Arrr..Matey! Recap of the Pirate Tri!

All I had to do was swim 1/3 of a mile, bike 14 miles, run 3 miles and be super fast in transitions!  Yesterday's race couldn't have gone better, everything before the race was near perfect, which very rarely happens. I hoped to make packet pick up by 3pm the previous day but I was the photographer for a 10 mile trail race at work and had to post those results online. It was a great race and seemed like everyone had fun! I sure did and I wasn't even racing.

Gina and I arrived at the Point Sebago Resort Campground at 4:30 and checked in. I was very surprised as I listened to the reservationist explain all the amenities. She pointed out the sports center, the tiki bar, general store, putt putt golf, and all the events happening over the two days. Funny she didn't mention the race. If we were camping for the weekend I'd want to know nearly 400 triathletes would be racing though the resort! The whole run course was in the resort and the bike course used the entrance. I did not feel like I was in Maine, most people were buzzing around in golf carts, don't people walk anymore? We found our spot and began to set up. I checked out the bathroom which I could throw a rock to and there were free showers! I had a pre race workout, Steve calls it a brick opener. 40 min ride-15 min warmup with 3x3min power intervals, this gets my heart rate up and my body ready for racing. I brought my trainer in case it was raining, luckily it wasn't but the roads were mostly gravel so I just spun at the site. After 40 mins I had to transition right to a run with more quick hard efforts. I ran through the campground to the sound of games and laughter and a spot on the podium in my head.

It was very humid, so glad there were showers. We drove the bike course and studied all the pot holes, hills, corners and had to mentally follow Steve's plan-don't stand up on any of the hills, spin easy but fast. This saves energy and keeps me more fresh for the run.

We returned and walked over to the transition area inspecting the flow, very important to do that. When in race mode its nice not to have to think about where to go.  I met up with my friend Armand. We hung out for awhile and talked tri. Checked the water, very chilly!

We made our way back to the site to make dinner. Grilled chicken, zucchini, squash, peppers and tomatoes with salad, my pre race meal. I checked over my bike, changed the wheel to Steve's 3 spoke HED, put new bar tape on and of course painted my nails by lantern!  It was a nice and relaxing night.

Packet pick was at 6:15 and Steve was arriving at 6:30, so the alarm was early. Egg, avocado and cheese sandwich and half banana for breakfast. Double checked my tri bag and we walked to the check in. So nice to be so close! Last week my race number was 842 and my wave began at 8:45 this week I was 242 and my wave started at 8:45 I had a superstitious good feeling. We walked over to the transition area. They are very organized all timing chips hang in order by number. If a chip isn't picked up they know who didn't race. After the trans area closes, they take the display to the finish line and pull the chips off the racers as they finish and hang them back up, great system.

 

They asked if it was my first race or if it was Gina's first time watching because Gina was taking lots of pictures. We both answered, neither and explained I was gong to London and write a Blog.

After asking my age he wrote 49 on my calf...ooops!

The transition area was on the beach so everything would be sandy, I can't stand that feeling but there was nothing I could do. I knew where my spot would be from the night before and hoped to get there early enough to get the outside. Each rack has a range of numbers. It was first come first served and I got the spot I wanted. I set up right on the end which is quicker then running into the row.  I was worried about someone taking my spot so I remembered to leave my wetsuit, pad and tri bag. The trans area closed just 15 mins before the race start so I could go in and out for my warm up. I set up my spot-bike, bike shoes, helmet, glasses, running shoes, and race belt...that's it!

I went out on my warm up: 15 min easy 2x3 min power intervals w/ 5 min recovery in between, 15 mins back, transition to run with hard efforts, 10 minute swim with hard intervals. After riding and running I was really sticky, so getting into my wetsuit was quite comical! Reason #975 I have the best coach...he threw his coat in the sand for me.

There were a few minutes to warm up in the water before the pre race meeting. The water looked nice but it was cold about 55º. My hands and feet started to go numb but had to get my arms ready to swim. I had a much better warm up then at my tri last week.

Pre race meeting was lead by a pirate! Then the national anthem played, which always brings tears to my eyes. I think of what my younger brother went through during three tours of duty. It must have been so hard and that makes me want to race strong for him!

Gina grabbed a picture just before my wave, I was so nervous. Coming off a win the week before, I was hungry for another podium spot but with nearly 400 racers I really wasn't too sure of that. 

All women 39 and under lined up on the shore! I had a plan, stay on the outside and out of the chaos. It was a little longer to the first buoy but I could settle in quicker.

The swim went so well compared to every other race. After a few minutes I almost always start to panic. I look up and see all the swimmers ahead then I try to go faster instead of focusing on my pace. I will sometimes break out of freestyle to get my catch my breath. Not this time, I pushed that panic feeling out several times and just kept swimming. The field usually spreads out after the first buoy, but there were so many swimmers, it was crowed the whole time.  It was hard to see, we were swimming into the sun but I just kept the big orange buoy in site the best I could. I swam until my hands touched the bottom so I didn't have to run in waste deep water like others were.

