5430 Sprint Distance Tri (Boulder) 2009

Boulder, CO
Date: Sunday June 21, 2009
1 of 3 in the 5430 Series

Roof Mounted Bike Racks... Hitch Mounted Bike Racks... The silhouette of Time Trial/Triathlon Style Gear shifters were my view as I watched the many cars in front of me...

...the air temperature was 53 degrees ...the time was 4:45am as I left Highlands Ranch, CO in route to my first triathlon of the season: 5430 Sprint in Boulder, CO!

Sprint Distances today:

Swim: 750M
Bike: 17 miles
Run: 3.1 Miles

Relative to traditional Sprint Distance races, this swim is a little shorter, the bike a little longer and the run the normal distance 5K!

Perfect weather for a Triathlon! Sun was bright and air relatively cool... I set up my transition area for Wave 10: Men 60+; Women 50+; Athena

I raced Athena, the weight class category for Triathlon Events. Women racing in this category must weigh over 150lbs.

My wave was scheduled to start at 8:15am, the final wave of this Sprint event. I had ample time to get oriented to the water and check my goggles for proper seal. All was well! I was ready to go! And this time I would remember to start my watch since I had forgotten to do this just two weeks ago during our race rehearsal.

Barry Siff, the race director and our announcer gave the ten second warning and then we were off!!



** The Swim **

Swim: 00:17:14.6
Run to Mat: 00:01:22.3
Total: 00:18:42.0

I was positioned to swim the Clock-wise course starting "Center/Back". I wanted to position myself in line with the buoy's because it was difficult to see them in the sun glare. I also wanted to position myself toward the back to avoid aggressive swimmers who might swim over me.

When I swim, I naturally breathe to my left and I often find it slightly more challenging to swim and sight to my right but that was the course "on tap" for today. The game plan was to swim strong to the first turn, settle in, then "Head down and pull hard!"

The water was calm today... no winds... no white caps... just me against the water... I gracefully glided through the flailing arms and legs as we swam into the sun.

Approximately 200M from the swim start I felt disoriented. I could not see the first buoy and I lost some time as I stopped swimming to tread water long enough to sight which direction I should be heading.

Finally I found the buoy! It seemed to take forever to see it... however, I felt better about being able to see my actual target rather than following the other swimmers that seemed to arbitrarily navigate their path of travel.

The adrenaline of the race rushed through my veins... "...just settle in..." I thought to myself... I usually realax soon after I reach the first buoy, but today was a little different. I had reached the first buoy... then the second... I turned and headed toward the third... unfortunately I could not relax... could not find the rhythm that I know I can have in the open water... fourth buoy was on my right... and the finishers arch just ahead! So about 200M from shore, I felt myself begin to relax. I relaxed long enough to remember to pull hard, keep my head down and to streamline my legs.

Next thing I knew, my hands were hitting sand and it was time to stand up and run to the swim finish mat just up the sandy hill. 00:17:14.6 was the elapsed time to the shore, and 00:18:42.0 would be logged as my swim split which included my run from the shore to the mat.

One leg down, two to go!



** T1: Transition from Swim to Bike - 00:03:33.1 **

I tip toed through the transition area... the ground course on my feet. I found my bike and began the sequence of removing my wetsuit. I balanced myself as I put dry socks on my wet feet... first one, then the other. Shoes on and shoe straps velcro’d. Transition went flawlessly! No strange kinks in my socks or sand between my toes... Helmet on and buckled, Glasses on, bike in hand and ready to go! I trotted toward Bike start and Mount Line! We're off!



Bike: 1:11.4 - Avg Speed 13.5 MPH (Max Speed: 37.2)

My legs felt good out of the swim and on to the bike. My E9 was in a low spinning gear! I managed to get clipped in and headed out of the Res' toward 51st street! Bike leg underway.

While the course is relatively flat, I am sensitive to the slightest incline... so I felt myself laboring along Hwy 36 as I made my way to Neva Road.

Now Neva Road is my cycling fantasy as it is a curvy down hill stretch! I hit top speed of 37.2 MPH, exceeding the posted speed limit! I whizzed by several cyclists that passed me on the gentle climb of Hwy 36 and I rode out of the saddle to the top of the roller that followed the down hill! Weeeeeeeeeeee!!! I was definitely in my zone here!

