Chelsea Tris

Ironman CDA Race Report-6/24/07

2007-06-27T20:32:00.001-07:00

For those who don’t want to read the whole shebang, here’s the short story-It was Awesome! I made my goal. Here are my times:

Swim Time: 1:23:17
T1: 6:11
Bike Time: 6:59:59
T2: 5:51
Run Time: 5:22:01
Total Time: 13:57:17

For those of you who do want to hear the whole shebang:

First let me start by saying that the absolute best part of the race was all the support. From the support of my husband, to the support of my friends, family, co-workers, volunteers and spectators was absolutely amazing and touching. To know that literally thousands of people (if you count all the spectators and volunteers in Coeur d’Alene) were rooting for me was so uplifting and inspiring. So THANK YOU!!!!

Pre-Race

Shaun and I got up at 3 am, yes you read right, 3 am, to eat, get ready and then make the hour long trek to get to Coeur d’ Alene in time for transition opening at 5. The race started at 7 and I needed to drop off some things in my transition bags (which I had dropped off the day before), check my bike, drop of my special needs bag, get body marked, stretch, and get my wet suit on by 6:30. I was really glad we got there right at 5 because it quickly became a madhouse at transition and Shaun and I were able to get a spot on the grass for me to put on my wetsuit and I wasn’t squished in with the crowds of people. I was able to stay pretty calm and I was excited. In the car, I was singing songs to Shaun and trying to get pumped up.

At 6:30 Shaun left to go get a good spot on the race course for he and my family and I made the walk to the beach start. It literally took 15 minutes to go about 100 feet because there were so many people. I ate 3 shot bloks and drank the rest of my water. Once on the beach I found 2 people from my training group, Dorette, and Kirsten. It was so nice to start with them.

Ten minutes before we started, Mike Reilly (the voice of Ironman) announced “Listen up racers, we have an important announcement.” He then went on to say that the water was really choppy (there were white caps out there) and that race conditions were not ideal. He said that they were giving people the option to opt out of the swim and just do the bike and run. They would not be considered an “Ironman” at the end of the race but they would be able to do the other 2 disciplines. They normally NEVER give this option. If you don’t make the swim you have to stop competing. I looked at D and Kirsten and said “I didn’t train for 8 months to not do the swim.” It was at this point that my hands started shaking.

The Swim

Right at 7 am the horn blared and we were off. I stayed back from the front of the pack but towards the middle of the swim course. My ever knowledgeable coach had told us that we didn’t need to stay to the left of the buoys (it was a counter clockwise course) and that we could actually swim down the middle. We just had to go around the last buoy before going over and swimming back. This was my first mass start and really, it wasn’t that bad. I think the start at Wildflower was worse. I started swimming and it was difficult. The waves were BIG. I found that I couldn’t spot because anytime I looked forward I would get a big mouthful of water. So I decided to just keep the kayaks on my left and the buoys on my right and I would be okay. Where we had to turn around it got a little cramped as everyone tried to get around that buoy. Swimming to the next buoy was also challenging because the waves were bringing us closer to shore. The kayakers were yelling at to “Stay Right! STAY RIGHT!” I went around the next buoy and then I got to body surf all the way back to shore! Again, Coach D had a great tip to not spot buoy to buoy but rather to spot things that are unmoving. There was a tree that he pointed out that had no top (due to a lightening storm). It was the perfect spot and got me back to shore in exactly the right place. Swimming back was so fun! I felt so fast and my stroke was so long due to the waves bringing me in. I got to shore and saw that I had done the first loop of the swim in 40 minutes-that was REALLY GOOD! I was excited. I got at, ran to get back in as a guy next to me said “Are we crazy, we’re going to do that again?”

The second loop was just as challenging and I did start to feel a little tired from fighting the waves. On the way back in I was giving myself a pep talk saying “You’re doing great! You’re doing great.” Over and over again. I also thought “Man this is a looooooong swim.”

I hopped out of the water and looked up at the clock it said 1:23:17 I had said that if I had a great swim I would come in between 1:15 and 1:30. It looks like I had a great swim!

T1

Running to T1, I again saw Dorette and another one of my training partners Lesley. We commented that we were happy to be done with the swim and ready to get on the bike. I grabbed my T1 bag and headed into the changing tent. A volunteer asked if I needed help and I said “sure!” And man was she a saint! She took everything out of my bag and lined it up in the order I would need to put it on. As I was changing she was spraying me with sunblock and putting my swim stuff into my bag. I ran out of T1 and had 3 volunteers putting more sunscreen on me. On my legs, arms, and face.

The Bike

I hopped on the bike and immediately started my heart rate monitor and started drinking. I knew that I’d see my family and Shaun at about mile 4 and I was excited to see them. As I passed there was my dad taking pictures, my Mom and Shaun holding a HUGE yellow sign and my sister holding another sign. I saw them and gave them a huge thumbs up and smile.

During the bike ride, I wanted to keep my heart rate below 135. It was at about 150 when I got on the bike and I worked to get it to come down. By about mile 5 it was down but I felt like I was going no where. At this point both Lesley and Dorette passed me. I just had to keep telling myself “Pace, not Race.”

My family had situated themselves at a part of the race course that I would go by 4 times. I saw them the second time and then went to the hilly part of the course.

I had my heart rate monitor set to beep every 5 minutes to remind me to drink (although I think I drank about every 3 minutes) and I was making sure to eat my PB&J, Carbo Pro and Luna Bars. I was drinking so much that I was actually worried about Hyponytremia and so I upped my electrolyte pills to 3 an hour. I WAS THIRSTY!!!

The hills. This year debuted a new course. The course in years past was pretty flat. Ummm…not this year. In total we climbed 5250 feet. It was all pretty rolling and none of it was climbing for an extended period of time but it was still hard! I kept my heartrate at 135 and let all the other people pass me and mash up the hill. In knew in my head that they wouldn’t be going as fast the second time around. My legs felt groggy and slow at this point and I felt like I was going soooo slow. But I kept reminding myself of something that Karen Kofod (a great training partner of mine) told me the week before. She said “If you keep your heart rate where it should be the first 40 miles of the bike will be slow-painfully slow, but it WILL pay off”

She actually passed me and I said “My heartrate is in zone and I feel painfully slow.” And she said “Good” but it was so hard because at that point 4 of my training partners had passed me. I kept thinking “What’s wrong with me?!?!?”

I was heading up a slight incline when a guy passed me on the left, he then immediately turned around and spit. It hit me in the face and on the leg! I WAS PISSED. The only time I spiked my heartrate on the bike was to pass him and say “Next time you spit, you may want to look where you’re spitting.” I really wanted to spit on him but thought that it would be a bad idea to start a spitting war at the beginning of the bike. I got the final revenge though, I beat him :)

Then it hit. At about mile 30 my legs woke up. I sped up and was feeling great! And then a second thing hit-I got a horrible side knit. I’ve never had a cramp on the bike before. It was in my right ribs and it hurt to breathe. I didn’t know what to do. I tried to eat and that made it worse. So I switched to only CarboPro, Gu2o (like Gatorade) and water. I caught up at this point to 2 of the guys on my team-Franciois and Steve. We all rode in a non drafting line for about 10 minutes and then I took off. Even though I had the cramp my legs were still feeling great!

I headed back around for the second loop. Saw my family (that was a huge boost!), gave them a thumbs up and then got to my special needs bag. I had packed Swedish fish, pb&j, pretzels, and chips. I threw them all away and just got new bottles of CarboPro (I finished the first one-YAY!), my Gu2o, and Shot Bloks.

I started at this point yoga breathing. I would breathe in and imagine sending all my breathe to the pain and breathe out, imagining that it was leaving my body. I even tried holding my breath for a few counts to get all the oxygen in there that I could.

I headed back out into the hills and lo and behold, all those people who were passing me the first time around? I was passing them :) Oh and did that piss some of the men off. There was one guy in an Army jersey who was trying his hardest not to get beat by a girl-he didn’t succeed 

When I had 10 miles to go, I was so happy! I thought “Oh only about 5 more minutes” and then I figured out that 10 miles is about 30 minutes if I go 20 mph. So I went 20 mph (and kept my heartrate at 135). I thought to myself “Man, this is a loooooong bike.”

The bike course was hard but it was cool. Not a ¼ mile went by that there weren’t spectators. Everyone in the community was so supportive and awesome. It made those hills much easier!

