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2013-03-24 10:37 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Muskrat37 - 2013-03-24 10:47 AM

amd723 - 2013-03-23 11:11 AM
Asalzwed - 2013-03-23 10:41 AMAnn Marie, what happened to ND last night? My bracket is collapsing
I picked them too, but only for the first round. They always stink up the tourney.

GO DUCKS!

Hometown team FGCU - Go Eagles!!!

My bracket resembles Road Kill.



2013-03-24 10:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

JJ- - 2013-03-24 8:17 AM Great event yesterday. Over 600 cyclist. I decided yesterday morning that with Galveston approaching and my IT Band history that I would ride the majority of the ride at a easy/moderate pace with 3-4 15 minute intervals at Galveston pace. That turned out very well. Great ride and lots of fun! Finished the 53 in around 3:20 which wasn't too bad for an easy pace. I do really need to focus on hydration intake. I only drank 30 ounces of water. I set my watch to remind me to drink every 15 minutes and still didn't take enough water. Maybe I need to change it to every 10 minutes. I think my nutrition is dialed in. I just find it very difficult to drink in aero for some reason. I actually get out of breath when I drink in aero. Thoughts??

The 4th discipline, nutrition/hydration. Keep working on it, you are well on your way. It is really a good sign that you have seen what you need to improve. Can you post a pic of your hyd/nutri setup?

Great job on the ride!

2013-03-24 10:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Muskrat37 - 2013-03-24 11:55 PM
4agoodlife - 2013-03-23 6:58 PM

Oh boy...I'm back! I haven't done much checking on pod since Monday. You could say I'm a little nervous to attempt a "catch up".

Cali trip update: Brother ended up being a no show. His family got sick over the weekend. They were wanting to come at some point, but never made it. We had fun with my parents and my aunt and uncle. It was a little shocking to me that after 8 months my parents (mom especially) look like they've aged 5 years. My dad has MS and can't walk without the use of two canes. Most of the care for my grandma has fallen to my mom as my dad's mobility and strength have deteriorated. I feel pretty useless and helpless living in AZ. My "big" contribution???? My mom asked me to help her out, and I spent an afternoon sorting through boxes of cds and cassettes (my grandparents had no less than 15 Statler Brothers tapes!) Two full bags of tapes and one of cds...gone.

Our visit was a surprise for my grandma, and she really enjoyed seeing the kids. She interacted with them more than I thought she'd be able to and was more "with it" in our brief conversations than I imagined she would be. Even my mom mentioned it. When I left her on Thursday night, she asked if we were coming back in April. I confirmed that we would see her in a month, and she said, "You know I will try, but I can't promise I'll see you. I love you.  It was such a nice surprise that you brought the kids.Cry  It was quite hard to walk away. So worth two days of driving.

Brought a tear to my eye...  

Same here. Really feeling you right now, Goody. {MELON PRESS} Love and prayers to you all as your Grandma makes this transition, too.

Also glad things worked out the way they did.

2013-03-24 11:24 AM
in reply to: #4672144

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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
cdban66 - 2013-03-24 11:47 AM

JJ- - 2013-03-24 8:17 AM Great event yesterday. Over 600 cyclist. I decided yesterday morning that with Galveston approaching and my IT Band history that I would ride the majority of the ride at a easy/moderate pace with 3-4 15 minute intervals at Galveston pace. That turned out very well. Great ride and lots of fun! Finished the 53 in around 3:20 which wasn't too bad for an easy pace. I do really need to focus on hydration intake. I only drank 30 ounces of water. I set my watch to remind me to drink every 15 minutes and still didn't take enough water. Maybe I need to change it to every 10 minutes. I think my nutrition is dialed in. I just find it very difficult to drink in aero for some reason. I actually get out of breath when I drink in aero. Thoughts??

The 4th discipline, nutrition/hydration. Keep working on it, you are well on your way. It is really a good sign that you have seen what you need to improve. Can you post a pic of your hyd/nutri setup?

Great job on the ride!