My legs spun at a fantasy cadence... 'round and 'round they went! My arms lay gently in my aero bars... the derailleur lead as my bike chain danced across my rear sprockets... my head was relaxed and eyes were forward! -- I just love the gentle down grade slope on that back road... I cornered like a pro as I turned from Neva Rd on to 63rd... maintaining top speed. I reeled in two more cyclists on my way to the Diagonal.

On the home stretch, back into the Res'... the photographer snapped my photo just after the hill climb! 17.2 Miles Done! Lap Time: 01:11.40.0 - 13.5 MPH Average Speed!

Two legs done, and one to go!



** T2: Transition from Bike to Run - 00:02:55.9 **

I found my transition area easily in the many rows of racked bikes... Helmet off... visor on... cycling shoes off... running shoes on... Wrist GPS switched to running mode! Final leg awaits... ready to go!



Run: 49:27 - Avg pace 15:58

I ran parallel with the Finishers shoot... I was cheered on by many present and past team mates from CWW as well as Colorado Athletic Club! My pace was a stellar 00:11:20 which is super fast for me. I was excited that my legs wanted to move that fast... and I was hopeful to meet or exceed my race goals for my run!

Well the fantasy pace was short lived... the sun was high in the sky and the toll of my day's efforts descended upon me. My pace slowed to it's normal 14+ minute mile... which is ok... I kept a supportive mental attitude as I labored to reach the half mile point.

When I run, I love to greet and encourage those who are one their way "Home"... "Way to go"... "Keep it Going" I shouted to the oncoming stream of traffic... trying desperately to distract myself from my slower than desired run pace. I trotted onward... finally reaching Mile Marker 1 my GPS displayed the 00:14:21.1 mile pace... not too bad... if I could just hold on.

I drank water from the aid station and tried to settle in for the next half mile to the turn around. It was a beautiful day... how wonderful to just be there... how wonderful to see friends that I only see at races... and how wonderful to be supported by so many friends who were also on the race course!!

Run Carla, Run! I thought to myself... my original slogan from my fund raising efforts of 2001! I had reached the turn around, "Thanked the Volunteers"... and was now heading "Home".

"Just hold on" I thought to myself... dropping to a walk every few steps... "Just keep moving"... I was tired... and had no energy to push any harder... so I walked on... running when I could and accepting fate when I could not.

Mile Marker 2 - 00:16:32.4... a tad disappointing... my race goal was to run sub-14 min miles... and this was far from it. "Win the mental game!" I thought to myself... so no negative thoughts... "...just finish up..." ...so I trotted forward!

I spotted my friend Carol who was on her way to the turn around... "Catch me" I yelled to her... and that she did. With three quarters of a mile to go, Carol had caught me... "Nice Work" I said as she passed me and I continued my own effort to get to the finish line. Somehow she slowed down or I speed up and I caught her at the half mile mark... we ran together for a bit... and just when we had a quarter mile to go... she picked up the pace... so I picked up my pace... it all seemed "in fun" yet a little early for the "Vanity Sprint Finish" that I always "save myself" for.

Well, the faster she went, the faster I went until we finally hit the top of the Finishers shoot and it was "ON!" She ran FLAT OUT and I ran FLAT OUT!! It was FINISH LINE or BUST!! I could not see where she was... how close or how far... I just ran with everything I had toward the Finish Line!

The announcer saw us dueling it out and announced our names over the loud speaker! The crowd roared in support of our competition! I snuck in a "Win" under the wire!!! She just behind me!

5430 Sprint DONE!!

Big Fun in the Sun!!!

Swim, Bike, Run!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mile Splits:
-----------
Mile 1 - 14:21.1
Mile 2 - 16:32.4
Mile 3 - 16:49.3


Total Triathlon Time: 2:26:20

(s.b.l.7.3.2..3.4)

Pumpkinman Triathlon (Boulder City, NV) 2008

2008 Pumpkinman Triathlon

Boulder City, Nevada
Date: October -08

The time had finally come! I have been waiting for this day since early January 2008 when the "Tri-ers" decided that Pumpkinman in Boulder City, Nevada would be the annual Weight Watchers Triathlon gathering.