Steve and Gina had me 20th out of the water, not great. I looked at my watch 10:36. I felt faster but stayed in freestyle so I was relatively satisfied. I pulled my arms out and booked it to my spot. I was a little slower than normal, the cold water really took a toll on me. As I stepped out of my wetsuit I was grinding all the sand into it and it made me cringe a little, but it did wipe most of the sand off my feet! I pulled on my bike shoes, helmet and glasses I was out in 1:08.

It took about 10 mins for my quads to warm up, they felt so constricted. I couldn't go as fast as I wanted. I started my game: see a bike, reel it in and pass. I saw a bright pink t shirt and passed her. She was strong and I underestimated her because of her equipment. No aero bars or race suit. I really need to stop making those judgements! She passed me on the first hill, we passed more racers. She stood up I stayed seated and spun. I was able to pick up a few more gears as we crested the hill and I passed her. She got me on the next hill along with another girl who had a tri bike with aero bars. Same thing they stood up and passed me but I got them at the top. We descended and I took off. As we picked off more and more riders we played leap frog. It was awesome! That doesn't happen to me very often and it was fun to try to catch them and vis versa. One more steep hill, still I stayed seated they stood up and passed me.  I caught them at the top and stayed with them. We raced so hard back to the trans area. I was slightly behind them and wanted to beat them out of T2.

T2 starts when you dismount your bike and finishes when you run out of the trans area and counts towards your overall time. I got off my bike, ran it to my spot, took off my helmet, changed my bike shoes to running shoes, racked my bike, grabbed my race belt and ran out total time: 36 seconds!!

I focused on high turnover on the run and got back to my game see runner, pass runner. I was really pushing it and almost got sick. I tried looking at my watch to see what my run time was as I passed the mile markers but my math isn't that great to begin with- doing it while racing was impossible. Next race I think I'll restart my watch for the run so I can pace much better. I caught up to a guy in my age group who didn't seem to be running that fast. I got near him, he heard my breathing and picked up the pace. I tried staying with him hoping to pass him but I couldn't. It made me a little faster though. I turned the corner and the crowd was wild which somehow makes you find a little bit more and I sprinted to the finish.

I stopped my watch at 1:14:58 hoping it was podium worthy. I was so spent I knew I really pushed it and it felt awesome. Each race I am able to dig a little deeper. I found Gina and Steve, they counted me as second female. I couldn't quite accept that because I knew women 40+ started in the wave after me and they are super competitive. I started tearing up as I hugged Gina and Steve. We checked the results which unofficially showed me as second female! We walked the shore and I drank my recovery mix and talked about how I felt. We had some time before awards so we went back to the campsite and I dropped all my stuff off and changed.

The awards started promptly upon our return without much warning. I could tell the timing company wanted to leave. The podium was in the back of the tent and wasn't great for spectating or for pictures.  It sure was rushed. All winners received a pirate hat and I got $50 to Maine Running Company! I was so excited to be on the podium again! They continued with age groups. I knew I was first but wasn't sure if they'd recognize me again. They didn't, second place in my age group was recognized as first with a finish time of 1:23, eight minutes slower than me. I remember just a few summers ago finishing with that time wondering how the winners raced that fast. Now I'm in that spot and it feels pretty cool! I'm torn with the decision to award this way. It's awesome they don't let winners double dip but when you look at results I was first in my age group, I earned it. However I've been on the other side where I was second in my age group but was awarded first and I felt funny.

As I was waiting for a massge and man came up to me and said"I've heard so much about you and am so exicted to meet you" It was Jim Soroka a local triathlete who has raced in the Kona World Championships - 2.4 mile swim 112 mile bike and 26.2 run- amazing! We chatted and made plans to train together. Another local triathlete from Madison, Christian Carlson met up with us. We all placed in our age group!

Gina headed back to the campsite while we were chatting and made lunch! It was so nice to come back and unwind with her and Steve. Having someone doing the little things for me is so helpful thank you so much Gina, you make racing fun and relaxing!

I never wear nail polish except for race day, bright green with words of encouragement. 

We packed up the car and started home, first stop ICE CREAM then a nap. Again I can't thank Gina enough for driving to my races, I can zone out on the way home.

I finished 2nd out of 188 females and 32 of a total 365 triathletes! 
Link to results

As I cross races off my schedule I'm reminded of how close London is and I don't want it to come. After Sept 13 I may not have goal to train for and won't be asked: when is London? How's training? Are you getting excited? When is your next race? Don't get me wrong I can't wait for it to come but not knowing what is after, is on my mind. I know I can qualify for Worlds again but I can't afford to do it in the near future. Yes I can raise money, but training, working full time and part time with Team Skidmore duties this summer is almost overwhelming, plus I have no time for friends.

But I love racing so much, it's me.

Next event Sunday, June 16th Team Skidmore 5k Fun Run/Walk or Bike at Great Glen Trails click here for details. Tell everyone you know, it's an easy 3 miles and perfect reason to get Dad and the family out for some exercise!

Next race Nashua Tri June 23!

Don't forget you can subscribe to my Blog (at the top right) and get email when I post!

I won my first Triathlon of the season!

Running through the finish line knowing I had pretty much left all of it out there felt amazing but not the amazing most can associate with. Amazing that I’m learning to mentally push myself physically. It’s a new and exciting level of training.