I wanted to do my bike in under 7 hours. I got into transition at 6:59:59. Looks like I made my goal :)

T2

I got into the changing tent and again had a helper. She me in my clothes on my way. This transition took a little longer as I changed ALL of my clothes-but I’m glad I did.

The Run

I started out on the run and I felt great-the cramp went away!!! All those brick workouts really paid off. My legs felt fresh and my heartrate was right around 130. I knew I had had a negative split on my bike and wanted to do the same for the run. I kept it going nice and easy.

My pace was right at 11 min/mile and I was happy. It was hard to see the 20 mile markers (for the people on the second loop) but I kept telling myself “Next time I’m here, that will be what mile I’m at.”

I saw my sister on the run course and she asked how I was and I said “Great!” I passed my parents and Shaun and I gave them a huge thumbs up. My pace was looking good and I was feeling good.

I started seeing training partners on the run and we all looked strong and told each other so! I only stopped to use the porta potty and didn’t even walk through the aid stations. I knew that if I started walking that it would be hard to start running again.

On the way back on the first loop my Dad ran along side of me and I told him about the cramp. He told me to keep getting the fluids in. I went in for the second loop and thought to myself “okay, now it’s time to pick it up” and I started to.

Then it hit. The second loop I had major GI issues. I would say that I spent a good 20 minutes in the bathroom. All the liquid and no solid food caught up to me and the Imodium that I took in the morning and at mile 13 of the run just didn’t do the trick.

It was okay though, I kept a smile on my face and kept running. I didn’t walk. At mile 20, 2 guys that I had raced with said to me “If you keep running, you’ll make it in before sunset”

I picked it up! The last 3 miles I got progressively faster. At mile 25 a guy said to me “In a mile, Mike is going to call you a Ironman” as we passed mile 25 we both cheered and then I started sprinting. I also thought "Man, this is a long race."

I saw Willy and my sister and I threw my fuel belt at them and they were so excited. Next I saw my parents and my dad gave me a pat on the butt and that got me going faster. Then I saw the straight away and I just wanted the race over with. I ran as hard as I could. I saw Shaun and he got so excited and gave me a hug and started running with me. He asked if I wanted him to go over the finish line with him, I tried to say yes but he says it came out as “mufffhhhhammmkm” and so he steeped back and I crossed the finish line with my arms up.

When the GI issues had hit, I basically gave up my goal of finishing under 14 hours. I didn’t think it would happen. As I was crossing I heard Mike say “Chelsea, you’re going to finish in under 14 hours.” I couldn’t believe my ears.

I crossed the finish line at 13:57:22. I made it before sunset.

It was one of the best feelings in the world. The only better was marrying Shaun.

I had a handler and she made sure I was okay and didn’t need medical help-I didn’t.

I got my medal, my picture taken and then I went right into Shaun’s arms.

Training and competing in the Ironman was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I pushed my body to the limits and it delivered. I met wonderful people in the process and learned so much about myself. I also learned what a supportive and amazing husband I had. I already knew, but this process just cemented it. I also got to see just how amazing all my friends really were. All the support and love I received was overwhelming. So yes, my favorite part of the race was crossing the finish line. The best part of the race? All of you.

GAH!!!

2007-06-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm packed and headed off to bed! I wake up at 5 tomorrow to head to the airport!!!

All 3 of my suitcases are packed. Who ever knew you needed so much stuff? But I'd rather overpack than underpack...

I think I'm ready to go...

Oh the nerves, THE NERVES!!!

2007-06-18T15:02:00.001-07:00

They've started to set in. I'm starting to freak. I was so calm. Not so much anymore. My mind is racing a million miles a minute.

Check this out:

That's the start last year. That's where I'll be on Sunday at 7 am MST. CRAZY. I'm shaking thinking about it.

I leave Wednesday morning. I dropped my bike off on Saturday and I can pick it up on Thursday, although I may not. I may just hang out at our cabin on Wednesday and Thursday and then start the race craziness on Friday. I know how I felt before Ralph's (the first half I did) and seeing all those super cut people at the race site just really affected my nerves and I don't want to go through that sooner that I need to. I just need to remind myself that this is MY race. It's not to beat those people. It's my race to race smartly. To keep my HR in zone 2 with occasional spikes to zone 3 (AND NOT ABOVE unless it's the last mile of the RUN). I can't race anyone but myself.

Things I have to do before Wednesday:

-Pack!
-Go to Longs and get:
-Rubbing Alcohol-for my ears
-Imodium AD-for my butt :)
-Finger Nail Clippers
-Nail Polish Remover (I'm giving myself a mani pedi on Saturday night)
-Swedish Fish-for my special needs bag
-Fill out my race day nutrition quiz that Coach D gave us (I know it all in my head but will help if I write it down
-Print out directions
-Print out our boarding passes
-Don't forget my wetsuit (I'm so scared I'm going to)
-Do the last loads of laundry
-Stop freaking out!

And, Shaun was sick last week and 2 people that I work closely with are sick this week and my throat feels dry. I hope to GOD I'm not getting sick. I'm taking Airborne and Emergen-C and hoping for the best. My throat has felt dry for like 4 days, so hopefully it's just nerves....

Bib # 2003

2007-06-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

It has finally arrived! My Bib # is 2003. So if you'd like to track me on race day you can go to:

www.ironman.com:

"48 hours before the race start, you will see links for the Athlete Tracker in "The Latest" box on the home page of Ironman.com. You can also access the coverage by navigating to "Events", then choosing the race you are interested in. "

I'm doing Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene and my bib # will be 2003 =D

Seeing as how I met Shaun in 2003, I'm looking at this as a good thing :)

TWELVE Days...Yes TWELVE

2007-06-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's so soon!

I dropped my bike off on Sunday to get a complete service and to get a new chain and brake pads and whatever else it needs. I pick it up on Thursday and then ride it down to Palo Alto on Saturday to drop it off to be transported to Idaho.

I have the workout week from hell this week. We're supposedly in a 3 week progressive taper but this week I:

Monday: Cycle 2 hours
Tuesday: Cycle 1.5 hours, Strength training 45 minutes
Wednesday: Optional Rest day (I'm taking that option)
Thursday: 70 minute run, strength training 45 minutes
Friday: Swim 1.25 hours, Run 60 minutes

and then the taper starts (in my mind):

Saturday: Swim 1700 yards (approximately 30 minutes), 40-50 mile bike ride
Sunday: Run 1.25 hours (much less!)
Monday: Cycle 1 hour easy
Tuesday: Run 30 minutes, light strength training
Wednesday: Travel, rest day
Thursday: Swim 30 minutes on race course, run 20 minutes with pick-ups, bike 30-45 minutes on race day run course with pick-ups
Friday: Swim 10 minutes on race course, bike 15 minutes, DRIVE bike course
Saturday: This one makes me laugh: Run 8 minutes, swim 7 minutes, eat =D

We fly out next Wednesday! It's getting so close!!!

I guess it won't be that much longer of a post...

2007-06-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

I had quite the training weekend. I had to ride 120 miles on Saturday and then get up on Sunday and ride for 45 minutes and then run 18 miles.

Well the 120 mile bike ride was long, cold, windy and hard. The first 40 miles I kicked some major ass, the middle 40 miles I slowed down a bit and then the last 40 miles I kicked some more major ass! It took all day and the conditions were horrible and I almost got run down by a cow. But I did it and it wasn't too bad.

As for Sunday's Bike/Run Brick. My hip hurt a bit on the bike ride and I was really worried about the run. BUT my body must be trained because about a mile into the run I felt great and had no hip problems. OH and it was confirmed that ALL of my knee problems stemmed from my shoe laces. I ran with the new shoes, laced the way my old shoes are laced with NO knee issues. By my third 6 mile loop I was feeling great and on top of the world!

The blisters are because it was hot yesterday and my feet were sweaty. The purple toe nail is from my nails being too long and hitting the end of my shoes...nice.

It was a great training weekend because now I know I can finish the Ironman which happens in less than 3 weeks!! 19 DAYS TO BE EXACT!!!

Ow, my toe..

2007-06-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

A much longer post to follow, but this weekend I:

-Rode my bike for 120 miles (Saturday)

-Rode my bike for 45 minutes (Sunday)

-Ran 18 miles (Sunday)

I feel pretty great and not too sore...except my poor toe nail, which will fall off :(

Holy 22 Miles Batman!

