First day of July and all in front of us to combine both life, work and training in a sensible balance.
In Noosa this week with the view from the lounge looking like this
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
ON HOLIDAYS
So we are going to write off June and now think about the future.
First day of July and all in front of us to combine both life, work and training in a sensible balance.
In Noosa this week with the view from the lounge looking like this
First day of July and all in front of us to combine both life, work and training in a sensible balance.
In Noosa this week with the view from the lounge looking like this
Monday, June 8, 2009
Long Time Between Posts
Wow time flies with work and life.
Haven't done a lot of Tri-related things lately and have been taking full advantage of some downtime to relax, have some fun with friends and just keep fit. Lisa has actually had to restock the wine fridge after it lay dorment for a good 6 months.
New jobs also keeps you busy big time which has really cut into training time.
In saying that, both of us have been doing regular running and biking. Lisa doing a lot of running, as I am still coming back from my earlier shin splints and I am doing a lot of riding. Have been consistent enough to keep my average km's per week on the bike around the 250 mark, but only low intensity work at best most of the time.
With 10 weeks till Yeppoon though, we plan to get a bit more focussed.
This weekend just gone was Lisa's Half Marathon run debut with a 1:46 effort that was quite a bit quicker than her previous best. A good confidence booster and places her well if she can continue to keep her long runs going and build on this. Her weekly long runs at the moment are on the 2hr range and considering her next big race is over a year away, that places her in a good spot.
Haven't done a lot of Tri-related things lately and have been taking full advantage of some downtime to relax, have some fun with friends and just keep fit. Lisa has actually had to restock the wine fridge after it lay dorment for a good 6 months.
New jobs also keeps you busy big time which has really cut into training time.
In saying that, both of us have been doing regular running and biking. Lisa doing a lot of running, as I am still coming back from my earlier shin splints and I am doing a lot of riding. Have been consistent enough to keep my average km's per week on the bike around the 250 mark, but only low intensity work at best most of the time.
With 10 weeks till Yeppoon though, we plan to get a bit more focussed.
This weekend just gone was Lisa's Half Marathon run debut with a 1:46 effort that was quite a bit quicker than her previous best. A good confidence booster and places her well if she can continue to keep her long runs going and build on this. Her weekly long runs at the moment are on the 2hr range and considering her next big race is over a year away, that places her in a good spot.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Lisa's Holiday, my struggle
So we got back from Airlie after being drenched with rain all weekend only to come back with a cold. This effectively blew the door handles off the weeks training and Tuesday and Wednesday just turned into 'survival' days when your head just felt like it was going to explode at any time.
Started to come good around Friday and have been able to get a bit of cycling in over the weekend, although the sessions felt tougher.
With a new job has come the opportunity to meet some new people who cycle so this mornings ride was probably the biggest Moranbah 'group' ride I have ever seen. 6 in total and with a few more I know of out there that ride, we could almost put together a peleton one day.
With extra numbers comes a bit of extra speed with the drafting effect so the 60km's seemed to fly by.
I will let Lisa explain how the diet challenge went, but she died last night sinking her teeth into some Rocky Road.
Started to come good around Friday and have been able to get a bit of cycling in over the weekend, although the sessions felt tougher.
With a new job has come the opportunity to meet some new people who cycle so this mornings ride was probably the biggest Moranbah 'group' ride I have ever seen. 6 in total and with a few more I know of out there that ride, we could almost put together a peleton one day.
With extra numbers comes a bit of extra speed with the drafting effect so the 60km's seemed to fly by.
I will let Lisa explain how the diet challenge went, but she died last night sinking her teeth into some Rocky Road.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Decided to take on the challenge eating only real food to kick start my new direction and commitment to adequately fuelling the body.
What's on the menu....
Breakfast
Banana / 4 Strawberries / 2 Pieces of pineapple
Lunch
Cos Lettuce / Capsicum / 2 Eggs
Snack
Dried apricots / Dried apple / Almonds
For Dinner tonight we will have...
Roast veges.... and some type of meat
Dessert will be...
Fruit salad
What's on the menu....
Breakfast
Banana / 4 Strawberries / 2 Pieces of pineapple
Lunch
Cos Lettuce / Capsicum / 2 Eggs
Snack
Dried apricots / Dried apple / Almonds
For Dinner tonight we will have...
Roast veges.... and some type of meat
Dessert will be...
Fruit salad
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Well how the year flies by.
