Daybreak Race Recap

It was a great weekend for a race, well maybe a little cold, but it was a great event.  This was my second of four planned triathlons this year.  Now considering that I have not been in the water except for two times since my last triathlon a month ago, I was less than prepared for this one.  As I mentioned in my last post, immediately after the last triathlon I was offered a position as a Controller for a dental company.  Adjusting to a full-time schedule and the stress of a new job had severely affect my ability train properly and to eat properly.  I was going to the gym every morning and I was riding my bike when I could, but I wasn't training with a purpose.

Primarily I was concerned, as usual, about the swim.  This was going to be my first open water swim in a wetsuit.  Last Wednesday I did attend an open-water swim clinic at the Black Ridge Reservoir in Herriman.  I wasn't sure about the wetsuit at first, it was constricting and the water was ice cold, but I adjusted quickly and actually enjoyed the wetsuit.  As for the actual swimming, I still don't have the endurance, which probably goes with the lack of training time in the water.  After I left the clinic I had mixed emotions, but I was glad I went, it gave me an idea of what to expect on Saturday.

Now, my first triathlon, I was 100% focused on preparation, diet, exercise, everything. This one, not so much, I did try and maintain a good race week diet, along with hydration, but I know I came up lacking.  Race morning, I wanted to be at the venue early so that I could have my pick of spots in transition, plus Stacy was a volunteer for the event.  We got to the race at about 6 am, and I got what I feel was the PERFECT transition spot, near the bike in/out, at the end of a rack so that I could use the end as my staging area.  I was amazed at how many people showed up so late, some were still trying to get a spot in transition after the Olympic waves had started.  I can't even image adding self-inflicted stress on to the already existent stress of participating in a triathlon.

Pre-race meeting was at 7:30, which meant at water's edge in my wetsuit, the problem was my wave didn't start till 8:30, so it meant an hour in my wetsuit, barefoot waiting.  Fortunately, Stacy found me at the pre-race meeting and we walked around till it was my time.  We went back to transition and got my shoes and a jacket, which Stacy took back to transition for me.

The tempature for the day wasn't supposed to get over 60°, it was overcast, with a water tempature of around 52°, so it was cold, but I had an idea what it was going to be like considering I had just been the open-water clinic a couple days before.  My wave was the last men's wave, I got in and yes it was cold, but not really that bad to me.  Maybe I was just more concerned about the swim, than I was about the actual water.  I started in the back and when the gun went off, I swam, I tried a freestyle and did the best I could.  My challenge was the sighting combined with the lack of endurance.  I just took my time, did a combination of freestyle, breast, side and back stroke, I didn't tread water much, because I didn't want to waste my energy standing still.  It was rough, I won't lie, I am quite confident I was the last man out of the water, and I was passed by a LOT of women from the wave that started after mine.  I just focused on the next buoy and did what I needed to.  I came out of the water a little wobbly, but moving.  Total swim time, 21:26, now that is just 4 minutes longer than my first triathlon's 400 meter swim time and this swim was 750 meters, so that is good.  But I have SO much room for improvement, which I am taking as a positive.

The water did take its toll on a few racers, in fact they pulled three swimmers out of the water and Stacy helped another racer who had collapsed in T1 from the cold of the swim.  Plus they had brought another in off of the bike course, the EMT's were busy, I just hope in the end everyone was OK.

Coming out of the water, I had a pretty good distance to walk/run to my bike in transition.  My total T1 was 4:06, pretty slow actually.  I need to practice my T1, as well as riding in my tri-shoes without socks, I spend to much time putting them socks on.  I was happy I (Stacy actually) bought some silicone spray from PowerTri for my wetsuit, it made taking it off a snap.  I pays to attend these clinics to learn these little tricks.

The bike was going to be my strong leg of the race, and it felt good, but in comparison to other racer's times, I have a lot of improvement to do there was well, again taking it as a positive.  I had driven the course the week before, and it is very similar to the route I ride almost every Sunday morning.  So I knew what to expect, a false flat (slight uphill) out to U-111, uphill on 111 to the turn around and then downhill fast back to T2.  I was passed more than I had expected, but I felt good.  I had a couple ladies commenting on my calves as they passed me, I told them I inherited them from my dad and they are the only thing defined on my body.  After the turn around, it was all out, I couldn't go fast enough, I never changed my gear until I was almost back to T2.  Total bike time, 41:54, 11 minutes fast than my first triathlon, and I know I can do even better, I just need to prepare better, and maybe change my gearing.