2007-05-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

I did my longest run ever this weekend. 22 miles of running goodness! Here was my weekend:

Friday: Elaina and Richards Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner, followed by drinks (where I drank a little too much)
Saturday: Got up at 6 am to ride my bike for 3 hours. Pick up cupcakes for wedding at 10. Down in Palo Alto by 10:30. 1030 am-11 pm wedding stuff =D (It was a great wedding btw)
Sunday: Got up at 6:30 to drive to Mill Valley for my 22 mile run. Ran 22 miles, got a Double Double Animal Style, went to some friends house-iced and played phase 10, in bed by 9:30
Monday: "Slept In" (until 7 am), went grocery shopping, got a WONDEROUS deep tissue massage, went to Half Moon Bay, in bed by 9:30 again :)

It was quite a weekend but today I feel great and not even sore! Get this, the sorest thing on my body was my lower abs?!?! Explain that!

The run:

1 mile loop-time trial for day (9:45 min/mile pace)
6 mile loop-Zone 1-2 (10:30 min/mile pace)
5 mile loop-Zone 1-2 (10:00 min/mile pace)
4 mile loop-Zone 1-2 (10:00 min/mile pace)
3 mile loop-Zone 2 (9:45 min/mile pace)
2 mile loop-Zone 2 (9:45 min/mile pace)
1 mile loop-As fast a I could go (9:30 min/mile pace)

My knee started hurting around mile 14 but I had my old shoes with me, so I changed into those and whatdaya know? The pain stopped. The shoes are the same model but the new ones are laced differently. I'm going to get the same laces tonight that I have on my old ones and re-lace. Hopefully that takes care of the knee pain.

I've got one more weekend of intense workouts (120 mile bike ride on Saturday, 45 minute bike ride on Sunday followed by an 18-20 mile run) and then I start a 3 week taper...bah...tapering sounds so fun but really it sucks!

Ads by Google...

2007-05-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

All of my "Ads by Google" are all about Triathlons, Running, and training. Nice Chelsea. Why don't you pick something else to talk about? Maybe because my life in consumed by the Ironman. BUT! It's going to be here in 33 DAYS!!! Crazy.

Ya know what? When it's over I'm going to be so happy. I'm going to have my weekends back. I'm going to be able to finish my kitchen! and my laundry room! and hang out with my friends! and hang out with my HUSBAND (imagine that!) and just be! I won't have to worry about what I have to do tomorrow and how tired I am and how what I'm eating is going to affect my performance (and not that performance).

But you also know what? I'm going to be sad too. My huge goal will be over. I won't have that thing to strive for. I won't be defined by "training for an Ironman."

Don't get me wrong, I'm really happy that I'm doing this but I don't think I can be a serial Ironman-er (I made that up :) ) I love my husband and friends and life too much. I like being able to just go to the beach and not worry about what training I'm missing. I'd like to not have to worry about how much alcohol I'm consuming at my best friend's wedding and how that's going to affect my 22 mile run the next day. I'd love to go on a bike ride just because I like the route and not because it fits the profile for the day.

So, I'm ready to be defined by something other than Ironman. I'll be so happy when I finish and I will be an Ironman. But I'm also ready to move on. I'm ready to go live and be and not train 20 hours a week.

Now point me back to this post after I finish and want to sign up for like 10 Ironman races...

Down for the Count

2007-05-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

I got a horrible case of food poisoning on Thursday night and was unable to do either the 120 mile bike ride on Saturday or the 20 mile run on Sunday. Can anyone say, freak out?

Well, I've become quite zen about it. There's nothing I can do about it and at least it didn't happen the week of the race. Plus, my knee was bothering me, so this gave it much needed rest.

So what's coming up? Well I've got a 3 hour bike ride on Saturday, followed by a day of Richard and Elaina's wedding festivities and then a 22 mile run on Sunday. Let's hope it goes well.

Now, I think that I'm actually hungry for the first time in 4 days!

Race Report-Wildflower Long Course: May 5, 2007

2007-05-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

About the Course (from the website):

The Wildflower Long Course Triathlon is one of the premier triathlons nationally and internationally. The 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run is one of the most challenging courses anywhere. Beach Hill, Nasty Grade, Polar Heart Rate Hill and the back country trail run will test the skills of the professional, elite, age group triathlete and the first time long course competitor. (Really-it's hard!)

Pre-Race:

I was really not mentally prepared for this race. I was in Mexico the weekend before and then went to a conference during the week and left after work on Friday. We got to the campsite (yes you camp for Wildflower) at about 8 PM as the sun was setting and there wasn't much light. We set up our tent, talked to some teammates and then went to bed. Normally the night before a tri I get all my gear ready, check my bike, and get all my supplies together. Since it was too dark to do that, I set my alarm for 5:30 to do it in the morning.

I was awakened at 5:15 by the people in the next tent over giggling. I got up and prepared my gear, ate some Cheerios, and went to the bathroom. I woke Shaun up at 6 and by 6:20 we had our backpacks strapped to our back and we rode our bikes the 2 miles to check-in and transition.

This was Shaun's first triathlon (he did the Mountain Bike course) and so we checked in together, got marked, and then went to find our spots for our bikes. I accidentally set all of my gear up at 2211 instead of 2111 and had to move it all (oops!). But by 8 am we were all set up and ready to go. I had a 9:10 start time and Shaun had a 9:45 start time. I talked with some of my teammates, visited the porta-potties (numerous times), and looked at the swim course. At one point I turned to the guy next to me and said "Crap, how many loops do we do?" (I was that unprepared) and he said "One. You can do more if you'd like."

I went to get my wetsuit on (it takes me a good 30 minutes to get it on properly). I glided like a mo-fo. I didn't want any of the chaffing that I had had after San Diego. I glided everywhere (or so I thought).

As I was walking down to get ready for my start, I looked over at Shaun and said "I'm nervous. I haven't thought about this race at all." Normally, before a race, I visualize it, I think about what I'm going to do. Ummm....not this race.

Five minutes before our start we were allowed to get in the water and test it out. I got in and was instantly pleased that it wasn't salty. It's in a lake and all my open water swimming thus far this year has been in salt water. I swam around and then got ready to start. This was my first time starting out of the water. I was in the front (and didn't want to be there but no one was letting me move) and the horn sounded.

Swim

Those girls went running and jumping in the water! So I did too. It was craziness at the start. I would say for the first 5 minutes it was just bodies on bodies. I was swimming over people, people were swimming over me-it wasn't fun. But after that first five minutes I got into the groove and started swimming. No shoulder pain and I was just taking it easy. I kept saying to myself "This is just training, it's not a race." It seemed like the turn around point took forever to come. But come it did. Once I turned around the waves started. Now, I was in a lake. Where were these huge waves from? They were bigger than waves I've experienced in the ocean. They were crazy. All I could think was "Poor Shaun, he's going to hate these waves." I normally swim really close to the buoys but the waves pushed me pretty far away. I spent a good 5 minutes trying to get closer to the buoys. And then I saw the swim finish and decided the faster I went the faster I could get out of the waves and I turned it on.

The swim felt great-I was in the best mindset I have ever been and it's because I told myself to take it easy. AND, I had a good swim time (even with the monster waves)

0:39:25

Bike

As I was leaving transition, I hear "And some of the first girls are getting out on the bike course, there goes Chelsea Titus, from San Mateo" So I knew that I had had a pretty good swim and that made me happy. I did have some trouble with my shoes but I got them off and off I went. The beginning of the bike course is really hilly. But I settled in and I climbed. On one of the hills my chain decided to fall off (Great) and so I pulled over to fix it. I had two people in the race ask if I was okay. That's just what kind of race this is-tons of camaraderie. I finally got out onto the flats and knew that this is where I could get in aero position and go a good 23-24 mph. Ummm, not so. There was wind and lots of it. I was pushing and going 15 mph...it sucked!!!

I finally got to make a right (at about mile 20) and the wind subsided a bit and I was able to settle in and ride. That felt nice. And then another right, where I had to start getting ready for Nasty Grade (that means it's steep). I had a girl pass me who was so encouraging and we started talking. She was from Boise and just was happy to be out. The whole group of us started chatting and it was fun. The one thing that really struck me about this race was how nice everyone was. There are a lot of people that do the race and you're constantly around people and everyone talked. That made it really fun. Plus the volunteers all dressed up. I went by an Aid station that was Disco themed. I saw someone dressed as Bono (mask and everything) and then at the bottom of Nasty Grade there was a guy in a pink bunny suit, dressed as the Energizer Bunny. It was hot and there was this guy in a pink furry suit-pretty cool.

