Well, after taking yesterday off, it was time to get back to work today. I was in bed early last night. Mostly due to neck pain and a headache. But, feeling better this morning and ready for my Tuesday morning Udall swim.
I got to the pool around 6:15am and as expected, the Udall Swim Crew (Barbara, Charlene and Jeanne) were already there and mid-way through their workout. They stopped for a few minutes to talk with me about the Tri. Just like me, apparently, Charlene and Jeanne also PR'd, which is great.
Nothing to heavy this morning, just some light stroke form work and kick work. Something to get me back in the flow of things. This was a nice and easy workout. No need to push the intensity, there will be plenty more of those workouts to come.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
PR!
Chris and I arrive at the U around 5:30am. A fair amount of people had already racked their bikes and set-up their transition area, but there was still plenty of space open. Chris and I racked our bikes and some what obsessively (at least on my part), stagged our transition area.
The transition area is a small area next too, or slightly under (if you are considerate) your bike, where you layout all the things you will need. Helmet, cycling shoes, sunglasses for the bike and running shoes, shirt (hopefully) and race number for the run. The obvious idea being that you put everything where you can get to it quickly and not forget anything. I have done 3 or 4 of these sprint triathlons in the past, always pinning my race number to my shirt. This time I picked up a race belt. It's just a simple belt with a plastic quick-clasp that holds your race number. Easy on and easy off.
Time for body marking. Which is a weird name and even more weird in practice. In short, it means that a group of volunteers with permanent markers stand around and wait for you to come up to them and tell them your race number. At which time they write that number on each arm/shoulder and each leg, just above the knee. In addition, they write your "race age" on your calf (according to USA Triathlon rules, your race age is the age you will be on December 31st of the year in which the race is run). To make this process even more uncomfortable, it's a bit cold outside. Which means I am wearing sweatpants. Which means that when I walk up to the nice lady to get marked, I have to drop my pants as she kneels down in front of me. Like I said, even more weird in practice.
Body marked, bikes racked, gear stagged, now we wait. The first wave is scheduled to start at 6:30am, Chris and I are in wave 3, so we have some time before we need to report to the pool. So, we do a little walking around, also watch some of the people swimming before us. While wandering aimlessly, we run into Barbara, Charlene and Jeanne (the Udall swim crew). I introduced them to Chris. Only Charlene and Jeanne are competing, Barbara said she planned on being on one end of my swim lane cheering me on.
It's about 7:15 (I think) and the lady in our lane in the previous wave is the last one out of the pool. Which means that I don't have a whole lot of time to warm up (foreshadowing). As I jump in the pool, I decide to take a quick swim down and back to get loose. Well, it turns out, I didn't have enough time for that. On my way back my wave starts! Uh oh, I'm behind already. What an auspicious start to this triathlon I have been so looking forward to.
I can't be sure, but my guess is that I started about 30 seconds after everyone else in my wave. Now, 30 seconds might not seem like a lot, but when you are trying to race the clock and achieve your Personal Record time, it can be considered significant. Not to mention the mental anxiety of such a bone-head move. But, it happened, it's over and there was nothing I can do about it. I did a pretty good job of putting it out of my head and just swimming my race.
A couple of weeks ago, I started teaching myself how to do flip-turns. In the beginning, they were awful. Over time, they got better (still not great). I used the flip-turn in this race. Some were better than others, but during the 33 lap race, only once did I use the open-turn (non-flip-turn, because I ran out of breath).
At the time, I had no idea how long the swim had taken me, but I was out of the pool before Chris. During the slow jog to the transition area I tried to catch my breath and shake loose the cobwebs in my head which seem to always follow a swim. I got to my area, stepped on a small hand towel I had to wipe my feet. Put on my socks, strapped on my cycling shoes, locked the clasp on my helmet, put on my sunglasses and took a little longer than I wanted to putting on my gloves. As I was finishing with my gloves and pulling my bike off the rack, here came Chris into his area right next to mine. As I exited the transition area, I yelled my first words of wisdom to Chris. "Nice Job Baker". I would get this opportunity a couple of more times over the course of the day. However, not sure that the message ever got more motivational.