T2 was a little crazy for me, total time was ok at 1:25, but I wasn't thinking clearly.  I had to back to my bike twice, once to put back my bandanna and the second time to put back my riding gloves, I walked out of T2 trying to get my legs back under me. Plus I forgot to put on my race belt with my number.  I just need to plan better, and have a mental checklist.

The run was around the Daybreak lake on the walking/jog path.  What a beautiful area!  I really want to take Stacy and the girls back for a walk around it.  I started out at just a jog pace, primarily because I couldn't feel my feet.  I hadn't really noticed it other than I was struggling to run, until another racer asked if my feet were still numb from the swim as hers were, and they were.  I was feeling a lot of stress in my lower legs and feet.  I actually thought I was going to snap an ankle with the pain I was feeling, but I endured.  I set a goal early in the run, that it didn't matter how fast I ran, but rather that I just didn't stop running.  So I shuffled along at a 5 mph pace, but I didn't stop.  I really wish they had put out some markers along the course to let me know how much was left, I wasn't sure I was ever going to make it around that lake.  As usually, I tried to save a little for the finish, I always want to come across the finish line strong.  Now, I had been looking for Stacy the entire run, as she had said she was going to be working an aid station, well she was, at the finish.  Total run time, 38:26, LOTS of room for improvement.

After seeing my total times, I was a little depressed, I know I can do better.  I came into this season not caring about total time, just to complete, not compete.  But, I do care, and I need to improve if I hope to even come close to my ultimate goals.  So I am refocusing my efforts on training and my diet.  Stacy has been on a new plan for a month or so that she likes and I am going to give it a try.  It is called Live The Life, it is a very structured workout and diet plan.  So I am hoping to drop some lbs and gain some strength.  I am still about 260 lbs, every pound lost will mean that much less weight I am having to schlep around the course.

My next race is in 27 days, at Jordanelle Reservoir.  I am dedicating myself to improve my training and my preparation to ensure that I run the race I know I can run.  I want to push myself, and I just want to make sure my body is ready to be pushed.

Race Pictures - Click to view

I Am A Triathlete!

I know I have been taking my sweet time in updating everyone with my experience at my first triathlon.  For the last three weeks since the Spring Sprint, I have been focusing on the next chapter in my professional career.  I will explain that later, this entry is about my first triathlon.

So as would be expected I had a considerable amount of anxiety as the day approached.  I mentioned in my last entry that I was focusing on my nutrition and just trying to stay positive, and to understand that I was prepared as I was ever going to be.  I really just wanted to enjoy the experience, while at the same time wanting time to pass more quickly so I could put it behind me.  

On Friday I went down to PowerTri for packet pickup and body marking (which I had forgot they were going to do.)  I took Brooklyn with me and it was a neat experience to stand in line as an athlete.  I at no time in my life have every been able to consider myself an "athlete".  Once I got home Friday afternoon, I turned my attention to packing my bag.  I knew I had everything I was going to need, but I was very deliberate to ensure that I didn't forget something.  I remember Stacy's first triathlon and her experience with preparing her transition bag (or lack of preparation).  So I mentally ran the race to determine what I was going to need and in what order.

Once I had the bag pack, I continued my prep work, checked the tire pressure on the bike and loaded it in the truck, and laid out my morning food.  By 8:00pm I was ready, so I tried to distract myself for the rest of the evening talking with my parents who had come in for the weekend.  Finally, about 9ish it was time for bed, or at least some quite time.  I intended on getting to the race site by 6:30, so that I wouldn't be rushed and so I would have the best choice of the bike rack for transition.

I slept sound and was up early.  I got to the venue about 6:30 and found a perfect spot at the end of a bike rack right in the middle.  I had 2 hours till race time, which I spent meditating, listening to music and trying to visualize the race.  I tried to not think too much about the swim, it was more just focusing on the part where I get out of the water.  As the minutes ticked by, I just wandered for the first hour, around 7:30 I went into the Olympic Oval and spent 20 minutes on a spin bike, trying to warm-up.  Around 8:00, I found Stacy and Mikayla waiting poolside, it was good to see them there, after the pre-race meeting, Brooklyn and my parents arrived and I had my cheering section ready to go.

So, it was time to start.  We self-ranked ourselves based our swimming level, from 1-5 (1 expert - 5 novice).  I considered myself a 4 (beginner) and was towards the back of the pack.  Our time didn't start till we entered the water.  It was a little nerve racking just waiting in line to start, and those of us in line just made nervous conversation.  Most of the racers I had talked to hadn't even driven the bike route, so I answered a lot of questions about both the bike and run courses.  As I approached the line I just told myself to go easy and that it would be over soon enough.