Took the opportunity to have a long weekend away from Moranbah for a change, so packed the bikes up and headed for Airlie beach. But as has been the usual for our recent trips to Airlie, yet again it has been a wet visit to this area. That makes the last 3 times here, wet visits unfortunately.
Had this plan to really take advantage of the 4 day weekend and rack up a bunch of miles on the bike, but alas it has turned into another rest week. Woke Friday morning with a really sore LH shoulder and also a sore throat. That combined with the rain has meant no swim or ride training to talk about :(
Resting when you are injured and sick is bloody hard on the head and as I have easily given this advice out to others, I decided to listen to myself and enjoy the weekend away, sans no training. Hopefully, I will see the benefit of this decision in the weeks ahead. :)
Took the opportunity to have a long weekend away from Moranbah for a change, so packed the bikes up and headed for Airlie beach. But as has been the usual for our recent trips to Airlie, yet again it has been a wet visit to this area. That makes the last 3 times here, wet visits unfortunately.
Had this plan to really take advantage of the 4 day weekend and rack up a bunch of miles on the bike, but alas it has turned into another rest week. Woke Friday morning with a really sore LH shoulder and also a sore throat. That combined with the rain has meant no swim or ride training to talk about :(
Resting when you are injured and sick is bloody hard on the head and as I have easily given this advice out to others, I decided to listen to myself and enjoy the weekend away, sans no training. Hopefully, I will see the benefit of this decision in the weeks ahead. :)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Transition Week
This week has really been a crappy week when it comes to training. Was meant to be a transition week where I did some unstructured training to keep the body ticking over but less overall volume. What it ended up being was a week of nothing, feeling tired and lethargic throughout. Hopefully, the rest is what my body needed and I can get back into it this week.
The even better news however is that with Easter next weekend and 4 days up in Airlie Beach that small break will do my body and mind the world of good.
Lisa has it even better with school holidays next week so she is really looking forward to them.
IM Australia was run and won today and it never ceases to amaze me how fast everyone is going these days. My AG was sizzling with the TOP 10 and I suspect all the Kona slots being taken with times better than 9:27.
9:27, can you believe that and how fast that is. Certainly makes my goal of getting a qualifying spot a long off dream considering I would need to go an hour quicker.
The other challenge for this weekend has been the requirement for me to be on call for work all weekend. Means no drinking or being to far from the phone at all times since Friday night until tomorrow. Inhibits your movements a bit, especially when Lisa wants to go out partying Friday night. I suppose the upside of that was she had the hangover Saturday and not me
Happy training, ciao
The even better news however is that with Easter next weekend and 4 days up in Airlie Beach that small break will do my body and mind the world of good.
Lisa has it even better with school holidays next week so she is really looking forward to them.
IM Australia was run and won today and it never ceases to amaze me how fast everyone is going these days. My AG was sizzling with the TOP 10 and I suspect all the Kona slots being taken with times better than 9:27.
9:27, can you believe that and how fast that is. Certainly makes my goal of getting a qualifying spot a long off dream considering I would need to go an hour quicker.
The other challenge for this weekend has been the requirement for me to be on call for work all weekend. Means no drinking or being to far from the phone at all times since Friday night until tomorrow. Inhibits your movements a bit, especially when Lisa wants to go out partying Friday night. I suppose the upside of that was she had the hangover Saturday and not me
Happy training, ciao
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Mooloolaba Tri
So its the weekend of the Mooloolaba Triathlon and after being there for the last number of years (3), we chose to give it a miss. For me this niggling shin splint injury wouldn't have made the race any fun at all and work commitments for Lisa make it hard to get away for just a weekend.
Funny how things work, as good friends were actually down there at the same time which is somewhat disappointing. In total 4 Moranbah locals doing the race.
Life is returning to normal for us, other than Lisa not training, so I suppose nothing like normal. She isn't taking well to the idea of actually doing nothing and relaxing and letting the body recover. She now has a plan to start using her gym membership and get up there 3 times a week to do some strength work.
For me, I am doing a heap of riding and having good and bad days with it. My body doesn't really seem to like the extra miles that much, but while the running and swimming is not happening, it is a good opportunity to build some base for later when those come together.
Easter is the next thing on our list of things to do and we are both looking forward to some downtime then. Hoping to get up to Airlie Beach across the break and with some luck will get some good weather unlike the last 2 times we have been there and it has rained. Will bring some pics back from the Lagoon!!