The alarm went off at 3:12 am. Bedtime is usually 9pm before a race, but the clock read 11:20pm as I closed my eyes. Libby’s Bistro hosted a fundraiser dinner for Team Skidmore the night before so I was there a little later than I wanted but had a great time with friends.

I have a really hard time eating on race morning even more so when it’s super early. It was a 2.5 hour drive to the town of Bath, Me and packet pickup was between 6:30 and 7:30. I usually don’t eat out the night before a race but I had no choice. The food was incredible but I wasn’t digesting it well. I had also eaten out a few times during the week. I haven't had time to go food shopping but I made good choices at the restaurants I did go to. Gina and I departed at 4:15 it was still dark. I did manage to get half a bagel down and a banana but knew I needed more. My stomach was gurgling all the way there, the sunrise was beautiful though!

We had stopped a few times to use the bathroom. We didn’t pack a breakfast and planned on stopping somewhere. That somewhere was McDonald’s yup..McDonalds. I didn’t want to eat at a new place and I’ve had McD’s breakfast sandwiches before so I knew I was safe. Plus there were no diners open that early. Egg sausage and cheese it was good. Didn’t settle my stomach but at least there was food in it.  Due to the wave assignments I still had two hours to my start time. We arrived at the Bath YMCA and straight to the bathroom I went.

I checked in and got my race packet which almost always consists of race number for the run, race number for the bike, a timing chip worn around the ankle, a swim cap color coordinated to your wave assignment, some coupons and gels. I opened mine and found the two race numbers and a coupon. I always have an extra swim cap in my race bag but used it last week and never put it back, apparently I didn’t learn as a child to always but things back.  I asked about the timing chip and they weren’t using them. I was a little concerned since the race was sanctioned by the USA Triathlon association. I wondered how they would get the splits including T1 and T2. There are several mats that read the electronic timing chip. One after the swim, another as you go out on the bike, one coming in on the bike, one leaving the transition area on the run and one at the finish. This way swim time, T1, bike time, T2 and run time are all recorded. After looking at the results it seems they added the T1 to the bike and T2 to the run, I'm really not sure about that.

The swim portion was in the pool so I was worried about having to count my laps 10 ½ or 21 lengths.

I hit the bathroom again and went for a quick ride. The pool and the transition area closed at 7:30 and my wave wasn’t starting until 8:45. All other tris I’ve done are in open water and the wave times are just a few minutes apart. After my spin with power accelerations I checked in, got inked, and set up my transition area.

 The racks were pretty full but I made do. 

As Gina and I listened to the pre race meeting, I checked out the competition. Most seemed pretty relaxed and looked like they weren’t super competitive. But I’ve learned you can’t judge by suits or personality. The race director went over the rules, the run and bike courses and then the teens started at 8am. 

I went back and forth from the spectator area to the bathroom a few more times. I still had 30 minutes to start. I knew I need to run but didn’t want to stray too far from the bathroom and I didn’t bring an extra pair of running shoes. I forced my somewhat functioning body ready to race. I borrowed Gina’s sneakers two sizes to small and took off. It was very hot and humid, I really don’t do well in the heat and felt pretty crummy but I knew I had to do this, plus Gina made me. It was a good thing because the elastic in my hair was stretched out and wasn’t  holding my hair well. I returned and found another elastic. It's funny how things play out. Back to the bathroom and then to the pool.

It was pretty confusing, there were still swimmers in the water and I couldn’t tell if they were racing or warming up. You’d think one could differentiate between race pace and warm up but there were many beginners in this race.  I hung out on the deck, I hesitated asking the volunteers because they were counting laps. 

Yup there I am not knowing whats going on, thanks Gina for capturing my finest moment!

I finally asked what lane I was in and was told “any lane you want, some lanes have two swimmers and some have one.” The swimmers that were in the water were warming up! Well, glad they made that apparent in the race meeting. I got in and heard “30 seconds to start”, awesome, no warm up. I was so nervous I didn’t want to loose count and there were so many people watching. I especially didn’t want to be the last out of the pool in my wave. The kid next to me said good luck and I responded with the same I could tell he was a strong swimmer. The whistle blew and I swam pretty hard but after a few laps I just couldn’t get there mentally and wasn’t swimming fast. It was a huge disappointment because I’ve worked so hard on my swim since August. I swam a 9:48 and was the last out of the pool. 

That's me in the closest lane in last place in the wave

With the help of Steve and Maury, I seeded myself in the 8:00 minute wave. It was so frustrating but I just put it behind me and ran like heck to my bike, my specialty. 

Got on and instantly felt fast. Steve wanted me to cover up my computer so I’d be racing by feel not constantly studying the numbers which I’ve also done since August. Well I forgot the tape but I really only looked at it twice over the 10 miles. I did what I could to reel in and pass riders, some in my wave some in the previous wave.  Steve’s last words to me were “absolutely hammer it on the bike and pick up the pieces in the run”  I was on the line of suffering the whole time but knew I’ve have the data and Steve to answer to if I wasn’t.  The road surface was pretty rough which makes it really hard to stay focused and in the zone. I kept my cadence high and passed a few riders and was not passed by any from the wave behind me. That’s always a confidence booster! The roads stay open to car traffic so all rules apply but there are cops and volunteers stopping traffic so that helps. It’s still confusing at times. I got pretty turned around and didn’t realize how close I was to returning back to the transition area, like I said I only looked at my computer twice and didn’t scroll to the next screen to see mileage. I popped off my bike and ran in to T2. I raced 10 miles in 32:21 fifth overall and may or may not include T1 or T2. 