OK, duh to me, I have your bike in the Manatee Bike gallery. If it hasn't changed, then my only point of reference would be how "squeezed" up you are in aero. If you get a chance to come out of aero, it may improve your ability to take in liquid. But, if you are staying tucked, then less water, more often like you mentioned may help. 

2013-03-24 12:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

The bad news: I just went from 2 bikes to 0 bikes.

The good news: I no longer have any bikes because I took them to the store to trade in!

2013-03-24 12:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
It started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.


2013-03-24 1:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.
2013-03-24 3:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Manatees!  If you like Honey Stinger chews or waffles, now is the time to stock up at REI!  They are all 50% off - I assume because Lance Armstrong is on the package.  A case of 16 waffles is $11.04 and a case of 12 chews is $13.09.  I bought a case of each and might go back for another case of chews.
2013-03-24 3:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Bleeding freezing over here, minus 1 deg c, but a biting wind brings that down to minus 8. At least we have only had a dusting of snow where we are, other parts have seen 15 foot drifts. Really strange for uk to have it so cold at this time of year. Got lots to post, just no time to type it at the mo. will post soon.
2013-03-24 3:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

amd723 - 2013-03-24 2:47 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Now it is snowing.  And 33 F (0 C).  Every time it starts snowing, I'm like a kid..."maybe we'll get a snow day!" even though I know we won't.

2013-03-24 3:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:35 PM

amd723 - 2013-03-24 2:47 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Now it is snowing.  And 33 F (0 C).  Every time it starts snowing, I'm like a kid..."maybe we'll get a snow day!" even though I know we won't.

I do the same thing...and we never do either...



2013-03-24 3:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
snow? sleet? freezing temps? Does not compute. sunny and 73°
2013-03-24 3:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:14 PMManatees!  If you like Honey Stinger chews or waffles, now is the time to stock up at REI!  They are all 50% off - I assume because Lance Armstrong is on the package.  A case of 16 waffles is $11.04 and a case of 12 chews is $13.09.  I bought a case of each and might go back for another case of chews.
ooohhh! DH loves them. May need to make a trip to Phoenix. thanks
2013-03-24 4:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
4agoodlife - 2013-03-24 4:51 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:14 PMManatees!  If you like Honey Stinger chews or waffles, now is the time to stock up at REI!  They are all 50% off - I assume because Lance Armstrong is on the package.  A case of 16 waffles is $11.04 and a case of 12 chews is $13.09.  I bought a case of each and might go back for another case of chews.
ooohhh! DH loves them. May need to make a trip to Phoenix. thanks
They are the same price online too if you don't want to make the trip.
2013-03-24 4:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
bcraht - 2013-03-24 4:41 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:35 PM

amd723 - 2013-03-24 2:47 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Now it is snowing.  And 33 F (0 C).  Every time it starts snowing, I'm like a kid..."maybe we'll get a snow day!" even though I know we won't.

I do the same thing...and we never do either...

It's really coming down now! Cars and grass are covered. Go snow go!!
2013-03-24 5:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

Artemis - 2013-03-24 2:54 PM
4agoodlife - 2013-03-24 4:51 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:14 PMManatees!  If you like Honey Stinger chews or waffles, now is the time to stock up at REI!  They are all 50% off - I assume because Lance Armstrong is on the package.  A case of 16 waffles is $11.04 and a case of 12 chews is $13.09.  I bought a case of each and might go back for another case of chews.
ooohhh! DH loves them. May need to make a trip to Phoenix. thanks
They are the same price online too if you don't want to make the trip.

shipping costs for me make the price not so great Frown



2013-03-24 5:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Artemis - 2013-03-24 2:55 PM
bcraht - 2013-03-24 4:41 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:35 PM

amd723 - 2013-03-24 2:47 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Now it is snowing.  And 33 F (0 C).  Every time it starts snowing, I'm like a kid..."maybe we'll get a snow day!" even though I know we won't.

I do the same thing...and we never do either...

It's really coming down now! Cars and grass are covered. Go snow go!!

I shall hope and live vicariously through you.

