TEAM RFP (Relentless Forward Progress)- CLOSED (Page 25)

Originally posted by avisser

Hey all,
Just caught up on all the posts. You guys are amazing! So much great info and help!
Michelle, you are awesome!!!!! What an inspiration. I also ignore the watch!! It is so hard not to. I have done OLY Rev events and they are well done. I'll have to consider that if I feel I can ever get the IM distance done.
I finally had a great race. I did an OLY out East in the Hamptons on Long Island. Second time. Last year, my chain fell off on a down hill, really??? I was so annoyed. I took 11 min off my bike and 5 min off my run. And didn't have to stop to pee. Maybe I was a bit under hydrated but it worked. I just made myself keep running, I did my 5:1 run walk and mostly kept to it. There were a few 15-30 sec un scheduled walks but I pushed through. I finally averaged over 15 mph on the bike. 15.4, a first for me. My legs were toast after the bike. I have heard of trainer road and I do have a Garmin, so Tim I might take you up on getting me started on that program for the long cold winter season here in NY.
There were so many people I wanted to comment back to but I have read through again. So that's it for now.
Could I request that we sign off with our names? It is so time consuming to keep going back to profiles to see who is who. If you are not comfortable with it, no worries.
Great job everyone!
Hey KTC, when is IMAZ??

ann

Originally posted by MikeMcK

Whew. Okay. The good news is I did not come in dead last. That's right, there were three chumps slower than me.

But in all seriousness, I'm surprisingly happy with such a low ranking. I know I was slow going in and had predicted a finishing time around five hours.

The breakdown:

0.6 Mile Swim: 25:57
T1: 3:41
39 Mile Bike: 2:49
T2: 1:26
10k Run: 1:17
Overall: 4:39:04

Because of the non-standard lengths on the swim and bike it's hard to compare, but the run was a PR. When I did an Olympic in '09 the run took me 1:32. So I went faster with a much longer ride.

The day started out late, there was a half-ironman at the same time and they began at 7am. Meanwhile us Olympic Plusers hung out until 8:30. Not bad since I got to sleep in before a race.

The water was 71 degrees, so I did wear my wetsuit for the buoyancy. I do think this helped. I was nervous about getting smashed so I started the swim far in the back. I ended up passing a few people, but mostly took it easy since I wasn't sure if I'd have the strength for the bike if I went all out. Got kicked a couple of times and one woman who was zig-zagging ran into my left side and then my right side a minute or two later. Both times it was almost perpendicular. I'm guessing she had some trouble sighting.

Transition was slow, but I expected that. I wanted to be sure I left with everything so I took my time. Last year I forgot my cycling gloves so I was anxious about making the same mistake.

The course map said the bike route was mostly flat. It lied. According to Strava, there was over 3000 feet of gain, and I believe it. That's not Lake Placid or anything, but it was a lot of up and down, both steep climbs and slow, long climbs full of false flats. True, there was some opportunity for fast decants, but on my '05 stock Specialized Allez I can't take advantage like those on the TT bikes. Plus my wonky drive train kept me out of the middle ring for most of the race. Which was fine. Even at ~14mph I was faster than many of my training rides on much flatter routes. Passed some people on the bike, got passed by more including three racers running a straight up pace line. Seriously, it was like watching Team Pursuit the way they were switching pulls. Very annoying, but what can you do? I had to race my race.

T2 was good, except for my neighbor who threw his wetsuit onto all of my stuff. Guess he was going for a world record so he couldn't be bothered. Because of this I started off in wet shoes, but it really was the last thing on my mind after a half mile. Almost instantly my calves seized. I should have done more brick workouts to train my muscles for the transition I guess. I kept shuffling along (relentless forward progress, after all) and took a banana at the first water station. The stiffness went away and I kept going. I decided before the race I would run walk, walking 30 seconds every 4.5 minutes. That's a little more walking than I do in my training runs, but also I figured I would need it after the ride. The run was an out an back with a sharp climb, a decent, a mile-long climb, and then a little bit of flat to the turn around. It went fairly well except for one unmarked section where I convinced myself I had left the route. In the end I ran faster than I did in training, so I was pleased with that. I'll start working on my speed next week so I can try and improve in that area.