I hurried and purhcased my flight and reserved my hotel... it would be great to see old friend and make new ones!

Before I knew it, October was upon us... so I packed my gear and headed to the airport. I opted to rent a bike for one-third the cost of flying with my own. I knew this race would be more 'recreational' in nature than 'competitive' for me, so I felt comfortable with my decision to ride a rented bike.

Denver Airport:

While baggage checking systems that manage the routing of luggage are fairly reliable now, I like the extra security and comfort of "carring on" all that I need for my race. If my luggage happens to be misplace, I am significantly less impacted. With that said, attempted to board the plane with my bike tool kit. Picture a group of pointy ended hex wrenches, tire irons and two CO2 cartridges to inflate my tire if I had a flat. I also had several sealed bottles of Gaterade in my Triathlon bag to serve as "disposible water bottles" which would carry my electrolyte nutrition for the event. Airport security measures were not at the forefont of my mind when I packed my bag with these items.

Needless to say, the security staff stopped me. I had to empty the liquid contents of my Gaterade bottles into a large garbage bin even through the bottles were still factory sealed... and I lost the Co2 Cartridges during the remainder of the bag search. The process of "fine combing" my belongings seemed to take forever. They debated on whether or not to let me keep my hex wrench kit... it felt like the entire airport was staring at me... I was actually nervous mostly because I was worried about replacing the items they decided to confescate and not so much because of the attention I drew to myself at the security stand.

Reluctantly they returned my hex wrench I was alowed to proceed. I wondered toward the gates and off to Las Vegas I would go!

I love flying and I love participating in Triathlons, so I could not have been happier!

Las Vegas Airport:

I arrived in the noisey Las Vegas airport... slot machines dinging... video ads blaring... so many people scuffling about both coming and going... I retrieved my luggage and I settled in to meet one of the "Tri-ers" as we decided to share the expense of renting a car and hotel together.

While I was more than one hour early I did not mind the wait because I had my trusty laptop. So I surfed the web using the airport's free Wifi and responded to emails and updated my facebook status with a "play-by-play" recount of my experience!

Once her flight landed we connected with ease and headed into the darkness to find our hotel. When we arrived, we quickly tucked ourselves in and prepared for "Packet Pickup" which would be early the following day!

Packet Pickup:

In the morning, we met others in the hotel lobby for "Continental Breakfast"... it was so great to see the many faces of the past and to meet the new. We all post on the Weight Watchers "Tri-ers" daily thread, and this was my first time in several years to reconnect with this group.

The most amazing fact about the group is that many of the "Tri-ers" are Ironman Finishers... a title that I will hold one day. I always feel so incredibaly inspired by their presence in my life and the fact that they represent that I too can be "An Ironman!" !!!

We grouped ourselves into several cars... we each had our own individual list of things to do. I had to pick up my rental bike and others went for a morning ride. We all seemed to convene at packet pick up where we wondered around together going "booth to booth". Since the race was called "Pumpkin Man" they setup a "Trick or Treat" theme for athletes to get gooddies from the venders.

We were lucky enough to see Sister Madonna who so graciously stopped to let me take a photo with her. She is famous in the triathlon community and it amazes me to this day that she easily completes Half Ironman distances at the age of seventy-six! I hope to be competing when I get in my late seventies. It is always an inspiration to see her and to reflect on her story time and time again!

Pumpkinman Triathlon:

Pumpkinman Triathlon is the USAT Club Nationals Championship race. What that means is all of the Triathlon Clubs across the U.S. come and compete as a club/team against other clubs. While I am a member of CWW, an all women's triathlon club, I raced as a non-club member at Pumpkinman.

The event had an option of three simultaneous races!

* Sprint Distance
* Olympic Distance
* Half Ironman (70.3)

Over two thousand athletes would be competing! This race would be a "Point to Point" race, meaning that the Bike Finish would be in a location different than the Bike Start, so we had to drop off our running gear at "T2", the transition from Bike to Run, and we would rack our bikes at "T1" on the morning of the race.

