Pigman Half 8/19/2012

Gabe and I drove to Cedar Rapids, IA on Saturday since the race was on Sunday. The drive took longer then expected about 4.5 hours. We got to packet pick up right on time, and headed to the Econo Lodge (Osc with)! Dinner was good at Biagges I had a pork chop chop and potatoes and a beet salad, and dessert (bread pudding and a nutella cookie to go). All in all it was a good day before race day with no major stress. Race day went fairly smooth and I was able to get to the transition with plenty of time. I got to the race about 6am, with a 730am start time. Took us about 30min to get to the race site from the hotel. Swim went good, although it was hard to see the buoys very well. I also felt like was having a hard time keeping straight. Otherwise no major issues on the swim.I was trying to keep calm and focus on my stroke more, so I didn't really feel out of breath or nervous at all. Bike was really windy, and had some rolling hills too which made it tough. I was also having a hard time eating and had to urinate three times, which I've never ever done before. I was also feeling like I was pushing hard, but trying to save my legs for the run. My legs were feeling tired, especially the calves and hammies. Rolled into T2 though, feeling a bit excited to get off the bike. The run actually started off really well, but then I started to get tired. I would say around mile 7 or so I was in the pain cave. I was drinking a lot on the run, but really struggling. I had very little energy, and this is the second time I had felt this way (Chisago being the other time) this year. Was very glad to be done. 38:55 (1:51) T12:17 2:50:28 19.7 T21:28 1:47:42 8:14 Total Time 5:20:48 (10min worse then Chisago about a month before) 9th overall, only 3 elites competing this year. Next up Hyvee

YWCA 2012 August 12th

It was a chilly morning (55 degrees)and I got to the race early, an hour and a half before to avoid extra stress. Gabe and Kim volunteered at the race. Everything went very smoothly, and I was ready for a warm up by 7am. I was feeling fairly well on the warm up considering my legs had been feeling tired and sore pretty much all week (besides Saturday). The swim went fairly well and I was able to gain good position. T1 was fairly fast and I was out on the bike in about 5 or 6 place. I noticed that most of the bikes were out of T1, so I knew I had a lot of time to make up on the bike. Bike went fairly well,I was pushing really hard and really wanted to gain some ground coming into T2. I did do just that, coming in in 3rd place right with Greta and Nordica close by. Run started out fast, I was able to pass Greta and Nordica. I was feeling strong on the run and was doing all I can to keep second place at this point. With about 400 to go Stephanie Soffelt passed me. I tried to hang on, but just couldn't. Ended up coming in 3rd overall only 10 sec behind Stephanie. I was very happy with the results, and once again just loved and enjoyed this race and venue so much. Nicole and all of the volunteering did such an awesome job again!! I really enjoy every bit of this race. Results: 500 Yard Swim - 15.5 Mile Bike - 5K Run 8:22 1:41 t1 1:24 40:23 23.0 t2 0:52 20:19 6:33 Total 1:11:18 Happy with everything this year 2:20 sec PR! Wish run was sub 20, but that's ok. Second fastest bike split!