2013-03-24 5:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Artemis - 2013-03-24 5:55 PM
bcraht - 2013-03-24 4:41 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 1:35 PM

amd723 - 2013-03-24 2:47 PM
Artemis - 2013-03-24 12:56 PMIt started sleeting here.  So gross.  Curling up on the couch to watch a movie for the afternoon.
We're having a massive rain storm here - hail, maybe tornado, really high winds etc. But, even with all that the temp probably only drooped into the 70's, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Now it is snowing.  And 33 F (0 C).  Every time it starts snowing, I'm like a kid..."maybe we'll get a snow day!" even though I know we won't.

I do the same thing...and we never do either...

It's really coming down now! Cars and grass are covered. Go snow go!!

We're supposed to get 7-10 inches tonight.  Was cold and blech today.  Did 10 miles on a treadmill. >.<  But I did it.  So much easier to run outside, but I'm glad there were NCAA games to watch on the TVs.

2013-03-24 5:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

OK Manatees - here's my day.

The swim - it's on it's off was the talk of the day with announcements coming every five minutes over the loudspeaker.  Finally we got the information - swim delayed til 8.25 for age groupers - one lap - start to left of pier - turn right then left and back past the pier and into the beach.  A beach start well knee deep  I suppose.  We got near to the front...we watched the pros go off - it looked soooooooo bad!

I wasn't nervous, I saw Coach Johnny beforehand he said - Jo this is your swim, you love these conditions, you're gonna smash it.

My thoughts were to try and stick with Nicki - pretty hard with 2000 of us.  Anyway - no siren, Mike Reilly just shouted GO!  and we went.  We had to swim diagonally right really hard to go in a straight line the current was a ripper.  When we reached the end of the pier - guys (those alpha male types!) were getting smashed into the pier!  Not me I was way off course Undecided 

Past the pier the waves were about 10-15ft.  I would get to the top sight the buoys then crash down the other side whooping and cheering like I was on a roller coaster - I raised a few smiles!  The wall of water in front of me was amazing, it would rise up about 10ft and I could see hundreds of black suited red capped swimmers in suspended animation before it was my turn. 

At the buoys I caught up with the president of my tri club who was having a hard time - gave him some encouragement, I think it helped.  Then I spotted Nicki breaststroking, grabbed her, told her to follow me (my sighting was better).

Turning the buoys was a challenge with many athletes actually on top of them!  Then once past them, those 10ft walls of water were at my back and i had toes to hang onto in front (a big guy in speedos - clearly a swimmer!)

The lifeguards were shouting swim straight to shore - hahahah, I just couldn't I was carried away with a couple of hundred others to the other end of the beach - I body surfed to shore about 400m from the finish line.  I stood and waited for  Nicki then we ran out together.  She hit her watch at 34mins, so I think I was nearer 31 or so for me.  But the timing mat was at transition of course so that's another 10mins after we've chatted and caught up with friends etc!

With that wind I wasn't sorry not to be going on.  Nicki and Alan who have done 12 IM said it was their worst ride EVER.

BUT man what a swim - I loved every minute - bring on another lap!

The rest of the day - I spent near on 6 hours at T2 where the runners would come out.  I saw every person I know and cheered them all and they all appreciated it (especially Reidy from Bondi Rescue!).  Those boys are fit really fit.  The other one 'Bacon' was up with the pro's!

Once I'd seen everyone (Nicki being my last one) I headed to the finish line - tooting my horn the 42km along the way!

The finish line while great with the crowds such as they were being very vocal - is nothing like the one in Taupo.  Melbourne doesn't get behind this race - it's too spread out and they are city dwellers, they know nothing of this stuff.  They don't even get behind the marathon when it's on.

Having watched Taupo where the WHOLE town is part of the race, I find this disappointing.

That being said I had a ball - I cheered them all home to the final competitor - we made an arch down the finishing chute of specatators arms and he raced it home.  Mike Reilly was awesome as ever as was his sidekick.

Pete Jacobs was there he was handing out medals (he said he popped down for ten minutes and he ended up handing out medals for over four hours)  Mike Reilly interviewed him and he actually teared up as he called someone an IM - he said the agegroupers make the race, this is what it's all about.  His smile was radiant, ear to ear!

