Success...I did it!!!

SUBARU USWTS WOMEN'S TRIATHLON SERIES, NAPERVILLE, IL 6/22/2008

It's official! I am a triathlete! On June 22, 2008, I competed in and completed the Subaru Women's Triathlon in Naperville, IL with almost 2,000 other women.

I was so nervous about this race that I hit the bathroom three times before it even started! It didn't help that we had a rain delay of about an hour (except to allow me to hit the Port O Potty one more time!). Just as the elite group had stepped into the water waiting for the horn to start them off, KABOOM! Thunder, lightning, rain. A lifeguard announced everyone needed to get out of the water, away from the trees and that 30 minutes would have to pass after the last lightning had been sighted and/or thunder heard. For the next 30 minutes we continued to have thunder and lightning. It was only in the 60s, so we were wet and a bit chilled (us older, post menopause athletes didn't mind a bit and found it refreshing!). Finally....at 8:00 AM, the elite wave was allowed to begin. There were about ten or so who competed at this level (pros). After them was the special wave of women who have battled with ovarian cancer (the charity the event supported). Next was the wave of women 55 and over. Right after them, was my wave, 50-54. I'm the one just ahead of the clock pole tugging at my swim cap.

THE SWIM: Once the horn blew, we ran into the water until we were forced to start swimming. Up to 75 women could be in a wave so there was much hitting and kicking each other going on until we could spread out. That didn't happen until around the first of several buoys. I was most nervous about the swim. I thought if I could survive the swim portion, it would be downhill from there. My only wish besides completing and surviving the swim, was to do it in a respectable time! I was slow and not so skilled at this swimming stuff! After what seemed like an eternity, I was finally running out of the water and onto land. I was exhausted to say the least! [swim time: 15:36 for 1/2 mile swim] How was I going to bike and run when I was THIS tired?!?!?!? I had planned on running to my bike as fast as I could and making awesome time in the transition area (T1 - also counts in your total time and is often considered, "The Fourth Event"), but I could barely move! I had what we call, "sea legs." Forcing myself to at least jog, I finally made it to the transition area looking for the chalk arrow my bike neighbor drew on the blacktop. I also had a giant sunflower by my bike so I could easily find it. Good thing. The chalk arrow was now gone from the rain we had earlier. I had to laugh thinking how I commended this poor woman on a great idea! Little did we know.... [T1: 3:49]

This photo shows the swim course:

THE BIKE:Off on the bike, I tried to tell myself to just enjoy the ride as fast as I could. I LOVE riding my bike! This would be the most fun, but of course, I was still nervous about it. I saw a couple of gals on the way with flats and hoped this wouldn't happen to me. Also, there were many with very professional looking bikes with aero bars and cycle shoes, etc. Some passed me, but I did plenty of passing myself. Lap two went WAY faster as my sea legs disappeared. At the start of lap two, an athlete yelled behind me that my bike bag was rubbing on my back tire. Sure enough! I had to pull over and raise my seat. I had been having occasional problems with my bike (just 3 months old) seat dropping down. This probably cost me 25-30 seconds and several slots in my placement. But when you are at my level, who cares! There's no prize money for 990th place! The rest of the ride went very smooth and I tried to listen to my coach's advise about dropping a gear or two in the last mile or so in preparation for the run. [Bike Time: 49:56 for 14.5 miles]

Above: Coming to the end of the bike portion and transitioning to the run....

Now it was off to T2, the transition from bike to run. I quickly parked my bike, threw off my helmet, put on my cap and off I went.[T2 Time: 2:15] This is the hardest transition as you are going from using your glutes to your hammies. Your legs just don't want to do this and it can take up to a mile to adjust. I had been practicing this transition and it definitely helped, but I was REALLY tired now! I grabbed some water at the very first aid station at the beginning of the run, but couldn't get much down. I felt so slow, I didn't dare stop! In the picture below, I am in the background to the left of the spectator shading her eyes (just to the right of the bike helmet in the foreground).

