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Reston Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic


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Reston, Virginia
United States
Reston Triathlon
Sunny
Total Time = 4h 40m 17s
Overall Rank = /
Age Group = F 30-34
Age Group Rank = 24/24
Pre-race routine:

Close to the usual, up at the crack of dawn, had a little more for breakfast since I still had a TON of time before things kicked off and this would be going on a little longer than anything else I've done.

Got a call before I went to bed - "Can you run for someone tomorrow? He died in Iraq..." "Do it for Mike" was written on the inside of my arm.
Event warmup:

half mile walk from T2 to T1/the lake. Lots of folks rode it, I walked my bike. It was still dark and my balance ain't that great on a good day, so walking it was.
Swim
  • 1h 13m 22s
  • 1609 meters
  • 04m 34s / 100 meters
Comments:

Well, this really should have been a 50-55 minute swim. Not so much. Sometimes bad things happen, and sometimes they happen on race day. Today, I discovered that my spit apparently no longer has any anti-fogging properties for my goggles. I stopped at the first 4 kayaks in a row trying to fix them, and then just asked one of the kayakers if they would just take the darn things cause I didn't want to just leave them in the lake. (Well, I really DID want to leave them in the lake, but that's not environmentally nice.)

Second issue was the wetsuit. It's never been particularly comfortable, but I kept writing it off as "not being used to it" - it finally crystallized as I attempted to get ANY kind of decent stroke with no results whatsoever - the darn thing is TOO SMALL. It's too tight around my legs and I was kind of fighting to kick, and the top constricts my chest too much, and it is just REALLY hard to move in. So, I was kind of just mucking along as best I could. At least I had my prescription sunglasses in my bag at T1 so if my contacts got destroyed, I could still continue.

The BEST part was the people. Those of us at the back had all the kayakers to ourselves after a while. We're laughing and joking and they're just super folks. I spent some time talking to a fellow swimmer named Lizzie who had a "watch me" swim cap (anyone that feels icky about the swim could get one of these and the kayakers would stay close.) and kept telling her how awesome she was doing.

Then there was my angel Phillip. He was slated for the first wave and ended up going out w/us (last wave) as he'd had an neck injury but still wanted to give it a go today, for fun if nothing else. We were basically going the same speed - not sure who was pacing who, but we had a great time talking about the race, marathon training, the biology of increasing VO2Max, and other stuff. I had started my watch when we went in, so we were doing time checks as we went along, trying to beat the limit, 1:15 after the last wave start. (You can bet I had that number memorized) We beat it.

The kayakers tried to kick us out of the water and I assured them that it was NOT a one hour limit, it was 1:15, cause there was no way I'd have signed on for this with a one hour limit. One kayaker got our numbers and made sure no one absconded with our bikes and another kept going back and forth between us and someone on shore as I repeatedly told them it was a 1:15 limit and we were gonna go around the spillway and FINISH this, not cut across the course, and they'd have to catch us first! (OK, not a difficult thing considering our speed, but..) She told us to go for it.

It's been a long time since I was THAT grateful to have some solid ground under my feet. Surprisingly, I was 3rd to last out of the water, not the last that I had predicted.

I still rank this swim as "good" - I finished within the time limits, never panicked, and I SWAM A FREAKIN' MILE IN OPEN WATER! Snagging a ride back just didn't even enter my mind.
What would you do differently?:

Have goggles that didn't decide to repeatedly fog up on me, and it's obviously time to test drive wetsuits in some larger sizes. Should have skipped the wetsuit altogether - I was in colder water yesterday and didn't melt.
Transition 1
  • 03m 56s
Comments:

Since there were just 3 of us left, it was VERY easy to find my bike. :)

The volunteers were already packing up the truck with everyone's bags to take them to the finish and there was one gal who just ran over to me and said, "I'll pack your stuff in your bag, just grab what you need and go!" She certainly didn't have to do that, but I really appreciated it!
What would you do differently?:

Nothing, it actually went pretty well, didn't get my watch or chip caught on anything.
Bike
  • 1h 48m 14s
  • 22.3 miles
  • 12.36 mile/hr
Comments:

Despite the swim taking about 20 minutes longer than planned, the bike was the hardest for me. Timewise, it only took about 3.5 minutes longer than I'd orignally thought it would, so that wasn't too bad. Mentally, it was rough.