Depending on the terrain of  the transition area I slip out of my shoes while still on the bike. It’s much easier to run barefoot than with cleats. Picture running with reversed heeled shoes, really funny and awkward since your legs are spent. 

Ripped off my helmet and bike shoes pulled on my running shoes and grabbed my race belt. The key to a fast T2 is the race belt -it holds your run number so your not wearing it the whole race. I was in and out of T2 and on my way. 

It was hot out about 85 or 90F and I ran with a fast turn over quickly reeling other racers in. I saw another female who was part of a Tri club and knew she started in my wave so I had to catch her. She passed one of her teammates and they slapped hands. “Aww how cute” I said in my head with a scowl on my face. I get jealous of the camaraderie that comes racing with a club. The closest tri club to me is two hours away. I try to funnel that into going harder knowing I’m representing myself.  I didn’t want to pass her too soon because I didn’t know what she had left. Luckily I could watch her pace for quite awhile on the straight away. After a few minutes I realized I had her. I passed her at the half way point and never heard her again. The run seemed to go on forever, there were no mile markers. I passed a few more and one guy yelled “you’re an animal!” as I looked over to him I barely gasped “come on let's go a little faster we’re almost there” I rarely communicate with other racers but I feel incredible when someone faster than me encourages me. I’m working on returning that favor. Yes I’m racing hard and in the zone but my positive comments may entice a first time competitor to race again. I pushed it harder through the finish shoot and stopped my watch at 1:02:30. 

I was so spent but thrilled that I pushed myself into the suffer zone. I ran the 3 miles in 20:29 which again I think included the T2 time. I was third fastest runner overall!

I caught my breath grabbed some water and checked the results. NO WAY! I was the second to finish and first female?! I held the excitement in because they were unofficial and not all athletes had finished. Gina recorded all my splits and was very happy but said did you forget how to swim? I’d like to erase it but racing is all about gaining experience and dealing with the unforeseen events on race morning. We walked to the car to get my recovery drink and found some shade to elevate and stretch my legs.

We looked at the results again and I had dropped down to 4^th overall but I was still the 1st female, it was starting to sink in a little and it brought a sly smirk to my face. A few more racers finished and I cheered them in. I looked up the race number on the girl I passed and she finished one minute behind me. She was second female. She swam a 7:50, thank god I can ride and run but it still means I’ve got a lot of work to do.

We gathered in the gym for awards. The race director thanked all who raced and acknowledged the sponsors. They awarded the teens and went right into overall winners. I started getting butterflies I really don’t like being the center of attention but I earned it! Most races recognize the top three overall and top three for all age groups. Today they only went two deep. Hearing my name as overall winner was so awesome!! It’s the first race I’ve won I was hoping for a podium so I could shake hands with the second and third place finishers,  be up there in front of the crowd with others and of course get that podium photo. But that didn’t happen, oh well.

Gina got one shot of me and we hit the road. 

I was the fastest female to complete the course that day! It won’t set in for a while. As we drove away I looked at my legs and slapped them a few times “great job today girls!” Then I told my arms they sucked, we both laughed hysterically.

What a great start to my tri season! I’ve got five days until my next tri. I'm excited and nervous but this one is an open water swim and won't be as hectic, I hope!

2013 Y-Tri Triathlon Overall 1st Place!

It's the coldest day in weeks, of course today is the first official open water swim!

So the beginning of May has been wicked nice and warm; nothing but sunshine, flowers, birds, everything Springy you can think of. We were still having classes in the Aquatic Center until last Monday.  Maury made the announcement we'd be moving to open water in a week. EEEK! A few had already made the plunge and reported it wasn't that bad, well someone elses "wasn't that bad" is never the same as your own "wasn't that bad."

As Monday got closer the temps began to fall. I don't do well when it's cooler and I get cold very easy. I have a wetsuit for the times it's a little chilly but no booties, gloves or thermal cap, those are for the crazies-Maury and Nelle. Then it rained for a few days and the temps dropped some more. I really wasn't looking forward to getting in any body of water, especially at 6am!!

Monday morning came and although it was nice not to get up at 4am, it was still cold out. I didn't dare look at the temp. I knew others would be swimming so I couldn't skip out. I was so temped not to set my alarm but then I'd feel guilty ALL day.  So I gathered my stuff and clothes for running after, I knew that would help warm me up. We all arrived at the same time, except for Steve, he always starts his swims at 5:30am.

To add to the nippy temps it was windy, just my luck. We walked down to the water and I'm pretty sure it got colder! Nelle brought me some booties and gloves to wear and Leah let me borrow that special cap. I put it all on and felt like Randy from A Christmas Story, the one stuffed into his winter suit and "can't get up!"  I glanced up as Maury casually walked into the water with just his swim shorts on, see I told you he was crazy. Leah and Steve were waiting for me, they better get used to that.

