Monday was the last of the short track series. I only did three of the six races, more next year. I finished like 25th this last week, which was worse than the week previous, which was worse than the week before that. Aren't you suppose to get better. AAArrrGGHHH!!! Big turnout, which once again led to lots of congestion on the course. This again led to clogging, falling, trying to get around people. I played a lot of catch up. I should have finished in the teens, oh well still had fun. One of the best parts of the evening was watching, friend/acquaintance, Beth race with the biggest grin on her face the whole way. She obviously was digging the race and doing well. That is the way to compete. I might have to race Sport division next year, you ride ten minutes longer but there should be less congestion,with beginner men, beginner women and juniors. The main thing is I was having fun, lots more of that in the future. Hopefully I had big grin on my face too.
Next adventure, getting ready for the Cascade Lakes Relay.
Just about to head out the door for that. Two vans, 12 people, little sleep, beautiful scenery, and lots of running. I will report back when I return from this weekend.
On another note, I just might start training for the Portland Marathon, might as well. It will keep me training, happy, active, and I will still have the shit eating grin on my face.
Happy Trails.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
uugghhh
Okay, Brewers Fest Dinner last night, while I am not hungover I did stay up far too late for someone who gets up before 5 am. I am now trying to grasp the finer points of the the production schedule while supervising my small crew. I am also attempting to get beer in a large wooden cask in time for the Brewfest parade, in which I will be participating. I will be wearing a cape and a Mexican wrestling mask. Don't ask, there really is a very legimate reason for that costume. On a good note, I did find a great 24 hour mexican joint with a drive up window last night that serves up a killer burrito.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Frustartion and irritation; Is there a cream for that.?
Frustrated and irritated, I seem to have this underlying irritation going on, no particular reason, but when something real comes along that is irritating it is bigger than it needs to be. Frustration is work, nothing critical, but tired of people who make bad decision or seem unable to make one at all. That goes for work and people in general. Just need to decompress and tackle things as they come, change what I can and be effective. Life is good.
I need to run or ride.
I need to run or ride.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Humbled by Short Track
Last week and again this week I raced in a Short Track Mtn. Bike race. Last week went well. I kept on top of the bike. It is fast and anaerobic, very tiring but makes you sleep. Last week was my first attempt at short track after much encouragement from a friend, I ventured out. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive, which is all the more reason to tackle it. Must have the endorphin rush, I think I am hooked.
Short track involves a series of laps around a a coarse involving, technical skill (mimicking single track through grass, trees and dirt piles), straight out flats, gravel, ruts, tree roots, loose dirt and moguls. Good fun.
This weeks adventure was a bit more humbling. The field was crowded, and I did not get out front very well and was hampered by those having troubles with climbing, oh well we are all beginners, the category I race in. On my second lap the bike got out from underneath me on some gravel just before a climb. I could not get clipped back in and was clogging up the course. I stepped off to let people by, raised my hands, said " I think I just need to start over" to which a spectator quickly replied "sometimes that is best" I ran the bike up the hill and got back on. I played a lot of catch up tonight; passed some people, fumbled, get passed, and work my way back up. The gravel incidence really screwed me. A few friends and acquaintances were right there for the gravel fiasco and got a good chuckle. At least I am entertaining.
No worries. I will be back next week, which is the last week of the series.
On a side note, why does every bike I ride on, make me look like a clown on a tiny bike.
Words: endorphins and clowns
Short track involves a series of laps around a a coarse involving, technical skill (mimicking single track through grass, trees and dirt piles), straight out flats, gravel, ruts, tree roots, loose dirt and moguls. Good fun.
This weeks adventure was a bit more humbling. The field was crowded, and I did not get out front very well and was hampered by those having troubles with climbing, oh well we are all beginners, the category I race in. On my second lap the bike got out from underneath me on some gravel just before a climb. I could not get clipped back in and was clogging up the course. I stepped off to let people by, raised my hands, said " I think I just need to start over" to which a spectator quickly replied "sometimes that is best" I ran the bike up the hill and got back on. I played a lot of catch up tonight; passed some people, fumbled, get passed, and work my way back up. The gravel incidence really screwed me. A few friends and acquaintances were right there for the gravel fiasco and got a good chuckle. At least I am entertaining.
No worries. I will be back next week, which is the last week of the series.
On a side note, why does every bike I ride on, make me look like a clown on a tiny bike.
Words: endorphins and clowns
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Last weekend, Team Balsaque takes on Vashon Island.
I think I may have found the most fun way to do Triathlons. I raced last weekend in the Vashon Island exterra. Swim, Mtn. Bike, and trail run. Good fun, good times. In brief spent the weekend as the only dude on team Balsaque. (Just say it, you will get it, Bal-saque.) Yes, I was the mascot for obvious anatomical reasons. We were slightly inebriated when we came up with that name. Not sure how it came about, one of those buzzed conversations you have and you strike upon something funny and bam it sticks.
Saturday morning Lindsay, Megan and I start out for Vashon Island. Arrive at the ferry in good time. I have not been on a ferry in sometime nothing like the pudget sound in the summer.