Funny how things work, as good friends were actually down there at the same time which is somewhat disappointing. In total 4 Moranbah locals doing the race.
Life is returning to normal for us, other than Lisa not training, so I suppose nothing like normal. She isn't taking well to the idea of actually doing nothing and relaxing and letting the body recover. She now has a plan to start using her gym membership and get up there 3 times a week to do some strength work.
For me, I am doing a heap of riding and having good and bad days with it. My body doesn't really seem to like the extra miles that much, but while the running and swimming is not happening, it is a good opportunity to build some base for later when those come together.
Easter is the next thing on our list of things to do and we are both looking forward to some downtime then. Hoping to get up to Airlie Beach across the break and with some luck will get some good weather unlike the last 2 times we have been there and it has rained. Will bring some pics back from the Lagoon!!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
What's Next
Lisa has pulled up ok after initially doing it a little tough post race. She has been dying to get out and do something, but I have had to be stern with her to ensure she has a break, even to the point of not putting her bike back together so she couldn't come riding with me.
Training for me has hit a big hole, but that always occurs when you travel and hopefully the week ahead will allow things to get back to normal. Did however take the opportunity to ride up to the Coppabella Telecom tower when we got back. Not many would know it is there and have you have to get off and trek in with your bike before you can do the climb. Once there it is a bit of goat track but there is some resemblance of a bitumen road and it is damn steep. Not that long, but it certainly toasted my legs and the ride back to town was slowwww.
So IM NZ is all over and done, so what will this adventurous pair do next you might ask?
Well we have a cunning plan and entails some rest and then hoping to gain entry onto IM Germany in July next year. The hard part isn't getting ready for it, but rather the ability to gain an entry spot.
Last year, the race supposedly sold out in an hour, so will have to man the internet and try our luck in July this year to try and get a spot once race entries open.
We chose this event for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it fits right in the middle of school holidays for Lisa, so getting time off is easier, It is the second biggest IM event in the world behind Hawaii and it is overseas which is always good for a break and something new. More details here: http://ironman.com/events/ironman/germany or
http://www.ironman.de/english/
In the mean time there is always the Mackay Half Marathon, Yeppoon Half Ironman and Busso that we are considering also.
Training for me has hit a big hole, but that always occurs when you travel and hopefully the week ahead will allow things to get back to normal. Did however take the opportunity to ride up to the Coppabella Telecom tower when we got back. Not many would know it is there and have you have to get off and trek in with your bike before you can do the climb. Once there it is a bit of goat track but there is some resemblance of a bitumen road and it is damn steep. Not that long, but it certainly toasted my legs and the ride back to town was slowwww.
So IM NZ is all over and done, so what will this adventurous pair do next you might ask?
Well we have a cunning plan and entails some rest and then hoping to gain entry onto IM Germany in July next year. The hard part isn't getting ready for it, but rather the ability to gain an entry spot.
Last year, the race supposedly sold out in an hour, so will have to man the internet and try our luck in July this year to try and get a spot once race entries open.
We chose this event for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it fits right in the middle of school holidays for Lisa, so getting time off is easier, It is the second biggest IM event in the world behind Hawaii and it is overseas which is always good for a break and something new. More details here: http://ironman.com/events/ironman/germany or
http://www.ironman.de/english/
In the mean time there is always the Mackay Half Marathon, Yeppoon Half Ironman and Busso that we are considering also.
IM NZ Race Report
Well Ironman New Zealand has come and gone and with it that awful feeling that comes after any great journey. The inevitable hollow feeling that it is all over and where to from here. But alas, lets recap what has occurred over the last few days.
Saturday dawned cool and crisp with a hint of wind, but overcast and the sort of sky that hinted at rain ahead. We got up at 4:50 not in a great deal of rush, as a 7am race start was pretty late by our usual standards but still go there and into race numbering by 5:40 and out of transition by 6:15. This part of the day went smoothly to plan and after a couple of nervous trips to the toilet we walked down to the swim start area. We probably got here a little later than we had the year before but that may have been more a reflection of more people racing this year than last, but the start area was really crowded. There was excitement in the air but that nervous hush was also present with a lot of faces showing the strain or tension of what was ahead for the day. Into her wetsuit without issue and then with a kiss she was into the crowd to get warmed up and started.
Swim went ….