THE RUN: Now I was really questioning myself as to why I thought this was a good idea! all I wanted to do was to crash on a couch! Really... this is the vision that I had. Laying on a couch. I had not felt this tired in ions if ever. For the first time, I seriously thought I would not make it, but I quickly forced myself not to think negatively. I thought at the very least, I could walk myself in and at least finish. But I immediately talked myself out of that too. This is what I trained months for. Walking would be a last resort. The only time I walked was for a brief second when I would throw back a water at an aid station to ensure I got it down my throat and not down my shirt! Where I passed many on the bike, I passed NO ONE except a walker or two. MANY were passing me. At this point, I didn't much care. I was pushing harder than I ever imagined just to finish and finish jogging in. Finally, I saw the hairpin turn into the park, a section of the riverwalk that would lead me to the finish line. I could hear some announcing and some crowd cheering. This was a good sign. I looked up and it looked like the finish line canopy. I was elated! A few yards later, I saw that it was the swim start! RATS! When will this finish line ever appear?!?! Suddenly, just when I thought I could no longer sustain myself in an upright position, let alone run, I saw the side tarps forming the tunnel that would lead me to the finish line. I had planned on sprinting in, but there was absolutely no way I had anything left to do that. I was happy that I was still running in and not walking in. I heard my name and saw my fan club, husband Russ and two sons, Adam and Ben clapping me in. A few more yards and HURRAY! I made it! I raised my arms in glee and headed straight for the party! [Run Time: 33:52 for 3.1 miles] {TOTAL TIME: 1:45:26}

Above: Running into the finish line at last!

THE PARTY: The first thing I did was head into the water sprinklers. After the rain shower at the start of the race, the sun came out making it humid and warm. Already drenched with sweat, I drenched myself in the nice cool water. Then I returned to the area behind the finish line for some food goodies and more water. My fan club arrived and dished out hugs! Below: Hubby gives his triathlete wife a hug! He was very supportive, from encouraging me on to buying me my brand new bike! (Adam is in the background and Ben took the photo as well as most photos seen here. Other photos were from Russ).

Below Left: Wearing our finishing medals, we wait for professional stretching. Everyone was so friendly. These women shared some useful triathlon tips with me.

Above right: The rest of my fan club, Ben (23) and Adam (27) as they wait for the rain delay to end (looks like the sun is shining here!).

Below: The prize! Proof I finished!

NEXT UP: The Naperville Sprint Triathlon, Aug. 10, 2008 (for men and women). What?.....I never said I'd never do this again! Where did you get that idea?????

Click below for official race results:

http://onlineraceresults.com/race/view_individual.php?make_printable=1&bib_num=1018&race_id=8266&type=result

Essay to Race Organizers

The final countdown begins. One week to the Subaru Women's Triathlon! I'll be training light this week in preparation. Also, I'll be working on the transitions (from swim to bike and bike to run). I'll need to do well on those to make up for the slow time in the swim! I've come to a decision to redefine my goal. Forget about the time (this is hard) and just concentrate on finishing the race. A person's first triathlon can get away with this goal at this time. Every time after that, she'll want to beat her previous time. Why make it so hard to beat? Give me room to beat!

The organizers of the race wanted stories of why we are doing the triathlon and/or any connections to ovarian cancer we would like to share. At first I wasn't going to bother. But then they requested such stories again, one week into the event. So I sent my story. Here is what I sent:

RUNNING FOR AND FROM OVARIAN CANCER

My mother died from ovarian cancer in October 2001 at the age of 67. She was taken too soon as was my father from pancreatic cancer at age 61. Both cancers are known as silent killers since symptoms aren't usually noticed until the cancer is well advanced.
In May of 2005, I needed a partial hysterectomy at the age of 49 (for a non-cancerous medical condition). Due to the nature of my condition, I needed to have this surgically done. With much consideration of my family history, I decided to have a complete hysterectomy with both ovaries removed instead of just a partial. I fared the surgery and sudden menopause well but have been concerned about potential health issues that come with menopause and a strong family history of cancer. At the same time of my surgery, I also was suffering some joint issues and a badly sprained wrist. My exercise regime had come to a complete standstill. Over the next couple of years, I tried different exercise classes but would end up with tendinitis. How tempting to just give up!
Last fall, I started with a weight lifting class and water aerobics in hopes to conquer my body woes. Eventually the tendinitis went away and I became strong. Around Thanksgiving 2007, a friend of a friend talked about the Subaru Triathlon in Naperville and a triathlon training class at the local YMCA. She said the class was very fun and supportive and the race even more supportive and fun. I thought this would be a great way to get back into physical fitness and began to make plans to participate. I attended the triathlon class and continued the weight lifting class as well. No tendinitis! I've been faithful with the training and have had a blast challenging myself. I feel great and ready to go. I'm a bit fearful, but optimistic thanks to Coach Mary from our Tri class!
My mother would have been so proud of me. Not many of us start being triathletes at the age of 52! And it is such an honor to run in a race that raises awareness and funds for the very thing that took my mother's life prematurely. I dedicate my first ever triathlon to my dear, sweet mother...my best friend! And...to my wonderful, supportive husband, my other best friend!

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience.

Later.... P.S. Here's a picture of me at my first ever 5K race! It was in May 2008...The Jeanine Nicarico Run for Literacy 5K race. I did it in 31:28 tying my Personal Best.

Not bad for an old bag who only began running last January!

