Surly Trail Run, BSC Camp Odayin 5K and the TC MARATHON!

Lots to write about in this post, and it's all about running! First off I did a fun little trail run a few weeks ago at Theo Wirth, it was a 13.1K trail run. Fun course, pretty hilly. I did the run with Kim, and it was just a little fun run, which turned out into me winning the race for women =) I just remember going out pretty casually with Kim and feeling pretty good, and then a few miles in someone yelled out top girls, so I decided Eh, maybe I should pick it up a notch, so I did went about 6 or 7 effort and ended up winning, while Kurbs got 5th overall. Good day! Won a really sweet handmade mug.

Then it was the 5K the week before the marathon which I wanted to do well in. So I followed Nicole's plan to the T (or almost) =) and was hoping to get a good time. The run was two times around Lake Como and was fairly flat. Ended up running a 20:14 for 3.34 miles, or about a 6:22 pace. Right on par with my 5K PR 19:35. I did a 19:30 5K in the Apple Duathlon earlier this season.
Then the TC MARATHON. I was tapering pretty much towards the end of the week with a few track workouts in the beginning, and I didn't really like it too much but I knew if I was going to run a sub 3:17 on the TCM course my legs needed to feel fresh. I felt like my fitness was there with many track workouts and a few long runs (20+), but now it was time to simply taper (which was not really that simple for me). Either way I think I did a pretty good job following the taper and couldn't complain with how I felt going into the marathon. The weather was really pretty cold the day off, in the 30's with a high of 50 (maybe). The week itself was a bit stressful with Osc getting sick and having many sleepless nights, but at the end I think it all worked out. Both Gabe and I PRd!! I felt pretty strong throughout the whole race and was really focus on keeping with or a little ahead of the 3:15 pace group. I did just that and was actually in front for most of the race except at around mile 21 or so the pace group paced me. I was starting to struggle. I really tried to hang on, but couldn't. In the end though it worked out and those last 3 miles or so were a blur. I was on pace at the half way point for about a 3:12 and finished in 3:15.22, a PR!!! I remember seeing the finish line still pretty far away and kicking it in so hard that when I finished if the two awesome volunteers wouldn't have been there to grab me I would have fallen over...I was so happy and it was so nice to see all my friends there, Kim, Kurbs, Robin, Leon, Drew, Kim's parents, John, my grandparents and sister just to name a few. Also all the people who yelled out my name it was just great!!! Splits below, finished 30th in AG. Link to results below.

Results

Some thoughts for the end of the Tri Season 2012

I thought I'd put in some of my end of the season thoughts even though it's about 2 weeks after Hyvee, better then never(or the last tri of the season). I'd say this season has been interesting for one because I didn't have a big race at the end of the season like Ironman last year, and that sort of made the last tri not as depressing. I didn't experience the post season blues (YET) like I did after Ironman. I guess that makes sense because the Ironman is way bigger and you train the whole season for it. But either way it was nice to end Hyvee on a good note, and feeling strong and confident about my fitness level. I have felt like my fitness level has been the best it has been maybe ever. Maybe it was because of cross fit, or extra speed work, or working on my running more with a coach, either way I have PR'd in all my shorter races this year, and have improved my speed a lot. I have PR'd in the mile with a 5:31PR, and my 5K time has been the fastest it's ever been at a 19:30 some in a triathlon...I never thought I'd be able to run this fast.

I also met an amazing training buddy, Kurbs, we call her. We have done all of out training together this season, and it's been awesome! So many days I felt like I didn't want to get out there, but having her show up to our place pushed me just that much. Super thankful for her! It's very true, this sport is all about the people you meet not always just the bike, run, swim. There are days you just don't want to do those things anymore, but it's the relationships and friendships that you make that really get your through those ruts.

One thing that wasn't so great this season were my half ironmans. In part, I think because I just didn't spend as much time on the bike this winter, thinking I'd be fine. Well I payed for it with both of my Half Ironamns being sub par. It might have also been all of the extra CrossFit I've been doing. I think I could get away with it with the shorter stuff, but the longer stuff takes so much more out of you I just maybe couldn't handle both volume and intensity intermixed and not periodized properly. Who knows though, I guess only eliminating one or backing off on something or maybe more biking or longer bricks would help me answer what happened.