I got to the top of Nasty Grade and ate my peanut butter sandwich-yum. And then it was all basically down hill from there. One of my coaches (Dorrette) passed me at about mile 54 and said "Dang girl, you're strong on the bike." I was thinking "Umm...you're passing me, you're stronger."

With the wind and all the hills, my bike time was 3:25:35 (16.3 mph)

Run

I got in and there was Shaun waiting for me in transition. All through the bike I was looking at my watch and trying to figure out what part of the race he was on. I knew that he should be done in about 2 hours and I was hoping I'd see him. There he was, cheering me on. I asked him how he did and he said "GREAT!" and then I was off on the run. This run is all hills. There are barely any flat parts. I just told myself, keep your feet moving. I had a guy that I saw on the bike (who had the longest legs I have ever seen), come up and say "Nice, strong bike ride." I guess I'm a strong bike rider ;)

So I settled into the run. I knew the course and I knew that mile 4-6 were the worst. I started talking to some people and felt really great. I climbed the huge hill and never stopped running. I would say that I only saw about 3 other people running this hill. I passed about 30 people and they all said "Good job, keep going" At the end of the hill I got quite the surprise! There was a group of about 10 people cheering us on-NAKED!!! The girls were definitely worth it-the boys-not so much. Yeah-not a stitch of clothing on. I really hope they all had sun screen on (sidenote:Shaun was really bummed that he didn't get any naked people on his race). I had a good 7 miles to go but I felt great. I just kept pumping it out and I had a big smile on my face and all the spectators were yelling for me and saying things like "GGTC (I had a uniform on), keep that smile going, you look great" The Aid stations also had people spraying us down with water and dunking us with 5 gallon jugs. Everytime I got that I would say "I love you" because it was hot.

Well, with 2 miles to go, I looked down at my watch and it said 6:10:00. I thought to myself "Holy Shit! I can finish at 6:30!" I had set the goal for myself that I wanted to finish under 7 for this race since it was so difficult. But when I saw that I could do 6:30, I pushed myself. UP that last hill and then ran hard down hill. With about a quarter mile to go, I felt really good so I sprinted to the finish line.

Run Time: 2:20:23 (pace 0:10:42)

Total Time: 6:30:16 Placed 34 out of 96 (top third!)

This was the most relaxed I have ever felt. It was a great race and it re-affirmed why I do this. I had a great time and love racing :) Here's to IM CDA!!!!

2007-04-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

I had to get a 90-100 bike ride in yesterday for my training. I knew it was going to rain but I figured I could handle it. I got out at 6:30 so that I could hang out with Shaun during the day and not be gone all day. The sun wasn't completely up when I left and it was 47* but no rain. Miles 1-38-no rain. Miles 38-90 RAIN!!! At some points I thought I needed to stop because it was so dangerous. But I didn't stop. Even though it was cold, wet-REALLY WET, and windy.

But.

It was fun!

And the feeling of being done is even better!

Seriously, I was so wet that my shoes were squishing, my gloves had to be wrung out multiple times and my whole body looked like a prune when I got done, even the heels of my hands were wrinkly

I <3 My Husband

2007-04-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

My training has been really hard for us. If I'm not working, I'm training. If I'm not training, I'm tired or sleeping. This leaves no time for my hubby and us. The first 6 weeks were particularly difficult for us but we've seemed to work out a solution. If there are any workouts that he can do with me, he does. I make sure to make time for us and he's sure to let me have a little cat nap if I need it. We have good weeks. We have bad weeks. But lately they've been really good and that makes me happy.

So about 6 weeks ago Shaun and I made the decision that he would not be coming down to Oceanside to watch my race. We didn't want him to have to take off work and it wouldn't be that fun for him and he had a mountain bike clinic on Sunday that he was very excited about.

Well, on Saturday morning I got a little teary before my race because he wasn't there. I knew that we made the right decision but he really is my #1 fan and is such a calming force for me. He's my pit crew and always makes sure I'm all square before the race. So when he wasn't there, it made me a little sad. During the race, I kept thinking about him and wondering if he had looked at how I was doing but telling myself that it was okay if he hadn't. On the second loop of the run, I asked my Dad "Have you called Shaun?" and he said he had. So that made me happy.

After the race, I picked up my medal, my shirt, and my hat. I walked through the food tent and grabbed a mini-bagel and a banana and I went straight to my transition area. I picked up my phone and I called my husband to tell him how great I had done and how much I missed him. I hoped that he would pick up.

On the first ring he picked up and he said "Oh my gosh honey you did so GREAT! You came in 48th and your bike was awesome and so was your run! How's your shoulder? I was really worried about your first transition because it was so long but then I talked to your dad and he explained how big the transition was and then I saw that everyone else's transition was that long. Oh and your swim was only 2 seconds slower per 100 meters than the last time and that's great with your shoulder. HOW ARE YOU FEELING"

This was basically said in one breath and I felt so loved and so happy. I missed him but he cared and he tracked me.

The next day I called him and he said "Honey, I was so mad at myself yesterday" and I said, "Why?" thinking that he had spilled something on the carpet or forgot to feed the cat and he said, "I should have been there. I spent the whole morning obsessively tracking you and worrying and wishing I was there. I'm so sorry."

Isn't he great? I'm the luckiest woman alive.

We already have OUR plane tickets for Coeur d'Alene and he can't wait!

Pictures!

2007-04-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Coeur d'Alene-Here I Come!!!

2007-04-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pre-Race

I drove down to my parents house (about a 5.5 hour drive) on Thursday night and then my Dad and I left Friday morning to drive down to Oceanside (3.5 hour drive). So I did alot of driving! On the drive down I said to my dad "I'm not nervous, is that weird?" He said that I was prepared so I'd probally just get nervous in the morning. We got to Oceanside around 2:30 and I went in to register. Well the signs weren't very good and I didn't know where I was going. I walked through the expo which was HUGE and there were ALL these people there that were in phenomenal shape. I started to get a little intimidated and overwhelmed. I finally found registration and as I was walking there I walked past, I was litterally a foot away from, Michellie Jones . Michellie Jones won the Ironman Championchip in Hawaii last year. I actually saw her 4-5 times during the expo and once she was eating french fries! That made me happy Anyway, this was the biggest triathlon I had ever seen and I was OVERWHELMED.

At registration they had all thes marines yelling out orders and telling us what to do, The race is all over Camp Pendleton so the Marines are a HUGE part of the race. I went in filled out my waivers, got weighed-ick (the do this in case you get ill on the course they'll weigh you and if you're lighter they know you can get fluids, if you're heavier they know that you have too many fluids and are probably suffereing from hyponytremia).

After that I got my wetsuit on and did about a 10 minute swim. It was 59 degrees which is about 7 degrees warmer than what I have been practicing in and it felt warm. I then got my running stuff on and did about a 15 minute run back to the hotel. Once back at the hotel I hopped on my bike and rode down to where transistion would be. The tri was so big that the morning of I would only be able to park about 1.5 miles away and have to bike in. Well, my hotel was about a mile away so I figured out how to get there beforehand

I went to a pasta dinner with my team, went to the store to get som PB&J and then back to the hotel room to prepare. At this poing I still wasn't nervous.
I set 3 alarms (because I am a freak), for 5 and then went to sleep. I slept GREAT and got up at 5. I ate my oatmeal with banana and half a PB&J, got dressed, got my big huge backpack with all my gear on and rode down to the race. I had to get marked (on my leg and arm) and set up my transition. The ONE thing I forgot was my bike pump so I had to stand in line for 20 minutes to get my bike pumped up....nice. Then I went and stood in line for a good 20 minutes to go to the bathroom. Again-nice.

The transition was probably the size of 2 football fields and there were 3000 athletes-CRAZY. SO BIG. I set up transition and then got my wetsuit on. My dad called to say that he got a spot near the water and that he would see me when I was getting in. My wave left at 7:29.