Runnin' Like the Wind

Running was NEVER my thing. I would have thought this would be my most difficult sport...but not so! Swimming is the toughest even though 40 years ago, I was on the park district swim team and took a life guard course! And...I never took up running until now at age 52! I've been working hard at it and I'm shocked to say, I'm having fun!

Ssshhhhhh.... I've looked up a couple of friends who ran races (5Ks) in the past few years to see their times. I'm competing against them but the don't know it! I figure I need something to beat...why not a friend!

Last week (end of March '08) in the Tri Training Class, we ran from the Fry YMCA to the McDonald's on Hwy. 59. It's about a mile and a half one way... so almost a 5K. We did Indian Sprints on the way up (where several runners run in a row at a steady pace...the one in back sprints to the front and now sets the pace...this keeps going...next back runner sprints forward, etc., etc. EXHAUSTING!) and then just jogged back. The sprints were VERY tiring! After me running to the front 5X I gasped, "I have to walk!" Ken, the leader of my SLOW group, said to the other two gals, "You two go on ahead...I'll stay back with her (I'm truly the grandma of the group!). The other two gals (in their 30s) gasped, "No....no....we need to walk too!" See what competition does? You get a few people together, and no one wants to admit they are tired! Anyway...after that little walk, we just jogged the rest of the way and I did fine. In fact, we did the 3 miles in exactly 30 min. My best time ever! Since then, I've been doing a 3.1 in 33 min. Not bad for an old lady who has never jogged before!!!!

We are on Spring Break this week...but I have NOT stopped training. I'm spending more time in the pool since this is my weak sport. It is slowly getting better... Not panicking for air like I had, but still am beat after a 50 yard stint... Good grief! How ever will I do a half mile!

Cycle - Sport #2

My favorite of the three! And here is a picture of my brand new bike! My hubby bought it for me on March 15 (hey...isn't this the Ides of March?). We went in to give my old bike a tune up, but it ended up needing so many parts (it was old...it had been my mother's bike which she purchased in the early 90s) to the point it wasn't worth it.

The bike leg of this sprint tri is 12 miles. I've already been doing 9 miles so 2more shouldn't be tough. I've been cycling at the YMCA on a spinner. ONE day in March I was able to do the real bike outside. It was the last ride on my mother's bike. It's a bit sentimental!

After the outdoor bike ride, I immediately went into the run to experience what everyone warns you about....jelly legs! Boy that is no lie! I jogged slow for about 30 seconds and went into a walk. I could barely do it! Hopefully, down the road, this will get better!

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to breaking in my new bike. After Spring Break, my Tri training club plans on starting biking outside. At 5 AM, this should be interesting!

YMCA and Swimming - Sport #1

Here is my home away from home these days. On February 26 (A Tuesday), I start my official training. It is called, "Just Tri It", a triathlon training club. The coach is a woman who has raced in the Ironman in Hawaii several times as well as other races. I'm not sure how this training is going to work. It's an hour and a half on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 PM. I'll clue you in later as to how they do this!
Here is our pool at the Y:

I really need to spend more time here than my current once a week. I need to do a half mile swim in a reasonable time. Not so good at this one....
Here is where the swim portion of the race will take place (at Centennial Beach, downtown Naperville, IL): This is looking from the deep end down to the shallow end. Ahhh....there really is a summer in these parts!

The above photo is an aerial picture. Boy...it looks pretty long from this view! Like I say...I've got my work cut out for me. What's funny is....this is only a Sprint Tri! Hats off to folks who do Half Ironmans, olympic or full fledged Ironman tris!
Above is what the beach/pool looks like without water. For my non-Napervillian friends, this water hole is a former stone quarry turned pool/beach. Pretty clever use of a huge hole don't you think? One last photo of my beautiful town...on the River Walk... Next Week: Biking!

Must be a "Godincidence". I decided to begin the muscleflex and powerball classes at our YMCA last September. Both are weighlifting classes (the latter is the same as the former only on a stability ball) 55 min. long and we work our legs, arms, chest and abs to music with an instructor who motivates and checks our form. I've enjoyed doing this and have really noticed the benefits. Being that I'm still not good discipling myself with diet, I haven't noticed as much "sculpting" of body parts (biceps are looking stronger...maybe that's it), but I have definitley noticed I'm stronger. For the first time in I don't know how long, I can actually do a push up! I can also hold a plank for a minute and counting! Running up the stairs is a breeze! Best of all, my joints are staying relatively healthy. That is a weakness of mine. Approaching and then turning 50 came with many aches and pains as I tried to stay active. Tennis is my sport, and I've dealt with tennis elbow in the past, but now it never seems to really go away. After weight training, it has subsided substantially. Doing squats has greatly improved knee strength. Squats have become one of my favorite exercises because they have been SO effective! Never thought that would be!!!!

