My goal was to run the 5K just hard enough to get my heart rate up but never get up to the point where I was in danger of blowing up. Right off the bat half of the group dropped me. I couldn't believe it seeing as how I started out around 8 min/miles. I had to talk myself out of even trying to keep up and make sure that I ran my race as it was going to be a long day. I was pretty happy to fall into pace with two other runners that kept me running just fast enough but didn't let me slack at all. It was a great way to start the day.

I was happy with the 5k.

Pretty good transition considering that all I had to do was swap my running visor for my bike helmet and swap shoes. I don't feel like I wasted time and was on my way fairly quickly.

Coach Marni had sent me a message to not be afraid test my training during the day. Endurance sport can be such a delicate balance between pushing that extra effort and remaining a little conservative to save what you have for the last leg of the race. In the end I probably erred on the side of conservative with the bike but I felt like I put forth a steady effort. I told myself that on the last turn around on the Beeline that I was really going to push it back and unfortunately that was when the wind changed directions and kicked up. I might have been able to ride a little harder but just wasn't sure what it would mean for the half marathon that was waiting.

I dealt with some lower back pain on this ride. I have had strained QL issues in the past and I am not sure if the 5k before the ride flared it or what but it definitely was hurting during the ride. I have worked a ton on strengthening my back and it has helped tremendously so I was surprised that it hurt during the race and I need to figure this out before Ironman training kicks into high volume!!

Swapped hat and shoes again and was on my way.

I was pleased when I started the run that the lower QL issue from my ride seemed to entirely resolve itself. I started out running at a very comfortable pace and talked to myself about all of the bricks that I have run in training. There is no doubt that I was fatigued but it was a familiar feeling at this point. I told myself to run for two miles and then take a walk break and my goal was to hold that the entire time. I could not believe how fast the first loop went by and I was pleased that the Marquee course had some differences from prior Tempe races that kept things fresh and moving. It seemed like there was no end to the number of people passing me even though I was running at a good pace with little walking and I couldn't help but wonder how I could have possibly trained differently for the day. I reminded myself that my whole goal had been "balance" during this past season and I think I did achieve that. I put my family first and spent significant time at work on some big projects. I managed to turn my thoughts around and be happy with how far I have come and what I was accomplishing on this day.
As I came back to Tempe Beach Park I saw my husband and walked and talked to him for a few minutes. That proved to be a mistake as the thought of restarting after a 2-3 minute walk break seemed downright painful. My right knee and maybe ITB flared and from then on I was in some significant pain. I contemplated taking some Ibuprofen but decided that I was close enough to muscle through it. I made sure to weigh the consequences of continuing on the knee pain and decided I wasn't changing my gait and therefore hopefully not damaging anything. My pace significantly slowed in miles 7 and 8 and my thoughts returned to the death marches of yesteryear. I still felt much stronger than previous triathlons and told myself to take it one mile at a time. In my head I would repeat whatever the next mile was...9...9...9...come on 9. The countdown was definitely on at this point. Somewhere around mile 10 there was some significant swearing that swirled in my head and I think I even cursed Dorothy and her dog Toto about then. I also realized that I might not need to race two more half iron races before the full ironman as it was ever so slightly painful at that moment. Lo and behold mile 12 came and went and I had enough energy to kick it into gear and walk/run it in at a fairly good pace. A 2:28 half marathon was not too bad after running a 5k and biking 56 miles...I had plenty of time with all the cutoffs that day and I think it was a wonderful way to train for Ironman.

I don't think I would change a thing...maybe not stopping and walking after first loop. Fueling was good.

I would have preferred a triathlon to train for Ironman but there was nothing we could do about the condition in the lake that day. This race helped affirm that my training is coming along and that I have some more work to do, especially on the bike, but if I stay the course I should be ready for Ironman come 11-20-11.

This race reminded me why I love triathlon...err...duathlon so much! There are so many great people who I have met and the camaraderie that I get to share with them makes for an amazing event. It doesn't matter if they are the speediest age grouper or the last to cross the finish line when you stand together in transition pre race you all share the same nervous energy. We all bring different expectations and different training to the table but it doesn't change the fact that we each have some sort of expectation in our own minds about the day in front of us. Then when you are on the course these same people might be fighting their demons or having the race of their life but again there is a certain bond that you share on the course that day. Because of the way the course was laid out I got to interact with so many different people doing either the sprint, olympic and half distances. Every single one of them took the time out of their own head space to acknowledge and give me a wave or a cheer. It is these amazing people who make the sport what it is and remind me that I am truly blessed to be able to participate in triathlon.