Swim

I got in line for the swim and we started pretty quickly after I got in line we got in the water. Right as I was entering the water "Let's Get it Started" by the Peas came on and that made me happy. Still at this point I was not nervous. We got in the water the gun went and we were off. Now I was worried about my shoulder so I started on the edge and tried to alter my stroke so that it wouldn't hurt. The waves went off in about 3 minute increments and there were about 100 people per wave. We were swimming in the harbor which was small but there were also pretty big waves-it was weird. Pretty quickly I came upon the slower swimmers of the previous wave. I was surrounded by my wave and was about in the middle of the pack (which is odd for me, I'm usually near the front but I was trying to be conservative with my shoulder). This swim sucked. It was so small, I totally got clobbered (I've got the bruises on my back to show that). And I was swimming over people (and felt bad). BUT-it went pretty quickly and my arm DIDN'T hurt!

I got out and got help with my wetsuit (that was fun! These big races do have benefits!).

The swim was done!

37:50

pace 1:59/100m about 20 seconds slower per 100m than I had practiced. Not bad for a hurt shoulder.

Bike

I ran through transition, got my bike, helmet, and race belt and took off. This was the first time I saw my Dad and that was nice to have someone yelling for me . The other cool thing is that our race numbers had our names on them so all the volunteers and spectators could yell for you and yell your name. So I took off on the bike and had issues with my HRM. During that yucky swim, somehow the HR alarm was set to go off if I went over a HR of 125-nice. So I put my HRM on the start screen where it tells you your HR but doesn't calculate calories burned or how long your going or any of that.

I started riding and got my HR to 145 and worked on keeping it there. The first half of the race was pretty flat, so I got in aero position and just went. I was riding with a lot of men and a few women. I did see one of my teammates on the bike, that was cool. I would pass him going up the little hills, he would pass me going down (typical), and then the last time, I said, "okay Tom, for real now-I'll see you later" (Did I mention that Tom is 63 and has done 3Ironman races-he's awesome!

The whole race I was swapping places with a guy named Roger (I could see his name on his number). EWWW and there was a girl who had see through shorts on-NASTY. I got my HR over 150 so that I could pass her. I did NOT want to see her ass crack the whole race.
The bike went great-lots of cute marines to cheer us on.

The second half of the bike was kind of hilly but nothing like bike riding in Northern California. BUT, there were DUDES walking up the hills. WTF? They were not that steep.

The bike went really fast and when I had 6 miles to go I couldn't believe that it was almost over already. And then I got mad at myself for getting ahead of myself. I was trying to imagine my last transition but I had to finish that last 6 miles and you never know when you're going to get a blow out. That last 6 miles, I did not get passed, but I probably passed about 20 people.

Sidenote: I knew I was doing pretty well when I came to my first aid station and they were all yelling-"It's a girl! It's a girl!"

2nd Sidenote: I totally peed on the bike twice. The only gross part was when it went in my shoe. But you figure I was drinking so many liquids, it was basically like water.

On the way in I saw both my dad and my brother and they were EXCITED!

3:01:14

Average: 18.54 mph

Run

I got all my biking gear off and my running gear on and I was off! My legs felt pretty good but my HR was a little high. I saw my Dad and Brother again and I asked them what time it was, they said it was 11:30 and that I was doing great. I calculated that I was right on pace to finish in 6 hours if I could keep a 10 minute mile on the run. Within the first mile Roger (the dude that I kept trading spots with and finally passed in the end) ran up behind me and said "Hey Chelsea, you had a wonderful bike-wonderful job." and I said "Are you Roger? Thank you!" So that was cool.

I fixed my watch right at mile 1 so that I could finally track my pace. I felt really good on the run and I just cranked it out. The spectators were awesome as were the volunteers. Everybody was cheering everybody on...it was so FUN! I learned that at the aid stations I like 2 cups of water, 2 sponges, 1 coke, and then 1 glass of water. I learned very quickly to yell out my order and they got it every time-those volunteers ROCKED! I'd use one sponge for my shoulder (which didn't hurt but I thought I would take care of it) and the other to squeeze over my head.

At about mile 3 my coach (who is FAST) passed me and said "Chelsea, you're doing GREAT! Keep it up." I couldn't believe that I was ahead of her at that point. I kept her in my site for awhile and kept the HR between 145-150. At some point I did pee (about mile 6) and that filled my shoes up with pee. That was gross but it felt so GREAT to pee. After I peed I would use the water and sponge to wash myself off. Yes people, you just pee when you do a tri. I knew that if I stopped and used a porta potty that I'd never be able to get my rythm back, so I just went for it. I saw lots of my teammates and we would encourage everybody on. It was super fun.

At mile 12 I was running next to a guy and he had started about 30 minutes ahead of me. When I saw the mile 12 marker-I said "Yay! Only a mile left!" And he said "Not for me. I don't think I can do this." This was a huge, muscly, fit guy, I was shocked and I said "You can do it...just keep going."
The last half mile I saw my Dad and brother (I saw them about 4 times on the run-which was great), and they said "KICK IT" so I figured I would. I had kept my HR at 145-150 the whole time and I knew that it was okay to spike it...so I did! I finished and it felt GREAT!!!.

2:09:11

Pace: 9:51/mile

Total Time-5:55:03

I did it! I did it! I did it in less than 6 and I felt GREAT. I could seriously have kept going. I had SO much energy after the race. I had a bunch of adrenaline running through me but a ton of energy. This makes me feel like I can do the Ironman-I can do it!

Afterward I saw my teammates and they all kept saying "You looked so strong" "You looked great" I think because they've never raced with me and didn't know what to expect-heck I didn't know what to expect! But it was just so cool. I'm still on cloud nine!

So I finished at 1:30 and I had to wait until 5:30 to get my spot to Coeur d'Alene! That's right-I'm going to Coeur d'Alene a full length Ironman! June 24th-CAN'T WAIT!!!

So that was very long!

But thank you all for all your support! Only 12 weeks to get ready for the full thing!

If you want to track me on Saturday...

2007-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

To track my progress on Saturday you can do it on www.ironman.com:

"48 hours before the race start, you will see links for the Athlete Tracker in "The Latest" box on the home page of Ironman.com. You can also access the coverage by navigating to "Events", then choosing the race you are interested in. "

I'm doing Ford Ironman California 70.3

5 Days to Go!!!

2007-03-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Which means I'm in full on taper mode.

This weekend was GREAT! I can really see all my hard work starting to pay off and all the work I've been doing with my nutrition.

This weekend:

On Saturday, I left from my house and did the Old La Honda Loop (46 miles -- 3,800' of climbing) in 3 hours. It felt great! I did Old La Honda (3.4 mile climb, steady 7% grade) at 7 MPH and kept my heartrate below 140. That's good! Most people are huffing and puffing to get up that thing. I took it nice and steady and didn't even have to stop at the top. I took the immediate left on Skyline and kept on climbing. The other nice highlight was looking down while I was on the flats. I was doing 20 mph and my heart rate was 123 (that's zone 1). Nice! I felt like I was ready to go qualify for Hawaii...and then I reminded myself that I'd have to do the Ironman under 10:50 (that's 10 hours and 50 minutes for 140 miles) and decided that I was crazy ;-)

Sunday, Shaun and I got up and drove to San Francisco to meet my training group. We did a 20 minute swim in the bay (water temp 54*-I did 1/2 mile in 11 minutes) and then we ran 7 miles up the coast towards the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, we turned around right at the bridge. It was a low heart rate run but I was supposed to do 10 minutes of race pace (Read:really fast) running. One of my 1 minute intervals I got up to a 6:18 minute mile pace-Nice!

After the run, we had brunch with my training group and then drove home. I took my bike in to get it serviced and to get new tires. The guy who sold it to me (who is a total sweetheart) did a diagnostic of my bike. He felt my rims and said "My god, you've put 6-7,000 miles on this bike!" He checked everything else and all I need right now are new tires. I will need a new chain before the Ironman and possibly a new wheel hub...but we'll see.

I then went on and did productive functioning adult things (like grocery shop, cook, etc-ya know the things I have to do, but can't find the time to do) and Shaun took a 3 hour nap.

I was having issues falling asleep last night and it didn't happen until 10:30 and I still woke up at 4:45 ready to go.

Yes, yes, I am tapering.

Wow it's almost been a month...

2007-03-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted. I suck.

Well I have my first race next Saturday and I'm SCARED! I hurt my shoulder 2 weeks ago and haven't been in the pool since. I've been going to physical therapy and doing everything else but no swimming. So the one thing that I'm usually NOT worried about, I'm worried about now. GREAT. I get to try swimming this weekend and see how it goes....but if it hurts I have to stop immediately. Nice.

