Look to the left of the image and that is me running up Piedmont Parkway on a snowy Tuesday when the Winter Storm Pax hit. The photographer, Carly Wrenn, was stuck in traffic and saw me running through the snow. Needless to say, this has been an interesting winter here in North Carolina! One day it is snowing and others the temperatures have gotten up to 70*... CRAZY!!
I have been able to ride outside three times and the rest of the riding has been relegated to the trainer. I chose to take a Power Class that is being coached by my old friend Tommy Rodgers over at E3 Elite Human Performance to gain strength on the bike. Tommy sure knows how to put us all in "The Pain Cave". Hopefully, these crazy intervals will pay off come Tri Season.
Speaking of Tri Season...
My first official race will be Rev3 Rush in Richmond, VA! This is an incredibly cool format. The race will take place over two days on Richmond International Motor Speedway. It is a draft legal bike, ITU format. I will be looking to utilize some old school bike racing tactics during this race. (Yes, Landen Acebo, hopefully I won't crash and scream in agony like I did years ago at Dixie Classic.) Rev3 is really focusing on creating an atmosphere that is open to all ages. Rush will allow relay teams, youth as well as age group athletes. If I am lucky, I might make it to the finals on the Sunday. Guess I'll have to race four heats in order to get my best qualifying time.
The overall goal for Tri season is to finish a 70.3 in under 6:00:00. I will be racing Rev3 Williamsburg in June; hopefully this will be the destined race where I make that stride.
A Quick Review (The Best DAMN running Shoes EVER!!)
I have run in A LOT of shoes over the past year. Yes, I have shoes for track workouts that I also use to race 5K-10Ks. BUT, I have to say that I have raced two half marathons, Asheville and Mistletoe, in the Pearl Izumi N2 and they have become a regular go-to shoe! Almost all the High Point Fleet Feet/ONR Pub Runners have purchased a pair of N2s or M2s and are highly pleased. (Well except VaLArie, but we have no clue what is going on with her feet! Kayanos, Transcends, M2s... toe nails gone and we all know that she needs her pedicures weekly!)
I took the N2s out today for an LSD of twelve miles and they responded fantastically! The dynamic drop is incredible. The shoe is never levels and rolls with your foot strike. As a midfoot/forefoot striker, it truly propels me forward and also allows me to run freely through the downhills. The only complaint I have about the shoe is that the tongue slips to the side during runs. The M2 trails (which I also am in love with) lock in the tongue and do not have this issue. Jeremy recently purchased a pair of T2s, the tri specific shoe, and has raved about its responsiveness and comfort. I am hoping to move into the T2s for the season (no more buying awkward speed laces.)
I chose to quickly review this shoe today because last week I ran in my Bondi Bs and they did not respond as well as they normally do. I felt sluggish so I consciously wore the N2s just to see how they felt and we even picked up the pace to 7:20s at the end of the run and it was like being on cruise control! One thing to remember is that even though I love the N2 and have introduced others to it, you must find the right shoe for you. (We'll be glad to fit you at Fleet Feet/Off'n Running! And just maybe you'll fall in love with Pearl Izumi's EMotion technology as well!)
Pancakes!!!
Fueling up after 12.5 miles!
This morning Mike and I decided to resurrect the Pancake Run. I have been very cautious with my nutrition lately as I prepare for the season and the Rev3 Team Summit (shimmer suit photo?? Yeah, I'm scared!!). Today I through caution to the wind and indulged in what has come to be known as the Johnny Redwine special. Bill Lamb showed up at the end of the run for the pancakes. He ate chicken and waffles that looked incredible! It was a great time of friends and fellowship (and this is Clean, right JSmalls?!?!?)
These past few weeks have been filled with snowstorms, upheaval and new beginnings. I want to take a second and thank a few people who have really been there during this time.
1. Michael and Lauren Vance: I am simply honored to call you my friends and look forward to many more dinners and races.
2. Jeremy and Valarie Yoemans: You guys are like a family and sometimes I feel like that lost brother who comes around. Thanks for all the runs, chats and KIKS!
3. HP Pub Runners: You are all an incredible group of people. Thanks to our awesome gang of misfits I have been able to reconnect with my old SigEp big brother, Josh Apel.
4. Kathryn Campbell: COACH!
5. Tommy Rodgers: It has been great reconnecting with you through the power class. It has been too long!
6. Carole Sharpless: Thanks for the emails and checking in, Momma Bear! Also, thanks for the teasing in the emails.
7. Of course my folks and my brother and sister-in-law.
7. And my new Tri Family Team Rev3: There are so many emails in my inbox reading all of the threads has become a full time job!
Jeremy Yeomans and I had spent many hours training and preparing for this day. Finally, this past Saturday, Jan. 16, 2014, the fateful day had arrived. I had coached Jeremy through long runs, speed sessions and a few tempos sessions that we were able to run together. All the training had culminated to this day. Jeremy, his wife Valarie (who ran the half with a cold, rock on, girrrl!!), his parents and their daughter Mia arrived in Charleston a full day before the marathon. I drove up that afternoon after NC Final Exams and End of Course test proctoring. (Yes, because these are the most important things we do in education aside from everything else, but I digress!) I arrived in Charleston ready to race.
