While we were cooling down on the posts, both Dan and I were ramping up with the races. The Kowals were on the loose: congrats to Dan with a first place finish at the Hy-Vee 5150 US National Championship. Woot! Also, now with my first tri under my belt (results) I am now looking for the next challenge.
Already I am considering another tri (Trek Women Tri Series) in 2 weeks, but the funds are a little tight. Booo...triathlons are expensive. Regardless...Dan and I are now making it a goal for both of us to make it to the next years Hy-Vee championship together! Maybe a stretch for me, but a good challenge. There is a lot of work to be done.
Showing posts with label Lake Meridian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lake Meridian. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Post Race Day Focus
I don't think its any surprise that I am now hooked on triathlons. The race was fantastic and already I am thinking about areas in which I can improve. (Oh by the way, I totally blew my expectations and finished first in my division.)
One thing that kept me focused on training was definitely having a goal. I knew that when I signed up for the Lake Meridian tri, that I had about a month to focus. What I am concerned about is not being able to keep up with training when there is no goal. I know there is still time to sign up for another triathlon before the winter comes, but unfortunately, financial funds (before the sponsorships come in..hahaha) is keeping things limited.
I am already signed up for the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon in September, so that will be my focus for the next month. I am going to continue to swim and bike as part of the training, but increasing my road miles is going to be important right now.
Dan, any thoughts on keeping focus when there is no upcoming event? And, you can't say "sign up for another."
One thing that kept me focused on training was definitely having a goal. I knew that when I signed up for the Lake Meridian tri, that I had about a month to focus. What I am concerned about is not being able to keep up with training when there is no goal. I know there is still time to sign up for another triathlon before the winter comes, but unfortunately, financial funds (before the sponsorships come in..hahaha) is keeping things limited.
I am already signed up for the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon in September, so that will be my focus for the next month. I am going to continue to swim and bike as part of the training, but increasing my road miles is going to be important right now.
Dan, any thoughts on keeping focus when there is no upcoming event? And, you can't say "sign up for another."
Dan: Sign up for another race! HAHA
Yes, without signing up for a race, focus on your times. Focus on what needs the most improvement- being a newbie you can probably get better in all aspects. If you want faster splits in swim, bike or run set your goals. Focus on one discipline at a time.
If you ran 8:30's and want to get to 8:00 that goal will keep you motivated. Then once you have reached that time, you can add a bike split before the run and try and maintain the same speed. My goal this year was to get faster on the bike. I did a lot of spinning classes and tons of group rides- all with riders better than myself. I got dropped every ride at the beginning, but now can hold my own against some of the faster riders and have averaged 25 MPH plus in some races. When I push myself in a bike workout, I will then go out and run and see how the legs feel after cause if I am working hard I am pushing big gears. Pictures are also motivation for me. I have used these two pictures on my fridge for the past year and a half. They are ads from Cycleops (indoor trainer) but are great motivation:
The first picture says, "This is where you win races that don't start for six months"- has a guy in his basement on his cycleops
The second picture says, "The guy on the horizon isn't a cyclist, He's a victim"
I will watch Ironman races on http://www.universalsports.com/
Motivation is different for everyone. Write down your goals for next year, races you would like to do. Once you have races planned in your head you can cater your training to these goals.
Winter is a long time (especially for you) so vary your routine as well. Try spinning classes, core workouts, lift some weights as routines can get boring. The biggest thing to do is to write your goals down. post them on your fridge, on your calendars seeing the goals everyday will help you continue to train even when you don't want to.
Then join me in Idaho for Ironman CDA.....
Sunday, August 28, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
No Excuse Anymore
Not owning a bike was my solid excuse for never signing up for a triathlon before. Considering the bike's fairly substantial role in a triathlon (ha), I figured I was probably not going to be signing up for a race any time soon. Last week this all changed when a friend proudly proclaimed she had an extra! (Friends rule, don't they?)
So excuse eliminated, I am now registered for my first triathlon. 24 days to prep!
Lake Meridian Triathlon (Sprint: ½ mS, 15.8mB, 3.1mR)
What do I do now? This is where having a mentor, someone who has experience racing in a triathlon comes in handy. While we will not be discussing a couch-to-tri program, there are still so many questions that need answering! Daaaaan!
So excuse eliminated, I am now registered for my first triathlon. 24 days to prep!
Lake Meridian Triathlon (Sprint: ½ mS, 15.8mB, 3.1mR)
What do I do now? This is where having a mentor, someone who has experience racing in a triathlon comes in handy. While we will not be discussing a couch-to-tri program, there are still so many questions that need answering! Daaaaan!
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