2008 Denver Tri for the Cure
Cherry Creek Reservoir
Date: August- 03
My "bottles" were packed with hydration and nutrition needs for the day. The items I needed for my transitions were neatly packed in my "Triathlon Backpack"... so after affixing my race number to my bike and bike helmet, I laid down for a short night's sleep.
Three thirty always comes earlier than one would expect... but this race night I felt relatively relaxed due to the numerous rehearsals I have participated in through out the summer. While the race rehearsals were great in helping me train for the distance of this Sprint Triathlon, I also learned the importance of arriving early to allow myself ample time to set up my transition and acclimate myself to the race course logistics.
I arrived at five A. M. sharp... parking with ease and grace. I topped off the air pressure in my bike tires and leisurely rode into Cherry Creek Reservoir, Denver, CO. It was still dark and the people were trickling in... the volunteers in their yellow shirts were organizing themselves in preparation for the day.
I found wave ten, and racked on the very end so I only had one bike to my right. The racks were long metal polls supported by metal horses... the bike seat rested on the poll and my towel, shoes and other gear was neatly beside the bike. I set up my transition area in a way that allows maximum efficiency... towel to one side, shoes to the other. Many set up with their towel on the bottom, but I like easy access to my towel without disturbing the placement of my cycling and running shoes. After trial and error, I felt most comfortable with this setup.
I surveyed the transition area... noting the swim start and finish, bike start and finish and run start all relative to my bike position. I had at least another hour before the transition area would be closed, so I wondered the lot looking for familiar faces... taking photos and being greeted by friends that I have seen at athletic events of the past. How wonderful it was to reunion with everyone... how wonderful to be surrounded by my "Triathlon Family".
I felt relaxed today in many ways... comfortable with the Sprint distance... comfortable in the park as I have raced in this park before... I felt prepared for the blistering sun that had yet to rise... remembering that hydration on the bike would be critical to a good run. All was in order, I was ready to face the day.
I felt a twinge of fear... reflecting on my most recent "episode" at the Boulder Peak..."What if my heart races again...."... "What will I do?" The irrational fear quickly subsided... if it races again I would stop... but for now it was normal... high ninety's as I walked the transition lot welcoming and photographing friends.
I wanted to "Warm Up" before the swim, however, metal gates lined the transition area preventing the competitors from having access to the water. Smaller competitors could squeeze through the open areas of the gate... I probably could fit, but it would be close. I opted to forgo the Warm up and not risk ripping my USAT Wetsuit. I knew that the water was relatively warm and I trusted that I would be "ready" given the four minutes before the start of our wave.
There were over three thousand competitors today... all different ages, shapes, sizes and athletic abilities! I enjoyed seeing the sea of triathletes... we grouped by swim cap color as we were corralled into the "Swim shoot". My wetsuit had been pulled on up to my waist but it was now time to put in my arms and zip up my back. Another flash of fear came through me as the suit squeezed my body... that tightness reminded me of the Boulder Peak and my racing heart. "Just relax," I thought to myself... it's going to be ok. I checked my heart rate monitor... 103... still in a good zone all considered.
Each Wave was sent out four minutes apart... the Elite Triathletes went first followed by a wave of Breast Cancer Survivors. We all awaited their arrival staring at the empty Swim Finish Shoot. Clapping for other competitors is a great way to calm ones nerves... the anxiety mounted as we were now in the "On Deck" position waiting to be signaled into the water.
Wave nine was off... and we were welcomed at the boat dock by our Triathlon Coach Dave from CWW and Celeste Callahan. "Get in... get wet"... the cold water rushed into my warm wetsuit. It wasn't too bad... not nearly as cold as it had been at the beginning of May! There was still an adjustment to the temperature... that in combination with the fact that they changed the direction of the swim. The swim would be clock wise today... I prefer to swim counter clockwise. ::: deep sigh::: Oh well, at least most of our rehearsals had us swim in this direction... I was practiced and prepared for the adventure that would unfold.