At the swim start I felt quite relaxed and ready the cannon went I found myself in the thick of it but everything was going okay. I appeared to get my rhythm rather quickly and got quite comfortable possibly too comfortable. At about the 2km mark I started swimming a little off course and tried to correct this and unfortunately swam right across the path of another swimmer putting additional strain on my right shoulder as I tried to pull through the water. After this collision I found myself not pulling through the water as efficiently. In hindsight I would have to say I stayed too comfortable in the swim. Out of the water in 67mins which is my worst ironman swim time but hey the swim is now behind me time to get out and ride.
T1
The 400m run was fine possibly helped get the legs ready. Out of the wetsuit without a hitch cycling pants on, socks / shoes next, grab gloves and glasses, helmet on and off I go.
Bike
I immediately got straight into my nutrition plan taking in a gel. Taking in a gel every hour, and drinking every 5 minutes. By the top of the first climb I had settled into the bike leg. I focused on keeping low heartrate (140-145) which felt a little too comfortable. Heading out towards Reporoura I was starting to develop stomach cramps and wasn’t sure if it was from a too concentrated Opti mixture (5 Scoops for 750ml) or the last minute option for going lemon / lime powerade either way I was increasingly losing concentration and as a result losing power. On the second lap I could no longer tolerate the cramps so I decided to stop for a toilet stop just after collecting my special needs bags. It was at this point I opted to ditch everything and take only coke and water but continue with the gels. I perceived but realised I was just turning the legs and my goal for a 5:30 bike was now becoming a …lets just get through the rest of this bike leg and hope we can run.
T2
Coming into T2 I was glad to see the back of the bike. The cramping had settled with another toilet stop. Time to run. Heading out I took in a rocket fuel and reminded myself of my mantra for the run…SMILE and Let It Be Easy
Run:
I set off ensuring my heart rate was below 140 for the first 5km. I then allowed my heart rate to creep up to 145. This is where my heart rate stayed for the next 12km. At each aid station I was taking in coke and water and this appeared to be working well so I ditched the excess weight of the fuel belt. I was pleased I was able to maintain a smile and concentrate on letting it be easy. It was about 17km mark when my body started sending me some not so pleasant messages. Initially I thought here we go the diarrhoea has reared its nasty head, lets hope I can make it to the toilet in time. But I was sadly wrong for the next period I was vomiting and I couldn’t control it. It was at this stage that I started walking and the smile was off my face. My stomach was cramping everytime I vomited. There was a couple of times towards the overbridge as I was heading back to town for the first lap that I had to take a seat while I vomited. At this stage I was getting rather cold and was starting to doubt my ability to finish this race considering I hadn’t even completed the first 21kms. The winds picked up and the rain was making me colder so I stopped at the aid station and asked for a poncho. It was there one of the medical staff personnel ask me to have seat for a while so he could check me over. It was then I realised it had been a while since I had put any nutrition into my body. He offered me everything from electrolyte drink to coke and water. I couldn’t bare the thought of putting anything into my body for fear I would only bring it straight back up. The medic reminded me that if I stop fuelling I am going to have to seriously consider calling it a day. This was not what I wanted to hear so I said "Thanks… I’ll see how I feel at the next aid station." It was then I developed a dependency on barley sugars for the next 20kms after the medic got me to at least suck on a barley sugar so that at my body will be able to absorb some sugars through my gums. My walk was getting slower, my body getting colder and my mind had gotten lost. I had decided to DNF and just walk home. I was just under 2km from the house when I was shivering uncontrollably and decided I need to get warm so I thought before you throw in the towel and DNF give it one more effort at running. I began to run and thought I don’t feel too bad and definately don't feel any worse so I kept running. I then told myself if you can run all the way back to the house you can keep going. I got back to the house and I could see the disappointment in Wayne’s eyes when I told him I have been vomiting and have just started running in an effort to get warm. Seeing Wayne definately me a lift as he reminded me that I have come too far to give up now. Not mention how I would feel the next day. This also got me thinking how am I going to tell the kids at school that I DNF when I am always encouraging them to challenge themselves and reminding them on the importance of finishing what you start. It was then I refocussed, brought back the smile and I decided I am going to finish. Today may not have gone as planned but one thing is certain I will get through this and with a smile. I felt I got my confidence back and I am glad to say that I ran the rest of the way setting little mental challenges along the way. I only wish I had gotten the mental strength a little earlier. Seeing Wayne for the last time before heading into town for the finish was huge relief. I was pleased that my mental strength allowed me to shift my mindset to a more positive head space and allowed the run to be easy. Wayne was surprised when he saw me smiling. I was heading home. My nutrition plan of sucking on only barely sugars and sipping on water at each aid station for the past 20kms was not what you would call ideal nutrition. Today’s journey was tough physically but mentally I feel I made a huge shift in controlling my positive headspace.