I knew I wasn't going to do anything but finish this year and I did that, so I'm happy. Maybe next year I'll do it again and try to set a course PR.

For now I'm thinking about a half-marathon in October and then maybe Syracuse 70.3 next summer. I'd still like to go for Ironman Kentucky (which never seemed to sell out this year for some reason, what's up with that?), but I'll just have to be sure I can devote that much time and money to racing. And buy a Cervelo time trial bike so I can get aero.

I know I was a half-lurker this summer, but I do want to thank everyone on the team for their help and support. Even just reading your stories kept me going when I was thinking I was considering quitting earlier in the summer. Seriously, thank you so much!

Mike

Originally posted by Lou_70

Yep I'm registered. That was one complete cluster of a sign up.

IMHO they should either make this a 2 day event.. I mean 1/2 go Saturday and the other half go Sunday or stop all these early access reasons.
This is not the only race that offered the team signups. Regardless every other IM u get early signups for tons of other reasons. I'm Florida sold out in 30 secs last year. Wonder how many spots were available 3? It should be the same chance to sign up if you have done 30 ironmans or the first.

I'm extremely happy I am signed up, but very sad for my friends and other people I know who couldn't make it in the huge 3 minute window

Originally posted by mkennedy0525

Thanks everyone! I did it! Sometimes I think it is completely unreal and that some other person took over my body and did it. Then I try to move and realize that it was definitely me.

The swim got moved from it's original location. I am so glad they had a back-up. The swim is usually in Lake Erie. We ended up swimming in the bay on the opposite side of Cedar Point. The water was choppy when we got to the more open area but it was swimmable. We basically swam around an island. That made sighting pretty easy. We didn't have a mass start since we started off a boat ramp. It was a time trial instead. I liked that even more. I didn't have much bumping, hitting, etc. My goal (if I were having a great swim) was 2:00. I was super excited when I looked at my watch and saw 1:42. I know that is slow for most people but that was a HUGE gift for me for this race. I had no idea what the rest of the day was going to be like and I wanted every extra minute I could get. Because they moved the swim, we had .6 mile run to transition. They told us we should get stickers for our cars that say 141.2! Yes! I am an Ultra Ironman!!!!

The weather that caused the huge waves, small craft advisory and rip tide advisory included 20mph winds! Yep. And most of the bike seemed to go right into it. If we didn't have a headwind, it was coming at you from the side. Those with race wheels were really have problems. I managed to pull off an average of 16mph. My goal was to not drop below 15mph. With the wind, I wasn't sure what would happen. I was thrilled to see the good time (for me).

Next was the run. I felt great going into it. I thought for sure I would easily run the first half and then see what happened from there. That is not what happened. I ran the first 3-4 miles and then started walking. UGH! I was tired and sore and knew I had enough time to walk the whole thing if I needed to but that would make for a very long evening. Since my watch was set to beep every 5 minutes, I walked 5 then ran 5. This worked to get me past the 1/2 way point. Then the wheels started coming off. I was walking and when my watch beeped, I ignored it. Oh, I am sure at the time I came up with good excuses. I tried running some more and found myself looking at my watch after only 1 minute wondering if the 5 minutes were up. I finally made the decision to walk (it was less painful). I told myself that if I am going to walk, I will "walk with a purpose". I began walking determined to keep it at a 15:00 pace or better. In looking at my splits, I have 7-8 miles at the end that I was walking 12:30 average pace!!!!!

The finish came and my parents, husband, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were able to walk into the finish chute and cross the finish line with me! That moment was PRICELESS! And yes, as I crossed the finish line I cried my eyes out! What an amazing experience. Finish time 15:03:36 I'll take that.

Rev3 will be adding more and more races. I highly recommend them. They are very spectator friendly, less expensive than Ironman and don't sell out in less than 5 minutes. The staff is wonderful. The medal this year actually lights up! I think Ironman has some serious competition on the rise.

