Fall Series III (5.9ish miles)

I guess I stalled to write on the Ute Valley Park run, because it felt pretty anticlimactic.  I did pretty well, but felt defeated early on, influencing my drive to push harder.  I tried to keep with the 12 year old, and that clearly wasn't going to happen.  This resulted in my pace being too fast at the start.  Next thing I knew, I was trying to keep up with some amazingly fast local women, who passed me as a pack.  While I fought to keep some place and maintain my footing, I regrettably elbowed someone.  I still feel embarrassed about this.  I wasn't trying to be overly aggressive.  I was really trying to keep myself from falling over. 

Warmup Run

 This interaction marked my first six or seven minutes into the race.  As they passed, some guy started coaching me to run harder.  Though a nice gesture, I figured I was better off letting him pass, too.  The first mile set precedent for the remainder of my race.  I was pretty down on myself for running out of my league and for elbowing another runner.  All of this negative thought and distraction finally drew me towards one realization, I hadn't even seen any of my age group competitors.  Surely, I had missed them and they were far ahead, but the idea that they may be behind helped to pick up my pace. 

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's Gerald Romero!

 In the end, I finished first in my age group.  This wasn't because of my hard work, but was because the other girls didn't show up.  I lost a place, overall, by 5 seconds.  I blame that on all the negative thought and my "giving up" mid-race. 

I've never really raced, before now.  I've always competed to finish with my personal best.  Learning where to place myself and how to pace at the start has been a constant challenge.  Staying motivated is also difficult.  However, I think I have my race strategy for Fall Series IV, provided that I'm not too torn up from the Rim Rock Marathon Relay and travel the days before. 

Aspen spent the afternoon at home...walking to the neighbors to see the chickens.

Aspen giving you an aspen leaf!

Fall Series II (4.5 mi): Bear Creek Park

I imagine that I feel somewhat like the Detroit Tigers right now...a little deflated.  I've been humbly defeated by a twelve year old girl, whom I look forward to following, in the coming years, during the cross country season.  Comparing this race to Fall Series I, I was not competing as strong.

Ready to warm-up together

Pre-race stretching

The starting line

 The race begins at the soccer fields in Bear Creek Park.  You run entirely around the field at the start of the race.  This year, to get to the trail, we had to run through a field of weeds and cacti.  On our warmup, Duane regretted his trail flats.  Apparently, cacti and flats are not a great combo.  After this debacle, you hit a wide section of trail to climb, climb, and climb.  It was about mile one when one of the Baxter twins passed me.  I instantly knew that I had gone out too hard.  Soon after, the female ahead of me in the series passed, and I knew I was hosed.  I didn't even have the juice to put up a fight.  I have a lot of excuses for my lack of performance, but it all boils down to life getting in the way.  But, that's just part of amateur running.

Excellent park for some baby and grandma fun, while mommy and daddy get crazy.

 The course continues to climb, then winds down toward some creek crossings, only to have some stair and hill climbs around mile 2.5-3.  After about 3 miles, the race becomes a downhill fight, one that I could've pushed a little harder.  I've always been a strong downhill runner, but didn't show it today.  Following the water station, there are a couple of short uphill climbs.  The race finishes with winding downhill switchbacks that dump into a creek bed.  Runners cross the creek twice, then rope climb a steep, muddy wall.  A downhill finish pushes into hay bales stacked two high.  At this point, a female runner passed me.  Though she got a few seconds on me, I'm still ahead of her in the series. 

Duane coming in for a strong finish.  You can see the hay bales in the distance.

Approaching my final creek crossing.

The rope climb

 I didn't expect to run this series as strong or as seriously.  While it's fun to compete, I'm a little reluctant about race IV.  Duane and I will be racing as a partner relay team in the Rim Rock Marathon the day before, and I think we can win the co-ed division.  However, I don't think either of us will be racing our "A game" in Palmer Park the next day.

Fall Series I (3.5 miles): Attack of the underdog!