That night we ate at one of Charleston's many restaurants. I had the world's greatest cornbread EVER! I slathered that piece of pie looking cornbread with honey and preserves, it was heaven! (This could have possibly lead to some later intestinal issues later, but we'll get to that.) So, all fueled up and ready for bed. The Holiday Inn Express was COLD!! The vent was LOUD! AND, a thunderstorm was wreaking havoc outside our window!! Hence, there was not a lot of sleeping done that night. (Maybe its just me, but it could have been pre-race nerves...)
We woke up around 6:00am on Saturday ready to race. Udi's gluten free bagels with almond butter and banana was the pre-race bill of fare. I sort of missed my peanut butter and honey made by the Original Peanut Butter Company, but Valarie makes some awesome almond butter. I went back and forth what to wear for the race because it was freezing and winds were blustering in at 20 mph! I finally settled on my High Point Funner Runner T-Shirt, Saucony Splits, Brooks arm sleeves, 2XU Compression Socks (thanks Emily!!!), an old LIVESTRONG beanie and my REV3 visor. (Valarie said a visor would keep the sun out of our eyes and sunglasses were not needed. There are points on the course where she was WRONG!!)
We walked over to the start line that was located across from the Citadel. We did the usual pre-race stand in line at the port-a-john. The winds were picking up and blowing this way and that way and I was shivering uncontrollably! After about forty-five minutes it was go time! The National Anthem was sung and the gun went off!!
The first 3-5 miles were incredibly crowded! It was like picking your way through a briar patch. Both the half-marathon and marathon went off at the same time so there were roughly 5000+ people all fighting for position. Jeremy and I thought we had started with the 3:45:00 pace group. We kept the sign in our sight, but at mile 5 I had to make what Jeremy frequently calls a "water stop". I jumped in a port-a-john (after one before the race) and hopped out. We started running again and our pace was around 7:40 minutes per mile. The 3:45:00 sign was gone and next thing I knew we were staring at the 3:30:00 sign. The miles began to tick off one by one and I was feeling pretty good about this race. The only major issue was the wind and freezing temperatures, but at least it was sunny!!
Charleston has some beautiful waterfront views and funny, cute looking colorful houses in the downtown, King St. area. Jeremy joked as we passed through downtown that he was thankful the shops were closed and Valarie was running otherwise his money might run away from him.
After about 13 miles or so, my stomach started getting that "uncomfortable" feeling. We stopped again at another port-a-john and took care of business. I noticed the 3:45:00 had caught back up with is after this stop and implored that we should back off and stay with this group. This point in the marathon was the not so scenic part of Charleston. No matter which way we turned the wind seemed like it was always in our face. I began to grow a bit weary. My head began to feel extremely hot and I ditched my beanie on a road cone. (Good-bye beanie, you lived a great life!!)
After the turn-around point, we met this amazingly fun and energetic woman named Erica. She laughed about she was drafting off of us. She has run several marathons and a few Ultras. She loves to run and could careless about her times. This is the kind of person you want out there with you. She stayed with us for a mile or two before falling off. (She returns later!!)
At mile 18 we began to see runners doubling back and at that point both Jeremy and I began to wonder where the next turnaround point was. We ran into this newly developed neighborhood with no driveways and Jeremy made a joke about how people had to walk across Egypt just to get to their houses. I had no witty retort for him. My gaze was forward and my whole body was aching. I was having trouble getting a solid air through my lungs. It was evident that I was reaching "The Wall". We ran another two miles and walked through an aid station. We were at mile 22, only 4 miles to go!! Behind us a familiar voice yelled out, "There is no walking!!!" It was the cheerful and vibrant Erica. Jeremy and I began running with her. She and Jeremy started to become a mirage in the distance as I began to hurt more and more until I eventually gave into the pain and proceeded to walk.
The next mile was complete torture. The 4:00:00 group passed me and their pacer (who was by far the coolest pacer and only one who kept his sign the entire race!! Come on Charleston, if you are going to have pacers they must keep their signs and not drop them to run their own race!!) passed me and he yelled, "Keep going Rev3!!". (I saw another Rev3 visor on course and apparently one of my teammates, Ryan Heisler, also ran it.) I tried to follow him, but my legs were done for. After battling the darkness of the wall, I finally decided that it was better to walk it in and not risk ruining my Tri season and injury than to try to force myself to run.
As fate would have it, it was my turn to help a person suffering through to the end! I met a fellow walker who was in a lot more pain than me. His name was Matt and he was falling down, hunching over and in "The Pain Cave". I picked him up and told him he was walking in with me. I did my best to give him active stretches and try to keep his mind off the impending pain running through his body. He had signed up on a whim and only put in two months of training. He, like me, was recently engaged and planning a wedding. (Could it have been missing some training during the holidays, work stress and life changing stressors that led to my breakdown?? I do not know, but do not discount them. The marathon reveals all!!)
We tried to keep our spirits up and a few wonderful ladies wearing "Black Girls Run" shirts inspired us at the end as they yelled and sang for us to finish! (Thanks, ladies!!) We shook hands at the end and the Charleston Marathon had been completed. I did not want a finisher picture. I only wanted warm clothes and a space blanket. My temper was frayed and body was aching, but alas it was done!
The marathon is a curious beast. Many say it has lost its allure because of the new running boom. Many say that Ultras are the true test of one's fortitude. I do not know the answer to this question. I can say that I am proud of Jeremy as he finished his first (and he says only) marathon. I can walk today way better than I could after Shamrock. Mile 22 revealed my inner strength to move forward and think smart about my health. Yes, I did cry for a bit, but who wouldn't?!? My day was over, but the race was not finished. I was able to payback the many "angels" how have been there for me during the dark times of the 13.1 during a 70.3 and even the one who nursed me across the finish line at Shamrock four years ago.