Now time to plan 2014! What to do? What to do?

Originally posted by avisser

Hey all,
Just caught up on all the posts. You guys are amazing! So much great info and help!
Michelle, you are awesome!!!!! What an inspiration. I also ignore the watch!! It is so hard not to. I have done OLY Rev events and they are well done. I'll have to consider that if I feel I can ever get the IM distance done.
I finally had a great race. I did an OLY out East in the Hamptons on Long Island. Second time. Last year, my chain fell off on a down hill, really??? I was so annoyed. I took 11 min off my bike and 5 min off my run. And didn't have to stop to pee. Maybe I was a bit under hydrated but it worked. I just made myself keep running, I did my 5:1 run walk and mostly kept to it. There were a few 15-30 sec un scheduled walks but I pushed through. I finally averaged over 15 mph on the bike. 15.4, a first for me. My legs were toast after the bike. I have heard of trainer road and I do have a Garmin, so Tim I might take you up on getting me started on that program for the long cold winter season here in NY.
There were so many people I wanted to comment back to but I have read through again. So that's it for now.
Could I request that we sign off with our names? It is so time consuming to keep going back to profiles to see who is who. If you are not comfortable with it, no worries.
Great job everyone!
Hey KTC, when is IMAZ??

ann

Originally posted by kcgolf

Hey Team -what is up?

I hope everyone is doing ok. I am finally tired of sitting on my A$$ since IM MTB and got out for a run in the 90 degree weather here yesterday. That's right team 90 plus here yesterday in Windsor Ontario and I loved it.

I have to say though, my ankle is still a bit wonky which is a bit of a concern.

However, it was nice to get out even though life has been hectic the past few weeks since my return from Quebec. Work - House - Coaching = busy.

I also want to say I am sorry if I was not able to stat as active here as I have been in the past. I am hoping that will change for the next go around. I plan on coming back and I hope everyone else does as well.

So - who has races left for this season? KTC has IM Arizona I know that for sure. Does anyone else have anything going on?

KC

Originally posted by ettringite23

Tim,

I will be watching the Chicago Marathon. My GF will be running (for the 4th or 5th time). I will track you and may be I can catch you finish. I will have VIP tickets, so I can stand right by the finish line.

I feel very similar when I just run and do not cross-train (bike and swim). My body type will change if I just run (and not in a good way). I truly beleive all runners should do more cross-training.


Good Luck!

Todd

Originally posted by mkennedy0525

Ok all. I need some advice. It is now 8 days since my 140.6. The only workout so far has been a 6 mile run on Saturday. I feel completely lost. I loved having a training schedule and knowing exactly what I needed to do. I currently have plans for a marathon in May and another HIM in August. I am sure there will be some other races thrown in-between.

My biggest issue right now is just feeling almost depressed. I have spent a year training for that race. It's over. I don't feel like I did what I am capable of so I don't feel like the title of "Ironman" has really been earned. I read an article the other day that said almost anyone can do 140.6 in 17 hours. I am desperately searching for answers to "why I do this, what comes next, and what to do now". I know I can not sit and do nothing until my marathon training starts in December. I keep hearing to take it easy. What does that mean exactly? Since June of 2006 I have been running 4-6 days a week. How do I just do little to nothing? When is it ok to go back to 4-6 days of working out? I don't want to lose all that I have built over this last year.

Thanks for any advice. I really am not usually like this. This is the first time I didn't have to jump right back into training for another race. I am very goal driven. Maybe I should drown myself in work. By the way, my husband and I became empty nesters in March so I have a lot more free time that I never had before. That made it great for training but it leaves a void when I am not training.

Originally posted by mkennedy0525

Thanks everyone! I did it! Sometimes I think it is completely unreal and that some other person took over my body and did it. Then I try to move and realize that it was definitely me.