Jaclyn writes:

I am never excited about running half a mile or so UPRIVER...in a creek.  Then, getting out of the water only to encounter ridiculous hills.  But, hey, that's the Fall Series for ya.  The race starts at the high school cross country starting line and runs, north, along the creek in Monument Valley Park.  The first 1.5 miles are relatively flat, followed by a steep downhill to enter the creek.  The course, loops around the creek before this point.  Creek running was tough, deciding whether or not to commit to the run or trudge into a walk while trying to find solid ground.  At some point, a spectator told me I was in second place.  I knew he was wrong, but it made me realize that I was doing much better than anticipated.  I was actually in fourth place at this point.

After the creek, I lost one place by a couple of seconds, but I was quickly losing my motivation.  I was hungry, from improper pre-race fueling, and the steep hills (by steep I mean all fours on deck) were tough.  I ran my heart out to the finish (31:46 and 5th female).  My "secret overachieving goal" was to be in the top ten...the goal I shared was top 15, so I'm pretty happy with my result.  This series tends to be ridiculously fast, and I hope to keep up my times for a strong overall finish.  I've run this series as a middle-of-the-packer and a back-of-the-packer in different times of health, training and pregnancy.  It's exciting to be out front.   

Duane had an amazing finish at 26:59 and 11th overall.  He lost some push running in the creek, mainly because of a cold we had been fighting all week.  I'm hoping that we will stay in good health to race strong during this "downtime".

Harvest Moon Long Triathlon (70.3)

Jaclyn writes:

Before I was ever thinking about having a baby, I remember working as a personal trainer for many women that came to me with one concern, baby weight.  After having a baby, up to five years prior, their weight had ballooned out of control and they had finally taken the time to reign in their health.  While this pattern is the product of many social issues revolving around pregnancy, I was determined to avoid this struggle.  Keeping weight off and staying healthy, are far easier.  This is partly what fueled my desire to complete a long distance triathlon this year.  I knew that having concrete fitness goals would maintain my motivation to regain fitness.  While I wouldn't recommend the same goal for all women, a 5k would not be out of the question.

Approaching the race, I was nervous about my level of training.  I trained hard and consistently all summer, but could not find the time for distance work once school and cross country began.  Though this only impacted a couple of weeks, I think the first of those weeks made a crucial difference.  I began waking up around 4:30 a.m. to fit in an early run or swim.  My run after school was limited to cross country distances.   So, I only found the time for longer distance workouts on the weekends.  Additionally, a couple of mid-length rides followed by runs would have helped.

 I began the race with the same disbelief of running the Pikes Peak Marathon.  A little voice inside of me was convinced that I would not be doing this today.  Somehow, we were all gathered here, ready to dive into ridiculously cold waters, but it was really just a dream.  The dream feeling seemed to wear off as my numb feet kicked my way past the first buoy.  Reality and panic definitely set in as a kayak notified me that I was headed away from the group.  Yeah, I'm not a fabulous swimmer.  The swim was out and back (1.2 miles total), like an isosceles triangle.  Once I hit the turn-a-round, I finally had visibility, since I no longer had a glaring sun in my eyes.  Even with tinted goggles, it was tough. 

As I hit the shore, I began to experience the worst transition, ever.  I think I was near hypothermic, and definitely delirious.  My transition time was terrible (4:13) as I struggled to change myself with shaking hands.  My first few bike miles were tough, lacking equilibrium, but soon I was having a great ride.  I was able to pass a lot of riders for the first 40 miles, redemption for a 47:08 swim.  I also kept myself really hydrated, maintaining a Gatorade on my frame and a water bottle in my jersey.  I traded out my water bottle at each of the three stations along the course.  I used Cliff bar Shot Blocks to manage my glucose levels.  I also ate an Odwalla bar along the way, which I had unwrapped, broken into bits and stuffed in an open bag in my jersey.  The bike course was not as tough as my 50 mile training rides at the Air Force Academy.  Nonetheless, it seemed endless at mile 40 and running 13.1 seemed impossible at mile 50.  For this reason, I think I needed a few more training ride and run days.  Around mile 51, my front derailleur stopped shifting into the largest cog.  This might have been a blessing, as I allowed myself to coast some downhills, but I also wasn't able to keep pushing.  I finished my ride with a time of 2:57:28.

