Triathlon!

So.

It's been ages, folks; sorry for the radio silence here, been busy. Some of you may know that I've been training for a triathlon; I just finished it. The QuakerMan Triathlon (http://www.quakermantri.com) is a 600m swim, 22 mile bike, and a 4.5 mile run.

I did the whole thing in a bit over 2:11, and I'm very very pleased with that. Here's the full report:

The race went well.

I overprepared and overthought and overworried, all of which probably stressed me more than it should have, but meant that I had more than everything I needed, and I think I was more prepared for this than ... actually the race organizers. More on that in a bit.

The alarm came early -- really early. Getting up at 5:25 to get going and go work out is a bit disgusting, but this was the first of many times that training really prepared me. After all those early morning trips to the pool, and those 6 AM runs, it didn't feel any better to get up at 5:30, but it didn't feel unusual, either. Got coffee, drove to the event.

Arrived, set up my bike in the transition area. I was prepared for the swim to look insanely far, but the distance from the beach to the TA surprised me. http://tinyurl.com/lmfjqf is good perspective -- we came out of the water towards the right side of the beach, near those white squares, then ran up the path, across the parking lot, and the transition area is almost exactly where the "A" is on the map. So I got the transition area sorted, went to the bathroom, checked out the beach, and asked a few people about the race meeting. There...wasn't...really...one. Everything was a bit disjointed; they were painfully understaffed, and the meeting was going to be at 7:30...then 7:50...Around 7:55, people were ready on the beach. I'd stripped down to my tri shorts and had my swim cap and goggles (as did most other participants). We were all sort of milling around, when the race organizer yelled to us that someone had walked off with their bullhorn, so we'd do the race meeting at the pavilion. Same map, follow Bank St. back up and it's about across from home plate of the baseball diamond. So 400 swim-capped triathletes do the bare-foot ouchy-walk up to the pavilion, and we get briefed about the course, rules, etc.

Then back to the beach, and we started. I was in the second wave. We watched the first one go, then filed into the water. I started swimming, and after about a minute, thought "It's over. There's no way. I can barely breathe. This is horrible." Fortunately, I knew from the pool that this would pass ... and it did, about the time I rounded the first buoy...and everyone else passed me. OK, not everyone, but it felt like there was a steady stream of people flying by. Four and a half years went by [ok, not really, but time did some very strange things during the race], then I came to the second buoy. I was thrilled to make the turn and head back for the beach. Soon I could see people getting out of the water, and then I was out. I did the "Triathlete shuffle", half-run-half-walking to the transition area. I'd had the foresight to get a spot right next to a flagpole, so I beelined for my bike. I picked up my shirt and tried to put it on fast...and two of the safety pins holding my number on popped off. Now ... I'd been warned (thanks, Tommy!) that T1 is like trying to function after several drinks, so there I was, trying to re-attach my safety pins with hands that refused to work. Two days later, I got it sorted, got my bike shoes and helmet on, and got on the bike without drama.

The bike was GREAT. I was off like a shot and didn't really slow down. I passed a lot of the people who had passed me during the swim, some of whom were on triathlon bikes. THAT made me feel pretty good. Once I'd settled into a good pace, I had one of my gels. The weather had been holding to this point, but about 30 minutes into the ride, we got some sprinkles. Lap 1 was uneventful; I had a good push near the lap-1/lap-2 marker, and then again on some hills about 2/3 the way through the second lap. Towards the end, though, I backed off, wanting to save my legs for the run. T2 was much smoother. I had my shoes undone as I approached the dismount line. I don't really remember getting off my bike, but somehow managed to do it and leave my shoes on, which worked well. Back in the TA; put on my running shoes and was off ... slowly.

It took some time for me to hit my pace on the run, but evenutally, I did. Around the first mile, I thought, "I might be able to do this without walking". By the second mile, I was pretty sure. By the third mile, I was confident. With about 300 yards to go, I started to open up (I didn't realize that there was one last loop through some woods)... I eased off, and then when I saw the finish, I ran HARD, sprinting across the line in about 2:11. All in all, I feel good. I didn't push too hard, I trained well, I ate well, and I did it. Could I do it again right now? No. Can I walk upstairs right now? Yes. So... all in all, a success.

One final note, with two thank-yous. First, to Sonya. She's put up with countless 5am wakeups as I dragged out of bed to head out to a workout, and hours and hours of me disappearing to run, bike, and swim. Through it, she's supported me as I did this crazy thing. Thank you, love. Second, to Tommy. I know that, for the past month, I've bugged you with every little last question, from sock choice to passing strategy. Thank you for your answers and your patience.

The indiscreet part of valor is more fun.

Last night, as I was going to bed, I thought, "You know, I have a lot to do on Sunday, and I tend to let it pile up, frantically do as much as I can on Sunday evening, get to bed late, and then have a rough start early Monday morning. I'd planned on doing the Niagara Habitat for Humanity Christmas run in the morning, but ... perhaps I'll stay home and rest.