I'm not sure if this race ignited my passion for IM...I actually felt a little of my enthusiasm faded!  BUT if I do one, it will not be Melbourne.  I want the atmosphere - it needs to be special.

Nicki finished, pretty near the end.  She lost 5kg (about 8lbs) so was in medical for 45mins.  She looked ghastly.  Her husband finished great as ever and was as bouncy as a puppy.  Thier 15 year old son ran the last 24km with her - how lovely is that.

Now IM is great but it's not worth dying for - this is the third or fourth time she has ended up with near kidney failure.  Give it up.

The other reason of course I'm glad I didn't do this one - with the swim cut to 1500m.  I would feel cheated....



Edited by jobaxas 2013-03-24 5:54 PM
2013-03-24 5:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
jobaxas - 2013-03-24 3:42 PM

OK Manatees - here's my day.

The swim - it's on it's off was the talk of the day with announcements coming every five minutes over the loudspeaker.  Finally we got the information - swim delayed til 8.25 for age groupers - one lap - start to left of pier - turn right then left and back past the pier and into the beach.  A beach start well knee deep  I suppose.  We got near to the front...we watched the pros go off - it looked soooooooo bad!

I wasn't nervous, I saw Coach Johnny beforehand he said - Jo this is your swim, you love these conditions, you're gonna smash it.

My thoughts were to try and stick with Nicki - pretty hard with 2000 of us.  Anyway - no siren, Mike Reilly just shouted GO!  and we went.  We had to swim diagonally right really hard to go in a straight line the current was a ripper.  When we reached the end of the pier - guys (those alpha male types!) were getting smashed into the pier!  Not me I was way off course  

Past the pier the waves were about 10-15ft.  I would get to the top sight the buoys then crash down the other side whooping and cheering like I was on a roller coaster - I raised a few smiles!  The wall of water in front of me was amazing, it would rise up about 10ft and I could see hundreds of black red capped swimmers in suspended animation before it was my turn. 

At the buoys I caught up with the president of my tri club who was having a hard time - gave him some encouragement, I think it helped.  Then I spotted nicki breaststroking, grabbed her, told her to follow me (my sighting was better).

Turning the buoys was a challenge!  Then once past them, those 10ft walls of water were at my back and i had toes to hang onto in front (a big guy in speedos - clearly a swimmer!)

The lifeguards were shouting swim straight to shore - hahahah, couldn't I was carried away with a couple of hundred others to the other end of the beach - I body surfed to shore about 400m from the finish line.  I stood and waited for  Nicki then we ran out together.  She hit her watch at 34mins, so I think I was nearer 31 or so.  But the timing mat was at transition of course so that's another 10mins after we've chatted and caught up with friends etc!

With that wind I wasn't sorry not to be going on.

What a swim - I loved every minute - bring on another lap!

Gave me chills! Way to do your thing, Jo! :D
2013-03-24 6:00 PM
in reply to: #4672536

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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
jobaxas - 2013-03-24 6:42 PM

OK Manatees - here's my day.

The swim - it's on it's off was the talk of the day with announcements coming every five minutes over the loudspeaker.  Finally we got the information - swim delayed til 8.25 for age groupers - one lap - start to left of pier - turn right then left and back past the pier and into the beach.  A beach start well knee deep  I suppose.  We got near to the front...we watched the pros go off - it looked soooooooo bad!

I wasn't nervous, I saw Coach Johnny beforehand he said - Jo this is your swim, you love these conditions, you're gonna smash it.

My thoughts were to try and stick with Nicki - pretty hard with 2000 of us.  Anyway - no siren, Mike Reilly just shouted GO!  and we went.  We had to swim diagonally right really hard to go in a straight line the current was a ripper.  When we reached the end of the pier - guys (those alpha male types!) were getting smashed into the pier!  Not me I was way off course Undecided 

Past the pier the waves were about 10-15ft.  I would get to the top sight the buoys then crash down the other side whooping and cheering like I was on a roller coaster - I raised a few smiles!  The wall of water in front of me was amazing, it would rise up about 10ft and I could see hundreds of black suited red capped swimmers in suspended animation before it was my turn. 

