Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon 2011 Race Recap

Today was amazing!  It started off at 5:45 am when the alarm started to sound.  I immediately though...already?!?  I had just falled asleep a few hours before.  I was up well beyond one am because of excitement for the race.  As soon as I got out of bed and gathered the last of my stuff I was good to go.

I originally wanted to get there with enough time to swim a little before the race.  When I was arriving they announced that they would allow swimming starting then, but only for 10 minutes.  I decided that it would be more beneficial to me to set up my transition area, eat, hydrate, and take some pictures with the family. 

I started getting really nervous when standing around waiting for the two waves ahead of me to get into the river.  It was a wave start so once the wave before us went then we got into the water and were treading for 5 minutes or so.  I positioned myself at the back of the pack because I wasn't really worried about time for this triathlon.  All I wanted to do was finish.  I had some time goals in mind, but the swim I just wanted to be comfortable, slow, steady, and preferable not kicked in the face.  When our horn went off to start I kind of held off for a few seconds and gave the others a head start so I had a more open area to myself.  Worked great, and I can honestly say that the swim was my favorite part of this race.  It was very peaceful and I felt really prepared with my pool training and the previous open water swim clinic that I participated.  I think that open water clinic was key to me being confident in the water because there was nothing new or scary about the situation. 

that is me exiting the water ready to take on the bike

I was happy that one leg was over, although I did really enjoy the swim.  It's kind of ironic because that was the leg I was dreading most.  I went and got my transition on and then took off on the bike.  I was nervous for the bike for a few reasons.  First was the I hadn't had that much experience clipping in and out the the pedals, but I clipped in with no trouble, and I didn't have to suddenly clip out at all until the end where I got off the bike.  I had done most of my cycling through spinning, and only two long outdoor bike rides.  I will definitely be biking more outside to prepare for my next triathlon, but for this one it was fine.  We did two loops of a course, each loop had two big hills but otherwise it was flat or downhill.  My speed was on average 2 mph faster in the first loop compared to the second, but I guess I was getting tired.  I also don't really have a bike made for racing...it did fine for a sprint, but if I considered doing longer tri's I would probably have to upgrade.  I didn't see my family during the first loop, but when finishing the bike on the second loop I saw them!

I got my transition on again and took off towards the run.  I instantly remembered that I didn't put my race bib belt on, so I ran back and got that which cost me a minute or two.  I really didn't push it as hard as I could have on the run, at this point my legs were tired, and honestly I had been spinning and swimming so much since Broad Street Run on May 1st that I haven't been running that much at all.  That was a training mistake that I don't want to make again.  I had to do some walking, but I finished the run in under 40 minutes and that was my goal so good enough for me.  

Then we had the obligatory post-medal photo shoot.

There was also a swim Shannon swim and a bike Shannon bike...my fam is awesome for making such great signs!

I got changed into dry cloths and we all headed to brunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Farmicia!  We had wanted to go after Broad Street Run too but it was all booked up so we were sure to make a reservation this time.

Photo Shoot by the car...

Then I gave Joe a free ticket to the gun show...

We split a breakfast omelet with eggs, potatoes, sausage, etc in it.  It was really good a little spicy. 

I got a goat cheese, pesto, and tomato sandwich on sourdough bread.  It was ok, but I had good it before when it was WAY better.  They were a little skimpy on the goat cheese...guess the cook in the back didn't see my medal and know I was such a big deal.

Also had a side of scrapple that wasn't quite as well done as I usually like

I came home and added another medal to the collection.  It felt good to add this bad boy to the crew.

Overall, I had a GREAT first experience.  I wasn't fast, but I finished and had an amazing time doing it the whole time.  I seriously had a smile on my face the whole way which was more important to me than anything.  Luckily I left a lot of room for improvement.  I could definitely train harder for the bike and run next time.  (Or if anyone wants to buy me a fancy road bike be sure to let me know cause that couldn't hurt!)  And if I wanted to I could swim more competitively with the pack instead of hanging back.  Here are my stats from the race...I may not be fast or high in the rankings, but I'm damn proud of them.  Everyone has to start somewhere and I can't wait to keep training for my next one!!!

I'm sorry that I forgot to pick the winner of the My Eco giveaway last night.  I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get everything ready (that and I went on a mad hunt for my garmin charger which ended up being in the car of all places).  Anyways...the winner is Heather England!  Please email me at sbarry410@gmail.com so I can get the bags out to you!  Keep spreading the word to vote for me for the Philly hot list if you guys can voting is open until August!