My "bottles" were packed with hydration and nutrition needs for the day. The items I needed for my transitions were neatly packed in my "Triathlon Backpack"... so after affixing my race number to my bike and bike helmet, I laid down for a short night's sleep.
Three thirty always comes earlier than one would expect... but this race night I felt relatively relaxed due to the numerous rehearsals I have participated in through out the summer. While the race rehearsals were great in helping me train for the distance of this Sprint Triathlon, I also learned the importance of arriving early to allow myself ample time to set up my transition and acclimate myself to the race course logistics.
I arrived at five A. M. sharp... parking with ease and grace. I topped off the air pressure in my bike tires and leisurely rode into Cherry Creek Reservoir, Denver, CO. It was still dark and the people were trickling in... the volunteers in their yellow shirts were organizing themselves in preparation for the day.
I found wave ten, and racked on the very end so I only had one bike to my right. The racks were long metal polls supported by metal horses... the bike seat rested on the poll and my towel, shoes and other gear was neatly beside the bike. I set up my transition area in a way that allows maximum efficiency... towel to one side, shoes to the other. Many set up with their towel on the bottom, but I like easy access to my towel without disturbing the placement of my cycling and running shoes. After trial and error, I felt most comfortable with this setup.I surveyed the transition area... noting the swim start and finish, bike start and finish and run start all relative to my bike position. I had at least another hour before the transition area would be closed, so I wondered the lot looking for familiar faces... taking photos and being greeted by friends that I have seen at athletic events of the past. How wonderful it was to reunion with everyone... how wonderful to be surrounded by my "Triathlon Family".
I felt relaxed today in many ways... comfortable with the Sprint distance... comfortable in the park as I have raced in this park before... I felt prepared for the blistering sun that had yet to rise... remembering that hydration on the bike would be critical to a good run. All was in order, I was ready to face the day.
I felt a twinge of fear... reflecting on my most recent "episode" at the Boulder Peak..."What if my heart races again...."... "What will I do?" The irrational fear quickly subsided... if it races again I would stop... but for now it was normal... high ninety's as I walked the transition lot welcoming and photographing friends.
I wanted to "Warm Up" before the swim, however, metal gates lined the transition area preventing the competitors from having access to the water. Smaller competitors could squeeze through the open areas of the gate... I probably could fit, but it would be close. I opted to forgo the Warm up and not risk ripping my USAT Wetsuit. I knew that the water was relatively warm and I trusted that I would be "ready" given the four minutes before the start of our wave.
There were over three thousand competitors today... all different ages, shapes, sizes and athletic abilities! I enjoyed seeing the sea of triathletes... we grouped by swim cap color as we were corralled into the "Swim shoot". My wetsuit had been pulled on up to my waist but it was now time to put in my arms and zip up my back. Another flash of fear came through me as the suit squeezed my body... that tightness reminded me of the Boulder Peak and my racing heart. "Just relax," I thought to myself... it's going to be ok. I checked my heart rate monitor... 103... still in a good zone all considered.
Each Wave was sent out four minutes apart... the Elite Triathletes went first followed by a wave of Breast Cancer Survivors. We all awaited their arrival staring at the empty Swim Finish Shoot. Clapping for other competitors is a great way to calm ones nerves... the anxiety mounted as we were now in the "On Deck" position waiting to be signaled into the water.
Wave nine was off... and we were welcomed at the boat dock by our Triathlon Coach Dave from CWW and Celeste Callahan. "Get in... get wet"... the cold water rushed into my warm wetsuit. It wasn't too bad... not nearly as cold as it had been at the beginning of May! There was still an adjustment to the temperature... that in combination with the fact that they changed the direction of the swim. The swim would be clock wise today... I prefer to swim counter clockwise. ::: deep sigh::: Oh well, at least most of our rehearsals had us swim in this direction... I was practiced and prepared for the adventure that would unfold.
The Swim: 17:42
The ten second count down began... many had their fingers on their watches... ready to start when the air horn went off.
