks on. I was now ready.
Now it was time to walk around and listen to everyone. Note, I was listening and not talking. I was very nervous. I wanted to cry and puke at the same time. Nerves were flying. Thanks to everyone for trying to make me feel better. The gun went off and the first wave was off. OMG it is now to late to turn around. 2nd wave in, 3rd wave in, 4th wave in and now it is time for us novice peps. Now my heart rate is somewhere over 2,000.
In the water and we are off and racing. Instantly my right foot is cramping up. I am swimming freestyle up to the 50M mark. I was hitting someones foot and kicking someones hand. Then I heard someone flying up beside me. He had a late start. I got out to the 100M mark and noticed the swimmer beside me is now panicking. I did not know what to do. I am not trained in water rescue. The boat looked far away. So I continued on and for a moment it looked like he was getting back on track. Later I found out they had to help him out of the water. I started thinking this could be me. I have to continue strong. Continue on, go forward and just go at a smart pace. I started to swim on my side and I was drifting off so the I started to swim doggie paddle. It might have been slow but it worked.
I MADE IT THROUGH!!!!!!!!
I was now out of the water and heading to T1.
14:17.9 Time 227 Place 2:04 Transition
Now I am on the bike and loving life. I made it through the hardest thing in my life. I was out on the bike course and around mile 1 I started to see some of my friends. They were cheering for me and screaming "You're on the bike!!!!!!" I was smiling from ear to ear. I can now relax and have fun. I was cheering everyone I passed and encouraged everyone to do good and have fun. When I got about a 1/2 mile out, I decided to take my feet out of my shoes and place them on top of my shoes and pedal in. A biker came around me and said to me "Dude, that is so cool. I wish I would have thought of that". Thanks to YouTube for showing me how to do it. I came in from the bike and ran into T2.
42:01.0 Time 127 Place 48 sec Transition
Now it is time to go out on the run. I heard them announce that Tom Adrian had just finished and I thought I can wait until I hear my name. I headed out with my race number bib on. My legs were starting to cramp up. I was in pain but I was going to run out through the crowd. I wanted to look like a champion. The run started out going straight uphill. It was an out and back then another out and back to the finish. I caught up with Samantha and we ran together. It was cool running with her knowing we were going to become triathletes together. Gen finished up and came back to get us. It was the 3 of us for the last mile. I could not remember everything going through my mind at the this point. We reached the top of the hill and I told Sam to go ahead because she deserved to finish first. She then told me no and lets finish together. I agreed and told her lets go cause it is downhill from here.
THE FINISH LINE IS NEAR AND I CAN SEE SOME OF MY FRIENDS LINING THE COURSE AND GIVING ME HIGH FIVES. THIS IS AWESOME. I FINISHED.
I am now a triathlete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say a big thank you to all that helped me get through this huge battle: Kenny, Stefanie, Sam, Gen, Joe, Dorene, Jason, Steve, Sam, Tom, Sarah and to all who have said those little prayers after reading my blog.
Most of all I have to give a huge and special thank you to a wonderful and caring person who has put up with a lot of crazy days and nights while I have been training. She has helped me with my coaching while walking up and down the shores while I tried to swim. She has taken the pictures for me so I know I will have lasting memories after the race. But most of all for being the best mother and wife she could be, Mandie. I love you very much.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Check one more off the bucket list
Yesterday was a huge milestone that I was able to go to it, go through it and conquer it. I was able to become a triathlete. I completed the Vidalia Onion Sprint TRI. It was a 400M swim, 12 mile bike and a 5K run. I am still very sore in my legs and getting ready for a road trip to Kennesaw for a birthday party so this week I am going to try and post a descriptive report of the race. I am still smiling this morning when I look at my arms and legs cause i can still see my numbers. They might wash off this week but the memories of becoming a triathlete will never fade away. Thank you to all my friends and family that helped me overcome this hurdle. I did not ever think I could through this journey.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Please pass me the trash can
In less than 24 hours, I hope to report back that I completed my first TRI. I went out on Wednesday night and swam my last open water swim. I was able to complete a complete 400M with no stopping. I was able to complete it in just under 13 minutes. This is a huge hurdle for me to get behind me. Now I know that I am able to do it.