At the buoys I caught up with the president of my tri club who was having a hard time - gave him some encouragement, I think it helped.  Then I spotted Nicki breaststroking, grabbed her, told her to follow me (my sighting was better).

Turning the buoys was a challenge with many athletes actually on top of them!  Then once past them, those 10ft walls of water were at my back and i had toes to hang onto in front (a big guy in speedos - clearly a swimmer!)

The lifeguards were shouting swim straight to shore - hahahah, I just couldn't I was carried away with a couple of hundred others to the other end of the beach - I body surfed to shore about 400m from the finish line.  I stood and waited for  Nicki then we ran out together.  She hit her watch at 34mins, so I think I was nearer 31 or so for me.  But the timing mat was at transition of course so that's another 10mins after we've chatted and caught up with friends etc!

With that wind I wasn't sorry not to be going on.  Nicki and Alan who have done 12 IM said it was their worst ride EVER.

BUT man what a swim - I loved every minute - bring on another lap!

The rest of the day - I spent near on 6 hours at T2 where the runners would come out.  I saw every person I know and cheered them all and they all appreciated it (especially Reidy from Bondi Rescue!).  Those boys are fit really fit.  The other one 'Bacon' was up with the pro's!

Once I'd seen everyone (Nicki being my last one) I headed to the finish line - tooting my horn the 42km along the way!

The finish line while great with the crowds such as they were being very vocal - is nothing like the one in Taupo.  Melbourne doesn't get behind this race - it's too spread out and they are city dwellers, they know nothing of this stuff.  They don't even get behind the marathon when it's on.

Having watched Taupo where the WHOLE town is part of the race, I find this disappointing.

That being said I had a ball - I cheered them all home to the final competitor - we made an arch down the finishing chute of specatators arms and he raced it home.  Mike Reilly was awesome as ever as was his sidekick.

Pete Jacobs was there he was handing out medals (he said he popped down for ten minutes and he ended up handing out medals for over four hours)  Mike Reilly interviewed him and he actually teared up as he called someone an IM - he said the agegroupers make the race, this is what it's all about.  His smile was radiant, ear to ear!

I'm not sure if this race ignited my passion for IM...I actually felt a little of my enthusiasm faded!  BUT if I do one, it will not be Melbourne.  I want the atmosphere - it needs to be special.

Nicki finished, pretty near the end.  She lost 5kg (about 8lbs) so was in medical for 45mins.  She looked ghastly.  Her husband finished great as ever and was as bouncy as a puppy.  Thier 15 year old son ran the last 24km with her - how lovely is that.

Now IM is great but it's not worth dying for - this is the third or fourth time she has ended up with near kidney failure.  Give it up.

The other reason of course I'm glad I didn't do this one - with the swim cut to 1500m.  I would feel cheated....

Wow!  Sounds like a really tough day.  I hope Nikki is ok!



2013-03-24 6:02 PM
in reply to: #4651276

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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
Jo, there's a thread in Tri Talk debating if Melbourne officials made the right call.  Might be interesting to pop in there and post your swim story.
2013-03-24 6:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
jobaxas - 2013-03-24 3:42 PM

OK Manatees - here's my day.

The swim - it's on it's off was the talk of the day with announcements coming every five minutes over the loudspeaker.  Finally we got the information - swim delayed til 8.25 for age groupers - one lap - start to left of pier - turn right then left and back past the pier and into the beach.  A beach start well knee deep  I suppose.  We got near to the front...we watched the pros go off - it looked soooooooo bad!

I wasn't nervous, I saw Coach Johnny beforehand he said - Jo this is your swim, you love these conditions, you're gonna smash it.

My thoughts were to try and stick with Nicki - pretty hard with 2000 of us.  Anyway - no siren, Mike Reilly just shouted GO!  and we went.  We had to swim diagonally right really hard to go in a straight line the current was a ripper.  When we reached the end of the pier - guys (those alpha male types!) were getting smashed into the pier!  Not me I was way off course Undecided 

Past the pier the waves were about 10-15ft.  I would get to the top sight the buoys then crash down the other side whooping and cheering like I was on a roller coaster - I raised a few smiles!  The wall of water in front of me was amazing, it would rise up about 10ft and I could see hundreds of black suited red capped swimmers in suspended animation before it was my turn. 