Out on the bike and heading down Campbell. The fist stretch is a little downhill which is a perfect opportunity to catch my breath and get my bearings on the bike. I felt good the entire time on the bike. Passed quite a few people, only got passed by one guy. Also, never saw Chris. I did see Tina, Jackson and Sophie at the top of the U of A Mall each time I passed by on the Campbell stretch. As is well documented in this blog, Dan, Chris and I did a large amount of cycling over the last 5 months or so. The results of this training; I was as strong as I have ever been on the Speedway steady uphill climb from Euclid to Campbell. Without knowing my time, I was very happy with my ride.
Back to the transition area for T2. My second transition was much better than my first. Off with the cycling shoes, helmet and gloves. Slide on my running shoes, complete with my new Yankz . Re-situate my sunglasses and begin my run. Once again, Chis is right behind me in the transition area. I'm on my way out, and he is on his way in. Already running, I turn and yell over my shoulder "Come on Baker, catch me". It wouldn't be long before he did exactly that.
As I exited the transition area, the race spotters asked what my number was. It was at this point that I realized I had forgotten my race belt. Bone head move number two on the day. Spend all that money on the thing, then forget to put it on. Anyway, I told them "98" and they let me pass. Somewhere around a 1/2 mile into the run, I am running along the mall, Tina, Jackson and Sophie are on the grass and I turn to see Chris about 100 yrds behind me. Still running and still not yet comfortable, I hear Chris call Jackson over to him. I am convinced this is the part where Jackson passes him some super-fuel or something. Some human form of Nitro that Chris learned about while trolling cycling blogs for blood-doping how-to tips. But no, it turns out Chris picked up my race-belt that I had forgot. Jackson ran ahead and delivered it to me. That was much appreciated.
By my guess, it was less than 200 yards after that that Chris passed me and never looked back. I felt good during the run. Tire. But good. Wasn't real sure my pace was wear it needed to be, but I was pushing pretty hard. It was about a mile into the run before I really settled in and got comfortable. By the two mile mark, Chris had gotten more than 150 yards ahead of me and seemed to be pulling away. The whole time I kept thinking that I need to say with him through this stretch if I am to have any hope of catching him.
About half way through my second loop around the mall, an older lady (I think her calf said 45) came running up along side me. As we are running there, she says to me "I have been looking at you butt for the last two miles". My first thought is, that is an odd thing to say. But I laugh politely (as much as I can laugh after a swim, bike and half of a run) and I reply "well, I hope it was a nice view". She smiles back and says "It was great! But, now it's to to pick it up. So, let's go". I was able to pick it up a bit, but not to her satisfaction I guess. Because she continued on pulling away from me and after we made the second loop around Old Main, she caught up to Chris.
We were in the final stretch of the mall section. Soon we would make the turn around the library and onto Cherry Street heading for the finish. I knew if I was going to catch Chris, it was now or never. Besides, this was the end of the race, nothing to save it for now. So, I picked up my pace, going as fast as I could. But, Chris was still 150 yards in front of me and I had no idea if I would have enough to catch him.
I seem to be getting closer (I think). Yep, definitely getting closer. As I reach the library, I know that not only can I catch him, but I will catch him. It was right at the corner, turning on to Cherry that I caught up to Chris. Just before doing so, I yelled "footsteps Baker, here I come". Which was intended to be motivational, but upon reflection may have appeared to be more like taunting. Out in front of Chris now, I had Voyeur lady in my sights. She made the turn around Cherry Street garage and I gave chase (I would find out later that Chris was right behind me).
Mike, from TriSports, was on the PA (as usual) barking out finishers names and words of encouragement as they approach the finish line. He called out the Voyeur ladies name (I don't remember what it was) and then said, "and following right behind... or wait, make that just proceeding her is Collier Hill". I had caught her in the last ten yards (literally!). And Chris was still, right behind me.
Man, I was spent. But, took a seat, some deep breaths and recovered fast. Again, another sign that all my training had paid off. There are some great pics of me and Chris , taken by Tina.
And, the most impressive thing. The 2008 Tinfoilman Triathlon results. BTW, you can read Chris' version of these events in his BakerBlog.
My overall time: 1 hour 28 minutes 38 seconds
Chris's overall time: 1 hour 28 minutes 41 seconds
To recap my goals:
swim under 17 -> negative 17:18
bike under 45 -> positive 42:23
run under 30 -> positive 28:57
Tinfoil Tri under 1:30 -> positive 1:28:38
That is the fastest I have ever completed this race. This is what we call a Personal Record (PR).