Right now my stomach is in knots. The only thing I can think about is tomorrow. I was in a minor wreck this week and I don't even wan to think about being sore. I just want to play in my mind exactly what i am suppose to do tomorrow. I have everything ready to go. When I get home tonight, Mandie told me that I need to lay everything out and simulate a transition to make sure I have everything.
This is why I love her soooooooo much. With everything she has going on in her life, she is able to still think of things to help with me. This is going to be a great weekend. I will able to call myself a Triathloner and it is going to be Mandie's birthday. I cant wait until my next post so until then have a great weekend.
Right now my stomach is in knots. The only thing I can think about is tomorrow. I was in a minor wreck this week and I don't even wan to think about being sore. I just want to play in my mind exactly what i am suppose to do tomorrow. I have everything ready to go. When I get home tonight, Mandie told me that I need to lay everything out and simulate a transition to make sure I have everything.
This is why I love her soooooooo much. With everything she has going on in her life, she is able to still think of things to help with me. This is going to be a great weekend. I will able to call myself a Triathloner and it is going to be Mandie's birthday. I cant wait until my next post so until then have a great weekend.
Monday, September 14, 2009
6 more days and counting
As I sit here and think about this weekend, I am also thinking about what I have conquered. I have the ability to look at a goal, set my schedule and go for it. I thought I would never sign up for a triathlon. I am not a great swimmer and I always thought these kind of races would be left up to the pro athletes. Well not cause that is why I am doing it.
When I took up running, I had a lot of people tell me that marathons were only for fast people, skinny people or people with training. I took that into consideration and started training. Now I look back and laugh when people say "You run marathons and ultra-marathons?".
Well I gladly and proudly look them in the eyes and say "YES I do". I have a type of personality that does not accept defeat. If I am told that I can not do it, it pushes me forward more to take on the challenge.
I found out that there is going to be a duathlon at Vidalia when we are doing the TRI. They are going to start about 10 minutes after we start. My wife told me that I should be doing that cause I know I could do it. I told her that is why I am not doing it. I am doing the TRI to push myself forward to challenge myself to do something I thought I could never accomplish.
When I took up running, I had a lot of people tell me that marathons were only for fast people, skinny people or people with training. I took that into consideration and started training. Now I look back and laugh when people say "You run marathons and ultra-marathons?".
Well I gladly and proudly look them in the eyes and say "YES I do". I have a type of personality that does not accept defeat. If I am told that I can not do it, it pushes me forward more to take on the challenge.
I found out that there is going to be a duathlon at Vidalia when we are doing the TRI. They are going to start about 10 minutes after we start. My wife told me that I should be doing that cause I know I could do it. I told her that is why I am not doing it. I am doing the TRI to push myself forward to challenge myself to do something I thought I could never accomplish.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
A bucket of nerves
I have not posted since last week due to being very busy. I have one week to go before my TRI. I can not take any more pressure right now. My stomach is in knots. I am very nervous about the whole event. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and going into fresh water, no pun intended.
I ran in the 5K yesterday, Camp Little Shot, and I love this race. It is made up of 4 hills and very little flats. I tried to take it easy and use it for a training run. I ran it in 28:32. I tried to keep my splits even or at a negative split. I have not looked at my watch yet. I tell you that this TRI is the ONLY thing on my mind right now.
I have to give a special shout out for my friend Kenny for breaking 30 minutes for the first time in a 5K and receiving 3rd place in his age group.
I have been swimming so much lately that I think I should be able to grow gills and fins by now. It is slowly getting better but it is something that will have to take time over the winter. I went yesterday and bought a sprint TRI suit to help me stay a float. I tried it out today and it really does help. If nothing else, it helps me with my confidence.
I ran in the 5K yesterday, Camp Little Shot, and I love this race. It is made up of 4 hills and very little flats. I tried to take it easy and use it for a training run. I ran it in 28:32. I tried to keep my splits even or at a negative split. I have not looked at my watch yet. I tell you that this TRI is the ONLY thing on my mind right now.