The swim got moved from it's original location. I am so glad they had a back-up. The swim is usually in Lake Erie. We ended up swimming in the bay on the opposite side of Cedar Point. The water was choppy when we got to the more open area but it was swimmable. We basically swam around an island. That made sighting pretty easy. We didn't have a mass start since we started off a boat ramp. It was a time trial instead. I liked that even more. I didn't have much bumping, hitting, etc. My goal (if I were having a great swim) was 2:00. I was super excited when I looked at my watch and saw 1:42. I know that is slow for most people but that was a HUGE gift for me for this race. I had no idea what the rest of the day was going to be like and I wanted every extra minute I could get. Because they moved the swim, we had .6 mile run to transition. They told us we should get stickers for our cars that say 141.2! Yes! I am an Ultra Ironman!!!!

The weather that caused the huge waves, small craft advisory and rip tide advisory included 20mph winds! Yep. And most of the bike seemed to go right into it. If we didn't have a headwind, it was coming at you from the side. Those with race wheels were really have problems. I managed to pull off an average of 16mph. My goal was to not drop below 15mph. With the wind, I wasn't sure what would happen. I was thrilled to see the good time (for me).

Next was the run. I felt great going into it. I thought for sure I would easily run the first half and then see what happened from there. That is not what happened. I ran the first 3-4 miles and then started walking. UGH! I was tired and sore and knew I had enough time to walk the whole thing if I needed to but that would make for a very long evening. Since my watch was set to beep every 5 minutes, I walked 5 then ran 5. This worked to get me past the 1/2 way point. Then the wheels started coming off. I was walking and when my watch beeped, I ignored it. Oh, I am sure at the time I came up with good excuses. I tried running some more and found myself looking at my watch after only 1 minute wondering if the 5 minutes were up. I finally made the decision to walk (it was less painful). I told myself that if I am going to walk, I will "walk with a purpose". I began walking determined to keep it at a 15:00 pace or better. In looking at my splits, I have 7-8 miles at the end that I was walking 12:30 average pace!!!!!

The finish came and my parents, husband, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were able to walk into the finish chute and cross the finish line with me! That moment was PRICELESS! And yes, as I crossed the finish line I cried my eyes out! What an amazing experience. Finish time 15:03:36 I'll take that.

Rev3 will be adding more and more races. I highly recommend them. They are very spectator friendly, less expensive than Ironman and don't sell out in less than 5 minutes. The staff is wonderful. The medal this year actually lights up! I think Ironman has some serious competition on the rise.

Now time to plan 2014! What to do? What to do?

Originally posted by avisser

Hey all,
Just caught up on all the posts. You guys are amazing! So much great info and help!
Michelle, you are awesome!!!!! What an inspiration. I also ignore the watch!! It is so hard not to. I have done OLY Rev events and they are well done. I'll have to consider that if I feel I can ever get the IM distance done.
I finally had a great race. I did an OLY out East in the Hamptons on Long Island. Second time. Last year, my chain fell off on a down hill, really??? I was so annoyed. I took 11 min off my bike and 5 min off my run. And didn't have to stop to pee. Maybe I was a bit under hydrated but it worked. I just made myself keep running, I did my 5:1 run walk and mostly kept to it. There were a few 15-30 sec un scheduled walks but I pushed through. I finally averaged over 15 mph on the bike. 15.4, a first for me. My legs were toast after the bike. I have heard of trainer road and I do have a Garmin, so Tim I might take you up on getting me started on that program for the long cold winter season here in NY.
There were so many people I wanted to comment back to but I have read through again. So that's it for now.
Could I request that we sign off with our names? It is so time consuming to keep going back to profiles to see who is who. If you are not comfortable with it, no worries.
Great job everyone!
Hey KTC, when is IMAZ??

ann

Originally posted by tmoran80

Awesome Lou - that is great that you were able to get in. I agree and this is becoming a regular problem with the registration. I understand that they want to try to get the tri-clubs more involved from a business standpoint but my feeling is I like the volunteer then general public thing. I shouldn;t have to join a tri-club to do a race.

Originally posted by kcgolf

Hey Team -what is up?