Needless to say, I was VERY happy with the results. This was a great race for me. I'm not sure how much more I can improve. I will never be a guy in the sub 1-hour range, but, I wonder if I can get down under 1:20? Seems a little daunting. I have no idea where I could shave 8.5 minutes from. But, I guess they wouldn't be worthwhile goals if they were easy. Anyway, this is a good win for today. We shall see what's up next.
The transition area is a small area next too, or slightly under (if you are considerate) your bike, where you layout all the things you will need. Helmet, cycling shoes, sunglasses for the bike and running shoes, shirt (hopefully) and race number for the run. The obvious idea being that you put everything where you can get to it quickly and not forget anything. I have done 3 or 4 of these sprint triathlons in the past, always pinning my race number to my shirt. This time I picked up a race belt. It's just a simple belt with a plastic quick-clasp that holds your race number. Easy on and easy off.
Time for body marking. Which is a weird name and even more weird in practice. In short, it means that a group of volunteers with permanent markers stand around and wait for you to come up to them and tell them your race number. At which time they write that number on each arm/shoulder and each leg, just above the knee. In addition, they write your "race age" on your calf (according to USA Triathlon rules, your race age is the age you will be on December 31st of the year in which the race is run). To make this process even more uncomfortable, it's a bit cold outside. Which means I am wearing sweatpants. Which means that when I walk up to the nice lady to get marked, I have to drop my pants as she kneels down in front of me. Like I said, even more weird in practice.
Body marked, bikes racked, gear stagged, now we wait. The first wave is scheduled to start at 6:30am, Chris and I are in wave 3, so we have some time before we need to report to the pool. So, we do a little walking around, also watch some of the people swimming before us. While wandering aimlessly, we run into Barbara, Charlene and Jeanne (the Udall swim crew). I introduced them to Chris. Only Charlene and Jeanne are competing, Barbara said she planned on being on one end of my swim lane cheering me on.
It's about 7:15 (I think) and the lady in our lane in the previous wave is the last one out of the pool. Which means that I don't have a whole lot of time to warm up (foreshadowing). As I jump in the pool, I decide to take a quick swim down and back to get loose. Well, it turns out, I didn't have enough time for that. On my way back my wave starts! Uh oh, I'm behind already. What an auspicious start to this triathlon I have been so looking forward to.
I can't be sure, but my guess is that I started about 30 seconds after everyone else in my wave. Now, 30 seconds might not seem like a lot, but when you are trying to race the clock and achieve your Personal Record time, it can be considered significant. Not to mention the mental anxiety of such a bone-head move. But, it happened, it's over and there was nothing I can do about it. I did a pretty good job of putting it out of my head and just swimming my race.
A couple of weeks ago, I started teaching myself how to do flip-turns. In the beginning, they were awful. Over time, they got better (still not great). I used the flip-turn in this race. Some were better than others, but during the 33 lap race, only once did I use the open-turn (non-flip-turn, because I ran out of breath).
At the time, I had no idea how long the swim had taken me, but I was out of the pool before Chris. During the slow jog to the transition area I tried to catch my breath and shake loose the cobwebs in my head which seem to always follow a swim. I got to my area, stepped on a small hand towel I had to wipe my feet. Put on my socks, strapped on my cycling shoes, locked the clasp on my helmet, put on my sunglasses and took a little longer than I wanted to putting on my gloves. As I was finishing with my gloves and pulling my bike off the rack, here came Chris into his area right next to mine. As I exited the transition area, I yelled my first words of wisdom to Chris. "Nice Job Baker". I would get this opportunity a couple of more times over the course of the day. However, not sure that the message ever got more motivational.
Out on the bike and heading down Campbell. The fist stretch is a little downhill which is a perfect opportunity to catch my breath and get my bearings on the bike. I felt good the entire time on the bike. Passed quite a few people, only got passed by one guy. Also, never saw Chris. I did see Tina, Jackson and Sophie at the top of the U of A Mall each time I passed by on the Campbell stretch. As is well documented in this blog, Dan, Chris and I did a large amount of cycling over the last 5 months or so. The results of this training; I was as strong as I have ever been on the Speedway steady uphill climb from Euclid to Campbell. Without knowing my time, I was very happy with my ride.