One thing I learned is that it is a true friend who will run day in a day out with you; rain, sleet, snow, heat or whatever the weather brings. For this, I am thankful. It is now time to turn my gaze towards Tri season and what new challenges it will bring. I would like to thank Jeremy and Valarie Yoemans for simply being my friends on the road and in life. I wish everyone a friendship as strong as ours. They truly have been a great refuge this year. (And a sidenote, my thoughts were with Michael Vance and his family throughout Charleston as they faced the loss of his father.)
So, the marathon... a painful journey that true friends, the family you choose, endure together and will remember forever!
I think I will call 2013 "The Year of the Runners"! I could relate this to the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, but personally I ran more this year than any other year. I also became a running coach as I coached a group of people to their first 5K, PRs on a 5K and PRs for half marathons! I have enjoyed giving back, and as I have given back my run has become stronger. I won my first 5K this (OK, it was a really small race and I ran it in 20:08, but a win is a win, right?!?!?) The High Point Palladium Pub Runners have become a second family. I used to attend the "Tuesday Night World Championship Ride" at the Greensboro Farmer's Market, but have found more joy and fellowship with the Pub Runners. "We are a drinking club with a running problem!" I would say my best, not fastest, but best race this year was the Citizens-Time Asheville Half Marathon. I paced and coached Jeremy Yeomans all the way through. I felt fantastic; even did some backwards running up the twisty, turny Mile 9 climb! All in all, 2013 has been an amazing year! I will look back at see many fond memories and new lifelong and rekindled lifelong friendships!!
Moving Forward
If you have been following my blog since the beginning you know that last year I raced Rev3 Williamsburg and had mentioned about applying for their age group team. Well, I applied in November and discovered that I was selected for the semi-final round which was fifty people out of six hundred applicants. I had a wonderful phone interview with Carole Sharpless, the team coordinator, that was simply like talking to an old friend. A few weeks later I received an email from Carole stating I had made it to the final round; needless to say I was dancing around. (Yes, I got the email of the semi-final round at work and danced all up and down my classroom, no I don't have a video of it.) Well, the HPPR Crew, my mother and I ran the Greensboro Gobbler and as Jeremy was driving us all back I received yet another email from Carole and it stated I had made Team Rev3!! So, in 2014 I will be racing all events for Team Rev3!!! I am beside myself with excitement! (Thanks, Momma Bear aka Carole!)
The First Announcement (There are more of us Crazies!)
A quick update on the job front is that I am STILL teaching theatre at Southwest High. I was not selected for any administrator positions, but this does not get me down because if I had been I think that late 2013 would have probably turned out very different. So to those who chose not to select me I want to publicly and say this in a non-sarcastic way: THANK YOU! Seriously, THANK YOU!! (Wait until the end of the blog for the REAL reason.) I will say this, 2014 has some interesting news on the horizon. Hopefully, all the puzzle pieces will fall into place, but that is an announcement that will have to wait until a future blog.... (Yes, I'll blog once more and not leave y'all hanging for so long)
Wasn't this movie in a word, AWESOME?!?! I saw it twice. Once at the midnight showing in 2D and then a second time in IMAX 3D! It was even better in 3D. I think the most chilling moment is when Cumberbatch says, "My name is Khan!" The whole theatre pretty much flipped out. You may ask, why I am I writing about such an awesome movie? To tell the truth, I think the last time I posted was pretty much when this movie was still in theatres. So, keep that in perspective because we are going to be covering A LOT of ground in this post!
Gorges EVERYWHERE!
ITHACA IS...
The week of July fourth was spent in Upstate New York, specifically Ithaca, NY. There is a saying in Ithaca and that is that "Ithaca is ..." well a lot of things between Cold, Gorges and other innuendo. I'll simply say that it is amazingly beautiful. Ithaca is roughly 450' above sea level. That doesn't seem like a lot due to the fact that Greensboro is close to 600' or more above sea level, but it is definitely A LOT hillier. There is one road name Buffalo Rd and if you can run up it without getting winded then you are a superstar. (Yeah, I'm calling you out on this STRAVA section Mike Vance!!) We spent much of the time in Ithaca eating a local eateries and hiking the many trails. We must have hiked at least twenty miles that week. Along each hike were at least five gorges. These are beautiful, yet deadly waterfalls. As my brother Jonathan stated, "It is amazing how much nature doesn't give a _______ about you!" You will simply have to make the thirteen hour drive up there for yourselves to see just how awesome the most educated town in America is! I am excited to go back next summer, and next summer I'm bringing all my Tri gear because there are some awesome routes to train on.
Shoes have been christened!
Funner Runner Update
WOW!! These guys are getting speedy! Let's just say that records are being broken. The Palladium Funner Runners have been an extremely rewarding experience for me. I want to thank Off 'n Running and especially the owner John Dewey for having faith in me to lead the group towards their running goals. Each week a member of the group expresses how running has actually become "funner" and that the group workouts have been a great source of encouragement. One of the runners, who also runs cross country for SWGHS, has improved her times and increased her endurance; she ran twelve miles without stopping. This is a success story if I've ever heard one! Another runner and I have become great friends and he is even getting faster than me (guess I'm going to have to start giving him bad advice and terrible training methods now!) In all seriousness, I look forward to writing the weekly training plans and the group workouts. I love running, but taking my love for running and inspiring others has truly helped me find a greater joy in the sport!