First loop was shaking off the swim issues, trying to calculate breaking the 10:30 limit on the fly (when the police leave the course), and just getting the lay of the land again. Didn't help that someone in T1 had said we had no police support cause of the length of the swim - I have NO idea what she actually meant, because there were TONS of volunteers and police out there, even for those of us way, WAY back in the back.

Second loop was the hardest - lots of sweet volunteers thinking I was on the 3rd loop, which I wasn't and at about mile 10, I was just miserable. I didn't dry off particularly well in T1, so I was kinda cold, my toes were going numb, as well as 2 of my fingers. I wanted off that bike SO badly. Kept looking down at my arm. Do it for Mike. Kept reminding myself that I had conquered the Oly distance bike course at Colonial Beach. Getting past the halfway point was a huge boost.

Finally I hit the 3rd loop and hit my stride. Sounds cruel, but I was REALLY happy I wasn't going to have to see these volunteers or police officers yet again. I would get to make the magical LEFT TURN off the course after the high school! I knew I'd beat the 10:30 limit, maybe by the skin of my teeth, but I would make it.

The volunteers & police on the course were simply fantastic. They kept telling me I wasn't last, but I was pretty sure that they were just saying that to make me feel better. :) I just felt bad they were stuck out there for so long.

Beat the 10:30 limit by 7 minutes. WOOHOO! In T2, one of the volunteers asked if I was the last in - I told him what the other volunteers had told me, but also warned it might have just been one of those very kind lies.
What would you do differently?:

I can't really think of anything that would be within my control to change. The extra time on the swim took a little wind out of my sails for a bit, but I got past that, and got over the 2nd loop hump, so it's all good.
Transition 2
  • 03m 17s
Comments:

Another big thanks to the volunteers. One of them saw me come in, stuck with me to my rack (I'm sure to make sure I could find it - and it took me a second to figure out where my stuff was, all I remembered was "run til you hit the fence, your rack is there.) As I was getting my bike racked I managed to knock over the one next to me - oh crap - he grabbed it, said just go run and he'd fix it. Again, they totally did NOT have to do that, and it was SO appreciated.
What would you do differently?:

Not take out the bike next to me? Granted, I was just happy it didn't create a domino effect.
Run
  • 91m 28s
  • 6.21 miles
  • 14m 44s  min/mile
Comments:

By now, I was tired. Not bonking tired, just "wow, I've done a lot" tired. Set my watch for 4/1 intervals (and giving myself permission to walk whenever I just felt like it) - this is about finishing, not encountering Death by Triathlon somewhere along the course.

By now, I know I am not gonna make the 4 hour mark, but at least the trail is actually pretty well marked, so I should be able to find my way back after the turnaround. The time pressure is off - it's all about just keeping up forward momentum in some form or fashion. No "bike leg" problems at least!

Hit the first water station in pretty decent time, feeling good, if not fast. Probably around mile 2 I slowed down a little more (I didn't notice the mile markers until I was on the way back) but kept going. Little voice in my head is going, "You know, you could stop and rest if you wanted to." Nope, kept looking down at my arm. Do it for Mike.

Next thing I know, a volunteer is telling me "Hey, you're at mile 3!" Huh? Granted, I was certainly NOT flying down the course, but it seemed to show up really fast. Grabbed some water and headed for the turnaround. Three lovely volunteers at the turnaround - I couldn't help but ask, "OK, do I go around you, pat you all on the head, what?" Yeah, the smartass was still in full force. Got a high five and back I went.