But I woke up this morning full of gumption (or something like it) and went off and did it! 4 miles, 38:11. With energy to spare at the end. Yay me! They've been predicting some seriously gross weather, so I was worried. My fears, though, were unfounded -- it was chilly (around 30 F) with a light wind, but certainly not cold, and not a hint of precipitation.

Well, off to do errands...this oil won't change itself!

Giblet hangover

Yesterday was wonderful.

I didn't get to sleep until about 2am -- I kept realizing I had something else to pack up, or put together, or toss in the car, or mix, or blend... and when I finally did get to bed, I was hyper-nervous about the race in the morning.

I got up at 7 (OK, I got up at 3, 4:30, 5:50, 6:30, and 7 -- like I said, nervous about the Turkey Trot), got dressed, and headed out. It was disgusting - raining hard, 36 degrees or so. I got to the race start, and, like everyone else, sheltered under the awnings of nearby buildings, stamping my feet and trying to stay warm. By the start of the race, at 9:00, the rain had tapered off, and the weather was actually pretty decent. I ran 4.97 miles in about 46 minutes, which was much faster than I'd thought possible, It was *great*.


After the run, I came home and showered, then Sonya and I went to Thanksgiving dinner at Lorna's, where Lorna and her mom had prepared dinner for twelve ... despite there only being five of us there for most of the day. We ate, we talked, we watched some of Miracle on 34th St., we ate, we talked, we played with Lorna's wonderfully sweet dog, we ate... At some point, I gave up trying to keep track of food. In terms of "the wagon", I did not fall off the wagon. I made a well-executed three-and-a-half dive in the pike position off of the wagon, deep into sweet, delicious apple pie.

This morning, the scale was expectedly bad to me. But it's OK. I knew I was going to indulge on Thanksgiving; I enjo;yed the hell out of it, and now I'm going to wipe the metaphorical pie from my face and clamber back on the wagon. The only thing I need to decide at this point is whether 25F is too cold to run.

Miscellany

First, a weather update...
I've been watching the weather for Thanksgiving closely, as I'm going to be out in whatever it's doing for at least an hour. On Thursday, I checked: High of 40-50, 50% chance of showers. [hm. An hour's run under grey skies. Yes, I can do that] Yesterday, it was a high of 50, 80% chance of rain [Um. Running in 43-degree rain (it's not going to be up at the high at 9am) for an hour. Well, better stock up on hot chocolate.] Today, it's now "Snow and sleet. Much colder with highs in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph." All I can say is that I'm glad I have the clothes for this, and I'm REALLY glad I've been training in the cold. Oh, and I will *so* have earned some serious Thanksgiving eating.

Next, a fitness update:
Sonya introduced me to yoga ... and I'm really digging it. I'm discovering new ways to move my body, and new muscles I didn't know I had. Right now, I'm discovering them by way of them saying "Ow. That was uncomfortable." But still. It's good.

Anyway, off to bed. Much to do tomorrow.

First annual week-before-thanksgiving update!

Running:
Somewhere in the past few months, I've become a runner. While I'm always going to be a cyclist, and I have a special fondness for cycling, running has, amazingly, become more than a challenge and a way to exercise that doesn't involve nearly as much expensive equipment. I think the moment of "Hey, this isn't so bad" has come in the past month; I'm at the point now where, while running, it's not a constant effort. When I started, each stride was tough, and each stride was an effort. If I stopped pushing, I stopped running. Now ... if I stop pushing, I slow down... but I've managed to get momentum in my legs, if that makes sense -- when I start to slack, my legs keep moving.

The training is going really well; last night, I did 4.3 miles in under 50 minutes, so I think I'm ready for Turkey Trot! Go me!

Google Webmaster:
So Google knows everything about everything...even itself. I've become amused and disturbed looking at the search results that lead to my pages. A lot of it is searches like "Flight cancelled help" type searches; I hope I've been helpful for those. The weirdest to date is "lorna bagged latex". What?!?!? Random Googler, I ... hope you find what you're looking for.

Cat in the Lap/Porcupine in the Pants
After much thought, I came up with the "Cat in the Lap/Porcupine in the Pants" series; I thought it was rather inspired. But, since its inception, I haven't given any of these awards out. So, without further ado, a Porcupine in the Pants to Virgin Mobile for taking a week to get my Canadian cell phone activated. Sooner would have been better, guys. A Cat in the Lap goes to me, apparently, for being gone all week. Only ... this Cat in the Lap is...an actual Cat in the Lap. Apparently, Shadow really missed me this week. I'd been using my computer for about 20 minutes, when she got up in the chair beside me, then onto the handrest of the laptop, and has finally settled on top of my arms (my feet are stuck out on the ottoman; the laptop is on my thighs; my hands are on the keys; Shadow is on my forearms). She curled herself up with her head in the crook of my arm and is half-asleep, purring and making soft sleepy-noises. Seriously....this stuff is good for the soul.