Everyone started swimming and I didn't want to be left behind. Maury and Nelle were already half way across the lake! I took a deep breath and walked in. Didn't feel much with the booties on but once I got up to my waist it started leaking in my back. Pretty sure I let out a few squeaks! Once I was in I was ok, really it "wasn't that bad" I swam for 30 mins.

Now it was time to exit. The air was colder than the water but the water wasn't warm. So you get stuck in the cycle of getting up, getting cold, ducking back under. It can be endless really. But you have to overcome it and power through it! All the while I'm picturing the nice warm pool a few miles away.

I had all my stuff ready to run but I left my sneakers and socks in the car, thought it would be easier to change up there. The car was about a three minute walk up a gradual hill. That's not that far, right? I started the quick drying process so my sweats wouldn't be wet when I ran. By the time I wiped one leg, the feeling in my hands started disappearing. I moved quicker.  I got dressed and tried putting my wetsuit in the special wetsuit compartment of my triathlon specific pack. By now I couldn't work the zipper. I bet Maury was laughing inside. My teeth started chattering and my knees vibrated like a sewing machine. This is the beginning stage of hypothermia, (I know this, I was just certified in Wilderness First Aid and because it's common sense). I did my best to close my bag, grabbed my wetsuit and told Maury (who was taking his time like it was 65º out), I'd see him Wednesday (yeah right). I was wearing Crocs with no socks and my hands didn't want to touch the cold wetsuit. As I walked quickly to the car my posture started sinking as I was trying to keep myself warm. I probably looked like a chicken, hiking my feet up high, pressing my upper body towards the ground. My feet hurt so bad, but if I stopped I'd be further away from my socks. I arrived at the car and wiped my feet with a towel and tried getting socks on my damp feet, just about impossible- my hands were of no use, they simply weren't working. Steve was in the exact same boat as me. We were laughing and chattering at the same time. It probably took us 10 minutes to get our socks on! We ran for 15 minutes and kept announcing when we could feel certain parts of our feet. It was quite comical. We finished and Steve still couldn't feel his toes. Mine were that burning sensation you get in winter. Hopped in the car and cranked the heat. I'm sure Steve did the same.

I was cold for most of the day. I couldn't wait to hear what my evening workout would be, I was hoping for "just relax in the hot tub tonight Meg, you've had a pretty chilly morning". Steve emailed me at 10am. This afternoon we'll do a training tri he wrote. My jaw dropped, I've got to get back in that water?!! He's nuts!

So we did, but this time I brought my socks. The sun was out so I was thankful. I borrowed Steve's sockies. They don't go as high as booties so I knew the water would get in. But I took what I could get.

The water was the same and it wasn't windy....great. As I babied my way in the water wincing like a little kid, Steve smiled and took off. He didn't wait.

I chased him across that lake and back. Transitioned at the beach and ran to the car. We started the bike and my quads turned to ice blocks. I don't ever take my tri suit off, I just layer up over it and I'm usually fine but I'm not usually swimming when its 50º out! I couldn't pedal like I needed to. Again Steve didn't wait. Towards the end my toes went numb...awesome. We transitioned to the run together. Eventually I could feel my toes and my quads thawed out after the burning phase. I ran with a purpose and felt strong. Steve finished a few minutes behind me. I realized this might be his first triathlon. I had to get a picture of him finishing. That smile tells me he's ready for a real race!

It was his first, I was so excited to be there with him! We layered up and grabbed a quick picture.

It was a good evening, although I had been dreading it since 10am!

This doesn't make it any easier for Wednesday morning, but I will set my alarm and I will get in the water and Steve won't wait.

A Weekend of Racing

So it’s the end of the week and I’m just now getting the chance to write about last weekend. I’ve got a 4 hour ride to VT for a friend’s graduation and if I don’t get carsick I’ll be able to finish.

Last Saturday we had the first Team Skidmore fundraising event-the Hill Thrill 5k! Hill Thrill started a long time ago when my friends Regina and Tami moved north from Boston to Randolph, New Hampshire. They live up on Randolph Hill Rd and the view is breath taking.

They wanted their friends from Massachusetts to enjoy the view, the fresh mountain air, play games, camp in the yard and have a nice relaxing weekend. This has continued almost every year for 12 years! If there is a special event happening they recognize it at Hill Thrill; graduation, big birthday, someone racing in the World Triathlon Championships, etc. There are many hiking trails in Randolph and we designed a 3 mile loop starting right in their yard and named it the Team Skidmore 5k! We made race numbers, had an official registration, official time keepers-Jean & Laura, a course marshal- Mr. Ed Good, photographer-Felicia and an event director-Gina.

Last year at the start of Tami’s 50^th 5k it snowed an inch over night and was 27º, this year it was a beautiful, cool, sunny morning- perfect for running. This is a fun run but when some of us slap on a number, it’s an all out race! We gathered at the start where Gina held the pre race meeting.