Whole slew of kids volunteering, too just a bit past the turnaround and they're cheering for me, and I tell them all they should do this next year - so what do they do?
"We'll run with you now and cheer you on!"
and so they do...
"Um, guys, if I have to keep up with you, I'm gonna throw up."
"OK, we'll slow down, it's YOUR pace!"
Totally sweet and adorable, got some more water and showed them the magic of "walking the water break".

Had to stop and tie my shoelace a little later. I wasn't sure if I could stand back up again! Next thing I know, a volunteer is telling me it's just a mile!

Just a mile. Anyone can do a mile.

Made my way back up to the high school to the finish - still volunteers there, pointing me in the right direction. I hit the fence by the track and grab a volunteer.
"Where now?"
"Down and around the track."
"The long way?"
"Yep."
"Man, I don't want to interrupt the awards."
"Oh, you will, no matter what!"

At this point, I am out of steam, but moving - I walked the track, I think part of me figured I could sneak in, LOL. Next thing I know, the announcer has stopped and is saying, "Hey folks, this runner needs some cheering!!" And the folks did. And I couldn't keep walking. So, I start running, and I am laughing like an idiot and in my very outside voice suddenly I blurt, "Crap, you guys are gonna make me run!!" The announcer starts laughing and says, "You hate us right now, I am sure of it!" Managed to book it across the line (I have no idea how) and got the best present - cold water bottle with a wet towel around it. Stood in the timing tent in the shade for a couple seconds and the guys said, "Just so you know, you're not last."

I did it. Not last or last, who cares. I did what I set out to do, which was an Oly. Maybe not the prettiest Oly to the untrained eye, but it's perfect to me.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Post race
Warm down:

Life is short. Live, laugh, love and play hard.

Event comments:

SO many wonderful volunteers. They stuck it out for a good long time and were sweet and cheerful and very encouraging.


Profile Album


Last updated: 2006-02-15 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:13:22 | 1609 meters | 04m 34s / 100meters
Age Group: 23/24
Overall: 0/
Performance: Good
Suit: Full Wetsuit - T1 2 piece
Course: Out & back with a little jog around a spillover at the finish.
Start type: Wade Plus: Shot
Water temp: 75F / 24C Current: Low
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 03:56
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
01:48:14 | 22.3 miles | 12.36 mile/hr
Age Group: 23/24
Overall: 0/
Performance: Good
Wind: None
Course: 3 loops, some rolling hills.
Road:  Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 03:17
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
00:91:28 | 06.21 miles | 14m 44s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/24
Overall: 0/
Performance: Good
Course: Out and back, lots of little hills on the first half that become HUGE hills coming back in!
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2006-09-10 3:07 PM

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Elite
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DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: Reston Triathlon


2006-09-10 4:51 PM
in reply to: #535639

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Master
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Canandaigua
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

God bless Mike and his family and loved ones. 

Way to go!!!!  Your determination and stick to it is great for all of us.  A personal cheering squad is great to have even if they make you throw-up.

2006-09-10 7:31 PM
in reply to: #535677

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Extreme Veteran
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Albuquerque, NM
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Cindy - wow - you did it!  I'm very proud of you ... you made it through a lot.  Love that heart of yours running for Mike and honoring him in such a cool way.

Way to go Oly Girl!  You overcame a lot of obstacles.  You've really done some amazing things this year.

2006-09-10 7:44 PM
in reply to: #535639

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Elite
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West Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
*does a little dance*

You did an OLY ... You did an OLY! Way to go!
2006-09-10 8:45 PM
in reply to: #535639

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Congrats on completing any OLY and for sticking with it...........
2006-09-11 6:15 AM
in reply to: #535639

Online or Offline
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
My thoughts go out to Mike and his family.....what a fun RR to read! Thanks for sharing, and congrats on another Oly!


