The first Sunday in June, I returned to Newfound Lake, NH for the Mooseman 1/2 iron distance triathlon. Ironman has purchased the event, and turned it into something quite different from the race I loved so much... Not much moose, but a lot of Ironman 70.3 EVERYWHERE. The bike course was changed as well, and was much more challenging than the old one. The new much steeper course coupled with chilly temps and LOTS of rain, made for a tough day. I got out of the race exactly what I had put into it, which resulted in hypothermia, dehydration, and the inspiration to train harder and smarter. A reality check of sorts. The best part of the experience was my surprise support crew consisting of Lisa, Jack, and Harrison.... swimming in the hotel pool as we arrived Saturday night. Lisa trekked across the NorthEast with my God sons, knowing there were heavy showers in the forecast all day for the race... she packed rainboots, raincoats, & lots of activities for the little guys... And MAN, were they adorable at the finish line, sloshing in mud, and puddles, and ginormous mud puddles.... Lisa never ceases to amaze me.
Since the race, I have done several longer rides, 3 of which were on part of the IMLP course. I haven't spent much time in the water, and I've done most of the running workouts prescribed by Coach Krista. My most excellent little sister Melissa has watched my children during 2 of the longer rides in LP, in one case driving 6 hours and spending the night at my house so I could get a super early start. Without her, I would not have been able to get those rides in at all.
My friend Karen Williams kayaked with me in Lake Ontario for an open water training swim, and has offered to do so again on many occasions, but the time just doesn't seem to workout... I'm hoping she'll continue to offer, as I need to get my buns in the water....
Ironman has joined forces with PowerBar, and created a new beverage which will be offered on course this year. The good news: IM sent every athlete registered for IMLP a free case. The bad news: they sent it so late in the season, that I haven't gotten used to it yet... The old Endurance formula Gatorade mixed and diluted with other stuff worked great for me in past years, and unfortunately the new stuff is giving me some gastro issues. Race day hydration for me has yet to be determined....
Scott and my kids continue to be supportive and understanding re: this training thing. Trying to juggle everyone's needs and commitments has been very challenging and demanding, resulting in skipped workouts 30% of the time. 5 a.m. long runs and rides seem to work best from a family stand point, as I am able to make it home before everyone is awake in some cases. The down side is that I run out of steam around 8pm. But I love all of it. Most of the time.
I drove to LP at 8 pm Wednesday night for my last long ride, which was Thursday morning. Temperatures were already in the mid 70s at 5:50 when I headed out. 37 miles into the 90 mile day, I hit something metal on the shoulder of the road, and gashed my tire. It took me roughly 40 minutes to wrestle the tire off, insert the new tube, and get the tire back on with a dollar bill lining the inner rubber as a makeshift patch. I phoned Placid Planet to let then know I was on my way, and headed back from Wilmington to LP. After 35 minutes there, I felt better about having struggled so with the flat repair. Apparently some of the 650 wheels are more difficult to work with than my old 700s. They too struggled to muscle the old tire off, and the new one on. At this point, I had another partial loop to do, roughly 45 miles. It was 12:04pm, half an our later than the time I would have finished the entire ride had I not blown the tire, and it was 94 degrees, full sun overhead. I felt OK, but not great for the first half of loop 2. The second half tested my mental and physical stamina like never before.... What a mental game. I felt nauseated, not thirsty, DEFINITELY not hungry, yet I had to drink lots, swallow enduralytes, and eat... while trying to see through the burning sweat constantly dripping into my eyes, maintaining forward momentum. But it's done.
As my fellow Ironman friend Jeff Kellogg says, the hay is in the barn at this point, the toughest training is behind me, and now for the taper....
Boilermaker 15K is this Sunday, and I'm looking forward to running it with my BFF Lisa Millis for the 8th consecutive year. We've done it under all conditions: a little rain, still breast feeding with a 6 mo old, 6 mos pregnant, her 6 weeks pregnant, (with what we later found out was twins), Her mom, my trainer Kim, and the list goes on. It's always a hoot to see the spectators and spectacles along the course... and this year, I'm heading there with 2 gal pals from Watertown at 4:45 a.m. Nicole and Jen B. Can't wait.
I will post again, and appreciate everyone's support and encouragement!!
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