My next transition was smooth, and with a bathroom stop, I began my half-marathon.  Again, I found myself passing a lot of athletes.  I had estimated that my pace would average around 9 minute miles.  I was looking and feeling better than most.  At the start of the run, I had intermittent cramping in my abdominal and quadriceps muscles.  I allowed myself to walk at each aid station (placed every mile), to keep the cramping manageable.  By mile 5, my quads were in completely cramped, but I still felt strong.  The course was rolling hills around the reservoir (out and back).  At mile 11, with my bearings, I was able to boost my stride to the finish (2:00:51).

The race advertises a "slip and slide" finish.  I was a little intimidated that I would be forced to get on the ground, then struggle my way up to cross the finish line.  I was wrong and grateful that the "slip and slide" was after the finish and looked like a giant "bounce house".  I was doubtful about using it, but did not want to look like a party pooper.  Surprisingly, it helped me to instantly recover.  Every race needs a "slip and slide"; I think the PPRR Fall Series needs to get on that.

I finished in 5:52:06, 8th in my age group and 38th overall female.  My goal was to finish before 6 hours, so I'm pretty happy with my time.  I'd still like to improve my swim, but I think that will just take time.  I've only been swimming since January.  The volume of necessary training, for this event, was absurd.  So, I don't anticipate doing another any time soon, nor do I have plans to compete in a full Ironman.  Instead, I plan to stick with the Olympic distance and improve my performance.

Muddy Buddy: Boulder, CO

Duane and I decided to "take it easy" this month, and instead of running a half marathon, we completed our first Muddy Buddy.  Our experience is filled with mixed emotions...and I think we (mostly Duane) are anticipating doing it again to enter the "competitive division". 

Aspen getting ready on race morning.

Notice the Hawaiian lays on my bike.  I would highly recommend decorating your bike and planning a drop place in the transition area.  For example, we always dropped our bike in the front right corner of the transition space.  This makes it really easy to find!

 The race was a blast.  I like the mountain bike and running combo with some simple obstacles in between.  The total course is somewhere around six miles.  One team member runs while the other bikes, and you trade at each obstacle.  The start was a "fun" run through some hip deep water.  Bikers (I started the bike) had to carry through.  Runners started a minute after the bikers on the same course.  Overall, the bike and run course was easy, though surprisingly hot.  I normally don't hydrate during a six mile race, but felt the need to during this event. 

After the finish line!

Some muddy love for Aspen!

The obstacles were disappointingly easy.  The first was a six foot rock climbing wall with a rope net to descend on the opposite side.  The second was a blown up obstacle, where participants climbed through and over stuff (picture a bounce house with walls and holes).  This was followed by a series of hurdles, a rope net climb and slide (my favorite), and a single rope climb before the mud pit finish.  I got caught up and lost a couple of minutes at the rope net and slide, because everyone waited for each person to ascend the ropes.  Though I thought this was ridiculous, I didn't want to be too aggressive.  When my age group competitors came in and charged it, I finally did, too.  (You are released in age group waves).  Luckily, I'm pretty fast on a bike and we finished first in our age group...and in the top few overall.

Mud pit image during the kids race.

 The race is a little pricey....$150 per team.  But we did it to compete in something light hearted, fun....and ending with beer and food.  This was the major disappointment.  I wasn't allowed in the beer tent with Aspen, and I really only wanted somewhere to relax as a family.  We decided to get food, instead, but there was one tiny food tent and a massive line.  We finally ended up feeding Aspen and taking off.  In my opinion, it wasn't worth the money....and was pretty family unfriendly.  We probably won't do it next year, but Duane's competitive streak wants to give it another go.  I guess we'll see what happens.

Aspen enjoying some food...once we finally found a place to sit!

Rocky Mountain State Games (sprint triathon)

I'm happy I competed in a shorter distance triathlon, but this isn't a race that I would recommend and I will not compete in this tri again. While the race was cheaper and closer than most tris, I felt that it was poorly organized and lacked essential communication during the event. I wasn't a huge fan of the course, either.