To my great disappointment, the bike I rented did not have water bottle cages on the frame, yet I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a camel back from another Triathlete in our group. I also opted to take a Hammer Product called "Endurolytes" since I would only be able to carry water in the borrowed camel back bladder and not have access to my normal electrolyte replinisher.

Trying a new suppliment on race day is normally a "no-no" as one never knows how a new product will react in the digestive system while under the stress of a race. Under the circumstances, I took a chance and hoped for the best.

With that said, I affixed my race number on my helmet and bike and laid down for a short nights rest!

Race day morning:

Dawn of the day was fast upon us... the sunrise was beautiful... the morning air nippy... we had some logistic challenges trying to shuttle the bikes to the race start considering the race finish would be in a different location and we did not want to wait on the post race shuttle to retrieve the vehicles. We managed to transport all of our bikes and convene after setting up our respective transition areas.

The transition area was long and narrow... stretching what seemed to be at least a mile from the mouth of beautiful Lake Mead. The bike racks were numbered to identify each wave... I searched for my wave number and could not find it. The numbers did not go in secession... I eventually realized that some of the Triathlon Clubs were racked by Group, and the insertion of their numbers intertwined with "non-club" participants was the cause of my confusion.

I eventually found a spot to rack my bike and lay out my transition area. When I returned from the swim, I had to place my wetsuit, cap and goggles into a plastic bag marked with my race number which would then be transported to the race finish. This was the first time I had ever participated in a "Point to Point" race and found the extra logistics slightly overwhelming in the moment.

We snapped a few candid photos as competitors wiggled into their wetsuits. I wore "sacrificial" sandles that would be left at the swim shore after race start. I preferred to protect my sensitive feet while walking about the transition area pre-race. The fan fare close to the shore was starting to raise in volume, so I headed in that direction.

Swim: 0:19:31

I can barely remember the wave order... which age group and which distances were scheduled to go off... I just stuck close to the women who wore the same color cap as myself, and I knew the aproximate start time for my wave. I had short dialogs with several of the women as we waited to be staged in the water... uncertain of the actual swim course since there were three distances represented by the maze of bouys. Unofficially we decided how we were going to swim. Luckily it coinsided with the actual race course. It was hard to hear the announcer and the information he imparted on us athletes, yet we managed to muddle through the confusion.

Finally the air horn went off an so did we... lots of splashing and kicking. I waited for the over zellas swimmers to get their lead... and I followed close behind knowing that I would pass some after the massive crowd dispursed.

The water was comfortable temperature wise... my greatest challenge was to spot the correct set of bouys. My stoke was long and strong... slightly blinded by the high morning sun. It was a good day!

I rounded the bouys with ease and grace... navigating correctly in spite of my earlier confusion regardng where to go... knowing that the challenge was about to begin. Many nervous thoughts began to fill my head as I exited the water and headed toward my transtion area, T1.

T1 - Transition from Swim to Bike: 0:10:12

T1 was a long way from the swim exit. I ran with delicate feet up the gravel ridden pavement. I had to abandon my "sacrificial sandles" that kept my feet dry and debris free prior to the swim start. I eventually found my rack and began to sqirm out of my trusty wetsuit. I rolled it and forced it into the special bag used in "Point to Point" races. These bags would be picked up and transported to the Run finish later that day.

I took my time, not concerned about taking too long... dried my wet feet to more gracefully recieve my dry socks. I remembered to put my towel, swim cap and goggles into the bag for transport and off I went.

Bike: 2:00:53

There was a slight incline coming out of the transition area and onto the bike path. The rented bike had "chunky shifting" but I managed to coax the bike into a lower chain ring which is where I stayed for the remainder of the bike ride. The hills were relentless... steady inclines at 8% or more. So, slowly my legs went 'round and 'round"... Spin and Grin" I thought silently to myself as my lungs and legs labored!

The letter "S", "O" or "H" was marked on each competitor's calf to designate which distance race they were competing in... so my calf was marked with an "S" for Sprint Distance. On the bike leg I was being passed by others who had "O's" for Olympic and then "H's" for Half Ironman... I felt like I was at a stand still. Clearly this was a competitive field... and clearly I hadn't done much hill training for the season. In any event, the bike leg was underway and my goal was to finish... and I was on my way to doing that!