Mapley goodness!

Unfortunately, this post is 100% pancake-free; I'm still on a diet...

No, I'm in Canada! I'm on a long-term contract up here, so ... yeah. It's good so far, the people are great, and the nearest hotel is actually a cozy B&B, which is a nice change from the nice-but-boring hotels where I usually stay. Oh, and I can drive here, which means I have my own car here, which is much more of a big deal than you'd realize.

Off to bed early soon, I think -- running in the morning. Brr!

Weekend round-up

It's been a busy weekend.

Friday:

• Went to the doctor for a physical. Since last year, I've lost 39 lbs, my blood pressure and pulse are down, and everything is generally as good as it was or better. The doctor said to see him in a couple of years - I'm healthy. Yay!
• Went for a run.
  
• Decided that I'm doing the Buffalo Turkey Trot this year. I've never competed in a footrace before. It's intimidating. Wish me luck!
  
• Got something finished.
• Worked on my Jack Sparrow costume late into the night. It was a little frustrating - the only element I was really having trouble tracking down was the vest -- I figured I could get a shirt or a coat at Goodwill, cut off the sleeves, add some appropriate buttons, and.... Well, I got a flannel shirt at Goodwill, and, after trying it on a couple of times, I said, "Wait! This is a *really nice* flannel shirt. Why would I cut this up??" So I got a men's wool overcoat yesterday at Goodwill, something like this. Only... that looked really good, too. So hooray for getting good clothes cheap, but boo for still not having a vest! Finally, about 7pm Friday, I found a vest that was perfect (or as close as I was going to find).

Saturday

• Wore my Jack Sparrow costume to work Dragon Fest at Hawk Creek. Got many compliments.
• Quiet evening in.

Sunday

• Tried yoga. I think I like it. I'm ... still kinda processing the experience; it was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I enjoyed it.
• Let's see...it's 1pm now.... I think I'm going to do some laundry, pack for the week, maybe go for a run (gotta do that training!)... not sure what else.

---

Update: I ran 5k! 3.1 miles in 36 minutes.

Just roll with it.

So ... the best travel advice I have, ever, is to relax and go with the flow. My flight was supposed to be

648 BUF-LGA, arr 8:28 PM
900 LGA-DCA, arr 10:16 PM

Only now the first flight arrives 12 minutes late. This takes a "just walk quickly" layover to a "maybe if everything goes right. MAYBE. But you'll have to run" layover. So I called USAir, got my reservation moved to fly in in the morning, called my hotel and told them to cancel my reservation, went online and changed my rental car (oddly, it would have gone up if I'd kept a midsize; by switching to a midsize SUV, it went down), and now I'm good to go.

By the way: Hotels are surprisingly understanding about flight cancellations and changes; generally, (GENERALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS), they'll waive the "you'll be charged for the room if you don't show up and don't call x hours ahead of time" thing if your flight was cancelled. Anyway, now I have an unanticipatedly free evening. I just have to figure out what I'm going to do with it. I think that, despite taking a shower and getting dressed in clean clothes, I may try to squeeze in a run this afternoon. I'm starting Week 8 of Couch to 5k, which means that next week, I should be close to running a 5k. That's 3 miles for you non-metrically-inclined folks.

Bluegrass in my Cadillac and new shoes

Another week of work down in the DC area... This week, when I was renting my car (Avis), a popup asked me if I wanted a "Cool Car" -- for $332(for the week), I could get a Pontiac G6 (or similar); for $338, I could get a Cadillac.

Oh, why not.

It's as ridiculous as I'd imagined - the seats are heated and air conditioned[1], it's ENORMOUS, and it's quite fast. It also came with XM radio, so I've been amusing myself by driving around with the windows down and Bluegrass Junction cranked up on the (quite potent) stereo. I'm weird.

I'm in the midst of a serious weight-loss effort, and part of that is a running program -- I'm doing the Couch to 5K program from Cool Running. I'm now down around 210, but that's still a lot of weight to be smashing down on my knees. So I decided I ought to go ahead and spring for some running shoes that are under five years old. I went to Potomac River Running, not far from where I work. I was really impressed. Danielle was knowledgeable and helpful. After a Video Gait Analysis (I have "normal" feet, hooray!) and trying on four pairs of shoes, I settled on a pair of Nikes. I tried them out this morning[2], and they are GREAT! It's a HUGE difference from my old shoes.

That's all for now... I think I'm going to try to have an early night.

[1] Heated seats are teh awesome. You'd *think* that "air conditioned" seats would be equally awesome, but, um, no. At least, not initially. I thought it would be nice, but mostly, it feels like you're sitting in something wet.


[2]Actually, I tried them out last night. One of the cool things about this store - they actually insist that you go out and *run* in the shoes. Not "take 'em around the store", not "jump up and down", but "go around the block once or twice and MAKE SURE they feel OK".