At the buoys I caught up with the president of my tri club who was having a hard time - gave him some encouragement, I think it helped.  Then I spotted Nicki breaststroking, grabbed her, told her to follow me (my sighting was better).

Turning the buoys was a challenge with many athletes actually on top of them!  Then once past them, those 10ft walls of water were at my back and i had toes to hang onto in front (a big guy in speedos - clearly a swimmer!)

The lifeguards were shouting swim straight to shore - hahahah, I just couldn't I was carried away with a couple of hundred others to the other end of the beach - I body surfed to shore about 400m from the finish line.  I stood and waited for  Nicki then we ran out together.  She hit her watch at 34mins, so I think I was nearer 31 or so for me.  But the timing mat was at transition of course so that's another 10mins after we've chatted and caught up with friends etc!

With that wind I wasn't sorry not to be going on.  Nicki and Alan who have done 12 IM said it was their worst ride EVER.

BUT man what a swim - I loved every minute - bring on another lap!

The rest of the day - I spent near on 6 hours at T2 where the runners would come out.  I saw every person I know and cheered them all and they all appreciated it (especially Reidy from Bondi Rescue!).  Those boys are fit really fit.  The other one 'Bacon' was up with the pro's!

Once I'd seen everyone (Nicki being my last one) I headed to the finish line - tooting my horn the 42km along the way!

The finish line while great with the crowds such as they were being very vocal - is nothing like the one in Taupo.  Melbourne doesn't get behind this race - it's too spread out and they are city dwellers, they know nothing of this stuff.  They don't even get behind the marathon when it's on.

Having watched Taupo where the WHOLE town is part of the race, I find this disappointing.

That being said I had a ball - I cheered them all home to the final competitor - we made an arch down the finishing chute of specatators arms and he raced it home.  Mike Reilly was awesome as ever as was his sidekick.

Pete Jacobs was there he was handing out medals (he said he popped down for ten minutes and he ended up handing out medals for over four hours)  Mike Reilly interviewed him and he actually teared up as he called someone an IM - he said the agegroupers make the race, this is what it's all about.  His smile was radiant, ear to ear!

I'm not sure if this race ignited my passion for IM...I actually felt a little of my enthusiasm faded!  BUT if I do one, it will not be Melbourne.  I want the atmosphere - it needs to be special.

Nicki finished, pretty near the end.  She lost 5kg (about 8lbs) so was in medical for 45mins.  She looked ghastly.  Her husband finished great as ever and was as bouncy as a puppy.  Thier 15 year old son ran the last 24km with her - how lovely is that.

Now IM is great but it's not worth dying for - this is the third or fourth time she has ended up with near kidney failure.  Give it up.

The other reason of course I'm glad I didn't do this one - with the swim cut to 1500m.  I would feel cheated....

Wow!  Sounds pretty epic.  Glad you had fun!

2013-03-24 6:54 PM
in reply to: #4672536

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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED
jobaxas - 2013-03-25 10:42 AM

OK Manatees - here's my day.

The swim - it's on it's off was the talk of the day with announcements coming every five minutes over the loudspeaker.  Finally we got the information - swim delayed til 8.25 for age groupers - one lap - start to left of pier - turn right then left and back past the pier and into the beach.  A beach start well knee deep  I suppose.  We got near to the front...we watched the pros go off - it looked soooooooo bad!

I wasn't nervous, I saw Coach Johnny beforehand he said - Jo this is your swim, you love these conditions, you're gonna smash it.

My thoughts were to try and stick with Nicki - pretty hard with 2000 of us.  Anyway - no siren, Mike Reilly just shouted GO!  and we went.  We had to swim diagonally right really hard to go in a straight line the current was a ripper.  When we reached the end of the pier - guys (those alpha male types!) were getting smashed into the pier!  Not me I was way off course Undecided 

Past the pier the waves were about 10-15ft.  I would get to the top sight the buoys then crash down the other side whooping and cheering like I was on a roller coaster - I raised a few smiles!  The wall of water in front of me was amazing, it would rise up about 10ft and I could see hundreds of black suited red capped swimmers in suspended animation before it was my turn. 