Short ride to the island, met our comrades in crime, oh I mean, partners in athletic pursuit, Carly and Jenny on the ferry. Instead of heading to set up camp we head into town to check out the much heralded Strawberry Festival. Where hardly a
strawberry can be found. But first we head to what is considered the best Mexican restaurant around. Good food and even better margaritas. We pursue the meal alternately waiting for food and margaritas, mostly just waiting for the ritas. They are essential pre-race "nutrition" . They are good and go down way too quickly. The ladies anxiously keep ordering their margaritas, due in part to wanting to see more of the young attractive latin waiter. See, they are all very happy. Soon the last of team Balsaque arrives, Lora, a college friend of Lindsay's. The group and team are complete.
We meander through the festival wondering why they call it a strawberry festival because there don't seem to be any... Oh, wait, I see the Rotarians are selling Strawberry shortcake, of course I
have one with ice cream, thank you. The strawberries are at least from Washington, I hear, but not from the Island. HMMM. It is your usual Street Fair thing, lots of hippy clothing, the odd water saving device, an electric car, food booths, arts, crafts, and topless mannequins.
Anyway off to set up camp. The campground is a hostel and has the only campground on the island. We have a tee pee or rather some have the tee pee and I have brought my tent.
Oh wait the office is closed we call, "someone will be along shortly' we are told. They obviously are on 'island time". That is okay, good time to take a post rita nap on the lawn. Anywho the someone shows up and we are assigned the whale tee pee. Where we set up camp eat lots of grocery store snacks, beer, cantelope, salami, potato salad and the like. Ah camping and racing. I know I read this was how you are supposed to do it in a tri book somewhere. Well time to sleep, race early.
Up at 5 am, break camp nosh on peanut butter sandwiches and eat a few bananas, Megan made some awesome cowboy coffee and we are out of camp by seven and off to the race. We had done a pre ride of the mtn. bike course the day before. It was going to be tough but fun. I really have
not rode on Mtn. bikes that much and the weekend before went out on a single track ride. Just to get in a little practice. this course was going to be tough. The first part was up hill and loose dry dirt which meant I walked, ran, the bike up the hill. After the steep up hill it continues climbing through very narrow single track, which is fine, pretty twisty and technical but I faired well for a novice. The latter part was a gentle, sometimes steep, descent on single track, open gravel road or asphalt. 6.5 mile course done twice. For a novice all went well and I have the Mtn. Biking bug now.
I am getting a head of myself all tri's start with a swim. This one was in the Sound, Quartermaster Harbor. Now swimming is something I have really come to appreciate, but I am a sinker, mainly due to being male and slender. I have very little body fat, I am in shape and have no boobs and very little ass. But in the northwest you wear wet suits, it helps keep you warm. But mainly it gives you buoyancy. I need it. In fresh water I still have to tread water a bit with the wet suit to keep my head above water. Well, let me tell you salt water is a whole other story. I was like a cork in in water. I floated. I jumped in and the water level came just above my cest and I did not have to move. Just a geeky observation. The swim was good all the men took off first and I bested my previous 800 yard swim by 2.5 mins. I came and headed for the bike on the aforementioned bike course.
After the bike it was time to run. The run course begins with a steep uphill pitch. Followed by continuing up hill, yet gentler. We weaved our way through a beautiful trail system dotted with awesome looking trails, ramps, dip, and jumps that can only be too much fun on a Mtn. Bike. The run went really well, I mainly run on trails these days, and I was able to catch some people who passed me on the bike course and some I had not seen. The latter part of the run was mainly down hill ending with flying down the same hill we climbed in the beginning. Good times.
I was first in from the team mostly due to the fact that the men started first. I was shortly followed by Jenny, Lindsay, Megan and Carley, who has to be one of the funniest women I have met outside of Lindsay. I don't mention Lora as a finisher because she was there to swim for Lindsay, who has a shoulder injury, so Lora took care of the swim for her, go team LL, and did it well. I am sure I would have been caught by Jenny and Lindsay if it had not been for the head start of the men.
The crew, Team Balsaque;
It was probably the most fun race experience of the year. Really all the stuff I have done has been great. But, the competitors are chill and excited. The group I was with was amazingly fun. I was out there to have fun, nothing to prove, just check it out, relax and see what happens.
After the race we loaded up cleaned up and headed out. As did everyone else. There was a line on the ferry road, so it was time to stop have lunch and a beer while we waited.
Thanks Team Balsaque, good weekend, see you next year.
Word: comradery
Saturday morning Lindsay, Megan and I start out for Vashon Island. Arrive at the ferry in good time. I have not been on a ferry in sometime nothing like the pudget sound in the summer.