Either way a lot of good things came out of this tri season, which I'm more then happy about. I feel faster, back to where I was before kidney surgery, or even faster, and I feel healthy which is important. One small setback is my knee hurting for the last few months. I think it's an imbalance of some sort which I have to figure out before it gets worse.

All in all I'd give the season an 8 out of 10!!!

Last race of the season is the Marathon!

Colorado Ragnar Relay (fist Annual) 9/6 and 9/7 2012

I came on the team for the Ragnar in Colorado somewhat last minute...Maybe not last minute but I joined the team after saying no due to travel expenses and PTO, but after Kim told me there was a change in the date and there was someone who couldn't' do it, I was even more tempted so I decided I was in! I knew it would be absolutely beautiful running through the mountains, and I was absolutely right.

I got into Colorado on Thurs, and we drove to Breck where we stayed that evening. The race started on Friday. We were in the first van and I was runner number 5. My legs were 8.9 miles, 4.6 miles, and 6.7 miles. Not super hilly but longer.

I was very excited when we got to the race start, and it was nice because we stayed at a place walking distance from the start in Breck. Out start time was 10am, so plenty of time to sleep in. I decided I wanted to run some extra legs because that's just what I do =) so I did just that by running with Ben our first runner. It was a tough climb from the start of his leg, but we settled into a comfortable pace and the beauty of Colorado began! I took a break after that, and then decided to run 2miles with Kim (runner 3). The first part of her run was all uphill, so I decided to help her out, and she was happy I did.

I was getting more antsy as the day went, since I was the second to last runner, but my leg was finally here. I was actually feeling a bit sluggish, maybe due to the lack of or no coffee at all that day. I tried to just take it in and not race but run a pretty steady pace given the elevation change. It felt good, and I felt pretty warmed up and awake by the end of the run

After our first legs we had a break from 5 to 9 or so. We crashed at a major exchange where we'd meet Van 2. I was out cold even though we slept on a carpeted floor in a high school with no sleeping bad, just a sleeping bag.

Second leg was at midnight, and a bit freaky because part of it was in the middle of a field, and all you saw was what was in front of you. Otherwise I liked the night run. I also ran into this small animal which I quickly dodged by going out on the road instead of the path.

Jen one of our runners had some pain in her knee after the first run, so we knew she was pretty much out. Her bf Ben ran one of her legs but then we had to do some switching and Kim ended up running another short leg while another girl (Jen) took the other Jen's leg (too complicated)! Erica was also not feeling hot, so I took her last 3mile leg. Thank god it was only 3 miles, but I was pumped once I got mentally ready for running almost 10miles as my third leg on about 2 hours of sleep. To be honest I enjoyed that leg the most. I was just out there soaking it all in, and the music helped a ton.

Overall it was an awesome experience!!! Absolutely would do it again, the scenery was just amazing.

Leg 1 8.8 miles 7:54 pace Leg 2 4.7 miles 7:30 pace Leg 3 6.7 miles 8:08 pace Ran Ben's Leg 3.7 miles, and Kim's leg 2miles, and Erica's leg 3 miles, about 30 miles total, was supposed to run 20 miles with only me legs.

We placed 49 out of 170 teams so not bad!

Hyvee Age Group Elite Oly Race 9/1/2012 (Last Tri of 2012)