Repping Rev3 at a local Race
Mission Man Tri
I signed up for Mission Man Sprint Tri with my friend John Cerra to celebrate the fact that we have been doing this crazy sport for over five years. This was the first Tri that John and me participated in together. This year was "insanely great"! I placed third in my age group with a finishing time of 1:19:41. This was the first swim that I actually freestyled nearly 100% through. The bike was rolling and I did decently, but the run is where I rocked out! I almost broke 19:59 on the 5K double trail loop. It was great because the guy who is getting fast, Jeremy Yoemans, his wife Valarie and daughter Mia came to the race. Valarie was curious about this whole Triathlon thing and she will be doing Ramblin' Rose in October! Way to go VAL!!! They created some awesome signs to cheer me on, one was a mantra that I began to say as I started the second loop of the run... "SHUT UP LEGS!" Yes, I stole this from Radio Shack rider Jens Voigt, but it worked!
Also titled: Why I have been putting off this Blog Post!
I caught your attention with the Star Trek Into Darkness opening (and the J.J. Abrams Star Trek theme is piping through Pandora as I write this). I wrote about some really cool summer experiences, but I left out a few tiny details. Well, not tiny at all... more like MAJOR DETAILS. In a past post I discussed graduating from HPU with my master's and I also become a licensed K-12 principal. This summer I have sent out countless resumes and applied to several positions. Thus far, I have had three interviews with three rejections. They write amazing rejection letters, though; best break up letters I have ever received, Nonetheless, these notices have been disheartening to say the least. I have honestly been putting this post off because I thought that I would be employed as an assistant principal position before writing this post. Well, it hasn't happened! I have been frustrated and at times down right depressed, but I remember that I can sit and sulk or go ride my bike or run. (Or if even smash the weights at ABSolute Fitness NC!) Nothing good comes from sulking and as my friend, Dawn Davis says, "Apply interview and move on!"
With all this said, I do have an interview tomorrow at a A.B. Combs Elementary in Raleigh, NC. It is for a teacher leadership position in concert with magnet coordinator. This school is a STEM and Leadership magnet that has been recognized nationally. On a more personal note, it is a mere walk from my cousin's house! Needless to say, I do hope to "get the gig". I suppose I'll go for a run tomorrow before hopping in the car to focus my head. So, I chose to write this blog, and yes I am hoping your collective good thoughts will bring a positive outcome from the interview!
Who wouldn't want to be closer to this awesome guy. My buddy, ELI!!!
Holy WOW! Rev3 Williamsburg was awesome! I am very glad that I chose to race only the Olympic distance after having done Raleigh 70.3 a mere three weeks ago. The huge difference between Ironman Raleigh and Rev3 Williamsburg was the feel of the atmosphere. Rev3 has an age group team and as many of you have already read in previous posts +Tara Martine is on this team and she was an amazing hostess with the mostest! I think she made it a point to introduce me to every team member there and now I think I have gained at least ten new Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Loving the craziness vibe Team Rev3 has!!
Lauren Goss!! aka @lauren_goss
I got there a little late, but made it in time for the Friday expo festivities. (Yes, there was an ample amount of Beet Juice being drunk.) A major highlight of the expo, aside from meeting a ton of badass Rev3'ers, was meeting pro triathlete Lauren Goss. She was super cool and took time to pose with The Sarge and me. Tara informed me the evening before the race that the best finish line photo gets a free race entry. I was tempted to make a "Lauren Goss, Will you Marry Me" sign to carry across the finish line, but that did come to fruition. (Probably for the best.)
Friday Night/Saturday (The Calm before the Storm)
Kool and the Gang
So we stayed at the Days Inn that was a mere quarter mile from T2. It was a dump, but close to the race site. Friday night started with a massive cluster at Carraba's, a killer Glow Run sponsored by Rev3 and then turned into awesome when The Flints showed up (Kool and Nadine are a travelling party.) We visited one of Tara's old stomping grounds and found an old soccer team picture of her on the wall. We then took the party back to the Days Inn and hung out for a while. Tara rightfully went to sleep. Saturday we woke up went to check out the swim. It was beautiful! There was a bit of a current, but otherwise I was feeling comfortable in the water. (Unfortunately, this same sensation did not occur on race day.) After swimming, we met up with the Flints and Kurt's folks at the Williamsburg Winery. A bachelorette party was tasting wine and Kool decided that I should serenade the bachelorette. (Who am I to let Kool down?) I obliged. Before hitting up the winery, Tara and I rode the run course on our bikes and discovered that there was a massive hill with switchbacks at the turnaround. Really?!?!? A hill in Williamsburg!!!
That evening we went to Olive Garden. (Hey, gotta CTFU before a race!) I was very happy that my mother, grandparents, aunt and uncle were able to join me for dinner. Granddad paid for dinner and we caught up on life. I haven't seen them in a while and we got to discuss all the changes that have occurred since graduating from High Point University. Mom and Aunt Becky said that they wanted to come to part of the race. (They wound up making the run portion and it was so cool to see them at the finish!) While at Olive Garden I got to meet Tara's Coach, Sharon who is now officially known as "The Coach"! She came to race the Olympic and guide Tara to what would be a procard performance!
The Coach, Ed and I in close quarters
Bonkbreakers for Breakfast!
Free Advice from "The Coach"
Race Day!