So what's the Godincidence of all of this? After deciding to try the Tri, I've been reading articles that promote weigtlifting BEFORE and during your training. This prevents or softens the blow of injuries. Who would have thunk. No problem there! I've been weightlifting now for five months. I'm quite certain that I would be suffering from shoulder pain from doing the front crawl in swimming by now. But my shoulders are strong. I'm in the walking/jog stage and would probably be suffering with knee pain, but those lovely squats intervened! Same with the spinning class. Bet those knees and quads would be barking at this "new to me" routine. But outside of hair drenching sweat, I came out feeling GREAT! So, thankfully, I was led to do the right thing first and not do the foolish thing and plunge in unprepared only to end up at M & M Orthopaedic yet again (they have gotten way too much money from me!)!

I encourage everyone to find a weight lifting routine that works for them and challenge yourself. I feel GREAT because of it! And it's been months since I've been to M & M! Looking to celebrate my one year anniversary NOT going there (I think that'll be next late summer/early fall). Not to mention...especially for women my age...it's GREAT for bone health as well! Pump on!

Powerball Example (I love this class)

Next up... The YMCA! One of my favorite places to be!

The Beginning.....

I'm on my way!!! I've started a journey I hope to finish. The idea of doing the triathlon started last November. My neighbor and I drove to the Y for a 5:15 AM muscleflex class (just a class of mostly women with a brave man or two lifting weights with an instructor and some funky music). In the black of the morning, my neighbor ran into an acquaintance who asked if she was going to do the triathlon next summer. My neighbor said she didn't know. "You should do it!', she said. "The Y has a triclub for training. You meet new people and everyone encourages one another. It is SO fun!" I don't know what my neighbor was thinking, but I instantly fell in love with the idea! I couldn't get it out of my head. I think I pretty much decided right then and there I would go for it. Since then I've been researching related topics on the web, bought a couple of books and confided in a select few. I've also invested in a great pair of running shoes (more on that & proper shoes in another post) thanks to some relatives and coworkers who gave me Naperville Gift Certificates. Fears lurk me, however....

Body part problems! Especially my feet! Can a 52 year old woman who never participated in an organized race start now with old age problems? Two summers ago, I swam in a relative's pool using some flippers he had on hand. They were really too small, but I wore them anyway swimming back and forth having a blast. The following week, I noticed the sides of my feet were sore. The week after that I went to New Orleans to gut some Katrina homes. We had to wear steel toed boots which were toe heavy, of course. That just added insult to injury and by the end of summer...burning pain! Turned out I had Peroneal Tendinitis in both feet. After a couple of rounds of physical therapy, I could at least walk around the block with little to no pain. But it most likely was to blame for the next foot issue, Plantar Fasciaitis in my left foot! Inserts, exercises, night splints and six more months of "rehab", I finally have very little pain. But it doesn't take much and those areas ache. So...I wonder if this will be a factor! I hope and pray I have the wisdom to take it slow and steady and STOP when I need to! My brain thinks I'm still 26!

Back Pain! I'm off exercise this weekend because of it! Doesn't seem to take much these days! All I was doing was sorting through books and dusting the shelves....lo and behold! It's not serious, but it got me thinking... What if after all that training, I twisted my back the day before the race? Fortunately, if you can't race, you can apply your fee to next year's race. Hopefully, I'd heal faster because I'm SO fit!

TIME! Some weeks it doesn't seem to be a factor...other weeks it does. Fitting in training for three different sports seems impossible. But thanks to that Y program...I should get plenty of help! It starts next month (Feb. 25) and you receive weekly workout programs. They also have reserved time to do laps in the pool and in the cycling room.

Looking Like an Idiot! Well, I do half the time anyway, so why should one more reason to stop me?

OK...I think I ran out of excuses and fears. To help ease the fear of training, I'm training for the training. That will be the subject of the next post. It sure helps to research this stuff!

So...who wants to do this as well? Any takers? C'mon, c'mon..... It won't be bad! The Tri is a Sprint Tri. A 1/2 mile swim followed by a 12 mile bike ride and ending with a 3 mile run. See....reasonable! This ain't no Ironman. Even the Chicago marathon doesn't sound toooo bad. But...maybe a different year. I believe that is a half Ironman...much tougher than the Sprint! I still don't know if my neighbor is doing it. I haven't gone back to that AM class since Christmas. TOO early! TOO insane! I now go at night. Once the snow melts, I'll start seeing who my neighbors are again and I'll have to ask!

Time to get dinner ready. Nutrition....there's another post! More later.... Bye for now....