Subaru Distance Classic Race Review

The Subaru Distance Classic in Jacksonville FL marked the first time Dan and I have raced together. Having someone else to run side-by-side with was an incredible booster, especially when it is someone you look up to.

And then somewhere along the delusional mile 11, I couldn't stand Dan's positive attitude anymore and I yelled out "stop talking to me" as I put both of my earbuds back in my ears.

This is what Sibling TRIvalry is all about.

Up until mile 9 I was feeling great, then it all started to become a struggle. I was low on calories and at that point my stomach wasn't interested in taking in any GU's or other oddly textured substances.

For breakfast I had my typical peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a banana, and a Gatorade Prime. Dan pointed out that I greatly under-pb'd my sandwich and recommended putting at least 3 Tbs on. I guess that was my first mistake. Also the Gatorade Prime tasted exceptionally sugary that morning so I only drank half: my second mistake. Next time I may mix it with water or find an alternative because I can't stomach the syrupy taste. Dan and I did take mix in some Chia seeds in our water before we left the house, which I like to think helped counteract my other nutrition mistakes.

Hey, and what do we say about trying new foods on race day. WRONG! So why did I chose to eat Shot blocks instead of GU's during the race? Oh I don't know. I love Shot Blocks and while they are definitely not new to me, I usually don't intake them while I am running. While I was chewing and chewing trying to get one block down, I was missing the slip 'n slide of the GUs.

My goal for the race was to beat my last personal record of 1:51 (roughly a 8:28 minute mile). I set an ambitious goal of hitting 1:45 which is roughly a 8:01 pace. Dan made a great attempt at keeping us on track for that time, unfortunately I started to fade and started to get frustrated at my lack of energy.

Dan and I were testing the theory that racing is about 10% physical and 90% mental. Our week leading up to the race, we did so many things that aren’t recommended for training: eating poorly (pizza, burgers and beer…yum!), I ran about 6 miles the whole week while Dan topped out at 2 miles, we stayed up late, and to top it all off we decided we would run in brand new sneakers! So, for the poor training, a 1:45 was really ambitious. (If you want to gauge your race time, here is a helpful calculator.)

Anyway, this course was f-l-a-t. Welcome to Florida, I guess! There may have been a two foot elevation gain throughout the whole race. The route was very residential and to my surprise, never made it into town. I think the race coordinators also did a good job at making sure the whole route would be in shade which was a major benefit towards the end of the race when the temperature was starting to rise. It was also great to have race clocks at each mile marker to help gauge pace.

As we turned the corner to the finish line I knew that my time was going to be close. There was no way that I accept a later time than my Bellingham Bay time (with the winds and hills of that race), so I hit the gas and sprinted losing Dan in the process (there goes our photo op!). Speaking of photos, while we haven’t found race day photos yet online, I am sure my finishing line photo has me looking like I am about to puke. Sure to bring some laughs.

This course definitely wasn't my favorite, but wasn't boring. The race packets were a little disappointing with mostly just advertisements. They did give out tech race shirts and this one actually fit me...although the neon orange color is only safe for the eyes at night or on a construction site. Kudos for the great finisher medals though!

And another example of what Sibling TRIvalry is all about:
Dan and I have decided to sign up for another half marathon (OUC Half Marathon) next Saturday. Of course, the Key West Tri is not completely off the table. More to come!

Julie's First Tri: Lake Meridian, WA

Ok, Dan you were right: I'm already thinking about the next race. Is it too early to say I am addicted? I am sitting here, anxiously waiting results of my race...

While I outwardly spoke out that my goal for my first triathlon (sprint at Lake Meridian, WA) was to finish the race. Quietly I knew this wasn't enough I wanted a good showing; its the competitor in me. So I was thrilled when things went smoothly...like not getting a flat tire and no digestive issues. Thanks for getting me prepared for this. Also a big thanks to my friends Schuyler and Tara for showing me the ropes and doing the race with me.

I was a little concerned about how I was going to perform after only an hour's nights rest. The night before a race I can never seem to sleep...we will need to cover this as a topic later on! Luckily the previous night I had slept well. Breakfast consisted of a pb&j, banana, and a Gatorade Prime. Everything stayed down (as opposed to the day of my first half marathon.)

I definitely was pretty intimidated when we arrived at the race and started to set up transition. People have some fancy bikes and some pretty techy gear. I didn't let it get to me thought, I mean my goal was to just finish, right?