This race was a great way to end the season! Kim and I drove together to the race on Saturday, took about 4hrs. We stayed at the Locus Suites, thanks to Damon. We ate a really nice meal just down the street at a place called Centro. We got lucky because there was an hour wait, but we were able to find a spot at in the bar area. We split scallops, chicken stuffed with ricotta, and mashed potatoes. I did order a dessert, but was pretty full so I ate just a few bites of it. I had never done this race, but the venue was pretty awesome, and made you feel pretty important. There were three races total, the Championships, the Hyvee Tri, and the Pro race. A bit confusing, so much that I thought I was starting at 6:50am but that was the Championship race, so I had to wait almost an hour before the Hyvee Tri actually started. I wasn't used to waiting so long before starting, but it ended up being pretty fun to watch all of the people in the Championship exit the water. Kim and I got to the race venue very really, around 5:15 since the transition was closing at 630. We got our warm up done by 6 and were ready to go. It was nice to not be rushed, although the warm up was way before any warm up I've ever done for a race...Granted this was because I didn't realize I wasn't starting until 7:37 instead of 6:45 as I originally thought. The swim was a mass start for the Age Group Elite while Age Group was a time trial start, and an out of the water swim start which I had never done. I didn't even really get to wet my goggles or get wet/warm up before. The swim was pretty smooth besides when I swam a bit off course and almost touched me arm to the bottom, ooops...I had a really hard time seeing at the turn around, so I was trying my best to site on people and the big orange buoys. The swim was a counter clock wise route. The bike transition was HUGE, but I was in a good spot so I knew exactly where to go. No issues on the bike. I knew right away in the game today just with how my legs were feeling and mentally I was ready to push, which was good. The bike course was fairly flat with a few false flats which really slowed me down, and a lot of turns (very technical). All in all I was happy with how I was doing on the bike, and I didn't have the pee issues I did at Pig. The run also went fairly smooth. I was in the pain cave at about mile 3 or 4, but kept telling myself this is the last tri, it's OK to hurt. My knee was bothering me too, first time that it's bothered me in a race. I shook it off though and tried to focus on keeping pace. The finish was awesome besides the huge hill at mile 6 with .1 to go. That was pretty brutal. Overall I was very happy with this race and how the season ended. Since Liberty was a short on the bike, comparing this race to Rochesterfest I PR'd on everything, and most importantly felt strong both mentally and physically. Results: 29:10 swim T1(1:56 pace) 1:08.44 (21.6mph) T2 1:26 Run 43:08 6:58 pace Time: 2:24.22 6thoverall woman! PR Oly since Liberty this year was short. PS: Qualified for Hyvee Championships 2013!! PSS: On our cool down run with Kurbs we both looked over at a guy riding in all his gear, and I saw who's is this guy?! And then we both looked at him again and he looked at us, and it was MACCA!!! "Ello Ladies" is what he said to us, and we just screamed like 13 year old Beiber fans, oh good times! =)

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!

Rice Street Mile (PR Mile) then another PR mile today 7/30/12 at CF!

I decided to sign up for this after an upsetting Chisago Half Ironman race (more mentally then physically). I tried to got a friend to sign up but she couldn't make it, so I decided I am going to go for it and see what I've got when it comes to speed. I did the Nicollet Mall road mile last year on a wim in about a 6:03 pace, and this was my first official road race, and first time doing the Rice Street Mile. I didn't have a lot of expectation going into the race coming off the half on Sunday, which was good. I warmed up with the MN red group which was fun since I hadn't run with them in a long time. 3mile warm up was good with some strides. The mile started off fast, and that initial 400 was a shock to the system. I tried to hold back a bit, my first 800 was a 2:48. I finished fairly strong passed a girl or two for a PR of 5:37 per my watch, but 5:40 chip time. 6th overall. The hill at the end up, then down was a really nice way to finish. I was really happy with my time. A huge booster, and I'm so glad I decided to sign up. Sometimes you just have to go for it, even if alone. Then today 7/30/2012, CF WOD PR mile 5:18 but the course was .96, so figure about 5:31, this time around I was coughing for a long time, but wow another PR mile, I will take it! =) Huge improvement from past year.

Chisago Halfiron 7/22/12

I don't even know where to begin...

This was a struggle pretty much from the beginning, but definitely the run challenged me more mentally then I can really remember in a long time. Chisago is a pretty chaotic race, but Kim and I got there early enough and I knew exactly where my bike spot was which made it a lot less stressful.

My legs were feeling a little heavy on the warm up run, but I didn't think too much of it. The swim was wetsuit legal which was a surprise since it has been so hot lately and I was swimming a lot with no wetsuit.

Swim went pretty smoothly I thought, I was getting pretty tired with my arms about 3/4 of the way, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I got my goggles knocked off a bit, but I had them underneath the swim cap which was good.