10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.... The air horn sounded... the splashing of feet and hands commenced. I waited a few seconds to let the eager swimmers take off. I started in the back right of the pack... remembering the tip from Coach Dave... "Don't swim toward the sun... sight the antennae that were off in the distance and would direct us more accurately to the first buoy.
The buoy’s were the six foot triangular buoys that are actually not easy to see from a distance. We swam in a triangle out three hundred meters... across to the second buoy then back to shore. I graciously took Coach Dave's advice... swimming on course and most efficiently!
My swim was relatively peaceful... intermittently interrupted by someone swimming perpendicular to our direction of travel... I watched the swimmers zig and zag... My stroke was steady and strong... on course toward the first buoy.
No beeping watch this time... no tightness in my chest... no fear... just long and strong strokes... on course for buoy number two!
I started passing many of the Red Caps that marked wave ten as well as other caps from earlier waves. I was excited about my efficiency and obviously strong swim pace. I finally turned the corner of buoy number two and was headed "home"... careful not to hit the swimmers as I jockeyed between them... I was greeted by a gentleman at the boat dock who was there to help us out of the water. I ran to the timing mat and most of the way up the hill... I did it! No racing heart... It was a great day!
10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.... The air horn sounded... the splashing of feet and hands commenced. I waited a few seconds to let the eager swimmers take off. I started in the back right of the pack... remembering the tip from Coach Dave... "Don't swim toward the sun... sight the antennae that were off in the distance and would direct us more accurately to the first buoy.
The buoy’s were the six foot triangular buoys that are actually not easy to see from a distance. We swam in a triangle out three hundred meters... across to the second buoy then back to shore. I graciously took Coach Dave's advice... swimming on course and most efficiently!
My swim was relatively peaceful... intermittently interrupted by someone swimming perpendicular to our direction of travel... I watched the swimmers zig and zag... My stroke was steady and strong... on course toward the first buoy.
No beeping watch this time... no tightness in my chest... no fear... just long and strong strokes... on course for buoy number two!
I started passing many of the Red Caps that marked wave ten as well as other caps from earlier waves. I was excited about my efficiency and obviously strong swim pace. I finally turned the corner of buoy number two and was headed "home"... careful not to hit the swimmers as I jockeyed between them... I was greeted by a gentleman at the boat dock who was there to help us out of the water. I ran to the timing mat and most of the way up the hill... I did it! No racing heart... It was a great day!
T1: 5:20
My transition was easeful... I just took my time... sitting to take off my wetsuit and put dry socks on wet feet and take photos with friends! The ice in my vitamin water was now melting and it would be nice and cold to drink on the bike. I fastened my helmet and headed out for the twelve mile bike ride.
The Bike: 42:04 - 16.2 MPH
The sun was up now and the heat rising. I took an opportunity to drink on the down hill segments... "On your Left" I yelled... feeling great to pass other cyclists. I was riding aero on my new Trek E9 Time Trial/Triathlon Bike! I felt amazing!
The race course went down into the park, up Jordan Road... out past the stables and up the hill heading out of the park... down the hill and back. While I have never ridden this particular course I enjoyed what familiarity I had with the park... knowing that the hills weren't too terribly steep or long... I still labored up them and enjoyed my fast descent... all in all the bike leg went well. I powered through the windy bike finish shoot and dismounted after the cones. Bike leg complete... on to the run!
The race course went down into the park, up Jordan Road... out past the stables and up the hill heading out of the park... down the hill and back. While I have never ridden this particular course I enjoyed what familiarity I had with the park... knowing that the hills weren't too terribly steep or long... I still labored up them and enjoyed my fast descent... all in all the bike leg went well. I powered through the windy bike finish shoot and dismounted after the cones. Bike leg complete... on to the run!T2: 4:01
My transition from bike to run would involve replacing the helmet with a mesh ball cap, spraying my arms with 50 SPF Sun screen and changing my bike shoes to running shoes. The run leg would have a half mile up hill start. I wasn't sure I could run it all, but I was about to find out.