For the first lap and a half, I was going OK, that was 75 meters, and at meter 76 I knew I was in trouble.  Stacy and the girls were poolside trying to give me encouragement, which I appreciated, but didn't do much for me.  I settled into a mix of freestyle and floating on my back with a strong leg kick.  At the end of each 50 meters I would rest for a moment and get back at it.  I really wasn't trying to count the laps, as I felt it may discourage me with how much I had left to go.  I found out after that my sweet Mikayla got very emotional because of how much I was struggling and had to go sit with my parents.  When I hit the last 50 meters she walked the side of the pool the whole length trying to help me, and it did.  I did the last 50 meters mostly freestyle.  And then it was over.  Total swim time, 17:26, which is only slightly longer than I had expected.

After getting out of the water, it was about a 200 meter run to T1, I tried to run and finally it turned into a strong shuffle.  All I could think of was to get onto the bike.  Now, they say you should practice your transitions, I didn’t, and I think if I had I still would have not experienced what it was truly like.  My biggest challenge was my socks, my feet were wet, which made it challenging.  I remember thinking this is why most triathletes don't wear socks; I need to work on that.  Total T1 time was 2:25, not bad for a first time.

Onto the bike, this was my strongest of the three disciplines.  I had ridden the course a couple times and I knew what to expect.  The first 1/4 was a steady uphill, nothing super hard.  I was able to pass a number of racers, and was only passed my 1 person.  The 2nd 1/4 was downhill, and I mean downhill.  I barely even peddled, at one point I was going 38 mph, which is a better good clip.  It gave me a chance to rest up for what was about to happen.  The next 1/4 was pretty much flat; I took the Hammer Gel at the beginning of this leg, so that it would kick in for the last leg.  Again, I passed a number of riders and wasn't passed by anyone else.  Final the last 1/4, uphill for 13 straight blocks.  It was hard, and everyone was struggling, especially those riders on mountain bikes.  A couple riders passed me, but I didn't care, I just didn't want to stop.  Thankfully there was no wind, as I passed riders I tried to give them encouragement.  After those thirteen blocks, it was a quick downhill to T2.  Total bike time, 52:12, longer than I had expected, but I am satisfied. 

Into T2, I had a chance to get some encouragement from Leslie Howlett, who was working the transition area.  She wanted to know how the swim was and it was a nice distraction as I was preparing for the 5k run.  Coming out of transition I saw my mom, Stacy, the girls, Carrie and Mackenzie, my cheering section was growing.  Total T2, 1:37, I am very pleased with my transition times.

Finally the run, I came out of T2 with Leslie's last words of advice in my ears, just small strides.  It was about just putting one foot in front of the other, trying to get me running legs under me.  The first part of the run was out of the Oval complex, up a walking path then about 400 meters on grass up to the neighborhood.  I tried to keep running, but it turned into a walk/jog 5k.  I was passed by only a couple of people and pretty much kept the same people around me for the entire run.  I live in the neighborhood, so I knew what to expect.  There were only four uphill sections and the last 1/3 of the course was going to be all downhill running.  As we rounded onto road with the last hill, I knew I was going to make it.  I ran past a friend’s house (Kim) and I appreciated her encouragement.  As I turned on to my houses street I passed my newest neighbor and I am pretty sure he didn't know I was in a race and wanted to chat.  As I rounded the corner there was a course direction sign, and Mikayla had taped on congratulation sign for me, I was the only race to understand what she wrote and it was very special to me.  Coming down the last stretched I walked a little, because I wanted to make sure I had something left in the tank for the final sprint.  As I came into the Oval I saw Jeff and Kristin waiting for me and cheering me on.  I figured out pretty quick why they were there, Jeff was the lookout and whistled as I entered the building.  If you haven't heard his whistle let me just say, EVERYONE heard him.  I gave it a strong push and came across the finish line feeling great.  Total run time 30:06, just six seconds over my 30 minute goal, but I wasn't complaining, because I was a TRIATHLETE!  Total time 1:43:44 205/276th overall, 15/19th in my class.

Coming across the line it just felt great.  I wasn't overcome with emotion or anything like that, I think that was because I of my preparation.  I had raced the race so many times in my head, that it was surreal; don't get me wrong I was loving every second.  It was so great to have so much support and to have my girls be the first ones to hug me as I finished.  By the finish my cheering section had added NeeNee and the Little Lady.  We did the pictures and chatted for a bit and it was over.  A small gathering at the house, a little nap, and it was over.