She explained the course, and announced there were prizes for the top three runners and walkers, I decided that I wouldn’t count. She told us there was a big bucket of goodies out on course and we had to come back wearing one or two of those items. Gina counted down and Jean blew the whistle and we were off- down the back of the yard and into the woods. Many of us had run or walked last year so we knew the course. I knew I had to push it right off because ¾ of a mile in there was a pretty steady hill. At the top of that hill Gina had made a life size Meg sitting on a bike for some encouragement, it came out great!

The course gradually climbed up the end of Randolph Hill Rd and as we turned into Carlton Notch Cutoff the big blue bucket was waiting, I grabbed a lei and a party hat and climbed the next hill. At the next trail junction we began the long 1.5 mile descent down the Jimtown logging road.  I very rarely look back when I’m racing and I didn’t until the next junction onto Icy Gulch and thats when I saw Eli. I was surprised, I know he runs but I’ve never raced with him, he was running a great pace. I stepped it up as we climbed the ½ mile (including a river crossing!) until we were back on the only flat section of Randolph Hill Road. I looked again as I made the turn and caught a glimpse of Eli again. There was about ¼ mile to the finish. I knew he wanted to catch me so I gave it all I had. I crossed the finish line in 24:59! I was super pumped with that time, Eli was just about a minute behind me and I cheered him in. I should have elevated my legs and stretched but I wanted to see the finishers so Eli and I went back out on the street. Felicia got some great finishing shots.

After the race Gina and Tami had an amazing breakfast buffet; eggs, sausage, 3 types of yogurt, granola, juice, coffee, bagels, an assortment of muffins, fresh fruit salad, Sue made banana and berry bread, and Laura brought more muffins- all this at no charge. The sun was still shining and the post race chatter had me feeling pretty good that we had all exercised and were outside in the mountains. Next up- awards! The prizes were all made in Randolph. The top three finishers had a choice between a handmade handbag by Laura Brockett; homemade jam from Susan or a ½ gallon of syrup tapped and bottled a few days prior by Gina’s neighbor. 

Most folks left after breakfast and the awards but the rest of us rallied for an intense game of old fashion kickball! Team 2 was winning 7-0 but Team 1 came back and tied it up. Some great catches were made, Eli off the apple tree, Troy the 7, almost 8 year old pitcher caught a line drive, after several tries to hit the runner, Ben finally nailed Gina, she was safe but bruised. After we all thought the game was over Gina had a proposition for Ben-if he could score one run all by himself his team would win the game. Of course he agreed! The pitch was slow and rolled right over the plate. With a running start he booted it!

It flew over the motor home and into the next yard-Ben was a hero! 

The rest of the day was filled with reading, more games, tons of food and friendship. We had a potluck dinner under the tent and then I had to head home to rest up for my first race in the Maine Time Trial Series, three hours away in Camden, Maine. Team Skidmore sold over 20 t-shirts about 50 raffle tickets and 24 participated in the 5k at $10 each. It was a great start to a summer of fundrasing for Team Skidmore

The alarm sounded at 4am, I awoke excited to race! Steve was arriving at my house at 5am for our long drive to the coast. I double-checked my bag to be sure I didn’t forget any race gear and we packed the car. Two bikes, four extra race wheels, two aero helmets, gear box, pump and snacks. Steve navigated and we talked about lots of stuff, mostly racing of course!

The race began at 9am and we arrived at 8:15. I had registered online and checked in. I discovered that the earlier you registered the closer to the front you start. Time trials are bike races with individual starts about 30 seconds apart. I was starting 6^th, and wasn't excited at all, especially seeing the super nice bikes in the parking lot. I said to Steve "Oh man I’m going to get passed by so many guys!” “Get that out of your head right now, race your race and worry about passing those ahead of you.” He replied with a stern look on his face. Yeah... Ok I thought. We pinned each other’s numbers on and Steve shooed me out for my warm up. I thought we'd do that together but he had just registered and was starting 20 minutes after me. I knew what I had to do and couldn’t decide on wearing a jersey over my sleeveless tri suit or just go with arm warmers. I warmed up with a jersey and wasn’t that cold. I was starting at 2:30, 2 minutes and 30 seconds after 9. When I checked in I was told not to be late. I finished my warm up with just under 10 minutes to start. I still debated on wearing a jersey I felt a little funny because everyone else was wearing one. I was number 6, 6^th to start. I lined up and checked my Power Tap computer, it was flashing. It wasn’t reading the computer in my hub. I’ve trained looking at numbers since August. I tried everything and was frantically looking for Steve to finish his warm up to help me. He wasn’t back yet. They started the first racer and I still had flashing dots. Earlier in the week I had broken the mount for my other computer and forgot to glue it back on. A few minutes to start and there was nothing I could do. I was so worried about it I didn’t even think to set my stopwatch to see my time. Racer ready…  3 2 1 go. I was off and 20 seconds in of course I see Steve just coming back in from his warmup. I had no data to go by so I had to refocus and race on just how I felt. We had driven in on the course so I knew what to expect. Steve had raced the course before so he gave me some pointers. It wasn’t a technical course, straight out and back but all rolling hills. I needed to make sure the transitions were super smooth. Riding into the hill, up the hill and cresting the hill shifting with precision and keeping my cadence near 100. When you don’t have the computer telling you it gets pretty tricky. I had one goal, not to get passed by too many others before the half way turn around. I passed two guys and two passed me so I felt pretty good! On the way back I was feeling solid, I still had more left so I pushed it a bit more. One more guy passed me and I couldn’t stay with him, but trying hard cut a few seconds off! I was almost done and I knew there was one more hill but I couldn’t remember how long it was or how far away I was from it. Looking back on it I should have blocked out the hill and just tried harder. I finished but I had no idea how long it took me; I turned around to spin for my cool down. I spun for about ten minutes and saw Steve; I waited for him and joined him for his cool down. We discussed our tactics and how we felt. Steve hasn’t been riding much but said he had a great race. We returned just in time for the awards. I mixed my recovery drink, shared my oatmeal raisin cookies with Steve and we joined the group anxiously waiting for results. The fastest time was 33:47 that’s just over 2 minutes per mile! They awarded the top three male and female and I was super surprised when they called my name for second female with a time of 43:26 just over 2 minutes behind the first place female and over three minute ahead of 3^rd place. I was 23^rd out of 44! Not too bad for my first TT. Steve raced in 40:42 placing 5^th in his age group and 11^th overall! It was a super day and made for a good ride home.