Bike was when it got rough. Lots of head wind, no speedometer (forgot to put it on the day before), and just plain tired legs. I tried not to exert too much but felt like if I slowed down anymore I'd barely be going over 20mph, so I pushed even with the wind, and maybe payed for it on the run.

The run was brutal, probably started at about mile 7. After seeing that I pretty much had no chance of breaking 5hrs, I sort of gave up. I still kept trying to keep a good mental attitude, but I was tired, hot, and physically drained. I guess I pretty much just gave up mentally and everything went downhill from there. I finished, but had never felt so fatigued (the below picture captures the "pain cave" very well). This almost felt as hard the the IM today. I guess everyone has a bad race, and sometimes there is really no reason or explanation. It is what it is...

Results: 38:07. (1:58) T1 1:45 02:44:15.4 (20.4) T2 1:24.8 Run 01:45:16.6 (8:02) Total 05:10:50.6 10th OA, 1st AG.

Minneman Sprint 6/30/2012 (A WIENER!)

I love, love, love this race. It's short and flat, and there are always so many people I know. This year was no different, accept there was a Oly course also. The Oly was essentially two loops of the Sprint, but since they had to make the Oly official the sprint was a bit longer compared to last year. No major issues before the race, but just a few during the race. Got to warm up with a few friends, and was feeling fairly fresh. The temps have been really high lately (in the 90s), and I wasn't sure if the swim would be wetsuit legal, but it somehow was. The swim went fairly well, except that it was pretty shallow, and I don't know how to dolphin dive so that made it a bit interesting. Also when I came out of the water a ref tapped me and said "do you want this" it was my chip!!! No idea when and how it came off, but thank god he gave it to me, oops! Bike went well, I was using the disc wheels for the third time this year. I decided to go with the disc instead of the 808 because I remember this course being flat and not very windy. Using the disc was a good choice! I came in about 5th out of the water and into T2 in 2nd place after the bole. Both Greta and I went a bit off course, and had to turn around which was yet another thing that hasn't happened to me along with the chip incident. Run also went fairly well. I was sitting in second and could see April in front, I tried to pick up the pace and was able to get ahead a little after the turn around. When we did the turn around I was a little but not too surprised to see Jenny Wilcox very close. I knew Jenny was an amazing runner, and we came out of the water together and I never saw her on the bike. So within about 1 to 2min after that Jenny made her move and went in front of me. I thought to myself, I am going to try to hang with her and if I feel there is no way, then I'll back off. To my total surprise I was ok hanging with Jenny, so I thought I'm going to stay right next to her and try to make my move when we get closer. I was being very conservative because I didn't want to totally blow out, so the race came to the end where me and Jenny were sprinting to the finish and I was able to hold on to first place by ONLY one sec!!! It was the most epic finish I've ever been apart of, and it was awesome! I was hunched over a bit at the finish, Jenny pushed me hard. It was great! Both Jenny and I did go slightly off course until Gabe yelled at me straight, straight! Thank you Gabe =) Lots of little things happening this race, chip, going a bit off course on the bike, then the run just slightly. I was able to come out with a win though and it felt good to pull through. Jenny and everyone else in the sprint and Oly did awesome! It was a hot, hot day too! It was really fun to race with so many people I knew! Cool down was with Kort which was nice because I was trying to do a longer cool down and she had to do a 6mile cool down, perfect! Results: 13:40 (1:34) T1 1:42 34:49 (22.9) t21:08 19:48 (6:23) Total 1:11:04

Rochesterfest Oly 6/17/2012

We drove to the race the morning of, getting up at 430am wasn't bad, but the drive was long (1.5hrs) and I sort of got tired during the drive. We got to the race nice and early (6:40am or so) since I had to pick up my packet the same day. By 7am I was ready to go on my warm up run. The weather was really nice, not hot and sunny. The swim was a two loop swim, where you come out of the water after the first loop and go right back in for the Oly distance.

Right when I started to swim I felt tired, not really tired, but I was feeling off. I was trying to focus more on form and sort of "tuned out". I've never felt so calm in a swim because no one was around me which was really nice. Coming out of the water we had to run on the sand which took a lot of energy out of me as well.