The Morning
It was raining and we were all just SUPER EXCITED to walk to T2 to set up in the rain. After setting up my Hoka One One Bondi Bs in T2 we loaded up on to a yellow school bus for the trek to the James River beach site. I adjusted T1 at the site and got some air in the tires and then the long wait for my wave began. I had some tunes going in my ear trying to focus myself on the task that lie ahead. (I was playing some Eminmen mixed with Wagon Wheel, yes quite the combination, but I had to have some downhome NC tunes in the ear.) Sean English, the Rev3 man on the mic was providing constant updates and trying to keep the mood light.
The Swim
The pros went off and wound up sprinting to the first buoy. A few were trying to dolphin dive, but to no avail. I watched all the half waves go and then it was my turn to rock out. The horn went off and I did high knees and a few dolphin dives. My heart rate was through the roof at this point and I was trying to get things under control. I began to swim and breathe every other breath just as instructed by Kurt. I honestly felt as if I was swimming backwards! The beautiful conditions of yesterday were gone. I simply was going buoy to buoy trying to survive. After about 35 minutes, I emerged from the water with a fierce determination! I sprinted nearly a half mile to T2 through the fields. (And grad a Gatorade on my way.) I fumbled to get my shoes and helmet on and stuffed my swim gear in the swim bag.
The Bike
As I began to pedal off, traffic had been stopped for us and some guy yells at us as we charge forward in disdain. Sorry, dude we're racing and bringing major cashflow into your local economy, I think you can wait a few minutes. I tried to keep things under control. I would cheer people on as I passed them. We were on a wide greenway that had some wicked turns. There might have been an aid station on the bike, but to be honest I cannot remember. I had recently been refit on my bike at the Greensboro Trek Store to see if it would help would some achilles issues I had been having, so this was really the first time I had ridden it with the new fit. (I DO NOT ADVISE YOU DO THIS!!) I felt a bit more aero and the legs were responding well. I began to play a game of cat and mouse with another cyclists until I dropped him on the last hill. We had a laugh about it as I was passing him. There was a man who was in his late fifties hammering away from me towards the final miles. The big surprise for me was that I got to mile 18 and thought, "Damn! I almost done!" I was still in a 70.3 mentality. I went 1.5 mph faster than in Raleigh. I arrived at T2 and fumbled to get the Hokas on and walked out trying to get my Forerunner on my arm so that I could keep track of my pace. Well, the strap broke and I wound up having to carry it in my hand.
The Run
Hoka One One Bondi Bs are AWESOME! I was booking it on the run averaging 6:45s for the first three miles! As stated in a previous posted, I felt like Tigger! The dreaded hill climb came and I went up, up and away. I was moving surprisingly well. There was one more major climb before the end and I caught a guy who dropped me on the bike. BUT wait, near disaster! As I am climbing the last hill (and just noticed that my mom and aunt were cheering me on) I begin to cramp in my right hamstring. I do the classic grab and try to keep things moving. The cramp subsides enough and I start to push it up the hill. Today was going to be a good day... NO PAIN! I finally make it to the finishing chute and remember what Tara said about the photos. I try to moonwalk into the chute, but the hamstrings and calves had other plans. I cross the line and hear Sean call my name. The day was done! I saw Mom and Becky and NORMATECH recovery boots. What up, Rev3?!?!? This was awesome! Ironman didn't have these wonderful recovery gems!
The Wait
Tara crushing the finish!
My day was done, but Tara was still on course. I saw her come for the first loop and she looked all right. I waited with Mom and Becky and was explaining tactics and what possibly was going through Tara's mind. (She was currently in fourth position.) We waited and waited and Tara emerged again. She was hurting. It did not look good. She was twenty-five seconds back from the third place female. It was time for TriGuy powers to activate! My legs were done, but my friend, my coach, my adopted sister was in need of some encouragement. I walked down the hill and passed Kool and the gang. Tara managed to move into third place, but only by a few seconds. As she came up the final hill I started to run with her. I began cheering her on and encouraging her. I was giving her time splits to how far back the other girl was. I began saying, "This is just Gallimore Dairy back home!" (A rather hellacious hilly road!) I would not let Tara quit or settle into a pace a procard was at stake! Tara came through the finishing chute with me yelling at her the whole way! She took 3rd place amateur female and qualified for the procard.
Thank You's and Developments
Thanks to the Martines and Lampells for coming to the race and supporting our crazy habit. Thanks to Becky and Mom coming to cheer us on race day. Huge Thanks to Team Rev3 for making me feel incredibly welcome and like part of the Team on my first Rev3 race.
The Palladium Funner Runners are progressing well. I am so proud that some of the Runners have progressed to be able to run three miles without stopping to walk. We had a great time with guest speaker Michael Vance giving a shoe talk. I hope you all enjoy this recovery week. We are going to hit it even more "Funner"after the fourth!
Now, a major bomb was dropped at Carraba's. Kurt has been accepted into the Wilmington Fire Department. He and Tara will be moving to Wilmington in a week! This is a quick turnaround. I will miss them greatly. They have become family to me. We have had many adventures on the roads and trails of the Triad. I hope that LaHa and Chipotle will be able to handle them leaving because many tales of training have been told at these places as we refueled from epic runs and rides. So, to my Brother Kurt and Sister Tara, I am sad that you are leaving, but know that there are still new stories on the horizon!