Short ride to the island, met our comrades in crime, oh I mean, partners in athletic pursuit, Carly and Jenny on the ferry. Instead of heading to set up camp we head into town to check out the much heralded Strawberry Festival. Where hardly a
strawberry can be found. But first we head to what is considered the best Mexican restaurant around. Good food and even better margaritas. We pursue the meal alternately waiting for food and margaritas, mostly just waiting for the ritas. They are essential pre-race "nutrition" . They are good and go down way too quickly. The ladies anxiously keep ordering their margaritas, due in part to wanting to see more of the young attractive latin waiter. See, they are all very happy. Soon the last of team Balsaque arrives, Lora, a college friend of Lindsay's. The group and team are complete.We meander through the festival wondering why they call it a strawberry festival because there don't seem to be any... Oh, wait, I see the Rotarians are selling Strawberry shortcake, of course I
have one with ice cream, thank you. The strawberries are at least from Washington, I hear, but not from the Island. HMMM. It is your usual Street Fair thing, lots of hippy clothing, the odd water saving device, an electric car, food booths, arts, crafts, and topless mannequins.Anyway off to set up camp. The campground is a hostel and has the only campground on the island. We have a tee pee or rather some have the tee pee and I have brought my tent.
Oh wait the office is closed we call, "someone will be along shortly' we are told. They obviously are on 'island time". That is okay, good time to take a post rita nap on the lawn. Anywho the someone shows up and we are assigned the whale tee pee. Where we set up camp eat lots of grocery store snacks, beer, cantelope, salami, potato salad and the like. Ah camping and racing. I know I read this was how you are supposed to do it in a tri book somewhere. Well time to sleep, race early.
Up at 5 am, break camp nosh on peanut butter sandwiches and eat a few bananas, Megan made some awesome cowboy coffee and we are out of camp by seven and off to the race. We had done a pre ride of the mtn. bike course the day before. It was going to be tough but fun. I really have
not rode on Mtn. bikes that much and the weekend before went out on a single track ride. Just to get in a little practice. this course was going to be tough. The first part was up hill and loose dry dirt which meant I walked, ran, the bike up the hill. After the steep up hill it continues climbing through very narrow single track, which is fine, pretty twisty and technical but I faired well for a novice. The latter part was a gentle, sometimes steep, descent on single track, open gravel road or asphalt. 6.5 mile course done twice. For a novice all went well and I have the Mtn. Biking bug now.I am getting a head of myself all tri's start with a swim. This one was in the Sound, Quartermaster Harbor. Now swimming is something I have really come to appreciate, but I am a sinker, mainly due to being male and slender. I have very little body fat, I am in shape and have no boobs and very little ass. But in the northwest you wear wet suits, it helps keep you warm. But mainly it gives you buoyancy. I need it. In fresh water I still have to tread water a bit with the wet suit to keep my head above water. Well, let me tell you salt water is a whole other story. I was like a cork in in water. I floated. I jumped in and the water level came just above my cest and I did not have to move. Just a geeky observation. The swim was good all the men took off first and I bested my previous 800 yard swim by 2.5 mins. I came and headed for the bike on the aforementioned bike course.
After the bike it was time to run. The run course begins with a steep uphill pitch. Followed by continuing up hill, yet gentler. We weaved our way through a beautiful trail system dotted with awesome looking trails, ramps, dip, and jumps that can only be too much fun on a Mtn. Bike. The run went really well, I mainly run on trails these days, and I was able to catch some people who passed me on the bike course and some I had not seen. The latter part of the run was mainly down hill ending with flying down the same hill we climbed in the beginning. Good times.
I was first in from the team mostly due to the fact that the men started first. I was shortly followed by Jenny, Lindsay, Megan and Carley, who has to be one of the funniest women I have met outside of Lindsay. I don't mention Lora as a finisher because she was there to swim for Lindsay, who has a shoulder injury, so Lora took care of the swim for her, go team LL, and did it well. I am sure I would have been caught by Jenny and Lindsay if it had not been for the head start of the men.
The crew, Team Balsaque;
It was probably the most fun race experience of the year. Really all the stuff I have done has been great. But, the competitors are chill and excited. The group I was with was amazingly fun. I was out there to have fun, nothing to prove, just check it out, relax and see what happens.
After the race we loaded up cleaned up and headed out. As did everyone else. There was a line on the ferry road, so it was time to stop have lunch and a beer while we waited.
Thanks Team Balsaque, good weekend, see you next year.
Word: comradery
This weekend.
Well, a bit of a chill weekend. Needed to be in town to cover my weekend duty chores, the beer must be checked. I was able to get some landscaping accomplished, drive way complete, check that off the list. Went for a 10 mile trail run yesterday and spent about 1.5 hours on the Mtn. Bike today up in Forest park. Good relaxing, yet industrious, weekend, finished off with beer and food at HUB. Ah, tomorrow is Monday, thats okay work is good and short track is tomorrow night, booyah.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day after Pac Crest
The day after my Half Ironman it was time to watch the Olympic distance athletes.