But things, overall are going really well. Shaun and I have a schedule figured out now, so we actually see each other-how nice! And I'm still working out like a fiend. Now I just have 2-3 extra hours of physical therapy every week. Which is good for me, but is still more time suckage.

Okay, this entry is boring, so I'll stop now.... :)

Something Changed

2007-03-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling GREAT! I haven't felt great since about October. It's been a struggle and I've felt like I have had some good days but these last few months have been hard. This struggle has unfortunately coincided with the start of my Ironman training. I have definitely felt like my training has been going well but I have been in a funk. The funk was making me (and Shaun I think) really question my training. I was always tired, sort of depressed, and not feeling like me.

I didn't want to give up though. I committed to this and I was going to do it. But I was finding it really hard.

Then, something changed.....

I.FEEL.GREAT. So wonderful. I feel like the "old Chelsea" the one that made me want to train and tackle this huge task. I can't tell you how awesome this is. There is not a question in my mind that I can do this.

I can do this.

I will do this.

T.I.R.E.D.

2007-02-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired. I really hope I'm not coming down with what Shaun had last week, where all he could do was sleep. I don't seem to have a fever, so I'll keep my fingers (and toes!) crossed. I really shouldn't feel this tired after a rest week last week (I did 10 hours, rather than the normal 12-15).

Other than being dog-tired training is going really well.

I went on a 40 mile bike ride on Saturday in the 65 degree weather-NICE! I only wore my shorts and a sleeveless jersey and even got a watch tan! The Amgen Tour of California started on Sunday in San Francisco so all the teams were out on Saturday. As I was climbing up Old La Honda (7% incline-my heart rate stayed below 150 ) 2 cycling teams (Team Slipstream presented by Chipotle and one other with a blue jerseys (can't tell which one) passed me (like I was standing still) with their team cars. It was really cool. I also saw the Gerolsteiner team while I was out. It was a good ride and it felt really good to be out in the sun.

On Sunday, I had a team workout at Rodeo Beach in Marin for a ton of climbing. So, here's the rule: If Coach D has made up the run route then there will be monster hills and it will be hard! Unfortunately I had a little too much fun the night before and I definitely felt the effects of my alcohol consumption. I did about 7 miles of hills and by the second half I was feeling pretty good.

This week is back to full on training-no recovery week. It looks like there's 12 hours planned (not including yoga and getting back and forth to all these places). Hopefully, I can get a good night's sleep tonight and not feel like poo in the morning. A girl can hope, right?

Even Faster!!!!

2007-02-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

I had my best run yet today!!!!

I did strength followed by running. My run consisted of a 10 minute warm-up followed by 5 6-minute intervals (up to Zone 3) w/ 1 minute rest and then a 6 minute cool-down. For the ENTIRE run check out my numbers:

6.22 mi in 50:07 for an 8:03 pace!!!!!

That means that I ran my intervals BELOW an 8 minute mile. I was so flabbergasted, I was sure my Nike + was wrong so I logged onto the gym computer to check-it was RIGHT!!!

Here are the more detailed numbers:

Mile 1: 8:27
Mile 2: 7:38!!!
Mile 3: 7:53
Mile 4: 7:49
Mile 5: 7:51
Mile 6: 8:55

That's just insane. I run around Central Park (the one in SAN MATEO :) ), it's almost a mile all the way around but not quite. I was trying to run a full lap in 6 minutes and was feeling really great but was also kinda down on myself for not being able to get around in 6 minutes. Now that I think about it-6 minutes is a REALLY fast time to get around that park.

This training-it's WORKING!!!!!

Dipsea=Dipshit

2007-02-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.

Yesterday I did a coached work-out. Anytime Coach D says something will be an "adventure" or "fun" remind me that that really means "torture" and "hell".

We "ran" the famous Dipsea trail yesterday. Here's a description from their website:

"It begins in downtown Mill Valley with a sprint down Throckmorton to the Old Mill Park, then up three flights of stairs as tall as a fifty-story building, and up some more through an old horse ranch to Windy Gap. Then it plunges down into Muir Woods across Redwood Creek and begins a tough grind up through the trees over trails named "Dynamite" and "Cardiac." At the top of Cardiac, the course levels out before it plunges down through the "Swoop", over the rocks and roots of "Steep Ravine" and the discouragingly steep climb up "Insult Hill." Finally, as the course follows the relatively gentle slope of The Moors toward the ocean, Stinson Beach is in sight a mile ahead. This is where experienced racers resort to secret short cuts and where others racers will sprint the last quarter mile in an effort to move up a couple of places in the final results."

We started in Mill Valley, did the Steps, Windy Gap, Suicide, Dynamite, and Hogsback. We were supposed to run out an hour and then back. I think that I got to the bottom of Cardiac. I know that I didn't actually climb Cardiac, but that still means I climbed about 1000 ft. in one stint (Suicide to Hogsback). Altogether about 9 miles in an hour and 48 minutes.

It was beautiful. I had a good time. It was hard. Today I hurt. Like bad. I'm limping when I get up from sitting. If I walk around a little, it's okay.

Teaching this morning hurt. Swimming this morning hurt.

Here's some more pictures of what I did:

So yes. I'm sore.

Do I want more? Um yeah...Bring it on!

BRICK

2007-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

What did I do this weekend?

Well, Shaun and I ran 90 minutes on Saturday for a total of 9 miles. It was a nice run that we got in at the end of the day. We ran along the bay and it actually got quite dark at the end of the run but I had my protector with me so all was okay!

On Sunday I got up and did my first Brick. A brick is a workout where you stack one sport on top of the other (get it? Brick?) I did 40 miles on the bike (in 3 hours and it was hilly and that means I'm getting faster =D ) followed by a 30 minute run. For the run I had to keep my heart rate around 125 so I only got in a little over 2.5 miles. It felt great though. I definitely felt the 9 mile run from the day before when I got on the bike, but about 8 miles into it, I was fine. I got to do some speed work and there was this dude who really didn't like being beat by a girl. He kept trying to pass me. He would pass me and then have to slow way down because he peddled so hard. I was mean and made the comment "Oh you must be doing speed intervals too" He said "No, I only have a single speed on my bike" Which sir, means you're that much more stupid. I ended up totally smoking him (yes, he only had one gear. BUT, he was using ALL his heart rate zones and I was only using 3 :) )

This morning I taught a class and then swam. My shoulder has been bugging me. So Friday and today I only did half the workout. I think I need to stretch it a little better and perhaps get a massage (Shaun?) because my neck and shoulders are really tight.

That's all for today folks!

8 Minute Mile

2007-01-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

This entry is from last Thursday (1/25)

Holy WOW!!!!! I did strength this morning followed by running. This was the first time we got to get into Zone 3 HR with our running. It was intervals of 3x8 minutes of Zone 3 HR with 2 minutes of Zone 1-2 in between. With a warm up of 5 minutes and a cool down of five minutes. I did:

4.25 mi in 39:01 = 9:10 pace

BUT my fastest loop was 1 mile in 8 MINUTES!!!!! and I didn't even get into Zone 4 (and there's a Zone 5 people!!!!) I'm so excited!!! I'm getting FASTER!!!!!

SAND STAIRS

2007-01-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I ran the Escape from Alcatraz run this weekend. It's described as: "8 mile run to Baker Beach Battery by leaving the Marina Green heading west into Crissy Field, turning right to run along the shoreline of the Golden Gate Promenade and under the Golden Gate Bridge. From there runners will battle the trails within Presidio Headlands, the Coast Trail to Lincoln Boulevard, and run above the Coastal Bluffs until they arrive at Baker Beach. Upon arrival at the beach, participants will encounter the deep sand and the notoriously dreaded 400 step Sand Ladder. This experience will drain the legs of even the best professionals, as there is nothing like it anywhere else within the triathlon event community. After committed athletes have crossed back under the Golden Gate Bridge and return to sea level"

When you watch the race on TV the pros walk up the stairs. That chick up there is pulling herself up them.

It was challenging to say the least...but it felt great to get up them.

Last week was a "recovery week" where you do 10-20% less to let your muscles recover. Man, does that work!!! I am so strong this week...it's insane!

Holy COLD Toes!!!

2007-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went for a 56 mile bike ride with about a 2000 feet elevation gain. For those of you not in California right now, it is COLD!!!! When I started it was 29 degrees out. I wore ski socks but they didn't do much. The ride was WONDERFUL but my toes WERE NOT!