The bike was hilly and windy, but a really nice course with nice roads. I was using the 808 wheels for the back, Damon borrowed me, but because I was so tired it was hard to tell if they were helping or not. I was feeling the burning sensation in my legs almost right away on the bike, almost like the lactate wasn't clearing or something like that. The bike was rough, not sure if it was the course or the way I felt, or maybe combo of both.

Then it was the run, which was a similar story. I was on auto pilot mode pretty much the whole time. I knew I was in forth place with the third place, Katherine, a ways ahead and I had really no energy to try to catch up, so I just tried to stay strong and focus again on my form. The run course was nice, not hilly and some shaded parts. It got pretty hot towards the end of the run. I finished and sort of stood there hunched over for a second. I hadn't felt so drained before doing a shorter race, but today was just that sort of day I guess.

Finished forth overall but a lot slower time compared to last weekend at Liberty. I think the bike course was longer because I remember seeing the 24mile marker and it seemed way longer than another .8 miles making it an even 40K, but then again I heard the Liberty bike course was maybe shorter. All in all it was a good effort for the day for me, and I can at least walk away knowing if I was feeling it I could have done way better. All apart of racing though, you never know how you will feel or what might happen, they key is to walk with something positive.

*First time winning some MULA for forth place, can't complain =)*

Results: 4th overall female 28:55:00 1.5K swim T1 1:39 1:13:04 (20.1 mph) T2 1:03 45:11 Time time 2:29:(7:16 pace).

First Tri of 2012 (Liberty Oly 6/9/2012 (best bike average ever, and 10KPR)

This was a fairly new distance for me. I haven't really raced the Oly distance since 2010, and I have only done two Oly in my entire tri "career". I wanted to do a few Oly's this year and see how I'd like this distance. So I did just that by registering for the Liberty Oly instead of the half like last year. The location was different this year in Rockford and swim in Lake Rebecca. All in all I was excited for the new distance and the first tri of 2012! Swim went fairly well for me, I tried to stay close to the buoys, and also for the first time sort of drafted off a few people on several different occasions (I think). Bike started out a bit tough, I was using the disc wheel on the back and another HED on the front and noticed that if I went at least 22mph it was easy to keep it going, but if I'd drop to below that it was hard to keep the pace. The bike was an out and back in a way with some rolling hills but nothing horrible. And on the way back I was cruising, with some wind at my back. The bike went fairly well, and I forced myself to eat a gel or half a gel, to make sure I had some energy on the run. The bike course was really nice and the roads were really well kept and smooth, which was great. The run was HILLY, a lot of rollers, but shaded. It was a hot day, about 90 degrees and sunny and humid. The run was most likely the toughest part with the heat and hills, but I just tried to keep going even though I was alone for the majority of the run. I liked also that the run was an out and back so you could see the people going out on the run and cheer them on. I felt bad because I was so out of breath and dying I would barely say good job or thank you to people passing by on the other side...

All in all I was happy with how I did, second overall. The girl who beat me is an unbelievable swimmer, I wish I could be like her! Results: 29:35 (1:49) T1 1:12 1:02:26 (23.8) 0:44 T2 42:08 (6:47) Total Time 2:16:03

Apple Du 5/26/2012 (sub 20min 5K PR!)

Highlights of the race: Long drive, race is in Sartell. Really well run with the volunteers. Nice bike route but flat. I took Osc to the race because Gabe couldn't make it, and my friend Kim was going to meet me to come watch. I warmed up with Oscar which was fun for him and he got to say hi to all of his fans =) It was fun starting with the super super fast girl in the Elite Wave, I didn't do too bad coming in 4th after the first run. Then lost my 4th place to Tina a really talented triathlete, held steady for 5th overall. My goal was to break 20min in the 5K this race which I did, the bike I felt alright much better after the first 10miles. The course was super flat with a few rolling hills. It started to pour about half way into the bike, and that wasn't fun because my arms and hands froze completely. Into T2 I couldn't undue my helmet, so the time there wasn't too great, once I got on the second run I was feeling off, cold, numb, uncomfortable. My second run was horrible, almost 2min slower than the first run. Not sure if it was the conditions or I just lost focus, but I wasn't too pleased with my time off the bike. Overall it was a great race and I am looking at the positive of breaking 20min in the 5K and also setting forth some goals to maybe focus more on the bricks.