Day started early after a late night of camaraderie and beers with my house mates, friends, and fellow Half Ironman athletes. Met Seth and Lindsay at the Village to take her up to Wikiup to prepare for her race, she was competing in the Oly Duathlon. It was nice to watch people get ready after the bit of intenseness the previous day. I can relax watch and cheer on my oly friends. We see Lindsay off and watch as the oly triathletes take off for the water. We cheer some out of the water and head to T2 to see our athlete friends through there. I see Lindsay come through after a quick ride, she hammered it. Then it is off to the finish area. Spend the afternoon drinking beer, watching and cheering people through to the finish. A pretty good group of us are gathered near the finish and we stay until the last athlete crosses the line. It is a good day. A considerable portion of us gather at a Mexican restaurant after gathering up Lindsay's stuff from T2. Now it is margarita time. After Lunch it is time to prepare for the post Pac Crest event TNT party. Great group of people. Lots of food, beer, friendship, post race stories, hugs. The TNT group gather and congratulates each other and gives gifts to Coaches, captains and mentor. What a great group of people, although I am not officially part of the group they take me in like one of their own. I have known many of them for two years now and it is great to share their successes. Great finish to a great weekend.
Day started early after a late night of camaraderie and beers with my house mates, friends, and fellow Half Ironman athletes. Met Seth and Lindsay at the Village to take her up to Wikiup to prepare for her race, she was competing in the Oly Duathlon. It was nice to watch people get ready after the bit of intenseness the previous day. I can relax watch and cheer on my oly friends. We see Lindsay off and watch as the oly triathletes take off for the water. We cheer some out of the water and head to T2 to see our athlete friends through there. I see Lindsay come through after a quick ride, she hammered it. Then it is off to the finish area. Spend the afternoon drinking beer, watching and cheering people through to the finish. A pretty good group of us are gathered near the finish and we stay until the last athlete crosses the line. It is a good day. A considerable portion of us gather at a Mexican restaurant after gathering up Lindsay's stuff from T2. Now it is margarita time. After Lunch it is time to prepare for the post Pac Crest event TNT party. Great group of people. Lots of food, beer, friendship, post race stories, hugs. The TNT group gather and congratulates each other and gives gifts to Coaches, captains and mentor. What a great group of people, although I am not officially part of the group they take me in like one of their own. I have known many of them for two years now and it is great to share their successes. Great finish to a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
tidbits from the paper
I often read my horoscope and occasionally cut out and tape up the ones that seem to speak to me. It's not that I believe in astrology but you can find wisdom in many places. I also like to read advice columns. Sometimes you think what the fuck is wrong with these people, sometimes the answers seem trite and/or obvious. But, a while back, a line in an answer for advice caught my eye. It's taped up now too.
" Sometimes the best way to repair a relationship isn't to duct tape it together but to dissect it, examine it then carefully stitch it back together. "
" Sometimes the best way to repair a relationship isn't to duct tape it together but to dissect it, examine it then carefully stitch it back together. "
Pac Crest - God Bless the Little Children, Cycling is beautiful , War of attrition
Well, better late than never on a race report.
I did it:
Swim 1.2 miles 0:52:26
Bike 58 Miles 3:08:05
Run 13.1 Miles 2:04:08
I was shooting for under 6 hours and just missed it, I am , however, pleased given this is the first time attempting such distance and it was only my third Triathlon.
Arrived in Sunriver Thursday with Devin, got settled in the house and went to check out the expo, Devin needed to buy a couple of things for the race. I was just chilling. I had this subtle nervous anxiousness going but was very relaxed. It was like a slow burning fire was building inside me. We went to get some food and a beer in Sunriver village. The pre-race food stock piling was in full swing. I had been eating like a horse all week and it was only increasing. I was eating four full meals everyday for that week.
Checking out the expo and eating and visiting with Devin kept me occupied. We head back to the house. It was quiet and we awaited the arrival of our house mates for the weekend, Kat, Jenny and Jason (aka Carver). They were going to arrive late so Devin and I set up house best we could until we could decide who was sleeping where. Five people four beds. HMMM. Who gets to sleep with who. I took a bit of a nap Devin made pasta sauce for the next nights pre race carbo loading. I found myself very relaxed borderline sleepy and yet could not sit still. I decided to head over to Walter's house to visit with that crew, coach Jane, Randal, Allie, Em, Lindsay, Chris, etc. Afull compliment of TNTers. I rode a cruiser over so I got the blood flowing a little bit and could expend some energy. Brief visit, had a little Pizza and some beer needed to head back before it got dark, unfortunately it got dark and i don't know the trail system in Sunriver well, still made back with out getting lost or hit.
Our house mates arrived shortly after I got to the house. Now, where are we going to sleep. Rooms are divied up. Some how I end up in the master bedroom with a California king bed. Carver ends up on an aero bed in the closet. we bullshit settle into some TV and then off to bed.
Friday, one day to race. The slow burning fire in me is really stoking up. I comment to myself and text a few people, "this is starting to feel real", I am not scared maybe a bit nervous. I am really going to do this. In a lot of respects I am not sure what to expect but I have trained, I have run, cycled and swam, I am ready. Nothing now to do but "smile and enjoy the ride". Devin and I head out after breakfast to ride the run route, which winds around the trail system of Sunriver. It is nice, some shade but there are some major exposed areas and it is predicted to be a hot one Saturday, approaching 100. Devin suggests salt tablets and offers some up to me later in the day. He had some major cramping issues last year, and believes these will help that issue.