The sun was high in the sky and the air temperature felt "hot". I took two of the "Endurolytes" capsles and sipped from my camel back. With each stroke I was more and more grateful to have access to so much water as I would have been limited to only two bottles had my rented a bike had bottle cages.

The hills were quite steep for me and I was deeply grateful for the "Granny Gear" that the rented bike offered... so I peddled slowly in the lowest gear... 'round and 'round... I eventually made it to the base of the final ascent. To the top, then the run!

I made a friend along the way... a natve of Nevada. She too just wanted to finish, so we inspired each other along the way. We stopped to rest mid-hill then encouraged each other to ride on! We stopped several times, trusting that we would somehow be able to clip back in to continue our ride.

Finally we made it to the top, but not without extreme effort. We were both winded and very glad to see the slight decent to the Bike dismount line. Bike leg was over. Now on to T2.

T2 - Transition from Bike to Run: 0:06:54

I trotted to the location where I had left my shoes tied to the rack the night before. Racked my bike and transitioned to run. I put on my race belt, white visor and running shoes. Sprayed my arms with sun screen and off I went.

Run: 0:57:14

I didn't carry any water on the run because there would be water stations every mile. My cycling friend and I continued to keep each other company opting to do a "fast paced walk" instead of a full on run. We chatted and got to know each other... talked about why we were so interested in the sport. It was a delightful way to pass the time of our 3.1 mile run.

It was a long race... much longer than I had anticipated. The bike leg took quite a bit out of me. I had to keep presencing my goal, which was to just finish. For the last several years I was not able to attend the "Tri-ers" annual gathering, and my goal this year was to be grateful to simply be present and participate.

So as my polar watch continued to elapse time... and I had to be clear in my mind that the time shown did not matter... I was going to finish the race injury free and with no mechanical failures. THAT would be my success.

So I trotted to the finish line... sprinting as much as I could after that hill climb... the announcer was busy tending to some other business and did not announce my name. But my friends were there to receive me! They waved and cheered... and my eyes filled with sentimental tears, as they always do.

"I am a triathlete!" I thought to myself... my mind already making mental plans about doing this race again sometime in the future... thinkingn of being in better physical condition... fantasizing about how the Denver based Triathlon club, CWW, could easily pack this race with participants and be national level contenders based on participation alone.

I love this sport... my thoughts kept racing... and I love these people! My life is so deeply rich and fulfilled! I would have never thought that an online bulletin board on a Weight Watcher Website over five years ago would bring this many friends and this much joy to myself and my life!

...but it has... and it does!! :::sentimental tears streaming :::

So this marks my completion of the Pumpkinman Triathlon USAT Club Nationals Championship!!

Big fun in the Sun...

...SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!!! :::fist in the air!!!!:::

Swim: 0:19:31

T1: 0:10:12

Bike: 2:00:53

T2: 0:06:54

Run: 0:57:14

Total: 3:34:43

Tri For The Cure (Denver) 2008

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.

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!

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!

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 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

Danskin Triathlon (Seattle) 2007

2007 Seattle Danskin - Lake Washington

Date: August-07

Total Race Time: 3:09:28

Splits
Swim: 0:18:08
T1: 0:42:11
Bike: 0:59:00 - MPH 12.6
T2: 0:05:14
Run: 1:04:53 - Mile Pace 0:20:55

Total: 3:09:28

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2006

2006 Denver Danskin - Aurora Reservoir
Date: July-06

Total Race Time: 2:15:55

Splits
Swim: 0:19:32
T1: 0:05:40
Bike: 0:58:52 - MPH 11.8
T2: 0:05:27
Run: 0:46:22 - Mile Pace 0:14:57

Total: 2:15:55

Well, my day started at 3:30am. My sleep was broken because I could hear the jingle of my dogs tags. It seemed especially annoying last night and kept me awake. Usually nothing keeps me awake... in spite of the fact that I am a light sleeper, I usually sleep well once my head hits the pillow. But I woke this morning, almost reluctantly... put on the unibody tri suit that I laid out the night before. My gear was organized... heart rate monitor, swim cap, goggles, cycling shoes, running shoes, visor with sun glasses. This is my eighth year doing this triathlon, so I felt generally prepared.