We packed the car and stretched a little more. Steve ate some fruit salad and his recovery drink while I called Gina, she was so proud of me! 

The sun was still shining and the air was warm. I was in a good place both physically and mentally!

Team Skidmore T-Shirts and a Late Workout

I spent an afternoon helping Nate at Corrigan Screen Printing and Awards make Team Skidmore t-shirts!! It was so cool to see how the logo makes it onto the shirt. Disclaimer: all details from here on out may be a little off, I didn't take notes! First the image is burned via UV light onto a screen that is held in place by a frame.

After 5-6 minutes depending on the size of the image the screen is removed from the light. Chemicals are then sprayed on it and the reaction with water helps leave a "negative" of the image on the screen. It's sprayed a few times to remove the rest, then it has to dry. This entire process can take up to 5 hours.

Next the screen is placed in a special holder and then lowered down on a small platform.

Every screen is tested before it goes into production in case there is a pin hole or an imperfection. The ink is like goop and never really dries, so if need be it can be left in the framed screen for a few days.

The ink is pressed onto the shirt with a giant squeegee using moderate hand pressure.

If there are multiple colors, individual screens need to be made and the shirt goes under each color separately. If it's white ink on a black shirt it needs to be screened twice so it stands out. After the image is hand pressed onto the shirt, the shirt goes on a conveyor belt through a heated dryer. Then the image on the front goes through the same process with a little more attention to alignment. Nate did 70 shirts front and back in under one hour! And he was distracted explaining the process to me, letting me try and being asked questions from his secretary about other orders and business.

Thanks for letting me help Nate!

I didn't get home until 6:30 and was frustrated since my workout was going to start late. But things happen and I just told myself to relax and roll with it. Workout for the day: 12.4 mile TT (time trial) with 15 min warm up with 3 x 3 PI's (power intervals) with 5 min recovery in between with a 15 min ride home as my warm down=total time 1:20. I had to eat enough that would get me through my workout but that meant my workout would start even later. I made a quick pb and nutella sandwich, took a gel, changed quick and headed out the door. I had to go all out for 12.4 miles after warming up with PI's (power intervals) 3 minutes super hard to get my body primed for the hard effort ahead. I did this same workout last week and completed the course in just over 35 mins. I didn't feel super great so totally wasn't feeling it. I went for it anyways and pushed through! Had to stop a few times for traffic but I beat last weeks time by a whole minute! Spun home and arrived at 8:15pm. In order to be fresh for my next work out the recovery process is vital and takes about 20 mins. I lay on the floor and put my legs straight up for 5 minutes, this helps reduce lactic acid build up. It's what makes your muscles sore the next day, well more specifically, the hydrogen ion in the lactic acid.  After my legs have almost gone tingly, I mix my recovery drink and start the stretching process which is also very important! After that I have to upload the data from my bike's Power Tap to a program on my computer. This is where my coach and I can analyze it. It also simultaneously uploads the data to my online training log-Training Peaks. After that I go in and log exactly the details of what I did and add how I felt during the workout. Because I'm using the free version of Training Peaks I cannot add future workouts. Steve emails me a seven day training schedule but I cannot pre load it in T.P., but if I were to buy the next level of TP I could do this and my post workout routine would be much quicker.

As a result of posting Team Skidmore t-shirts on Facebook my friends were all asking for them. I had to take some time to answer their questions. After chatting for a while, the clock read 9:30pm and I still had to make dinner. If I wasn't training I would just pour a bowl of cereal and hit the hay. That's not nearly enough for me so I needed to cook something healthy. I made hamburg with rice and stewed tomatoes. It was so good! Had a few Team Skidmore things to finish and climbed in bed at 10:45. Way to late considering I had to be up at 4:15 for an hour of swim training followed by a full day at work and a 1 hour road ride and a 30 minute run after work. It was a long day!