After the ride we pick up packets meet up with some TNTers who are also milling about the expo. Justin, one of our sales reps, is there setting up the beer garden and offers to buy me a beer. I get a bunch of crap from people for having a beer the day before the race and at 11 am. One thing I never have had a problem with is drinking in the morning but I don't have a drinking problem. It is part of my job and I am not going to completely change my behavior for a race. One beer will not kill me if anything it will settle the nerves a tad. I and others have a big Hawaiian BBQ lunch. Ah yes more food.
Now it is time for some preparation time to head up to Wikiup reservoir. This is where the race will start. At the reservoir first order of business is to set up T1. I set it up nearly everything but my hydration. Some people choose to bring most of their stuff up the morning of the race. I don't want to fuss with too much race morning, get it done now. Next thing is to check out the water. Only a few weeks ago the area was still snowed in and some are concerned about the water temperature. They had been advertising it as being 60 to 62 and it was. I took a little swim out to the first turn buoy. The water felt great. The only issue really was when I pulled my goggles out of my bag they were broken at the nose piece, shit, can't swim with those. Lindsay helped me find someone that had already swam and was willing to let me use them for this warm up swim. I will have to go to the expo and buy a new pair. There is a saying amongst Triathletes "nothing new on race day", but this can't be avoided. So transition set up, check out the swim done.
This little experience seems to calm the nervousness a bit for a couple of reasons, I think. I put in a little exercise, I know the water is fine and the course does not look too daunting. As you all know I am a new swimmer, and 1.2 miles is a long ways for someone who just started lesson in February. But again I am prepared. I know what to expect. I am not going to set any records. I will get it done. Besides I am smiling. Devin offers to drive back to Sunriver via the bike route so we can see what it looks like. The course looks good, it climbs its way to Mt Bachelor fairly steady with a couple of moderately steep pitches which will be difficult but manageable, for some reason I have become a bit of climber since I started cycling.
Okay, back at Sunriver head off to the expo to pick out some new goggles. Devin and I both go and are joined by his friend Mary. We mill about. I find the goggles I need. We walked over and and I am starting to be wary of being on my feet so much and out in the sun. I want to get back to the house and relax and start thinking about rest, mental race prep, and more food.
Back at the house Devin, Mary and I start getting dinner ready. The other house mates are TNTers and are at there own pasta feed. The three of us make a dinner of pasta, salmon, and salad. Big dinner. Clean up and relax. The others return we talk about the race and turn in early.
So Carver complains that the aero bed in the closet was not so comfortable and asks if I mind if I share the bed. i don't care it is huge. This story was later told to Lindsay who promptly says " So, Carver you came out of the closet to sleep with Doug" He turns bright red and we all laugh. Carver and I chat a while about racing, he has done this a few times. We both go silent but are awake for quite a while sleep does not come easily on the night before the race.
Race day; up before 5 am. I am tired, not really nervous and the fire inside me is really stoking up. I plow in as much food as I can. Take off to set up T2 and then catch the shuttle to Wikiup. Ride up is uneventful. Talk to some other Triathletes. One guy has done multiple Half Ironmans and a few Ironmans and tells me that I will get the bug and do one soon. Hell, I have not even run a Marathon let alone thinking about doing an Ironman. He maybe right though.
Arrive at Wikiup, I am in the middle of a bunch of TNTers who I know because my training coincides with them and many are my friends who I have met through Lindsay and Seth. Which is really comforting. There are some alum and some new athletes, it is good to be around fun positive people. Bolsters my mood. We talk, finish up last details of T1 set up get slathered with Sunscreen. All this time at Wikiup my burning engine inside is really ramping up. It is a bit intense. I look at Lindsay and say " I get it." I have watched her and others race these things for the last two years. I always enjoyed watching and talking to them about their races and thought I understood. I really did not. It is not that it is daunting but you can't really understand until you walk a mile(s) in someone else's shoes. The two races I did before pac crest were good builders and I felt some nervousness and fire in my belly but this one is just different. It is the one I had been training for and I finally understood what had been going on inside of them in this situation.
Well nothing left to do but put on the wet suit and jump in, my wave starts at 9:15.
Funny thing happened on the boat ramp at the reservoir. I ran into an old colleague from my brewing world. We never worked together but often ran into each other at brewing school, events, etc. I was standing there talking and turned around and we both were saying "what are you doing here". Small world sometimes. Slowly the clock ticks toward my wave. The elites take off and then the younger waves. Now it is my turn, and I am off...
---->> I am in the middle there with the raised hand.
I spend a lot time going to the first buoy bumping into people and getting bumped but nothing major. I am having troubles getting my breath. I do a fair amount of breast stroke to keep my head out of the water to breathe. I dig in again with freestyle. Still can't get my breath. This is going to be a bit of a long swim. The swim is
actually fairly uneventful I freestyle stroke when i can and rest as needed. I had a pre- race goal of 50 minutes for the swim. I got done in 52. That will have to do. I came out of the water smiling and happy to get on the bike. I did it, 1.2 miles swimming.
Onto the bike. I have been looking forward to this part. I have been told so many good things about the ride. Yes I saw it from the car the day before but I really want to do this ride. I am off to a good start transition went well. No problem finding my bike since I am one of the last out of the water, but not the last. I start drinking my gleukos right away. I am tired but the wind on my cool wet body feels good. There is not much to it you just start gently climbing towards Mt Bachelor peddle at a high cadence and eat and drink.