At the buoys I caught up with the president of my tri club who was having a hard time - gave him some encouragement, I think it helped.  Then I spotted Nicki breaststroking, grabbed her, told her to follow me (my sighting was better).

Turning the buoys was a challenge with many athletes actually on top of them!  Then once past them, those 10ft walls of water were at my back and i had toes to hang onto in front (a big guy in speedos - clearly a swimmer!)

The lifeguards were shouting swim straight to shore - hahahah, I just couldn't I was carried away with a couple of hundred others to the other end of the beach - I body surfed to shore about 400m from the finish line.  I stood and waited for  Nicki then we ran out together.  She hit her watch at 34mins, so I think I was nearer 31 or so for me.  But the timing mat was at transition of course so that's another 10mins after we've chatted and caught up with friends etc!

With that wind I wasn't sorry not to be going on.  Nicki and Alan who have done 12 IM said it was their worst ride EVER.

BUT man what a swim - I loved every minute - bring on another lap!

The rest of the day - I spent near on 6 hours at T2 where the runners would come out.  I saw every person I know and cheered them all and they all appreciated it (especially Reidy from Bondi Rescue!).  Those boys are fit really fit.  The other one 'Bacon' was up with the pro's!

Once I'd seen everyone (Nicki being my last one) I headed to the finish line - tooting my horn the 42km along the way!

The finish line while great with the crowds such as they were being very vocal - is nothing like the one in Taupo.  Melbourne doesn't get behind this race - it's too spread out and they are city dwellers, they know nothing of this stuff.  They don't even get behind the marathon when it's on.

Having watched Taupo where the WHOLE town is part of the race, I find this disappointing.

That being said I had a ball - I cheered them all home to the final competitor - we made an arch down the finishing chute of specatators arms and he raced it home.  Mike Reilly was awesome as ever as was his sidekick.

Pete Jacobs was there he was handing out medals (he said he popped down for ten minutes and he ended up handing out medals for over four hours)  Mike Reilly interviewed him and he actually teared up as he called someone an IM - he said the agegroupers make the race, this is what it's all about.  His smile was radiant, ear to ear!

I'm not sure if this race ignited my passion for IM...I actually felt a little of my enthusiasm faded!  BUT if I do one, it will not be Melbourne.  I want the atmosphere - it needs to be special.

Nicki finished, pretty near the end.  She lost 5kg (about 8lbs) so was in medical for 45mins.  She looked ghastly.  Her husband finished great as ever and was as bouncy as a puppy.  Thier 15 year old son ran the last 24km with her - how lovely is that.

Now IM is great but it's not worth dying for - this is the third or fourth time she has ended up with near kidney failure.  Give it up.

The other reason of course I'm glad I didn't do this one - with the swim cut to 1500m.  I would feel cheated....

Hey Jo..glad you enjoyed the swim. I could see those waves from our aid station and I was glad I wasn't out there.

Like you I've decided Melbourne will not be my first either. But for a different reason..those conditions are not infrequent in Melbourne and I could claim the brag if they cut the swim short..and my ride is never going to be strong enough to endure that ride.

I was catching at the finish line and every competitor said that even with the shortened swim it was the hardest race they had down. The said it was brutal.

I actually thought the support along the marathon route was pretty good considering how spread out it was...maybe I saw it a little later than you there were loads of people setting up for a godd cheering session.

I actually saw Nicki come through the finish and I gave a little cheer. I didn't know who she was she but she looked like she needed it. She was not looking to flash at that stage and just gazed at me vacantly. I hope she recovers ok.

Got to give Nigel a huge hug at the aid station but missed him at the finish.

...well time to get training...congrats on the swim.

2013-03-24 6:59 PM
in reply to: #4651276

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Subject: RE: Mental Manatee Mentors Part 3--CLOSED

Jo, you truly are a manatee. I loved hearing how much you enjoyed the swim, and being able to encourage others while you are out there is just terrific.

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