Back to the transition area for T2. My second transition was much better than my first. Off with the cycling shoes, helmet and gloves. Slide on my running shoes, complete with my new Yankz . Re-situate my sunglasses and begin my run. Once again, Chis is right behind me in the transition area. I'm on my way out, and he is on his way in. Already running, I turn and yell over my shoulder "Come on Baker, catch me". It wouldn't be long before he did exactly that.
As I exited the transition area, the race spotters asked what my number was. It was at this point that I realized I had forgotten my race belt. Bone head move number two on the day. Spend all that money on the thing, then forget to put it on. Anyway, I told them "98" and they let me pass. Somewhere around a 1/2 mile into the run, I am running along the mall, Tina, Jackson and Sophie are on the grass and I turn to see Chris about 100 yrds behind me. Still running and still not yet comfortable, I hear Chris call Jackson over to him. I am convinced this is the part where Jackson passes him some super-fuel or something. Some human form of Nitro that Chris learned about while trolling cycling blogs for blood-doping how-to tips. But no, it turns out Chris picked up my race-belt that I had forgot. Jackson ran ahead and delivered it to me. That was much appreciated.
By my guess, it was less than 200 yards after that that Chris passed me and never looked back. I felt good during the run. Tire. But good. Wasn't real sure my pace was wear it needed to be, but I was pushing pretty hard. It was about a mile into the run before I really settled in and got comfortable. By the two mile mark, Chris had gotten more than 150 yards ahead of me and seemed to be pulling away. The whole time I kept thinking that I need to say with him through this stretch if I am to have any hope of catching him.
About half way through my second loop around the mall, an older lady (I think her calf said 45) came running up along side me. As we are running there, she says to me "I have been looking at you butt for the last two miles". My first thought is, that is an odd thing to say. But I laugh politely (as much as I can laugh after a swim, bike and half of a run) and I reply "well, I hope it was a nice view". She smiles back and says "It was great! But, now it's to to pick it up. So, let's go". I was able to pick it up a bit, but not to her satisfaction I guess. Because she continued on pulling away from me and after we made the second loop around Old Main, she caught up to Chris.
We were in the final stretch of the mall section. Soon we would make the turn around the library and onto Cherry Street heading for the finish. I knew if I was going to catch Chris, it was now or never. Besides, this was the end of the race, nothing to save it for now. So, I picked up my pace, going as fast as I could. But, Chris was still 150 yards in front of me and I had no idea if I would have enough to catch him.
I seem to be getting closer (I think). Yep, definitely getting closer. As I reach the library, I know that not only can I catch him, but I will catch him. It was right at the corner, turning on to Cherry that I caught up to Chris. Just before doing so, I yelled "footsteps Baker, here I come". Which was intended to be motivational, but upon reflection may have appeared to be more like taunting. Out in front of Chris now, I had Voyeur lady in my sights. She made the turn around Cherry Street garage and I gave chase (I would find out later that Chris was right behind me).
Mike, from TriSports, was on the PA (as usual) barking out finishers names and words of encouragement as they approach the finish line. He called out the Voyeur ladies name (I don't remember what it was) and then said, "and following right behind... or wait, make that just proceeding her is Collier Hill". I had caught her in the last ten yards (literally!). And Chris was still, right behind me.
Man, I was spent. But, took a seat, some deep breaths and recovered fast. Again, another sign that all my training had paid off. There are some great pics of me and Chris , taken by Tina.
And, the most impressive thing. The 2008 Tinfoilman Triathlon results. BTW, you can read Chris' version of these events in his BakerBlog.
My overall time: 1 hour 28 minutes 38 seconds
Chris's overall time: 1 hour 28 minutes 41 seconds
To recap my goals:
swim under 17 -> negative 17:18
bike under 45 -> positive 42:23
run under 30 -> positive 28:57
Tinfoil Tri under 1:30 -> positive 1:28:38
That is the fastest I have ever completed this race. This is what we call a Personal Record (PR).