The scenery is beautiful, forests, mountain lakes and a ribbon of asphalt. The course heads east as we wrap around one of the lakes. This where you really start to see elevation gain and the steeper pitches start. I just keep pedaling. I am slowly starting to catch up with people and pass them. Often seeing and saying "hi" to those I know, wishing them well. This section of the race is where my headline comes from. As we approach Mt Bachelor there is still snow on the road side. Now and then you see someone pulled over waiting to cheer on a friend or relative. At one point a women and a gaggle of kids have pulled their mini van over. The women is scooping up snow balls and handing them to the kids who then pass them off to us riders. God bless the little children. It is not real hot up there but it is getting warm and, well, we are climbing a mountain. I took my snow ball and held and rubbed it on my neck. Then let it slide down my jersey where it slowly melted over the next few miles. Such satisfaction. Such sweet satisfaction. Then before I know it, after a few more steep climbs I summit. Whoot. I am here and it is all down hill. The down hill was good, plenty of recovery. I was passed by a couple of large men who had a weight advantage on the descent. I am pretty confident I will see them on the run. I get to the flat and peddle it on into T2.
Big crowd at T2, lots of cheering. I feel pretty good and it is going to be hot. I mistakenly forgo putting on another layer of sunscreen. I will peel later from that burn. I trudge out of T2 my idea is to keep moving at more than a walk, it is a steady up hill climb right out of the transition. But I am a runner, this is my fall back, I can do this. I soon see the first, aid station, drink water and pour it down my head and back. I have committed to running but take my time at the aid stations, to rest, drink and cool off.
After about 3 miles, I identify, I most likely will not meet my goal of under six hours. I know I will have some stretches in the open sun with no shade. I decide that I will do a little walking to conserve for when I am in the sun and want to get through it as quickly as possible. So I alternate between running and walking a bit. As I start to recover and feel better it is still hot and I decide this part will be a war of attrition. One foot after the other, another mile down, another aid station. This is a war I will win.
Somewhere past half way I can hear a bit of a ruckus on the other side of a tunnel. As I proceed through I see Lindsay and others with huge super soakers. As I am just coming out of the tunnel I hear Lindsay say "this one's mine". Please, let me have it. I want to get soaked. Lindsay and two others fire away. Several spots along the way, Sunriver peeps were in there yards hosing runners down, it was a God send, anything to get the temperature down. By this time I am running only, again, except for stops at the aid stations. One of the last aid stations a women was dipping a towel in ice water and toweling down your neck back and face. That was sweet relief. She thought I was going to go into shock. I was okay but it was startling good.
I proceed on, about two miles to go. I know it is almost done and I have settled into a good pace. Just as I am approaching the village Seth sees me and runs me in the rest of the way. That was good. I don't know if he knows how much it meant. Thanks Seth. I returned the favor by picking up the pace to haul it into the finish. Seth has already done his race so he is running people in after his own half Ironman. He later says he won't ever run me in again. He did ask how I was feeling, I said tired, but good and I think I might cry. I was starting to feel ... I want to say overwhelmed but that is too much. I was very satisfied and a bit emotional. Then there it is, a big redbull arch and finish line.
Holy crap. I did it and, I think, well. No major issues or catastrophes I followed my plan and adjusted when I needed to. Post race included a visit to the shower where competitors can cool off and recoup. Then I was off to find a beer. Met up with Jenny, and Devin. Jenny's boyfriend had a budlight handy which I pretty much slammed. He handed over money he held for me so I could purchase beer post race post haste. Couple of beers down. Time get to the house. I need an ice bath and a shower.
I am really happy about my performance and I smiled all the way.
Word: satisfaction
I did it:
Swim 1.2 miles 0:52:26
Bike 58 Miles 3:08:05
Run 13.1 Miles 2:04:08
I was shooting for under 6 hours and just missed it, I am , however, pleased given this is the first time attempting such distance and it was only my third Triathlon.
Arrived in Sunriver Thursday with Devin, got settled in the house and went to check out the expo, Devin needed to buy a couple of things for the race. I was just chilling. I had this subtle nervous anxiousness going but was very relaxed. It was like a slow burning fire was building inside me. We went to get some food and a beer in Sunriver village. The pre-race food stock piling was in full swing. I had been eating like a horse all week and it was only increasing. I was eating four full meals everyday for that week.
Checking out the expo and eating and visiting with Devin kept me occupied. We head back to the house. It was quiet and we awaited the arrival of our house mates for the weekend, Kat, Jenny and Jason (aka Carver). They were going to arrive late so Devin and I set up house best we could until we could decide who was sleeping where. Five people four beds. HMMM. Who gets to sleep with who. I took a bit of a nap Devin made pasta sauce for the next nights pre race carbo loading. I found myself very relaxed borderline sleepy and yet could not sit still. I decided to head over to Walter's house to visit with that crew, coach Jane, Randal, Allie, Em, Lindsay, Chris, etc. Afull compliment of TNTers. I rode a cruiser over so I got the blood flowing a little bit and could expend some energy. Brief visit, had a little Pizza and some beer needed to head back before it got dark, unfortunately it got dark and i don't know the trail system in Sunriver well, still made back with out getting lost or hit.
