First triathlon in the books!

I did it.  It wasn't pretty, especially the start, but now I can call myself a triathlete!

First I want to thank everyone for their support on this.  Denise has been a hero in taking take of the kids while I've spent a lot of time training.  Then my teammate during the event--Victoria Ramirez.  Tim Pollard for originating the idea, and although he didn't race, for at least going on a ride of the course with me.  Laurie Matheson for showing her support during the race.  And Lauri Kopra for helping me with my swim. 

Then of course, this was all for CJ and her family.  So thank you to Roger and Rachel and the rest of the Foundation for supporting me during this.  I'm proud to say I raised over $1500 for CJSTUF!


Here are the times for the race.

Swim: 00:08:17.5
T1: 00:01:41.1
Bike: 00:35:53.7
T2: 00:00:56.2
Run: 00:24.30.9
Total: 1:11:19.4

A full recap and breakdown to follow.

Final prep

I had my last open water practice yesterday.  It went well.  I did try just jumping straight in and swimming, and while I was sort of able to, the cold water shock is big and I had to take a breather almost immediately.  As much as it doesn't sound fun, I think I will plan on doing a little pre-race swim just to get over the cold.  Then I get to hang around damp until the race start.

I don't have any big serious work-outs this week, it's mostly about tapering and not getting rusty.  I have been suspicious about my left knee (that I notice mostly when I'm riding), so will stay away from big gears and long rides.  I think that is what did it, I jumped in too long too soon on the bike.  Going from basically 0 to 30 miles was too much.  Anyway, I'm not greatly concerned...just a little.

Which really just leaves transitions and logistics.  I practiced the former in the garage this afternoon.  Can I tell you how silly I felt donning all my race gear and taking it on and off in the garage.  Fortunately none of my neighbors witnessed it.  As far as logistics, being a one-car family has proven a downside.  I need to get there hours before the family would like to, so I'm having to arrange alternate transport.  I may have to rent a car; I'm actually hoping to try out Zipcar, but my account hasn't been approved yet (not sure what the hold up is, it's a corporate account so it may very well be my own company.)  I'm hoping it's not that my drivers license expires in 10 days--but that's a different story.  So is the cop story, but that's also for another time ;)

And how could I forget, yet another teammate has dropped out.  Tim is giving his old man knee as the excuse for leaving me high and dry.  But at least I have confirmed my friend Victoria is still in it, and our friend Laurie will be there in support.  Can you believe at one point I had almost 10 people that were going to race?  I guess that doesn't say much about my race leader skills.

Now, just to not let my nerves get the best of me.

1k

I broke the $1000 mark!  I never had an official goal, just to raise as much money as possible...but secretly I really want to raise at least a thousand dollars.  And just before the one week to go mark I hit that.  I am so thankful to everyone who helped and contributed. This really means a lot to me, and it will go a long way to help CJSTUF.  So thank you!

I'm stoked!

Second time in Aquatic Park this morning.  Again thanks to Lauri for taking me out.  I did MUCH better this time.  Really not much nervousness at all.  Still bitterly freezing cold, but I was able to actually concentrate on my stoke most of the time and my breathing, instead of just being panicked about the whole thing.  Turns out I don't need a special cold water swim cap (maybe for a long swim)--the regular caps does just fine.  Also thought I might need some better/bigger goggles (Aqua Sphere), but my regular swim goggles also were fine this time--the defogger made a big difference.  I also tried ear plugs this time--which aren't necessary in the pool, but I feel like it helped with no cold water going in my ears. 

Anyway, all around a much more positive experience.  And since that was really my last hurdle to get over...I'm totally stoke and ready for the race!  I still need to practice transitions, and figure out race logistics, but otherwise am ready to go.

I also had a really good brick workout this week.  Did a spin class with one of my race buddies Victoria, then immediately went out and ran 4 miles at an 8 minute mile pace--which is fast for me.  So that's all coming together too.  Next week is my last hard week, then a week of taper.

On the fund raising effort, I sent an email out to the parents of Lila's and Cora's school.  Thanks to the Director of Hills Plaza Marin Day Schools for allowing me to do that.  So between that and the work email last week I've had some more donations coming in.  I'm almost at 4 digits, so I'm really thrilled with that.  Again thanks to the parents and the Schwabbies for their contributions.