The finish:
To say I was physically relieved was an understatement. Not achieving my original goal “Sub 11hours” was disappointed so letting the clock tick over to 13hours didn’t bother me as I wanted to make sure I took the opportunity to find Wayne thank him for helping me to get not only to the start line but remind me of the importance of staying positive and in control mentally. His positive guidance and tough love is a pillar of strength. Mentally I am now so much stronger. Some days things don’t go to plan and I need to remind myself to stay composed, refocus and be prepared to take new risks. Today was one of those days it just took me a little longer to refocus!!! One thing is certain …”Some Times You Have To Have The Race You Don’t Want To Get The Race You Want!” I feel I got more out of this race mentally than any other race.
The aftermath:
The body and mind can be strong for so long, but once you reach that finish line it is sometimes unpredictable as to what will occur next. So often we have seen footage of athletes running strongly to the line and then collapsing just metres after it. I wasn’t one of them, but soon after when I was in the recovery area, the toll from the previous 13 hrs soon came to bear upon my mind and body. To say the time in the medical tent was pleasant would be far from the truth. In total I spent 4 hours from the time I finished till walking to the car with Wayne either in the recovery tent or medical area. The verdict, hyponatremia, or low levels of sodium. This had the effect of nausea, extreme shivering and high body temps, but the care and attention of the medical staff was excellent and with some drug injections and time to recover I soon felt well enough to get home. The next 24 hrs hurt, with a combination of aching muscles and still not feeling myself inside and ingestion of food was still really difficult. Upon reflection, this is the worst I have pulled up after a race and really shows the importance of getting the nutrition just right during the day.
Where to now: Well this is the 64 million dollar question. Lots of thoughts run through your mind after an experience like this. They range from “lets for IM Oz n 4 weeks time to get some redemption” to “I really need a break from this journey”. With a couple of days to muse over things, I am still very focussed on succeeding in my goal of reaching Kona. It is achievable and I will get there, but, and there is always a BUT, I need to take a step back and let my body recover for a while both in physical and mental aspects and then have a good hard look at what I need to work on moving forward. In Wayne’s words, I really need to go back to basics and learn how to run, so maybe that is as good a place as any where to start.
For now though, I think I may actually take the time to enjoy some the wine sitting on the top shelf of our fridge that has sat there idle for the last 4 months, anyone care to join me for a quiet drink?
The Spectators View (by Wayne)
To say I had high expectations for the day would be an understatement. I suppose once you get a taste of success you love to bath in it. I had in the time leading up to the race really focussed on being as positive about the outcome as possible and all the little things like motivational signs and quotes were my way of helping to build in mental toughness that, for mind, is one of the keys to success in this type of racing.
Even went to the trouble of putting up a few signs around our house, directly on the run course and also at one other key strategic point on the run course that Lisa and I had talked about as being something to focus on. Things like:
Champions expect pain, endure pain & never complain
There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it
In hindsight the day didn’t go to plan as I had hoped and in some ways this was disappointing but I was proud that Lisa made the commitment worth her efforts by finishing something she had started even when at one point it didn’t seem worth it. I believe that this will play dividends somewhere down the track as it is from these low points that we gather some of our biggest gains. The following comes to mind and is apt for this situation:
· Your greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up everytime we fail
Even with the setbacks of the day for Lisa, spectating is truly a privilege and I can highly recommend it to anyone keen in the sport. The day always has its ups and downs and Saturday was no different, but getting out there in the rain and wind and trying to cheer on every competitor is really great fun and fills your body and soul with great energy. I feel invigorated by the experience yet again and when you get a thank-you from complete strangers it really is a satisfying feeling.
Swim went ….At the swim start I felt quite relaxed and ready the cannon went I found myself in the thick of it but everything was going okay. I appeared to get my rhythm rather quickly and got quite comfortable possibly too comfortable. At about the 2km mark I started swimming a little off course and tried to correct this and unfortunately swam right across the path of another swimmer putting additional strain on my right shoulder as I tried to pull through the water. After this collision I found myself not pulling through the water as efficiently. In hindsight I would have to say I stayed too comfortable in the swim. Out of the water in 67mins which is my worst ironman swim time but hey the swim is now behind me time to get out and ride.