Recovery from Raleigh 70.3 has been going all right. The legs have almost come around completely, but I have been having some achilles issues. That has probably been the most frustrating experience, but on the other hand I did set a new PR in the Tour de Kale 5K running in the Brooks Pure Cadence. Most of ya'll know that I am a HUGE fan of the Brooks Pure Connects, but with the calves revolting lately I thought just a touch more cushion might be a needed. Well, these bad boys can fly just as well without absolutely killing my calves. I think that I might be swapping in and out between Cadence and Connect. The Pure Flow are just a bit too wide for my feet.
I also will continue to use my Pure Flows for shorter distances, but like I said, deciding to jump into this fun Glow in the Dark 5K in the middle of a recovery/build up period to Rev3 Williamsburg I needed more cushion. I finished the race in 19:18 chip and clock time! I was about two tenths of a mile from the finish and could see the clock at 18:36 and thought to myself, "I just can't go any harder!" (The first mile out was 5:43 which coincidentally is my fastest mile, EVER!) So I ran my pace and still PR'd. (My last PR was a little less than a year ago and it was 19:29! Come on, 18:and change has to be around the corner. As I fell off the lead pack, another runner stayed with me. Funny thing is, he sprinted past me
at the finish, was in my age group and took first in the 30-39 age group by ONE SECOND!! Guess I need to work on the sprint, or as +AbsoluteFitness NC Ron Kennedy says, "You're fast, but not quick." Fast being sustained over a duration of time, while quick being able to have explosive short bursts of speed. Think Usain Bolt and Mark Cavendish as being quick and Fabian Cancellara and Ryan Hall as being fast. (I could use a football analogy, but that would just not fit in with the Endurance theme of the blog!)
So quick he has time to make phone calls!
So, after wrapping up the school year, attending my last meeting as a District Director for NCAE and trying to recover I have been pretty lazy this week. Well, lazy if you consider applying for assistant principal positions and creating class lists for the GCS Summer Arts Institute. But, it has been nice to simply sit in my chair for long periods at a time and catch up on TV. (Remember, recovery! Anything to help the achilles heal and by anything, I mean anything even if it means experimenting with new shoes other than the Brooks Pure Project line.) Yes, yes sirs and ma'am's I am running in the weirdest, yet coolest show I've ever tried! The Hoka One One Bondi-B. Hoka One One calls themselves "The Ultra Running Company". The shoes are 4mm heel drop, but that is where they COMPLETELY differ from a minimalist shoe. The shoes actually has maximum cushioning. When you run in the shoes you kind of feel like Tigger.
Now that's cushioning!
After the 5K, I ran the Sunday Pancake Run with Michael Vance and Jeremy (I can't spell his last name) for 7 miles. These shoes completely flew downhills and had amazing spring on the uphills and flats. Seriously, Tigger, folks! I then used them again at the Pub Run and again I felt like I was running on clouds. These are some rocking shoes. Now, I did have some minor achilles pain in these shoes, but having taken a break from my Zero Drop and lightly cushioned shoes the pain wasn't excruciating. I might even use these in Williamsburg, well these or the Cadences. (Oh no, I'll need Tri-Laces for a faster transition.... #triathleteproblems feel free to use this hashtag.)
I leave for Williamsburg in a day and need to fold clothes and pack; two things I detest doing, but such if the life of destination races. (Once again, #triathleteproblems). Until then, I'll apply for more AP positions and ready myself for SAI immersion weeks. Anyone out there reading this send good thoughts as I go through the job hunt process, it is full of a lot of WAITING! I suppose while I wait, I'll swim in Belews Lake and continue to enjoy the awesome friendships created through training. And speaking of training, I am having a BLAST coaching the Palladium Funner Runners! An awesome group of people who are Funner Running there way to Asheville, NC Citizen-Times Race weekend! (Don't forget to register Funner Runners!) So, I'll leave you with this short video that describe how I feel when running in the Hoka One One Bondi-B. Time to drink my greens with some Cacoa (or Cocoa!)
It seems like a ton of things have happened since I last blogged! I really meant to blog after Race the Bar, but things sort of got a little crazy. (In my life, NEVER!) But, I'm back and in full recovery mode.
Race the Bar 8K on Walker St. was an amazing local event with free beer at the end. As I tell one of the Race Directors Andrew Egbert, every race is really race the bar! We went out fast with a 5:55 mile according to my Garmin. Yes, we were flying. The course itself is quite rolling one would say. More like straight up hellacious hills! Going out that fast took its toll on many of us and the lead group began to dissipate as it simply became survival mode. I finished the race in 33:26, a better time than last year and still maintained 1st place in my age group! One more pint glass and I'll have a full set. I am looking forward to Natty's 10K! Keep up the great work Setup Events and E3!
Do I really want to do this?!?!?
Ironman Raleigh 70.3, baby! What an awesome event! I have never done an Ironman run event and all I can say is that I WILL be going back to this race! Before I even get into the race itself, the volunteers, the people on course and the expo were simply outstanding and extraordinary. It was almost as if the entire city of Raleigh and surrounding suburbs came out to support us as we suffered through the day. Each aid station had a different theme and there were so many cowbells that you simply couldn't quit even when the body said, "Please, why are you putting me through this hell!" This a HUGE thank you to the people of Raleigh and the Ironman staff. It is always great when you can do a race that is almost in your backyard. I hope that Ironman seeks out more venues here in the Land of the Pine. (Hint, Hint.. Asheville!)
The Expo
Brian and I at the Expo
An enormous thanks to my friend, Brian Lewis, for convincing me to sign up for this race! It all started back in January when he said, "Buddy, we're doing this!" He was an awesome host in his hometown of Raleigh and was a great brother in suffering throughout the race and the many hours of training. Brian, let's do it again!