Most of the volunteers seemed pretty unfamiliar with triathlon events. Throughout the race, I was unsure of whether or not I was on the right track. The swim was good. Most people i've talked to about this race are nervous about swimming Prospect Lake. It was brown and cloudy, but the temperature was comfortable and I didn't seem to have any issues (skin, etc) afterwards.

The bike event was a little irritating. You begin in a loop course, which I didn't think was communicated...so I felt like I had started in the wrong place. After awhile, it is evident that you will be circling a three + mile course four times. No signs indicated this during the event. Some of the turns were tight, and it wasn't easy to get a good, strong pace.

The run looped the lake twice. However, that wasn't communicated, either. After I crossed the finishing mat once, I was approached to turn in my timing chip. I didn't wear my Garmin, so I didn't know that I should keep going. Everything worked out in the end, but it was irritating.

Overall, i'm still swimming really slowly. I feel much more comfortable in open water after taking some swim classes, but I just need to learn how to pace myself.

Hungry Duck Half Marathon (Brighton, Michigan)

All Duane has to say is, "Michigan ain't flat, there some damn good rolling hills out there."  Also, that he was 1:15 slower than his PR.  That being said, Hungry Duck was a fun, low key race.  It felt low key for Colorado standards with about 150 participants in the half marathon.  The event also had a 5k, which was larger.  The "low key" part was difficult for coming from out of town.  The website didn't give a starting address, so we felt a little confused up until we had an opportunity to drive out there.  We weren't even sure where the race start was when we arrived at the porta-potties, until a few minutes from the start. 

The course was a lollipop loop with one short "out and back" along the lollipop stick.  Starting in downtown Brighton, the race moved throughout residential areas and looped around a small lake.  We were both surprised with the number of hills.  I would say the majority of the hills were during the lollipop stick.  Though, there were still a few during the loop.  The stick was about 4.5 miles going in, the loop was about 4.5, and the stick was about 4.1 on the return (the "out and back" piece was not repeated.)  Duane and I both felt the course wasn't well marked.  As long as you could keep someone within sight, the course was clear.  However, I often felt that the two guys in front of me could do anything and I would follow.  For being a road race, I felt, at times, that I was running trail.  Michigan roads have tons of cracks and potholes.  They are also sprinkled with a plethora of roadkill.  It was a redneck Thanksgiving.  The race was really well staffed with water stations.  I think gatorade was also available.  I actually ran with a small Camelback, so I didn't use any of them. 

I wasn't sure how to anticipate my time at 900ish feet above sea level with more humidity than Colorado.  The temperature and humidity were actually pretty reasonable, though.  I started at a comfortable pace, slightly faster than 6 minute miles.  This would not normally be a comfortable pace for me, so I knew the altitude was working in my favor.  I ran the first four miles as the first female, which is something I have never experienced.  It was rather thrilling to be starting in the top 20 runners.  At the three mile point, the first place finisher approached.  We fought for the place for about a mile, but she was stronger and clearly more versed at running in the top of the pack.  I guess I could use more fartleks in my training.  I ran solid for the remainder of the race and was passed at 12.55 miles by the 2nd place finisher.  That was a bummer, but I am happy to have raced strong and finished first in my age group with a new PR of 1:38:46, which qualifies me for the first wave of the Pikes Peak Ascent.  Though, I still claim I'll never run the Ascent, again.

The race boasted a few "new additions", including a gender specific technical shirt and food at the finish.  The gender specific shirt was a nice bonus, and is becoming the new standard in events.  I'm a big fan of this fact.  The food at the end was mostly fruit and cookies.  In Colorado, when you claim there is food at the end, you eat a meal.  I wasn't really looking for a meal, myself, but I thought this was kind've lame.  Our age group award was a really bright orange baseball cap.  I would totally wear it if it was actually a running cap...but these are all minor, silly details. 

We had a fun race.  I really enjoyed going back to Michigan to run.  I didn't grow up as a runner, and had never actually competed in a Michigan race.  Finishing a Michigan race was really the heart of my goal on race day.  My new PR and finishing at the top were icing on the cake.