I hope everyone is doing ok. I am finally tired of sitting on my A$$ since IM MTB and got out for a run in the 90 degree weather here yesterday. That's right team 90 plus here yesterday in Windsor Ontario and I loved it.

I have to say though, my ankle is still a bit wonky which is a bit of a concern.

However, it was nice to get out even though life has been hectic the past few weeks since my return from Quebec. Work - House - Coaching = busy.

I also want to say I am sorry if I was not able to stat as active here as I have been in the past. I am hoping that will change for the next go around. I plan on coming back and I hope everyone else does as well.

So - who has races left for this season? KTC has IM Arizona I know that for sure. Does anyone else have anything going on?

KC

Originally posted by kcgolf

Hi Michelle.

FIRST THINGS FIRST If anyone can do a 140.6 mile Triathlon - why aren't they? That is complete BULL $HIT. (pardon my language)

Now - on to the other issue of feeling lost - and I get that for sure - almost like a mourning period and I think we all feel it. We go from one of the greatest accomplishments in our lives that has been the culmination of living, breathing, eating and working towards a goal most people would never even consider to being idle, with no more single minded focus and it is tough. It is almost like we have spent all this time completely changing our hard wiring and programing and now - our minds and bodies want us to continue the challenge. However, you must rest - no matter what and I am sure some people need more than others but it is important for both mind and body. You will not lose it and it will come back because you have reprogrammed both mind and body and that will not be erased in 4-6 weeks even though I also worry about the same stuff.

I think perhaps you should set those empty nest sights on another 140.6 vision? If not, perhaps a change of focus on shorter distance racing? Either way, I believe we Triathletes need a focus and a plan and I like it. You will figure it out and you will start training soon but I would say give yourself at least 3 weeks and then - you will figure out what is next - because you are a long distance Triathlete - capable of doing what ever the hell you want when you set your mind and body to it.

KC

Originally posted by tmoran80

I ended up doing a 15 mile race pace long run last night and felt pretty good. Did 15 at 8:59/mile pace. Legs were just a little sore but nothing major. If I can get to 20 at that pace then just somehow gut out the last 6 with the 3:00+ minutes I put in the bank I will be golden. I was kind of concerned with my HR since I seemed to be hovering upper Zone 3. I also did not take any nutrition during this run. This weekend I have my 22 miler and will work on the nutrition plan. Race is in less than 4 weeks and I am starting to get excited.

GARMIN CONNECT DATA
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/376429648

Originally posted by mkennedy0525

Ok all. I need some advice. It is now 8 days since my 140.6. The only workout so far has been a 6 mile run on Saturday. I feel completely lost. I loved having a training schedule and knowing exactly what I needed to do. I currently have plans for a marathon in May and another HIM in August. I am sure there will be some other races thrown in-between.

My biggest issue right now is just feeling almost depressed. I have spent a year training for that race. It's over. I don't feel like I did what I am capable of so I don't feel like the title of "Ironman" has really been earned. I read an article the other day that said almost anyone can do 140.6 in 17 hours. I am desperately searching for answers to "why I do this, what comes next, and what to do now". I know I can not sit and do nothing until my marathon training starts in December. I keep hearing to take it easy. What does that mean exactly? Since June of 2006 I have been running 4-6 days a week. How do I just do little to nothing? When is it ok to go back to 4-6 days of working out? I don't want to lose all that I have built over this last year.

Thanks for any advice. I really am not usually like this. This is the first time I didn't have to jump right back into training for another race. I am very goal driven. Maybe I should drown myself in work. By the way, my husband and I became empty nesters in March so I have a lot more free time that I never had before. That made it great for training but it leaves a void when I am not training.

Originally posted by Lou_70

My current issue is I am starting all my runs too fast.. Too fast for me is 10 minute first mile pace.

I should be doing a 11:30 first mile and speeding up they rest of them to about 11:00. I am constantly burning myself out halfway through my runs no matter te distance over 5 miles.

Any suggestions on keeping a slow beginning pace? I hate having to walk because once I walk once I keep doing it more and more

Thanks!!