Travel Time! NH, ME, NH, CT, NH

It's almost that time of the year to ween ourselves out of the pool and into the near bone chilling waters of northern New Hampshire. To survive the early morning swims a wetsuit is a must! Jess, Leah and I had been planning a trip to Portland ME to try on wetsuits and I needed new running shoes. Wetsuit shopping, now how fun does that sound? Squeezing yourself into a dry neoprene body suit that feels three sizes too small! It's better then trying to buy online and not getting the right fit. Turned out Leah couldn't make the trip so Jess, Steve and I drove over last Sunday. We arrived at the Aqua Diving Academy where they sell an array of wetsuits, to a Closed on Sunday sign on the door. We were pretty disappointed. I had almost called to check the hours but forgot. So now we were on a mission to find another shop. I looked it up on my smartphone and found one located on Cottage St. I navigated while Jess drove. We drive away from the ocean and end up in a residential area, we all laughed so hard and knew the day was turning into an adventure. The correct address was Cottage Ave and was 15 minutes in the other direction, whoops! Steve knew about Gorham Bike and Ski but wasn't sure of the location, both of our phones had very low battery. We stopped at EMS to ask for directions and along the way introduced Jess to Trader Joe's!!


We found Gorham Bike and Ski with no issues! They sell BlueSeventy and Nineteen wetsuits in two options, a beginner model and a performance model. A beginner suit has a thicker neoprene in certain areas to help with buoyancy while  performance suits usually mix neoprene with lyrca or other materials. They are not as thick and cater to stronger swimmers. Jess and I tried on both and fell in love with the Nineteen performance suit. Although I have a wetsuit, it's just a tad to big and is the thickest USAT sanctioned races allow, 5mm. We did not purchase the "Cadillac" it was $600. We'd like to try on more styles and hope for a price that's easier on the wallet.

We grabbed a great lunch and walked over to Maine Running Company. They specialize in finding the right shoe for your foot and have a personalized fitting process. I figure if I was going to spend a decent amount of money on shoes I wanted them to fit perfectly.

As we approached the store we noticed the lights were off, we immediately thought they were closed. I had called earlier in the week and knew they were open on Sundays. The sign on the door told us they had moved, just our luck! Turns out they were two blocks away from back where we started near EMS.

After having my gait and feet analyzed, the sales women brought out a few pairs to get me started. I tried on about ten pair of shoes and then narrowed it down. I decided on the Asics Gel Nimbus and wore them around while Jess had her turn at analyzing. I wanted to make sure they were the ones!

It was a fun day!

The next day was my moms birthday. I had planned a surprise visit home (CT) and a surprise birthday party for her. It was an early morning with swim class at 5am and a few tasks I had to do for work then I was on my way. I called my mom on the way home and she asked how the weather was in NH so of course I had to lie, I was already in CT! I arrived at my grandmothers to 70º and sunshine. My afternoon workout was an hour and a half ride. It would be my first outdoor ride of the season. I didn't want it to end!

Plans changed and my brother Austin wanted to have a cookout at his house instead of eating at a local restaurant. Fine by me! We notified everyone and decorated the house. I was worried mom would see all the cars and know something was up but there are always cars at my brothers house. I drove my grandparents in their car so my car wouldn't be in the driveway. We watched her walk across the yard, she had no clue what was on the other side of the door! I hid behind the door as she walked in to SURPRISE!! She loved it and shed a few tears. We hung out on the back deck and played on the rope swing, even Gramma took a turn!

I had some quality time with my niece Cheyanne too!

I spent the night at Gramma's and Gene's new place, Maple Courts! There is so much going on there, arts & crafts, one free meal a day, people everywhere, even wii bowling. Gramma is very social so it's a great fit for her. Their apartment is bigger than the last and has much more storage.

The next day was my first track workout of the season and the Ellis Tech High School track is right across the street. After a warm up I had to
*Run 2 laps at 8:00 pace (440 in 2:00, each 110 in 30 sec) (target time 4:00).
HR:161 TIME:4:01
*Run 2 laps at 7:20 pace (440 in 1:50, each 110 in 27.5 sec) (target time 3:40).
HR: 164 TIME: 3:56
*Run 2 laps at 6:50 pace (440 in 1:42.5, each 110 in ~25.5 sec) (target time 3:25).
HR: 174 TIME: 3:31
*Run 2 laps at 6:00 pace (440 in 1:30, each 110 in ~22.5 sec) (target time 3:00).
HR: 178 TIME: 3:04
It was a challenge to do the math while running. Next time I'll have to figure out what the clock should say for each quarter (110) instead of trying to add the right seconds to each quarter. It was interesting to check my pace for each lap.

For the afternoon, another ride! It was great to be outside with no layers.

That evening mom wanted to go kayaking! It was so nice out it felt like summer.

The next morning Austin made me an awesome breakfast, I hung out with my friend Heather, saw mom at work and was about to head home. I had an afternoon workout which would have been on the trainer. It was still pretty nice out so I decided to delay my trip home and ride outside.  Had a quick lunch with my step dad, Mike, and then had to leave the nice spring weather behind, and it snowing/sleeting as I write this!