I have to give a special shout out for my friend Kenny for breaking 30 minutes for the first time in a 5K and receiving 3rd place in his age group.
I have been swimming so much lately that I think I should be able to grow gills and fins by now. It is slowly getting better but it is something that will have to take time over the winter. I went yesterday and bought a sprint TRI suit to help me stay a float. I tried it out today and it really does help. If nothing else, it helps me with my confidence.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Labor Day Road Race recap 2009
Today was a great day for a run. Last night I put out everything that I was going to need so that I would not have to think about and leave out something. Well I did,
My timing chip. OPS. Luckily we dont live far from the race and my lovely wife went back home and got it for me. I went out for my warm up run while she went back home and got it for me. Steve asked me to go out and warm up together. He told me that normally he does not warmup by running. I told him that to me it does make a difference.
I got a chance to see some old friends today before the race. It is times like that make it all worth the wait.
I had some bad jitters before the race. I have been training for this race for a while. Track workouts, long Sunday runs and many maintance runs through out the week.
And today it was going to be over. I was shooting for a new PR of something below 26:37
I got a 26:40. Yes I could have gone faster but I did not. I probably could have shaved off about 10 seconds but I did not. I had fun today. If someone would have told me that I was that close, I would have gone faster.
My timing chip. OPS. Luckily we dont live far from the race and my lovely wife went back home and got it for me. I went out for my warm up run while she went back home and got it for me. Steve asked me to go out and warm up together. He told me that normally he does not warmup by running. I told him that to me it does make a difference.
I got a chance to see some old friends today before the race. It is times like that make it all worth the wait.
I had some bad jitters before the race. I have been training for this race for a while. Track workouts, long Sunday runs and many maintance runs through out the week.
And today it was going to be over. I was shooting for a new PR of something below 26:37
I got a 26:40. Yes I could have gone faster but I did not. I probably could have shaved off about 10 seconds but I did not. I had fun today. If someone would have told me that I was that close, I would have gone faster.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
2 weeks to go
Today was another open water swim and yes once again I did not do good. I am so sick and tired of these **** panic attacks when I get in the open water. I just an e-mail to the folks at the Onion TRI about the race and I asked them about how many boats will they have in the water and how far apart. I am very nervous about this while thing now.
I AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHT.
SOMETHING BETTER CLICK SOON OR ELSE THIS WILL BE MY FIRST DNF!!!!!!!!!
I AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHT.
SOMETHING BETTER CLICK SOON OR ELSE THIS WILL BE MY FIRST DNF!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Questioning myself
Last night I had high hopes of going to Lake Tobo and getting some swim time in. I had dropped my little buddy off at Awana and had about an hour before having to pick him up. So off to the lake I went.
When I got there I stopped at the front gate and I was told that the beaches were closed and no one was allowed to swim. They had an experienced diver that went diving this summer by himself and drowned. She told me there were on lifeguards on duty and I could not go. Then she told me to go ask the officers. So I went into their office and told them I was training for a TRI and asked if I could swim on the beach area in the shallow end so I could work on my breathing and sighting. He told me to go ahead that there should be no problem.
So I quickly changed clothes and jumped into the cold water. I was the only vehicle down there for about 5 minutes when I looked up and what do I see. Another vehicle pulled up right beside mine and 4 males sat in it and did not get out. I did not go back under the water. I looked like I was practicing my stretches and sighting. I kept looking back to see what was going on.
I could not concentrate. I was very mad. I did not know what they were up to. Maybe they just wanted to watch me and learn, yeah right. I could not stand it any longer. So I left. I went home pissed off cause it was just another day of failure for me. I did not need this. I need more days of improvement both physically and mentally. Maybe I jumped into this too quick. Maybe I should have gotten some more training time under my belt before attempting this. Maybe I should just say that I have a fear of open water and could come up with a million excuses to not do this.
Well I just have to do it. I was once told if I were afraid of heights, to go sky jumping. Well I am not going to that extreme so I went flying in a plane. Now I am more relaxed when I do it. Maybe just maybe something will click for me in the next week so that I will be able to do this stupid race. I am just mad with myself because I have seen the videos and listened to everyone on what to do. I just have a problem when I try and do it. I don't know what it wrong. Well for now, I am taking today off from reality and getting back into the pool tomorrow morning. Until then, please pray for me and call the Coast Guard and have them on stand by.