So it has been three weeks since the race, and just two weeks till my next race, Daybreak.  I took a rest day the day after, and was back at the gym running.  Now I haven't had the swim training that I would like, for a couple reasons, the weather, I prefer the outdoor pool, and I have been focused on my professional career.  The week after the race, I started the interview process with a company that had an open Controller position available.  That process had been my focus for two straight weeks, and this past Monday I was offered the position.  It is with a dental company downtown that has tremendous growth potential, and I feel I can be an asset and we will be able to accomplish some great things professionally.

I have been working out steadily, and again, outside of the swim, I feel I will do OK in this upcoming race.  The swim will be another new experience, as I will need to wear a wetsuit.  I am probably relying too much on the buoyancy it will offer, but I may spend some more time kicking on my back, but I won't have any lane lines or poolside to hold onto for rest.  The next couple weeks, I will again try and hit the pool after work, but I will be as ready as I will be, come race day.

One final note, I want to congratulated Leslie Howlett and Burke Priest for their success at the St. George Ironman on May 1st.  I can only stand in awe at that accomplishment.  I spent that entire day tracking their progress online.  They have said that this was probably the hardest Ironman bike and run course ever, and to complete it is a special things.  Leslie's time 12:09, and Burke's was  14:51:19.  I have so much respect for these athletes, I want to wish them both continued success.

36 hours to go...

I sit here 36 hours from my first triathlon with mixed emotions ranging from “I’m ready”, “It’s about the complete not the compete” and “what the hell am I thinking”.  This seemed so easy when it was three months away, now 36 hours away all I can think about is how “not” prepared I am for this.  I keep reminding myself that at this point I am as ready as I am going to get, so what will be will be.

Putting the whole race into perspective my biggest concern is with the swim, if I can get out of the water, I am confident I can finish.  About a week and a half ago I met with a professional triathlete, Leslie Howlett, and she gave me some suggestions and pointers on my swim technique.  (Checkout her blog at Triathlon-Mom, she will be racing the in the St. George Ironman May 1^st.)  I am been trying to focus on the information she gave me, but I really couldn’t make a ton of improvement in less than two weeks.  The swim is just like my run, I just need to put in the time in the pool.  This upcoming event is the only pool swim, the remaining events will all be in open water and almost twice the length as this one, so I need to continue to put in the time. 

I have ridden and run the course this week and it felt pretty good.  As for the ride, I am praying for either no wind at all, or at least a north to south wind.   When I rode it this week I had a south to north wind that damn near killed me on the 13 block stretch from 41^st South to 54^th South, all up hill, if I went any slower I am pretty sure I would have been going backwards.  Actually, the scariest part of the ride was the 13 blocks on 111 with the tailwind.  I was pretty much along for the ride and just hoping I could control the bike.  That stretch will be nicer with the traffic control and I will be able to go all out without worrying about cars, just the other riders.

As for the run, I would like to say my goal is not walk, but I am realistic, I may walk depending on how I feel after the bike.  The run has a couple good sized hills, but is mostly flat or downhill, with the last 400 meters on the track in the Oval.  When I ran it this week I was reminded that running outside is not the same as a treadmill or even a track.  I suffered from shin splints for a couple days after, I imagine that will be just one of my aches and pains after Saturday.  The weather just hasn’t been nice enough for me to want to run outdoors, and when it was I felt I needed to focus on the bike.  With this race, a 5k next weekend and the Race for the Cure 5k the week after that, I will need to put in some road time to build those outdoor muscles, but I am just happy to be running, outdoor endurance will come quickly.

This week I have backed off my training, I just don’t want to strain anything in so close to the race.  I have swam each day, but I didn’t really push myself, and frankly it didn’t help build my confidence.  I have also been focusing on my nutrition, I haven’t had any sugar, or fat this week, I have limited myself to good protein and good carbohydrates.  It has been hard, because have been hungry all week, I haven’t counted my calories this week, I have eaten often, but not a lot.  Leslie wrote a good article on the Triathlete’s Edge website about race day/week nutrition and I have been trying to follow it.

By the way, The Triathlete’s Edge website has added this blog to its featured blog page, which is very cool and I appreciate the support.  I also want to thank all my family and friends for their support through this process.  This week after I posted the before and after pictures I received a ton of comments about my success, and I truly appreciate that.  I especially enjoyed the reaction by friend who I have met after I lost most of the weight, they had no idea how large and in-charge I actually was.