Needless to say, I was VERY happy with the results. This was a great race for me. I'm not sure how much more I can improve. I will never be a guy in the sub 1-hour range, but, I wonder if I can get down under 1:20? Seems a little daunting. I have no idea where I could shave 8.5 minutes from. But, I guess they wouldn't be worthwhile goals if they were easy. Anyway, this is a good win for today. We shall see what's up next.
Race day
It's 4:20am and time to go. Checked my gear (again!). Sipping a little coffee I just brewed. Also enjoying a Carrot Cake Clif Bar. It tastes nothing like Carrot Cake, but is tasty in it's own right.
Just a few quick thoughts on goals:
I would like to swim under 17 minutes
I would like to bike under 45 minutes (this includes both transitions)
I would like to run under 30 minutes
That would be a total time of 1 hour 32 minutes.
However, in the perfect situation, I would like to be under 1 hour 30 minutes. That is my goal.
Anyway, time to race. See you on the other side.
Just a few quick thoughts on goals:
I would like to swim under 17 minutes
I would like to bike under 45 minutes (this includes both transitions)
I would like to run under 30 minutes
That would be a total time of 1 hour 32 minutes.
However, in the perfect situation, I would like to be under 1 hour 30 minutes. That is my goal.
Anyway, time to race. See you on the other side.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Nervous energy
I really need to go to bed. But, I can't seem to wind down enough. I have checked my equipment and my bag at least 6 times to this point. Oops, make that 7. Just checked it again.
Bike rack is on the car, and my bike is mounted on the rack. I am going to go by and pick Chris and his bike up in the morning. Just trying to make sure everything is ready so I can just get up and go.
Some of my anxiety is probably due to the empty house. My wife and kids left for Safford earlier today to visit her mother. I'm always a little more anxious when they are not around.
It's getting late. I'm going to try and get some sleep. Alarm clock set for 4:10am. Back-up cell phone alarm set for 4:15am.
Bike rack is on the car, and my bike is mounted on the rack. I am going to go by and pick Chris and his bike up in the morning. Just trying to make sure everything is ready so I can just get up and go.
Some of my anxiety is probably due to the empty house. My wife and kids left for Safford earlier today to visit her mother. I'm always a little more anxious when they are not around.
It's getting late. I'm going to try and get some sleep. Alarm clock set for 4:10am. Back-up cell phone alarm set for 4:15am.
Friday, October 26, 2007
A taper run
Well, it's the Friday before the race. I'm still trying to stay active without overdoing it. The statistics on how many amateur athletes get sick the week before a race are staggering. Mostly due to over-training combined with lack of rest. Believing they need to get in one extra "big push" before the event. When, in reality, the exact opposite is true. The week before the race is when you want to cut back a bit on training. Get a few sessions in, stay active and make sure you get enough rest. So, this is exactly what I am trying to do.
Today's training agenda calls for an easy run. Sunnywood 5K should fit the bill nicely. On the road by 6:30am with all the usual gear. Wearing my Asics Kayano XI's, which I have decided will be my race-day shoes as well. I feel good throughout the entirety of my run. But, the surprising thing is my pace. I hit the Sunnywood turn-around point at 15:51 on my watch (fyi, I just figured out how to use my Triathlon watch to do splits). If I recall correctly, I have never made it to this point faster than 16:30. Still feeling great, I continue on. As I approach my driveway, I hit stop on my watch, look down, and find that the run has taken me exactly 32:00 minutes(actually, watch reads 31:59:99).
A little stretching during recovery and I think I have just completed my final pre-tri workout (I don't plan on doing much of anything tomorrow). FWIW, this was a good one to go out on.
Today's training agenda calls for an easy run. Sunnywood 5K should fit the bill nicely. On the road by 6:30am with all the usual gear. Wearing my Asics Kayano XI's, which I have decided will be my race-day shoes as well. I feel good throughout the entirety of my run. But, the surprising thing is my pace. I hit the Sunnywood turn-around point at 15:51 on my watch (fyi, I just figured out how to use my Triathlon watch to do splits). If I recall correctly, I have never made it to this point faster than 16:30. Still feeling great, I continue on. As I approach my driveway, I hit stop on my watch, look down, and find that the run has taken me exactly 32:00 minutes(actually, watch reads 31:59:99).
A little stretching during recovery and I think I have just completed my final pre-tri workout (I don't plan on doing much of anything tomorrow). FWIW, this was a good one to go out on.
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