When I got there I stopped at the front gate and I was told that the beaches were closed and no one was allowed to swim. They had an experienced diver that went diving this summer by himself and drowned. She told me there were on lifeguards on duty and I could not go. Then she told me to go ask the officers. So I went into their office and told them I was training for a TRI and asked if I could swim on the beach area in the shallow end so I could work on my breathing and sighting. He told me to go ahead that there should be no problem.
So I quickly changed clothes and jumped into the cold water. I was the only vehicle down there for about 5 minutes when I looked up and what do I see. Another vehicle pulled up right beside mine and 4 males sat in it and did not get out. I did not go back under the water. I looked like I was practicing my stretches and sighting. I kept looking back to see what was going on.
I could not concentrate. I was very mad. I did not know what they were up to. Maybe they just wanted to watch me and learn, yeah right. I could not stand it any longer. So I left. I went home pissed off cause it was just another day of failure for me. I did not need this. I need more days of improvement both physically and mentally. Maybe I jumped into this too quick. Maybe I should have gotten some more training time under my belt before attempting this. Maybe I should just say that I have a fear of open water and could come up with a million excuses to not do this.
Well I just have to do it. I was once told if I were afraid of heights, to go sky jumping. Well I am not going to that extreme so I went flying in a plane. Now I am more relaxed when I do it. Maybe just maybe something will click for me in the next week so that I will be able to do this stupid race. I am just mad with myself because I have seen the videos and listened to everyone on what to do. I just have a problem when I try and do it. I don't know what it wrong. Well for now, I am taking today off from reality and getting back into the pool tomorrow morning. Until then, please pray for me and call the Coast Guard and have them on stand by.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The nerves are kicking
Last night we went to the track for our last workout before the Labor Day race. I am so ready for this race. I originally had a goal of getting in the 26 range but now my current PR is 26:37.
Last night we did 3-1 mile repeats to determine how we might finish on the race. It is mostly downhill, if you are doing the 5K like me. It was nice cause the temps were in the mid 70's with a cool breeze.
Lap 1: 8:30
Lap 2: 8:25
Lap 3: 8:17
If I am able to keep this pace through out the race, I should be able to finish some where in the mid to upper 25 range. If this happens, it will be the shot heard around the world. I always thought it would be awesome to finish a race with those times but I never thought I had a chance.
I will be somewhat glad when this is over so I can train entirely on the TRI. I am going tonight for an open water swim at Lake Tobosofkee and swim around the beach area. I am still having some issues with my breathing technique. It seems when I turn my head, my mouth opens and I forget to take a breath. Stupid. You cant keep going if you don't breath. I now that it will come to me but I wish it would come sooner so I could get rid of this stupid butterflies. I hope to be able to complete a practiced 400 before the actual race and feel comfortable both mentally and physically. I am having the same mental issues I had when I did my first marathon and I pray they will pass.
Last night we did 3-1 mile repeats to determine how we might finish on the race. It is mostly downhill, if you are doing the 5K like me. It was nice cause the temps were in the mid 70's with a cool breeze.
Lap 1: 8:30
Lap 2: 8:25
Lap 3: 8:17
If I am able to keep this pace through out the race, I should be able to finish some where in the mid to upper 25 range. If this happens, it will be the shot heard around the world. I always thought it would be awesome to finish a race with those times but I never thought I had a chance.
I will be somewhat glad when this is over so I can train entirely on the TRI. I am going tonight for an open water swim at Lake Tobosofkee and swim around the beach area. I am still having some issues with my breathing technique. It seems when I turn my head, my mouth opens and I forget to take a breath. Stupid. You cant keep going if you don't breath. I now that it will come to me but I wish it would come sooner so I could get rid of this stupid butterflies. I hope to be able to complete a practiced 400 before the actual race and feel comfortable both mentally and physically. I am having the same mental issues I had when I did my first marathon and I pray they will pass.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)