Next up is Liberty first tri of the season! Results 5th Overall Woman 5K, 19:28 (6:16 pace) 33K bike 58:25 21.1 5K run 21:52 7:03 Total time 1:41.46

Season Opener 2012, Oakdale Duathlon...5/12/2012

The day was beautiful, sunny skies and 60's. Unlike last year for sure. I was really excited to race, but was feeling a little off with my stomach after eating some "abnormal" food the night before. I say abnormal because we've been trying to eat more meat and veggies, more of a Paleo style diet. After eating spaghetti and bread (although some of the spaghetti was gluten free) I was sort of feeling bloated by the end of the night and into the morning. The stomach didn't bother me though much once the race started. Highlights of the race: First time using race wheels, awesome!! First run felt great, 5:48 first mile eeek... Bike didn't feel good at all. Just couldn't get the rhythm down and my legs had that burning sensation the whole time, like I couldn't flush the lactate out... Second run was pretty good. At first I was struggling with my hammys being sore but then a few minutes in it wasn't all that bad. I finished in 4th, 3min PR from last year. 1:14:36 3mile run 19:12 (6:24) 0:40 T1 14mile bike 37:19 (22.5) 0:41 T2 2.8 run 16:47 (6:43) 1:14:37 Total Time Key Takeaways: Pay attention when your wave goes off, I missed the elite wave and had to start in the second wave with the men. Maybe that's why I ran that first mile so fast.

Little Osc...running 20miles Saturday April 28th, no problem!

This post is dedicated to remember that Little Oscar ran 20mile with me on Saturday. It was rainy and cold, which probably helped him, since he doesn't do well in the heat. We started from home ran to the lakes where I met Kim (CO) visiting for a friends wedding, and Kim from URBAN aka Kurban (inside joke), they ran with me to the River Road where we watched the Get in Gear and ran some more. Then they stopped due to some foot issues both of them were having, and Osc and I ran the rest of the time (close to another 50min) while watching the race. The last mile I saw Gabe and cheered him on to the finish. He ran the half marathon and PR'd by 3min, 2:07!!! The 20miler was not as brutal as I was thinking it would be. And most of all I was soooo proud of Oscar!!!! He didn't even drink any water even though I tried to give him some. He's a BEAST! These last three weeks have beeen tough with training (lost of intensity, volume 50mile running), but I've been feeling pretty good all in all. Happy to focus on the bike a bit more and not do a longer run until most likely July when I don't have as many races.

Trail Mix 25K April 21th

Highlights of the race: I got a PR, not sure how, but I did. 15min PR from last year, and over a min PR from 2009 where I did the best in this race. Time was just under 2hrs 1:59.9. This race was no joke. Most likely beacuse I hadn't run ANY trails or hills since who knows how long. So I was in some major pain pretty much at the start of the run. I've felt pain before, but this was totally brutal. I'd say 8 out of 10 on the pain threshold. I tried to really focus on my stride and not worry too much about my screaming hammys, calves, and butt. I think that's what got my through, but after finishing I was really happy with how I did. I took a nice ice bath later in the day which worked wonders. I even cooled down somehow after the race with some Run N Fun girls who are super fast! Got some good total miles for the day, and some bragging and whinning rights! All in all it was a good day, and the pain was well worth the PR effort (even if it wasn't a HUGE PR). Next up Oakdale Du May 12th! Total Time: 1:59.9 Division Place 4th, Overall Place for women 14th

Unexpected Recognitions...