T1
The 400m run was fine possibly helped get the legs ready. Out of the wetsuit without a hitch cycling pants on, socks / shoes next, grab gloves and glasses, helmet on and off I go.
Bike
I immediately got straight into my nutrition plan taking in a gel. Taking in a gel every hour, and drinking every 5 minutes. By the top of the first climb I had settled into the bike leg. I focused on keeping low heartrate (140-145) which felt a little too comfortable. Heading out towards Reporoura I was starting to develop stomach cramps and wasn’t sure if it was from a too concentrated Opti mixture (5 Scoops for 750ml) or the last minute option for going lemon / lime powerade either way I was increasingly losing concentration and as a result losing power. On the second lap I could no longer tolerate the cramps so I decided to stop for a toilet stop just after collecting my special needs bags. It was at this point I opted to ditch everything and take only coke and water but continue with the gels. I perceived but realised I was just turning the legs and my goal for a 5:30 bike was now becoming a …lets just get through the rest of this bike leg and hope we can run.
T2Coming into T2 I was glad to see the back of the bike. The cramping had settled with another toilet stop. Time to run. Heading out I took in a rocket fuel and reminded myself of my mantra for the run…SMILE and Let It Be Easy
Run:
I set off ensuring my heart rate was below 140 for the first 5km. I then allowed my heart rate to creep up to 145. This is where my heart rate stayed for the next 12km. At each aid station I was taking in coke and water and this appeared to be working well so I ditched the excess weight of the fuel belt. I was pleased I was able to maintain a smile and concentrate on letting it be easy. It was about 17km mark when my body started sending me some not so pleasant messages. Initially I thought here we go the diarrhoea has reared its nasty head, lets hope I can make it to the toilet in time. But I was sadly wrong for the next period I was vomiting and I couldn’t control it. It was at this stage that I started walking and the smile was off my face. My stomach was cramping everytime I vomited. There was a couple of times towards the overbridge as I was heading back to town for the first lap that I had to take a seat while I vomited. At this stage I was getting rather cold and was starting to doubt my ability to finish this race considering I hadn’t even completed the first 21kms. The winds picked up and the rain was making me colder so I stopped at the aid station and asked for a poncho. It was there one of the medical staff personnel ask me to have seat for a while so he could check me over. It was then I realised it had been a while since I had put any nutrition into my body. He offered me everything from electrolyte drink to coke and water. I couldn’t bare the thought of putting anything into my body for fear I would only bring it straight back up. The medic reminded me that if I stop fuelling I am going to have to seriously consider calling it a day. This was not what I wanted to hear so I said "Thanks… I’ll see how I feel at the next aid station." It was then I developed a dependency on barley sugars for the next 20kms after the medic got me to at least suck on a barley sugar so that at my body will be able to absorb some sugars through my gums. My walk was getting slower, my body getting colder and my mind had gotten lost. I had decided to DNF and just walk home. I was just under 2km from the house when I was shivering uncontrollably and decided I need to get warm so I thought before you throw in the towel and DNF give it one more effort at running. I began to run and thought I don’t feel too bad and definately don't feel any worse so I kept running. I then told myself if you can run all the way back to the house you can keep going. I got back to the house and I could see the disappointment in Wayne’s eyes when I told him I have been vomiting and have just started running in an effort to get warm. Seeing Wayne definately me a lift as he reminded me that I have come too far to give up now. Not mention how I would feel the next day. This also got me thinking how am I going to tell the kids at school that I DNF when I am always encouraging them to challenge themselves and reminding them on the importance of finishing what you start. It was then I refocussed, brought back the smile and I decided I am going to finish. Today may not have gone as planned but one thing is certain I will get through this and with a smile. I felt I got my confidence back and I am glad to say that I ran the rest of the way setting little mental challenges along the way. I only wish I had gotten the mental strength a little earlier. Seeing Wayne for the last time before heading into town for the finish was huge relief. I was pleased that my mental strength allowed me to shift my mindset to a more positive head space and allowed the run to be easy. Wayne was surprised when he saw me smiling. I was heading home. My nutrition plan of sucking on only barely sugars and sipping on water at each aid station for the past 20kms was not what you would call ideal nutrition. Today’s journey was tough physically but mentally I feel I made a huge shift in controlling my positive headspace.