The Run: 44:38 - 00:14:24 min/mile
I ran through the run start sipping water from the volunteers. I dumped the remainder of the water down my back in effort to keep cool. I trotted up the hot, hot road... listening to the people cheering!! "CARLA... GO CARLA" I could hear my friends shouting in the crowd... I saw Coach Ellen and many CWW Team members! How delightful this all was... in the midst of the heat... in the midst of struggling to move my tired legs I felt so happy!!
"I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I thought to myself... knowing in this moment why those many early morning practices were somehow worth it! THIS is why I "Tri!" This is it! The community... the camaraderie... the physical exertion... it all made sense! I waddled my way up the hill past the crowds... cheering other CWW Team members and athletes on as they passed me or as I passed them.
The exposed heat was tough... the sun beamed like a laser... I ran through the misters feeling grateful that there were hoses on the race course. I cheered and cheered... and rejoyced in hearing my own name... the miles seemed to vanish... one... two... I turned the bend and was on my way down into the park and toward the finish line!!!
Friends everywhere... everyone screaming!! I felt like I had completely transcended my physical experience of being so hot and so tired... the gravity of the hill carried me... foot strike after foot strike... down the hill and into the finishers shoot!!
The crowd roared... yet I heard Coach Ellen's voice so clear... it's amazing what you can actually distinguish when the noise level is that loud!
"I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I thought to myself... knowing in this moment why those many early morning practices were somehow worth it! THIS is why I "Tri!" This is it! The community... the camaraderie... the physical exertion... it all made sense! I waddled my way up the hill past the crowds... cheering other CWW Team members and athletes on as they passed me or as I passed them.
The exposed heat was tough... the sun beamed like a laser... I ran through the misters feeling grateful that there were hoses on the race course. I cheered and cheered... and rejoyced in hearing my own name... the miles seemed to vanish... one... two... I turned the bend and was on my way down into the park and toward the finish line!!!
Friends everywhere... everyone screaming!! I felt like I had completely transcended my physical experience of being so hot and so tired... the gravity of the hill carried me... foot strike after foot strike... down the hill and into the finishers shoot!!
The crowd roared... yet I heard Coach Ellen's voice so clear... it's amazing what you can actually distinguish when the noise level is that loud!
I heard the announcer call out, "Carla Thompson from Highlands Ranch!" More screams... people clapping... I could see the finish!!! I ran with tear filled eyes toward the mat!!! I DID IT!!
I felt great!! Heart rate barely 160... my nutrition and hydration almost perfect!! The volunteers placed the finishers medal around my neck...it was a joyous occasion.
My timing chip was removed from my ankle and I joined my team under our tent for watermelon, warm welcomes and high fives!!
This marks the first official Triathlon for 2008 and my first Tri for the Cure!!
BIG FUN IN THE SUN!! - SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!!!!!!! :::fist in the air!::: !!!!
Swim: 00:17:42
T1: 00:05:20
Bike: 00:42:04 - 16.2 MPH
T2: 00:04:01
Run: 00:44:38 - 00:14:24 min/mile
Total: 01:53:47 
5 comments:
Carla - Awesome job on your race! You totally rocked the course. I need to take some of your lessons with me to my next race. Thanks so much for sharing!
I never had any doubt you would be back and way strong! Awesome :)
marie
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!! I love your writing style...I feel like I was there. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
Carla! what a great race. I love the pictures and your confidence.
Carla - Congratulations on yesterday's 1/2 Ironman! You were the last person I talked to before I went in the water (I'm 52 & gave you a big hug right at the water's edge!!!) I met you at the top of Lee Hill a few weeks ago with my good friend who I was helping to train for her ride in Durango!! I'm trying to find you to call!! Here is my email: cag1893@yahoo.com so write if you want me to buy you a CONGRATS dinner!! I finished to (age group 50-54) so we can compare notes!! Way to go!!
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