I found something in the mail Friday morning and it caught be by surprise big time. It was an Honorable Mention Certificate. When I first opened it I had no idea what this was. I had been doing tri's for three years and had never known that anyone was keeping track. After reading over everything I found out based on my races last year I was ranked among the top in my age group and got the Honorable Mention All American Award along with others in my age group. To get All American you had to be in the top 70, I was 105th, so I have a bit to go, but I earned 89 and some points and the person in 70th place had 91 points. I think the coolest part about it all is that I didn't even know that being apart of USAT Triathlon means you get ranked in races, so now that I do, I can try even harded!!! =) I guess I was trying in 2011, my focus was just IM WI. We'll see what 2012 season has to bring with the addition of a new interest of mine, CF.

A lil bit of this and that

Second post of year and probably a short one. Just got back from Thailand which was absoluetely amazing. Good thing I kept a journal and wrote what we did each day. Also particiapated in the CF Open which was really fun and super competitive. I think next year or at least this is what I am thinking now I'd really like to focus some energy on CF and actually get better. Right now I'm still in the tri mode and it's just too hard to balance all the activities. I did learn that there are ALOT of super strong and talented women in the CF world, which is just so awesome and inspiring for me! Got my bike all tuned up and race wheels ready at Urban Tri this past weekend. I had been really out of it since getting back on Tuesday from Thailand. Have never had such bad jet leg. But I'm glad I found the time to get my bike all ready to go for the season. First race of the season is Oakdale Du May 12th, eeeek! Good thing it's not a tri, need to get into the open water soon! Also ran a 5K a weekend leaving for Thailand the Human Race, did a 20:21 not too bad, 2nd place. I ran hard, but wasn't tapered at all. It was a really good strong effort but I'm hoping I can better that time as I get closer to the season or at least by the end of the season as I keep getting into better shape. Did the 8K after which was sort of a joke not really a race, more trying to get my miles in for that day. It was a really good training run though, so I'm still glad I did it. Excited to get back into training and feel normal after the long vacation!

CF, throwdowns, Thailand, PR's and new opportunites! 2/17/2012

I haven't blogged in a long long time. A lot of new things have happened when it comes to my training...I joined CF, got a sponsorship from Kiwami, got some sweet race wheels, and am working with a coach (more focused on running). Oh and last but for sure not least, I'm going to Thailand March 21st to April 3rd. I am feeling pretty blessed right about now.

CF has been really awesome. I love the workouts and I really feel that they have helped me running and fitness immensely. The workouts are also very humbling. I also tried my hand in something different, doing a CF style competition, they call the throwdown. I've done some Olympic Lifting back in my high school days, so it's been really fun to get back into a competition style which involves some Olympic Lifts as well as some stuff I have never done before (handstand walk). Next feat is to learn some of the movements in CF, such as, double unders in a row (I can do like 20 now as of last Saturday), muscle ups...many more I can't even think of.

I am also feeling very lucky when it comes to getting a sponsorship I received from Kiwami. The director seems very nice and I think the opportunity will be an awesome one for 2012. I started off last year, and this year a bit worried and unsure about what I was doing when it comes to races, but I think I'm finally feeling better about training, and just my goals in general for 2012. For me it has been hard to narrow stuff down since last year I had a major goal of finishing Ironman. After completing this feat it was a bit different because there was really no one single race in mind. After going back and forth a few times (or maybe 10) I finally think I have a schedule down. Another really fortunate thing for me is, I was able to hook up with a running coach, who is also a triathlete (but an amazing running first), and she has already helped me a ton when it comes to organizing my training. I think my major thing was doing too much too soon and burning out before the season was to start. I have only stared working with her, but I am feeling way better, and not overdoing it.

I also set an unofficial PR during a workout with MN red a running group I joined a few months ago. It was at the dome and it was a 3mile or 5K time trail. I did a 19:12 for 3miles. So that's unofficially breaking 20min which is a huge feat for me. I just really hope I have all this energy and strength when the season comes.

Lastly, I'm going on a trip to Thailand in one months. Should be an amazing experience. I am going with a friend from work, Erica, and two of her friends. I'm super pumped and can't really believe I'm going to such an exotic place. I think the trip will be a nice way to get away and relax for me, hopefully! =)

I think that's it for now. Hopefully I'll be blogging more often to come.

PS: I bought some race wheels, disk HED Jet and 60 on the front, used, but I'm super pumped for that also!!!
Also working with a swim coach off and on to improve the stroke.