The finish:To say I was physically relieved was an understatement. Not achieving my original goal “Sub 11hours” was disappointed so letting the clock tick over to 13hours didn’t bother me as I wanted to make sure I took the opportunity to find Wayne thank him for helping me to get not only to the start line but remind me of the importance of staying positive and in control mentally. His positive guidance and tough love is a pillar of strength. Mentally I am now so much stronger. Some days things don’t go to plan and I need to remind myself to stay composed, refocus and be prepared to take new risks. Today was one of those days it just took me a little longer to refocus!!! One thing is certain …”Some Times You Have To Have The Race You Don’t Want To Get The Race You Want!” I feel I got more out of this race mentally than any other race.
The aftermath:
The body and mind can be strong for so long, but once you reach that finish line it is sometimes unpredictable as to what will occur next. So often we have seen footage of athletes running strongly to the line and then collapsing just metres after it. I wasn’t one of them, but soon after when I was in the recovery area, the toll from the previous 13 hrs soon came to bear upon my mind and body. To say the time in the medical tent was pleasant would be far from the truth. In total I spent 4 hours from the time I finished till walking to the car with Wayne either in the recovery tent or medical area. The verdict, hyponatremia, or low levels of sodium. This had the effect of nausea, extreme shivering and high body temps, but the care and attention of the medical staff was excellent and with some drug injections and time to recover I soon felt well enough to get home. The next 24 hrs hurt, with a combination of aching muscles and still not feeling myself inside and ingestion of food was still really difficult. Upon reflection, this is the worst I have pulled up after a race and really shows the importance of getting the nutrition just right during the day.
Where to now: Well this is the 64 million dollar question. Lots of thoughts run through your mind after an experience like this. They range from “lets for IM Oz n 4 weeks time to get some redemption” to “I really need a break from this journey”. With a couple of days to muse over things, I am still very focussed on succeeding in my goal of reaching Kona. It is achievable and I will get there, but, and there is always a BUT, I need to take a step back and let my body recover for a while both in physical and mental aspects and then have a good hard look at what I need to work on moving forward. In Wayne’s words, I really need to go back to basics and learn how to run, so maybe that is as good a place as any where to start.
For now though, I think I may actually take the time to enjoy some the wine sitting on the top shelf of our fridge that has sat there idle for the last 4 months, anyone care to join me for a quiet drink?
The Spectators View (by Wayne)
To say I had high expectations for the day would be an understatement. I suppose once you get a taste of success you love to bath in it. I had in the time leading up to the race really focussed on being as positive about the outcome as possible and all the little things like motivational signs and quotes were my way of helping to build in mental toughness that, for mind, is one of the keys to success in this type of racing.
Even went to the trouble of putting up a few signs around our house, directly on the run course and also at one other key strategic point on the run course that Lisa and I had talked about as being something to focus on. Things like:
Champions expect pain, endure pain & never complain
There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it
In hindsight the day didn’t go to plan as I had hoped and in some ways this was disappointing but I was proud that Lisa made the commitment worth her efforts by finishing something she had started even when at one point it didn’t seem worth it. I believe that this will play dividends somewhere down the track as it is from these low points that we gather some of our biggest gains. The following comes to mind and is apt for this situation:
· Your greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up everytime we fail
Even with the setbacks of the day for Lisa, spectating is truly a privilege and I can highly recommend it to anyone keen in the sport. The day always has its ups and downs and Saturday was no different, but getting out there in the rain and wind and trying to cheer on every competitor is really great fun and fills your body and soul with great energy. I feel invigorated by the experience yet again and when you get a thank-you from complete strangers it really is a satisfying feeling.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Nearly there
Well we have made it to the night before the big day. Everything is set, bike is in T1, race bags have been given in, all the race drinks are made, even have the little lunchbox of food for after the race done. Now time for a nice warm epsom salt bath and that is it.
The finish line starting to take shape and that 'magic' blue carpet
From the expo, this is the new Cervelo P4. Supposedly designed in the wind tunnel and meant to be the most aerodynamic bike out there. At $9,000 for the frame alone, it would want to ride the bike course for you.
Also had to leave you all with a picture of my race plan proudly hanging up here (courtesy of Lucy)
Wayne also did a bit of a video blog here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egcKIKQePdc
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