Nap time :-)

Training Plan Spring 2011

Took a break from studying to make myself some dinner.  Tonight was corn and light raviolis.  I ate the rav's with light Buitoni Alfredo Sauce, grilled chicken strips, tomatoes, and red onion.  It was alright.  I could have seasoned it up a little better.

While taking my eating break (/sanity break!) I worked on my tentative training plan for the spring semester.  So far I haven't really been following a strict training plan because my races are not that close.  I figure, if I want to run a 10 miler by May 1st, I better get my butt in gear.  This training plan is more detailed when it comes to the runs, although I did include biking and swimming because I am starting to prepare for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon that takes place towards the end of June.  I'm starting so early because I am not the best swimmer, and I am not the greatest biker either.  I really don't want to be the last person to cross the finish line at this thing, so I might as well start working on my skills.  I think I am going to allow myself to switch my days around if I want to, but ultimately I am going to try and complete all the workouts in the week.  At the end of the day I know life is busy, and I plan to do the best that I can do.  Please let me know what you guys think!!  I am new to training plans and if you have any input or suggestions, I would love to hear them!  

click on the picture to see a larger image! (And yes, I forgot that Spring will be 2011 when I wrote Spring 2010, don't mind my finals brain..)

Running is hard. Cold weather sucks....

So this morning the plan was to bike down to Kelly Drive, meet up with Sarah, have an awesome run, and bike home.  My morning was not as effortless as that...

So I get on the bike.  Its freezing!!!!  I am bundled but wish I had a face masks that only show your eyes on.  I don't care at this point if I do look like a uni-bomber I just want to be warm!  

I wish I looked like this

Then I get to the Schuylkill River and carry my bike down the steps.  When I go to hop back on my chain popped off.  I stand there looking at the bike like it's a crying baby, and I have no diapers, no formula, and no toys.  I am helpless, and my frozen fingers (despite being in gloves) are not helping.  Finally a kind samaritan helps me pop the chain back on.  It takes him approximately 10 seconds. He's done a good deed and earned himself some good karma.

I rode the rest of the way as fast as can be to meet with Sarah.  I got there 5 minutes late.  I really wanted to be on time.  Damn chain.  I locked up my bike, and we walked a little before starting our run.

Ran .37 miles all of a sudden a GUSTT of wind off the river blows, and I think it originated in the arctic circle.  My face feels as if it's about to fall off.  I am running full speed, yet moving backwards. Um no thanks.  I tell Sarah I don't want to hold her back and that I'll catch up.  She runs ahead.  I go around the bend, things are a bit easier, but still freezing.  I start to get my jog on at least.  Jog a little walk a little jog a little.  I meet back up with Sarah and we walk back to the Waterworks together and chat.  That part wasn't bad, but I definitely didn't get a solid run in.  My legs were also super tight today which did not help.

Got back on the bike.  Is it me or did it get colder?  I'm planning on biking home as fast as I can to get into the warmth.  As I'm coming up on on 34th and Walnut I see Starbucks.  I think a nice treat might be a skinny vanilla latte.  I go inside, wait in the long line, and finally get my coffee.  As I am walking out I knocked some sort of a knick knack (spelling?) over.  Starbucks ornament perhaps?  It shatters.  I stand there in shock.  Then run out.  It was crazy crowded and I wasn't about to squat in the starbucks and scoop up glass with my frozen fingers while people trample me to death.  

As soon as I leave I feel horrible.  I am a horrible person.  I shouldn't have fled the scene like that.  I know Karma will get me back.  Karma showed up at 41st and Spruce.  So close to home.  So close.  I go over a bump.  My half finished coffee goes flying out of my hands and all over the road.  Great.  $2 worth of my overpriced $4 coffee is now all over Spruce Street.  Thanks karma.  At least I don't have to wait around for you to get me back.  I got it over with right away. 

No use crying over spilled Starbucks...

Now I am in the apartment.  As soon as I came in I ran to the bathroom to run my hands under warm water.  While doing so, I notice a big smear of latte on my cheek from my tragic incident at 41st and Spruce.  It felt like a smear of blood from a battle.  Now, I'm still freezing, and I feel like I didn't get a proper workout in.  Might have to do the elliptical just to warm myself up. 

Pathetic Stats for the morning:

Bike - 6 miles (didn't properly time myself)

Run/walk/jog - 3 miles - 47 minutes (pace 15:40) --terrible

At least I logged some miles in? 

I need to make myself some lunch to cheer up.  :-/

Running is hard.  Cold weather sucks....