Our house mates arrived shortly after I got to the house. Now, where are we going to sleep. Rooms are divied up. Some how I end up in the master bedroom with a California king bed. Carver ends up on an aero bed in the closet. we bullshit settle into some TV and then off to bed.
Friday, one day to race. The slow burning fire in me is really stoking up. I comment to myself and text a few people, "this is starting to feel real", I am not scared maybe a bit nervous. I am really going to do this. In a lot of respects I am not sure what to expect but I have trained, I have run, cycled and swam, I am ready. Nothing now to do but "smile and enjoy the ride". Devin and I head out after breakfast to ride the run route, which winds around the trail system of Sunriver. It is nice, some shade but there are some major exposed areas and it is predicted to be a hot one Saturday, approaching 100. Devin suggests salt tablets and offers some up to me later in the day. He had some major cramping issues last year, and believes these will help that issue.
After the ride we pick up packets meet up with some TNTers who are also milling about the expo. Justin, one of our sales reps, is there setting up the beer garden and offers to buy me a beer. I get a bunch of crap from people for having a beer the day before the race and at 11 am. One thing I never have had a problem with is drinking in the morning but I don't have a drinking problem. It is part of my job and I am not going to completely change my behavior for a race. One beer will not kill me if anything it will settle the nerves a tad. I and others have a big Hawaiian BBQ lunch. Ah yes more food.
Now it is time for some preparation time to head up to Wikiup reservoir. This is where the race will start. At the reservoir first order of business is to set up T1. I set it up nearly everything but my hydration. Some people choose to bring most of their stuff up the morning of the race. I don't want to fuss with too much race morning, get it done now. Next thing is to check out the water. Only a few weeks ago the area was still snowed in and some are concerned about the water temperature. They had been advertising it as being 60 to 62 and it was. I took a little swim out to the first turn buoy. The water felt great. The only issue really was when I pulled my goggles out of my bag they were broken at the nose piece, shit, can't swim with those. Lindsay helped me find someone that had already swam and was willing to let me use them for this warm up swim. I will have to go to the expo and buy a new pair. There is a saying amongst Triathletes "nothing new on race day", but this can't be avoided. So transition set up, check out the swim done.
This little experience seems to calm the nervousness a bit for a couple of reasons, I think. I put in a little exercise, I know the water is fine and the course does not look too daunting. As you all know I am a new swimmer, and 1.2 miles is a long ways for someone who just started lesson in February. But again I am prepared. I know what to expect. I am not going to set any records. I will get it done. Besides I am smiling. Devin offers to drive back to Sunriver via the bike route so we can see what it looks like. The course looks good, it climbs its way to Mt Bachelor fairly steady with a couple of moderately steep pitches which will be difficult but manageable, for some reason I have become a bit of climber since I started cycling.
Okay, back at Sunriver head off to the expo to pick out some new goggles. Devin and I both go and are joined by his friend Mary. We mill about. I find the goggles I need. We walked over and and I am starting to be wary of being on my feet so much and out in the sun. I want to get back to the house and relax and start thinking about rest, mental race prep, and more food.
Back at the house Devin, Mary and I start getting dinner ready. The other house mates are TNTers and are at there own pasta feed. The three of us make a dinner of pasta, salmon, and salad. Big dinner. Clean up and relax. The others return we talk about the race and turn in early.
So Carver complains that the aero bed in the closet was not so comfortable and asks if I mind if I share the bed. i don't care it is huge. This story was later told to Lindsay who promptly says " So, Carver you came out of the closet to sleep with Doug" He turns bright red and we all laugh. Carver and I chat a while about racing, he has done this a few times. We both go silent but are awake for quite a while sleep does not come easily on the night before the race.
Race day; up before 5 am. I am tired, not really nervous and the fire inside me is really stoking up. I plow in as much food as I can. Take off to set up T2 and then catch the shuttle to Wikiup. Ride up is uneventful. Talk to some other Triathletes. One guy has done multiple Half Ironmans and a few Ironmans and tells me that I will get the bug and do one soon. Hell, I have not even run a Marathon let alone thinking about doing an Ironman. He maybe right though.
Arrive at Wikiup, I am in the middle of a bunch of TNTers who I know because my training coincides with them and many are my friends who I have met through Lindsay and Seth. Which is really comforting. There are some alum and some new athletes, it is good to be around fun positive people. Bolsters my mood. We talk, finish up last details of T1 set up get slathered with Sunscreen. All this time at Wikiup my burning engine inside is really ramping up. It is a bit intense. I look at Lindsay and say " I get it." I have watched her and others race these things for the last two years. I always enjoyed watching and talking to them about their races and thought I understood. I really did not. It is not that it is daunting but you can't really understand until you walk a mile(s) in someone else's shoes. The two races I did before pac crest were good builders and I felt some nervousness and fire in my belly but this one is just different. It is the one I had been training for and I finally understood what had been going on inside of them in this situation.