Aussie Dan with the Bonk Breaker goodness!
Honestly, was one of the largest Expos that I have ever attended, but in the same note there were way more familiar faces. You all know that I love the Off 'n Running Pub Run group and that event has brought in reps from many different endurance companies. It was great to see the 2XU rep as I walked in after check-in and it was also great to see speedster Aussie, Dan Matena cutting up the Bonk Breakers. (I think he may have even padded my bag with a few of these delicious, nutritious treats for the long bike). It is always good to see friendly faces when you are sort of freaking out underneath the cool exterior. Believe me, you are always asking yourself before a race, "Did I train enough? Did I eat right?" Seeing these faces help take away the stressors.
The Night Before
My buddy, Eli, and I at the Chocolate Factory.
I was fortunate to stay with my cousins the night before the race. My cousins, Jess and Rob and their awesome son, aka my buddy, Eli had dinner with my Aunt Diane at this cool vegan restaurant The Fiction Kitchen. The cornbread and snap peas were delicious and the farmer's market plate was full of delicious veggies; all good before the long day ahead. After filling out stomachs with veggie goodness, we went to The Videri Chocolate Factory. Let's pause, yes, Jess and I both don't do dairy, but dark chocolate without milk, BRING IT ON! This place makes their own chocolate!!! It was incredible. Now I knew I was ready for the long day ahead.
We got home from our evening out and read Eli a bedtime story and then I knew it was time to get my mind set to prepare for the early morning. Usually, I pack my tribag and leave it in transition, but this was a point-to-point race and Ironman provided bags to affix your race number to for every single transition. (Yet, another reason I was blown away by the support!) I prepped my bottles, had a chat with Jess and Rob and then it was off to bed for a 3:00am alarm. The buses began to roll to Lake Jordan at 4:00am and it was a 45 minute drive from downtown Raleigh to the swim start.
The Morning
Alarm went off at 3:00am and I was in the shower. Sunscreen applied, BodyGlide applied. (Sorry, +Tara Martine I totally forgot my Trislide!) I grabbed my transition bags and was out the door, BonkBreaker breakfast in hand. I met up with my friend Roni Shoemaker and her husband and we grabbed a quick cup of coffee at Starbucks before getting on the bus. I got on the bus and realized something immediately... I had forgotten my water bottles!!! I thought and said several colorful words. I quickly got off the bus and Roni took my transition bags for me and placed them by my bike when she got to the swim start. I was totally freaking out! I texted Jess and called her about this predicament. There was no way I was going to make it back to there house and catch the last bus. It is here where her husband Rob becomes SUPER ROB! I sat on the side of South St. in Raleigh and waited for him to drop off the water bottles. I checked Facebook and Twitter to pass the time and not beat myself down for making such a rookie mistake. (Hey, it was my first Ironman event!) He rolled up to the side of the road and dropped off the bottles and rolled off into the morning mist like a Super Hero who had just saved the day. THANKS AGAIN ROB!!!
Water bottles in hand, earphones in, I quickly make my way to another bus. I was a bit down that I wasn't going to be able to ride with my friend Roni and her crew, but fuel is just a TINY bit more important in these events. I get on the bus and low and behold my friend from the Rev 3 Tri Team Rachel is sitting there and shouts out my name. Once again, a friendly face. This will not be the only time Rachel makes an appearance in this epic journey. I find my seat, plug in and close my eyes while we make our way to Lake Jordan. (Yep, I played some Wagon Wheel because it just seemed right!)
We get to the lake and as promised, Roni placed my bags by my bike. Sweet relief! I set up transition and wait in line for the restrooms many times. (One thing about triathlon is most of the first part is simply waiting for the restroom A LOT!) Time passes, I talk to Rachel while in line and it is time to make my way down to the swim.
The Swim
There was a collective cheer when the race announcer announced that the swim would be wetsuit legal. As for me, no wet suit. I think the one spot they found the water temperature to be low enough for wetsuits was around the second turn. I made my way to the red caps and listened to the various inspirational stories of people who were about to go off into the swim. There was a lot of collective noise chatter and joke cracking as we all were trying to calm our nerves for the upcoming 1.2 mile swim. Finally, zero hour had arrived. The horn went off and I was head down, streamline in the water... the is until water began leaking into my goggles. I had to stop a few times and adjust the goggles and flip my contacts back into my eyes. It was extremely aggravating! I began to simply breath into it and find the joy of the moment. Hey, I was getting to do something I loved! Contacts secure, and goggles fixed I started to slog my way through the swim. Freestyle, breaststroke, freestyle breaststroke. It is so much easier in the pool. There was an enormous amount of support in the water and I was tempted to grab onto a kayak every now and then, but forward I moved. I was being swum over, around and under. But, forward I moved (with a bit of side to side). After what seemed like an eternity, I made it to the finish! Out of the water, a little disoriented and straight to the restroom I went! I took my sweet time in transition eating some oranges, putting on my compression sleeves, shoes and helmet. I walked to the bike mount, got some sunscreen put on and was off.