I went yesterday and bought "toe warmers". Yum. Can't wait to try these puppies out!!!

Time

2007-01-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

Amanda asked: "Hey Chelsea! I know you won't know until you do it, but how long do you estimate that the whole Ironman event will take you to complete?"

A: You have to finish in 17 hours or you're not considered a finisher. There are cut-off times for the swim, bike, and run.

Coeur d’Alene Cut-offs:

Swim: 2 hours 20 minutes
Bike: 1st lap: 4 hours 10 minutes from swim cut-off. Final cut-off: 8 hours 10 minutes from swim cut-off
Run: 6 hours 30 minutes-from bike cut-off

The race starts at 7 am and you must be done by Midnight or you DID NOT finish*.

That being said, I would like to finish in the 12-14 hour range. If I did it in 12 hours I would be absolutely ecstatic!!! (last year that would have put me in the top 15 in my division W25-29)

The woman who won my division last year did it in:

10:20:29

The woman who finished last in my division last year did it in:

16:46:05

And 6 didn't finish...

The pro woman did it in:

09:31:07

I think it's safe to say that I just want to a) get there and b) finish

* My most favorite time was Sister Madonna Buder at the Ironman Championship in Hawaii. She's a nun who is 76 and has competed in 13 Ironmans and completed this year's in 16:59:03, 57 seconds before cut-off. She's a bad-ass.

Unintended New Habit

2007-01-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have a Tall Soy Latte every morning now. I don't even need the sweetener any more. What is happening to me?!?!?!

Time Trials

2007-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

The running time trials went really well. I have no clue why something like that would make me nervous but it did. I did 13 laps in 30 minutes which is about 9:09 minute mile. The last lap I did in 2 minutes, which was much faster than my pace but that's how it goes with me. I take forever to warm up.

Last night I had a bit of rebellion. The idea of waking up at 4:45 am just didn't appeal to me. It's only week 2 people! I have 23 weeks to go and I can't be rebelling!!! I am really tired and ready for the weekend when I can sleep in. I have my fingers crossed that my body is going to get used to this. It should, right?

Next week is a rest week so perhaps I'm supposed to feel this way? And by rest week, I mean that I work out 10.5 hours rather than the 15 of this week. That will be nice :) It's still a lot of exercise but I think I do need to rest. What am I going to do on the 17-20 hour weeks?!?!?!?! Deep breaths...I can do this!!!!

Thanks!!!!

2007-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Everybody's support is AWESOME!!!! You all rock!!! I just hope that this will be somewhat entertaining for you to read =D

I'll have to report back either tonight or tomorrow on how the time trial goes tonight. I did not make it to yoga this morning, I just did strength. My body was begging for an extra hour of sleep so I listened!!!!

Okay, back to work....

Oh My Aching Quads!!!

2007-01-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

They hurt today. I can't quite figure out what it's from. Could be from Saturday. Or it could be from Sunday. Or it could be a combination of both.

What did I do?

Let's see:

Saturday: Woke up at 6 am to get the car packed and bike loaded. Taught my last Saturday morning cycle class and then high tailed it to Marin for my first training ride with the group. When I got to the meeting place (in the middle of the boondocks) my gas gauge was on negative-oops! I did a 10.5 mile time trial-in about 34 minutes. That's an average of 18.5 MPH. There were some slight hills and there was wind. I'll take it =D My average HR was 157.

After the time trial we did a 24 mile bike ride along the coast. It was beautiful, if a bit cold. There were some hills, but it really wasn't too bad. I really need to invest in some toe warmers!

After the ride I had to wait for AAA to come and give me gas. There was no way I was getting 15 miles to the nearest gas station.

The group was great, I had a good time and with the easy cycle class (I took it easy-it wasn't easy for the people taking it!) I did about 45 miles on Saturday. Not bad.

Sunday I woke up and did a 70 minute run. It was all elevation. I gained about 1500 feet and descended 1500 ft. I did about 6 miles, which for hills, I'm happy with. I kept my HR down with an average of about 130 and a spike of 148. I think this may explain the pains in my quads. WOWZERS!!!!

This morning I taught a class and I took it easy. I'm supposed to swim today (not cycle) but since I cycled, I'm going to cut the swim since I'm so sore.

Tomorrow:

-Strength
-Yoga
-Running Time Trial (wish me luck-I'm scared!)

Zone 3-I love you!!!!

2007-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Got up at 4:45 this morning and walked to the gym in the rain. Got on the spin bike and did 20 minutes at zone 1-2 work and then 20 minutes in ZONE 3!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! Zone 3-I missed you. And then the rest of the hour in cool down mode.

When you are "base training" (which I am now) you need to keep your heart rate (HR) low so that you can build a base to be stronger for the race. There's all sorts of science behind it but I won't bore you. What this means for me is that when I'm on the bike I need to keep my HR below 135 and when I'm running below 145. This is HARD for an adrenaline-junky like me! But I've diligently been doing it like a good girl.

BUT!

Coach D's workout called for 20 minutes at Zone 3 today-ALL THE WAY UP TO 150-YIPPEEEE!!!! Can you tell, I'm excited?!?!?!?!?!

After that glorious ride (love you new PINK ipod for making the time pass) I went to an hour of Ashtanga Yoga. That made my body very happy and I wasn't nearly as tight as I thought I would be but feel much more limber now.

Tonight it's back to the gym for strength training. We'll see if I can use the heavy weights today!

I'm back for reals :)

2007-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Started "officially" training yesterday. I did a strength training routine where I majorly upped the weight. The highlight was doing single arm bicep curls with 17.5 # dumbbells. Not bad for a girl ;)

I taught a class last night too. I'm trying to stay within Zone 1 and 2 and that's hard when teaching. It didn't help that my NEW HRM broke 22 minutes into class. Well...not really new I guess, but really it shouldn't have broken. I'm stuck with my old jankady HRM until I can either send the new one in for service or get a better one (I'm leaning towards option 2-you surprised?)

This morning I woke up an hour early (YAY for exercise!) at 4:30 and went to the gym to do a swim time trial. Here's what I wrote to Coach D:

"Okay, here's the deal. My pool is 25 meters and if I had done the research last night I would have known that I could swim 900 meters and that would be approximately 1000 yards but I didn't do that. So my 500 meter time was 9:09 and my 1000 meter time was 18:35 or so. For swimming in a meter pool (which I'll be doing most of the time) the equation equals around 1:55 or 115 seconds for my base interval.

I also went to http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/results/conversions.asp
and did the time conversion from meters to yards and my time would have been 16:39. So, if I'm swimming in a yard pool my base interval should be 1:50 or 110 seconds.

I know obsessive.... "

Yes, seriously obsessive.

I capped that off with a 40 minute run. Staying in zone 1. It felt so good! I used my new PINK Nano and rocked it. I ran 3.26 miles in about 38 minutes which is slow but I couldn't let my HR get above 135 so I'll take it ;-)

That's it for today. I promise to write more often than every few months and now I probably have no one checking here for updates....I'll figure that out later...

LA Face with an Oakland Booty

2006-11-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning at 6:30 to teach my 7:30 cycle class at the gym. That class was an hour. I got half an hour off and then I subbed a 90 minuted class at 9. I'll be doing this for the rest of November, so I'd better get used to it. It was actually really fun. I had fun with the music (Baby Got Back Acoustic) and it just made both classes fly by. I burned 1400 calories!!!! I was dripping sweat by the end of it. Actually it was quite disgusting...but FUN!!!

Tonight I'm going out to dinner with some friends to celebrate Shaun's birthday and my birthday. We're going to a German restaurant in the city Suppenkuch e. Great German food and beer, they even have a beer I like, which is pretty hard to do.

Don't think I'll get that 30 minute run in today, but I will do an hour run tomorrow.

Post Race. What'd I do?

2006-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

This week I started the Ironman (IM) training. I did need to recover from my race, but I need to build my base at the same time.

I ended up teaching 2 cycle classes on Monday, one in the morning and one in the evening. That was tiring.

Tuesday I went for a bike ride. IT. WAS. REALLY. WINDY. Going out it took me 30 minutes, coming back it took me almost 50 minutes. I was in one of my easy gears STANDING UP and my bike still wasn't moving. Being OH SO smart I biked along the bay, which just was NOT a good idea. The wind surfers and kite boarders sure liked it though.