2006-09-11 7:13 AM
in reply to: #535639

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Extreme Veteran
414
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Reston, VA
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Cindy, Great job! I passed you and your white-capped friend in the lake. I panicked hard at the start, went back to shore, shucked my wetsuit, then started over again. You obviously passed me later, I'm guessing on the run. I made the swim and bike cutoffs, but it took me 5:13 to finish, although you'd never know it, since they never activated my timing chip.

Were you in a red and black tri suit? I was wearing the same suit as in my avatar.
2006-09-11 9:13 AM
in reply to: #535639

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2006-09-11 9:52 AM
in reply to: #535639

Master
2052
20002525
Colorado
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Kick a$s!!!! You rock.
2006-09-11 10:24 AM
in reply to: #535639

Queen BTich
12411
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,
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Great job!! It really sounds like you had a great time on the swim and you made the best of the situation. Thats really admirable.

2006-09-11 10:28 AM
in reply to: #536007

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

GatorJamie - 2006-09-11 8:13 AM Cindy, Great job! I passed you and your white-capped friend in the lake. I panicked hard at the start, went back to shore, shucked my wetsuit, then started over again. You obviously passed me later, I'm guessing on the run. I made the swim and bike cutoffs, but it took me 5:13 to finish, although you'd never know it, since they never activated my timing chip.

Were you in a red and black tri suit? I was wearing the same suit as in my avatar.

So that WAS you!!  I was thinking about it later and thought it might be you, but everyone kinda looks the same after a while in trisuits and sunglasses!



2006-09-11 10:31 AM
in reply to: #536270

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Comet - 2006-09-11 11:24 AM

Great job!! It really sounds like you had a great time on the swim and you made the best of the situation. Thats really admirable.

Thanks!  On the one hand, I feel bad that Phillip was injured and had to go so slow on the swim, but I think I would have lost my mind if I hadn't had someone to talk to while I was plodding along. 

2006-09-11 10:31 AM
in reply to: #535639

Regular
99
252525
Vienna, VA
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Congrats Cindy -- YOU DID IT!  WOOOO HOOOOOOO!  Great meeting you too ... you didn't LOOK too nervous!  You hid it well!

 

2006-09-11 10:52 AM
in reply to: #535639

Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Great race!  Congrats on sticking with it.  Your finish is almost exactly like a girl at Pleasant Prairie OLY who got a great reception coming in during the awards.  Huge welcome from the announcer and the crowd.  You're a machine that just won't quit, good one.

 

2006-09-11 10:58 AM
in reply to: #536313

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
hangloose - 2006-09-11 11:52 AM

Great race! Congrats on sticking with it. Your finish is almost exactly like a girl at Pleasant Prairie OLY who got a great reception coming in during the awards. Huge welcome from the announcer and the crowd. You're a machine that just won't quit, good one.

Being stubborn has it's advantages.  

2006-09-11 12:43 PM
in reply to: #535639

Expert
1205
1000100100
Herndon VA
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Congratulations Cindy,  way to stick it out to the finish. 

Ernie 



2006-09-11 2:24 PM
in reply to: #535639

Extreme Veteran
349
10010010025
Allen
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Great job!  Awesome how you stuck it out and got through it!  Very impressive!
2006-09-12 3:47 PM
in reply to: #535639

Member
6

Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon
Congratulations!! Great Job and such a good read. I have never been able to remember any race I've completed with such detail.
2006-09-12 3:49 PM
in reply to: #538414

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Wholander - 2006-09-12 4:47 PM Congratulations!! Great Job and such a good read. I have never been able to remember any race I've completed with such detail.

Thanks! To be honest, I write these in my head while I race. It keeps me from thinking things like "I'm gonna drown/crash/trip/throw up".

2006-09-12 3:59 PM
in reply to: #535639

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Reston Triathlon

Congrats on a great race!

Love the RR you write in your head while racing.....fun stuff there.

The volunteers were fantastic and you interacted with them so they supported you even more.

You did it!

Do it for Mike quite inspirational!

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