The Bike
The huge fear about this course was that it was nearly 2000ft of climbing. I fumbled with my Garmin so I could gauge my speed and after resetting the bugger while on the bike, it finally got reception. (This was nearly 3 miles into the bike!) I got my legs spinning at a comfortable rate and began to monitor my nutrition. According to my Garmin, I was cruising around 23-25mph. I didn't try to slow down because I checked my gearing and I was in a fairly easy gear. The whole goal was to spin and keep the legs as fresh as possible for the run. While on the bike, there were three other athletes that began an unintentional game of cat and mouse. We began passing each other on the hills, flats and downhills for the majority of the bike. After a while it became a joke between us and we would wave and laugh as we saw each other. As I sped down the roads, I would cheer riders as they passed me and I passed them. It was great! Not only that, but there were virtually people at almost every mile with signage and cowbells cheering us on. What great energy! There were amazing aid stations every ten miles, but the Pirate aid station takes the cake! Their great "Grab some Waarrrgh-ter!" was too funny! This bike course has to be the best course I have ever done, by far! The only major issue was the last six miles as we would climb our way into downtown Raleigh. The sun was beating down at this point and the last aid station was about ten miles away. It was the last time I had grabbed water to douse myself with so that I might stay just a little bit cooler.
I got off the bike felt like I crawled to my transition spot. Let me state here that I "gingerly" got off the bike hoping that I wasn't going to cramp up! Yes, I took on my BonkBreakers, Gatorade, plain old water and NUUN, but 56 miles is still 56 miles. I am happy to report that I averaged over 20mph! But, back to transition. As I fumbled to put on my shoes, race belt and Rev3 visor one of the staffers came over to see if I was all right. I stated that I was just trying to loosen up a bit. I walked my way out of transition, splashed some water on myself, got sunscreen reapplied (how cool that these folks even thought of sunscreen for the athletes!) and walked uphill for the first part of the run.
The Run
WTF was I thinking!?!?!? It was hot, it was hilly and it was brutal! I began to question my whole purpose at this point. People began cheering for me by name if they saw my race bib or simply yelled, "Go Wisconsin!" based on the Rev3 visor I was wearing. Finally, I began to run and 15 minute miles slowly turned into 9:00 and 8:50. I finally caught up with a friendly face on the run course and ran up Hillsborough Street. Then out of nowhere, her husband, Coach Matt Clancy comes blazing down Hillsborough Street towards the finish! Way to go Coach Matt, you looked awesome! We stayed together for a bit and as I passed each aid station I heed the great MACCA's advice and grabbed ice to cool the body, water for inside and out and sometimes drank a little Coke. I began to actually go pretty well on the run and knew the streets because I had run them many times before NCAE Board meetings, but little did I know that monster hills awaited. We had to do a double loop in order to get the full 13.1 and this double loop was on the greenway that overpassed I-40. This greenway went up, up, up and away. The field was littered with walkers. I quickly blew up and became one of them. It was at this point where I don't really have much recollection of what happened. I went into survival mode. I shut everything out except the essentials. Breathing, check, legs moving, check, heart rate, check... keep moving forward. There was a man stationed at the split saying, "Second lap uphill, third down to paradise." I didn't quite follow his logic because even downhill felt up at this point. At some point, perhaps it was at the Rocky Balboa poster I began to regain focus. I started to run again, as well as quote Rocky's "Keep moving forward" speech.
The runners around me began to listen, laugh and join in with the diatribe. Rocky Balboa inspired us to keep our legs moving. Walk, run, walk, run.. keep moving forward. I reached the bridge and ran into a friendly face. It was Rachel. She was decimated, but determined to finish even if she had to crawl. We stopped for a second and chatted and then onward we both charged at our respective paces. Let's pause here because while we are moving forward at whatever pace, people are chanting, "You look great! Awesome job!" I simply had to laugh because I knew I looked like death burned over! But, thanks to these affirmations I kept moving. Once I emerged out of the hell that was the greenway and Meredith College hill, more friendly face, it was Jess, Rob and Eli!!! I was walking and Jess stepped out and gave me a high five and I fist bumped Eli. Once again, SUPER FAMILY!!! (A little while later Jess told me that Eli said, "I hope Cousin Andrew has a good race." He is the sweetest.) I entered Hillborough St. for the final miles and hit the bricks of the NC State campus. These bricks that I had pounded out many a frustration on. I told another racer to follow me and I would pace him to the end. Together we charged on, grabbing aid and cheering for those around us. Sometimes in silence, sometimes speaking out loud. We exchanged names and his was Mark Bledsoe, no relation to my Bledsoe relatives supposedly, but good ole Uncle Larry sent a familiar name to me in these final moments. (Who knows, maybe it was Larry running beside me in the final mile embodied in the embattled athlete. I'm not one for mysticism, but hey, any help is better than no help.) Together we forged our way back to the convention center. As we charged to the finish, shook hands the energy was electric! The course was carpeted, the announcer was calling out finishers' names and the crowd was throwing out high fives along the way. I pumped my fists beside me, looked at the clock and realized that day was done. 70.3 in 6:32... finished!
I started an hour after the pro start.
Thank you to all who made this journey possible. Now it is recovery time because Rev3 Williamsburg, my Christmas present is less than three weeks away. I have no idea how the pros recover so quickly! My legs were screaming and I could barely walk on Monday, but it is a great feeling knowing that you did something this amazing. I suppose the only downside is that some people around you realize what you accomplished and for some it is simply back to work. I, on the other hand, am thankful that I got to participate in the Inaugural Ironman Raleigh 70.3 and will definitely be returning!!
Quick annoucement....
High Point runners, sign up for the Funner Runner Group at Off 'n Running Palladium. Yours truly will be training you to race a 5K or half marathon as we Funner Run our way to Asheville!
Speaking of Tri Season...