The streets were lonely at that hour... but I soon met up with others who joined the pilgrimage to Aurora Res' at Oh'dark thirty.

The time was 5:00am. I arrived in the parking lot and decided to take a 30 minute nap before heading in to the transition area. While I rested, I could hear the hustle and bustle of other first timers struggling to gather their gear and figure out what was next in the sequence of the day. I eventually managed to wake up enough to head in and set up for my race. The morning air was cool, but I could feel the heat pending. I enjoyed the dawn of the day as I always do when I discipline myself enough to wake early enough to experience it.

I distanced myself from my nervous feelings. I'm usually very present to my self and my life, but, I just didn't want to "be with those feelings" today. You would think after all this time that fears and uncertainties about racing wouldn't come up, but they do... and after my second sleepless night, I just wasn't in the mood for it. -- I racked my bike and situated my equipment so that I would be efficient after finishing the swim leg. I practiced finding my bike using the experienced technique of land marks and not relying on an over sized mylar balloon to identify my bike from the thousands of others. There were 3,000 competitors and the sea of bikes, and mylar balloons, all look the same but my row was the second from the first two trees after the Swim Finish... so I knew I could locate my spot gracefully.

I gathered my goggles and green swim cap and headed over to the Triathlon Tent for a group picture with my team. Others were going through their check lists and making sure that there weren't any last minute instructions that they were missing. We all headed over for the Swim warm up before the race started. That was ironic because the water was a balmy 69 degrees. Considering that our natural body temperatures are 98.6... 69 was quite a shock to our systems. -- After the warm up and the National Anthem, we were corralled into the "Swim Start Shoot". We looked like herds of cattle with different color swim caps to distinguish the different waves. I was in Wave 8 for ages 40 - 45. I stood nervously with my team mates and we made up games to distract ourselves from the inevitable race start!

Finally, we were on stand by... meaning that we were waist deep in the water that didn't seem as cold as it did during our warm up... and the air horn went off which meant that we had to go! Arms and legs flailing about... water splashing, and our destination was the first buoy that was approximately 300 meters from shore. I was relaxed now... now that the anticipation was over... now that we were actually in the water moving and not waiting for the race to start. I sight well, which is important for open water swimming. Some people were swimming perpendicular to their destination and had to be policed back on course by the race kayakers.

My swim leg was probably my best... although, I was wobbly as I exited the water and ran toward the mat that recorded my timing chip that I wore around my ankle. -- I usually wear a wet suit, but unfortunately I couldn't fit it this year. :/ I usually have slow transition times because I'm stuck trying to get my ankle out of the wet suit! :o :O :o !! But since I didn't have it this year, I thought my transition from Swim to Bike would go quickly, but it somehow didn't. :/ I struggled getting socks on my wet feet, then got distracted from what I was doing and ended up having a leisurely stroll to the Bike Start. I eventually mounted the bike and headed out for my 12 mile, rolling hill bike ride.

The temperature had heated up by now and the sun was relentless. I enjoyed the 1.5 mile down hill start passing those who were fumbling trying to get clipped in. I drank from my water bottle because if you don't hydrate on the bike, you'll be dehydrated on the run. Another trick I know from being a veteran of these races.

My bike leg was slow... slower than I've practiced it. I passed a woman who's chain had dropped... I asked if she needed help and she said yes, so I stopped to place the chain back on the sprockets and she ended up passing me shortly after that! : !!! I didn't feel aggressive today... didn't really want to attack those rolling hills... so I resolved myself to "Spinning and Grinning"... "Pushing and Pulling". It was my best effort for today... but not a personal best in my career as a triathlete. To be honest... I was slightly disappointed in myself but my body really didn't want to move any faster. There was an up hill finish. A 1.5 mile up hill finish! :::sigh::: It was rough.

While I was grateful for no personal injuries and no mechanical failures, I walked back to my transition spot slightly saddened by my performance on the bike. The sun was hot now and my skin was burning... and I still had a 5K run left before it was all over.