This tri started with a deep water start, and with the temperature of the water at 74 degrees (warmer than the air) it was a pretty comfortable and calming pre-start. Of course once everyone started, I definitely felt the "washing machine" effect and at one point just stopped cause there was no where to go. One swimming for about 5 minutes I was able to find my own space and get in the groove. Reviewing the race, the swimming was actually my favorite leg! I think I definitely entered "the zone."

I was definitely worried last night about not being fully prepared for the bike. I had really only been on that particular bike twice! Also, I was doing this race without the proper equipment to change a tire. I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to stop racing if a tire went flat. Phew! Another thing I learned was to take the bike for a little spin after taking it out of the car. When I first jumped on the bike, my gears were not catching and I almost thought I was going to have to get off the bike. I think I should have just double checked everything before I put it on the rack! Another topic we will have to discuss in the future is rules of drafting and passing. While this triathlon was not super strict, for future races it would be nice to know to avoid penalty.

The run was definitely the worst leg. Although going in I was thinking that this would be my strong part, I was not prepared for the tightness and jelly feeling (how contradictory) that I was going to feel. The first mile was definitely the worst as it felt like I was running on new legs. As I continued to run I could feel my legs loosening up a little more which allowed me to increase my stride. I think in my continued training I want to practice more bike/run bricks to help tackle this feeling.

Overall, this was an awesome experience! The weather was ideal and French toast was served for athletes...uh, awesome! I will post my times when they are made available. Really stoked to see how I did...especially when I had no expectations for how fast I would be going in. Will keep you posted.

I Live for Race Day!

Well, this is the last night before your first race! Jitters, I hope so. If you are not nervous something is wrong with you. This is where your training plan and trust of all that you did leading up to the race pays off. Nutrition, You have that down right? Just don't do anything stupid, like try something new tonight or tomorrow morning.

One note that may be of interest... You might want to bring a small roll of your own toilet paper or pick up a travel size one from a Walgreen's or CVS. I assure you this will come in handy. When you have 300-500+ people using a few port-a-potties (all with race day jitters) TP tends to be valuable. I could probably sell TP for $5.00 a roll 20 minutes before transition closes. Heck, It would be smart for a Charmin or a another TP company to be a sponsor of a tri. (I also always thought that Gillette or Schick razors should be an official sponsor of a longer race (70.3 or 140.6)- most shave their legs and it could be a cool setup at packet pickup (imagine the "Gillette Fusion truck" truck there- testing razors, HA- Yeah you have all seen the commercials... I digress..

Anyway, on race night I always...

1. Put all my numbers on my bike, helmet and race number on my belt.
2. Pack my race bag, you do it the morning of you might forget something

SWIM- (goggles (2 pair), towel, wetsuit, swim cap, anti-chaff cream for under arms if you want. Also good to put on legs and forearms so you can get your wetsuit off a little easier.

BIKE- Bicycle, bike pump, bike bag (for flats), cycling shoes (or sneakers if you do not have clip-in pedals, helmet, race belt with number, sunglasses, water bottles (for sprint 1 bottle is fine), socks

RUN- running shoes, hat or visor (if needed), race belt (if not already on from bike), GU or nutrition if need (100 calories will suffice)

-Attire will differ depending on what you decided to wear on race day (tri suit or changing in T1 and T2).

3. Pump up tires at night and check in the AM to make sure there aren't any slow leaks in the tubes.
4. drink water(want your pee to be light yellow)
5. eat dinner early (eat your carbs)
6. Put your bike rack on your car (if needed).
7. Set out food you will eat in the AM.
8. Charge ipod to listen to pre-race.
9. Pack a set of clothes to wear after the race.
10. Bring a recovery drink (Gatorade Recover or my favorite Chocolate Milk)- you will have to bring a small cooler if bringing this to keep it cold.
11. Try and go to bed at a decent hour.
12. Get up early enough so you are not rushing. It will be early either way so does it really matter whether it is 4 am or 4:30?

*If you are a coffee drinker and use it to start each day (I do) go ahead and drink some coffee. If that is part of your routine then go ahead and pour yourself a cup (I would recommend about 6-8 oz at the most). Not enough to dehydrate you, but enough to give you a good pick me up.

Go ahead and enjoy this moment, tomorrow you will become a triathlete and the addiction will become stronger !

I heard this used as an affirmation at my first 70.3 in Orlando by an individual who had written himself about 30 different notes. The race director saw that he had tossed this one on the ground and read it to everyone over the microphone cause it's good,

"Pain is Weakness leaving the body"

Tomorrow you may be sore, but do your best, whatever that may be and you will enjoy every moment. Stay after the race and enjoy the food and camaraderie. It is all part of the experience. One of many to come.

You are now one of the 2.3 million people (USAT) that participate in a triathlon each year.