I also did my first Coach D strength work-out. WOW! I've been doing boot camp once a week and yoga once a week for strength training. It doesn't even compare to this workout. It was all stuff I've done but it was just intense. 1 hour of pure strength training. (and I have to do this 3 times a week!)

Wednesday, day off.

Thursday-1200 meter swim. I did this in half an hour. Coach D assures us that this is going to change and to enjoy the easy work-out while we can. I'm actually excited about getting structured workouts from him. I miss that.

Friday-I taught a cycle class this morning. (It kicked my ass!) Then I did strength training again. And again it kicked my ass. I was supposed to run today (and not cycle) but I had to sub and so I may try to run tomorrow, we'll see.

Saturday-I teach 2 cycle classes. One from 7:30-8:30 AM and then an hour and a half from 9-10:30. It's going to be challenging, but good! If I feel up to it I'll squeeze my 30 minute easy run in. If I'm not feeling it, I leave it this week.

Sunday-a one hour run is planned. I'll head up to Crystal Springs (Sawyer Camp Trail) and push out about 7 miles. That'll feel nice.

Okay, I'm going to try and post everyday and be a little bit more fun than this post. This post was boring but I had to get it out and get the ball rolling.

IM HERE I COME!!!

Race Report: Treasure Island Olympic Distance Triathlon

2006-11-04T23:30:00.000-08:00

Pre-Race

Last night I got all the stuff I needed together and as I got my bike out I realized that my back tire was COMPLETELY flat. We think the cat popped it because it had a rip in it (even the outer tire). I had practiced changing tires on Thursday night so I got to test out my mad skills. I changed the tire and put it on the back. I was worried that it wasn't tight enough, so Shaun picked up the bike and I pulled the tire (well really hung on it) and it didn't move and Shaun said "that thing is not coming off." I got into bed about 10 or 10:30 and set the alarm for 5:45. I slept pretty well (well I thought I slept pretty well but Shaun said I was babbling all night). I woke up at about 5 but laid in bed until the alarm went off at 5:45. I got up and made some cream of rice cereal and had almond milk and brown sugar. We hopped in the car about 6:30 and headed to Treasure Island.

We got there, I checked in, and then set up my transition area and then I got all marked up. They write your number on your hands, your arms and your thighs (lovely), and then put your age (the age you are on Dec. 31st) on your calve.

I went over and looked at the swim (the guys were already in the water) and heard that the water was 60 degrees. I had swam in 59 degrees the weekend before so I was excited that it was (a little) warmer than that.

Swim

I got the new wetsuit on (which fit GREAT), gave my honey a kiss and headed over to get in the water. We were told that we would get to get in 15 minutes before we started to warm up. Not so. We got in about 4 minutes before we started. We basically got to get in swim around a little bit and then it started. It was so anti-climatic, they never said "Get Ready!" They just started counting down from 10 and then we were off! I started and I was getting passed. Last year when I did my Tri I was the one passing so I got really mad at myself and started saying things like "it was just a fluke last year-you're really not a fast swimmer" it was bad!!! But I kept going and as I went into the 2nd lap (it was 2 laps total) I noticed that there were a bunch of yellow caps (I was a blue cap) and I realized that they started 15 minutes after I did and I WAS RIGHT ON PACE!!!! So I got all pissed at myself for being mean to myself and started giving myself a pep talk. It was around then that I started passing people. YAY! My left shoulder was also hurting (as it did in the last tri-I need to remember to stretch my shoulders!!!) At the end of the swim I had to swim up to a platform where volunteers were helping us to get out.
(I'm the one in red)

Time=0:29:49

1.5K SWIM DONE!

T1

I started running to my bike, grabbed some Powerade, and then started getting my suit off. I put on my helmet, my gloves, my glasses, and then my shoes. I grabbed the bike and ran out of the transistion area.

Bike

The bike was a super technical course. It was six laps with 178 90 degree turns. VERY technical. I was going great, no girls were passing me, I was passing lots of guys, and averaging about 20 mph. At the end of each lap there was a hill, but it wasn't too bad. I just had to concentrate on avoiding other (male) riders and all the potholes. Lots of the fast guys who were passing me were giving me major kudos and that felt great On the third lap I finally saw Shaun on the course cheering me on. He yelled that I was doing awesome! Right after this someone's Gu packet stuck to my tire and was hitting my brake every time it went around. It was this annoying clicking. I started to fuss with the bike (because I didn't know what it was) but when I saw that there was nothing wrong with my bike I just kept pushing through. The next time that I saw him I told him that I had 2 laps to go. After that I got out of the saddle to accelerate and my back tire swerved out and I almost totally ate it. I can't quite explain what it felt like but I knew something was wrong. The first time it happened I thought that someone had hit my back tire. As I almost went down I pulled the bike back up with my arms (I tweaked my wrist just a little bit doing this). But I kept going. The next time I saw Shaun I threw one of my water bottles at him and he was yelling at me to SLOW DOWN! ("What?Slow Down?") as I rounded the corner I saw the ambulance. A girl had had a really horrible accident. I was a little late on the uptake and got yelled at for going too fast. Ooops! At this point my bike had done the weird thing a few times. I figured out that it was when I got out of the saddle, so I made the decision to stay in the saddle.

My last lap, I tried to go as fast as I could while still being very careful because of the weirdness with my bike. As I went into the "shoot" I heard "Our first female is just getting out on the run" "Wow" I thought.

Time=1:21:51 (average speed 18.21 MPH)

40 K BIKE DONE!

T2

I dismounted, got to the transistion area, got my shoes off, my running shoes on. Took my helmet off, and put my visor on. Strapped my number on and then started running out. As I did, I felt something odd. I had forgotten to take my gloves off!!! Right as I realized this I saw Shaun and he was telling me to take off my gloves. I got them off and headed out for the run.

Run

As I started the run, Shaun was running with me and telling me how well I was doing, and that I was only about 1 minute behind the leaders (WOW!). I told him about the issues with my bike and then went on. There were 2 laps up the beach (on pavement) and back. I was a little discombobulated and couldn't remember how many laps I needed to do. I asked one of the guys I was running next to and he said 2. I was breathing pretty hard and my heartrate was pretty high but I got my stride and was chugging along. My feet felt a little strange in the shoes but I just kept trucking. There was a girl in red in front of me and it seemed like we were about the same pace. On the run I did get passed and that was hard. I HATE GETTING PASSED!!! But, all of the girls that passed me were fast much faster than I could ever dream of being, so I couldn't beat myself up for it. On the last 1.5 miles I looked down and saw that I was 2:35. If I did 1.5 in 15 minutes (10 minute pace) I would get in at 2:50 (3 minutes faster than my fastest time). I was determined to get there by 2:50. I ran by a guy who was hurting and as I did I yelled "GOOD JOB!" and he said "You too honey, you're doing GREAT! Ah to be young again". When the finish line came up, I was surprised! I didn't expect to see it for a few more minutes. I kicked in and sprinted in. I saw Shaun on last time and he gave me the biggest thumbs up. As I went in the anouncer was so nice. He announced my name and age and where I was from and said something about how strong I looked and my big smile (I smile when I run). As I crossed the finish line I threw my hands up and got my timing chip taken and then got a medal placed around my neck.

Time=0:51:41 (pace 8:19!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!!)

10 K RUN DONE!

I looked down at my watch and it read 2:48. I couldn't believe my eyes! That was great! Shaun came up and gave me a big hug and told me how proud he was of me and how fast I went. I was SO SO SO excited. I never thought I'd come in that fast.

We went to the transition area so that I could change (I was COLD) and as we arrived we noticed that my back tire was hanging about 2 inches from my bike! I had been riding with a loose back tire! HOLY CRAP! I am REALLY lucky that I didn't crash and really hurt myself.

So it ends up that my official time was 2:47:37!!!! and I placed 19 out of about 90!!!! My goal was to come in under 3 hours and to HOPEFULLY hit the top 20. I hit both GOALS! I am SO SO SO proud of myself!!!!

Lessons Learned

-DON'T EVER talk down to myself. I need to be my biggest cheerleader!
-Stretch my shoulders before the swim
-Put Glide on my neck so it's not all RED the night after!!!
-If my bike is acting squirrely, get off and check it. I'm so lucky I didn't hurt myself. The time it would have taken to check my bike I could have made up by getting out of the saddle (DER!)
-I can push it harder on the run. This is my weakest area and I need to push!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!