I switched shoes and headed out for a run... I managed to do a "Vanity" jog while entering the runners shoot along the path were people could see... but I knew I couldn't keep that pace for the entire race... so I opted to run 2 minutes and walk for 1 after I cleared the masses. -- The women were so supportive encouraging each other to finish up! I yelled a few words of support as I headed out and saw some of my team members and friends on their way to the finish line. I ran/jogged/walked next to one of my team mates. It was great to have her company and to know that I wasn't the only one struggling through the run. We kept each other motivated and focused on small tasks.... run for 2 minutes... walk for 1... we encouraged each other... we alternated between run/walk until we reached the "Vanity Sprint Finish" where we crossed the line almost simultaneously. :)

After the race I felt like I was going to pass out... I was clearly dehydrated and my electrolytes were depleted. I usually brag on my ability to gage my "nutrition" correctly, but something went very wrong today. As I sat in the medical tent... one woman misting me with cold water and the other trying to assess if there was something other than heat exhaustion going on. Once I felt my body temperature returning to normal, they placed the finishers medal around my neck and I was free to go.

Today wasn't a personal record by any stretch... this was actually the slowest I've been since I've started racing. I keep trying to console myself by acknowledging the life circumstances that have taken place over the last year... my lay off, financial streses and the gradate work that had consumed what spare emotional energy I had.

Every race is different, even if it's the same race course. I'll have to find a way to be ok with my efforts today... while I am proud of myself for following through with my race schedule this year, deep down, I am a tiny bit disappointed that my times weren't a little faster.

I rejoined my team members back at our tent for a post-race photo. We all praised each others efforts before heading over to the transition area to pick up our bikes and other gear and heading home.

"Be ok with your efforts... they were great as they always are... the outpicturing is just a little different today... to me, you are a Champion"!!!

This marks my 8th Danskin All Women's Triathlon for the year 2006!

Big fun in the sun...

SWIM, BIKE, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2005

2005 Denver Danskin - Aurora Reservoir
Date: July-05

Total Race Time: 1:57:05

Splits
Swim: 0:19:16
T1: 0:04:03
Bike: 0:47:20 - MPH 14.7
T2: 0:03:18
Run: 0:43:06 - Mile Pace 0:13:54

Total: 1:57:05

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2004

2004 Denver Danskin - Aurora Reservoir

Date: July-04

Total Race Time: 1:50:49

Splits

Swim: 0:17:16

T1: 0:04:16

Bike: 0:48:57 - MPH 15.1

T2: 0:02:32

Run: 0:37:47 - Mile Pace 0:12:11
Total: 1:50:49

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2003

2003 Denver Danskin - Cherry Creek Reservoir
Date: August-03

Total Race Time: 1:46:39

Splits
Swim: 0:18:05
T1: 0:04:56
Bike: 0:42:43 - MPH 16.8
T2: 0:03:27
Run: 0:37:26 - Mile Pace 0:12:04

Total: 1:46:39

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2002

2002 Denver Danskin - Cherry Creek Reservoir
Date: August-02

Total Race Time: 1:35:05

Splits
Swim: 0:15:35
T1: 0:03:22
Bike: 0:40:48 - MPH 17.6
T2: 0:02:19
Run: 0:32:59 - Mile Pace 0:10:38

Total: 1:35:05

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2001

2001 Denver Danskin - Cherry Creek Reservoir
Date: August-01

Total Race Time: 1:40:09

Splits

Swim: 0:19:09
T1: 0:03:00
Bike: 0:39:54 - MPH 18

T2: 0:02:14
Run: 0:35:51 - Mile Pace 0:11:33

Total: 1:40:09

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 2000

2000 Denver Danskin - Cherry Creek Reservoir
Date: August-00

Total Race Time: 1:40:20

Splits
Swim: 0:16:20
T1: 0:02:49
Bike: 0:41:02
T2: 0:02:35
Run: 0:37:32

Total: 1:40:20

Danskin Triathlon (Denver) 1999

1999 Denver Danskin - Cherry Creek Reservoir

Date: August-99

Total Race Time: 1:57:34

Splits
Swim: 0:21:14
T1: 0:04:31
Bike: 0:51:14
T2: 0:01:50
Run: 0:38:45

Total: 1:57:34