Well nothing left to do but put on the wet suit and jump in, my wave starts at 9:15.
Funny thing happened on the boat ramp at the reservoir. I ran into an old colleague from my brewing world. We never worked together but often ran into each other at brewing school, events, etc. I was standing there talking and turned around and we both were saying "what are you doing here". Small world sometimes. Slowly the clock ticks toward my wave. The elites take off and then the younger waves. Now it is my turn, and I am off...
---->> I am in the middle there with the raised hand.
I spend a lot time going to the first buoy bumping into people and getting bumped but nothing major. I am having troubles getting my breath. I do a fair amount of breast stroke to keep my head out of the water to breathe. I dig in again with freestyle. Still can't get my breath. This is going to be a bit of a long swim. The swim is
actually fairly uneventful I freestyle stroke when i can and rest as needed. I had a pre- race goal of 50 minutes for the swim. I got done in 52. That will have to do. I came out of the water smiling and happy to get on the bike. I did it, 1.2 miles swimming.Onto the bike. I have been looking forward to this part. I have been told so many good things about the ride. Yes I saw it from the car the day before but I really want to do this ride. I am off to a good start transition went well. No problem finding my bike since I am one of the last out of the water, but not the last. I start drinking my gleukos right away. I am tired but the wind on my cool wet body feels good. There is not much to it you just start gently climbing towards Mt Bachelor peddle at a high cadence and eat and drink.
The scenery is beautiful, forests, mountain lakes and a ribbon of asphalt. The course heads east as we wrap around one of the lakes. This where you really start to see elevation gain and the steeper pitches start. I just keep pedaling. I am slowly starting to catch up with people and pass them. Often seeing and saying "hi" to those I know, wishing them well. This section of the race is where my headline comes from. As we approach Mt Bachelor there is still snow on the road side. Now and then you see someone pulled over waiting to cheer on a friend or relative. At one point a women and a gaggle of kids have pulled their mini van over. The women is scooping up snow balls and handing them to the kids who then pass them off to us riders. God bless the little children. It is not real hot up there but it is getting warm and, well, we are climbing a mountain. I took my snow ball and held and rubbed it on my neck. Then let it slide down my jersey where it slowly melted over the next few miles. Such satisfaction. Such sweet satisfaction. Then before I know it, after a few more steep climbs I summit. Whoot. I am here and it is all down hill. The down hill was good, plenty of recovery. I was passed by a couple of large men who had a weight advantage on the descent. I am pretty confident I will see them on the run. I get to the flat and peddle it on into T2.
Big crowd at T2, lots of cheering. I feel pretty good and it is going to be hot. I mistakenly forgo putting on another layer of sunscreen. I will peel later from that burn. I trudge out of T2 my idea is to keep moving at more than a walk, it is a steady up hill climb right out of the transition. But I am a runner, this is my fall back, I can do this. I soon see the first, aid station, drink water and pour it down my head and back. I have committed to running but take my time at the aid stations, to rest, drink and cool off.
After about 3 miles, I identify, I most likely will not meet my goal of under six hours. I know I will have some stretches in the open sun with no shade. I decide that I will do a little walking to conserve for when I am in the sun and want to get through it as quickly as possible. So I alternate between running and walking a bit. As I start to recover and feel better it is still hot and I decide this part will be a war of attrition. One foot after the other, another mile down, another aid station. This is a war I will win.
Somewhere past half way I can hear a bit of a ruckus on the other side of a tunnel. As I proceed through I see Lindsay and others with huge super soakers. As I am just coming out of the tunnel I hear Lindsay say "this one's mine". Please, let me have it. I want to get soaked. Lindsay and two others fire away. Several spots along the way, Sunriver peeps were in there yards hosing runners down, it was a God send, anything to get the temperature down. By this time I am running only, again, except for stops at the aid stations. One of the last aid stations a women was dipping a towel in ice water and toweling down your neck back and face. That was sweet relief. She thought I was going to go into shock. I was okay but it was startling good.
I proceed on, about two miles to go. I know it is almost done and I have settled into a good pace. Just as I am approaching the village Seth sees me and runs me in the rest of the way. That was good. I don't know if he knows how much it meant. Thanks Seth. I returned the favor by picking up the pace to haul it into the finish. Seth has already done his race so he is running people in after his own half Ironman. He later says he won't ever run me in again. He did ask how I was feeling, I said tired, but good and I think I might cry. I was starting to feel ... I want to say overwhelmed but that is too much. I was very satisfied and a bit emotional. Then there it is, a big redbull arch and finish line.
Holy crap. I did it and, I think, well. No major issues or catastrophes I followed my plan and adjusted when I needed to. Post race included a visit to the shower where competitors can cool off and recoup. Then I was off to find a beer. Met up with Jenny, and Devin. Jenny's boyfriend had a budlight handy which I pretty much slammed. He handed over money he held for me so I could purchase beer post race post haste. Couple of beers down. Time get to the house. I need an ice bath and a shower.
I am really happy about my performance and I smiled all the way.
Word: satisfaction
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