Tomorrow, the day before the race, I am going to try and relax as much as possible.  I will put my gear together, making sure I don’t forget anything.  I will do some bike maintenance, checking tires and cleaning the change.  I also will be cleaning the house with the help of my girls, have to make sure it is presentable as my parents are coming down from Idaho to support me.  It is kind of funny that they never saw me compete in any sport in high school, but 22 years later I am.  In the evening I have to go to Lehi for packet pickup, I know I could do it Saturday morning, but I just don’t want any stress Saturday.

My next blog entry will be post race, I am just humbled at the thought of competing in my first triathlon.  I can thank my wife enough for making the decision in 2007 that we were going to change our lives and to start making healthy decision.  I am so happy to be an example to my girls, just as Stacy was last year in her first triathlon.  I love my family and my friends, thank you for all your support.

Before and After Pictures

So I have been asked to post some pictures of where I have been and where I am now.  So here are a few that best reflect my progress.

I am very happy with what we have accomplished and I am very excited to see where this journey leads.

This is fun...

I know that I am new to all of this, and that I will have ups and downs during my journey, that being said I am loving the bike. Stacy and I went out both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday we rode the tri course in reverse. We rode in reverse because I was concerned about the 13 block climb from 41st to 54th South on 6400 West, and rightfully so, we were on the brakes the whole way down. The problem was we forgot about the hill on 111, while the hill wasn't was long, it was much steeper. It was a 10 mile or so loop, very little wind, it felt great and I had a lot left in the tank.

Sunday, the weather was a little cooler (ok cold and windy), we went south down 48th to New Bingham to 111 to 54th and home, about 17 miles. That was the plan, we had a head wind for the first third of the ride. Once we hit 111, tailwind downhill, at one point I hit 38 mph, very fun.

Now while Stacy and I left the house together, that was about the last time we saw each other. I am not bragging when I say this, but she could not hang in there with me, and I know how frustrating that can be and my heart goes out to her. I waited for her at the 54th turn and decided that I was going to extend my ride, I wanted to ride to 41st and up 56th West.

I had that great tailwind on 111, which turned into a cross wind on 41st and a full headwind on 56th. On 41st I felt like I was riding at a 45 degree angle fighting the wind, making the turn on 56th I wasn't sure I made the right decision. The ride up 56th is going to be very similar to the climb on race day (hopefully without the wind). The while way up 56th I just kept listening to my spin instructors yelling at me to keep moving, that and a few primal screams I made it and frankly felt I could keep going. It was a 25 mile circuit, but I don't want to get to cocky about how I am feeling, because I know that is a recipe for a let down. So, I am going to accept my victory for what it is, a part of my journey not the end of it.

Now as for the swim, I am resigned to the fact it will take me as long as it takes me and I can't do anything about it. It will be 8 lengths in the 50 meter pool, I will start towards the end so I don't get run over and I will rest when I have to, and I will take it slow. This is my first event, I'm in it to complete, not compete. I feel if I can get out of the water with some energy left, I will be able to complete the bike and run. I drove the run today, and while it has a few hills it is most a gentle downhill grade, with the last 400 meters on the Olympic Oval running track to the finish. I can see the finish in my head and I get goose bumps.

9 days and counting....

T-15 Days and counting

So I am two weeks away from my first event. Depending on the specific moment determines if I am freaked out or confident. I have been training hard and I am definitely seeing some progress, but I'm not sure two weeks is enough to truly be prepared, however the clock is moving whether I am ready or not.

I think my biggest concern right now is the anxiety that I will have the day of the race. Namely with the swim, I need to make sure I don't burnout on the first leg. Talking with a friend today, he suggested that I need to make a conscious decision to go as slow as possible to start, that way I can build a rhythm for the rest of the race.

Speaking of the swim, I am feeling a little better. I am swimming four days a week and I am starting to build some endurance. Yesterday I met a triathlete who works at the pool I go to and she is going to meet me next week to work on my technique. I am very excited to get some professional advise.

As for the bike, I am spinning 3 days a week, I have some incredible instructors that really help me get the most out of the workout (no matter how bad I swear at them during class). The weather is finally starting to improve so I am looking forward to getting out on the road. I really want to be able to ride the course a few times before race day. The 13 block climb at the end has me a little concerned.

Now I say two weeks, but it is really only one week considering I need to taper as the race approaches. I have next week to train hard, then I need to start dialing back training so that I don't over prepare and not have the energy on race day. So that considered, freaked out is the more prevalent emotion, but regardless, I will be as ready asIi can, and I will do all I can, and I will cross that finish line.