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Lake Placid race report & Kona

My road to the Ironman World Championship in Kona has been a 10 year journey, with the most focused being this year and last. It has taken me from Arizona to France to Brazil, down to Mexico, up to Canada, back to France and finally to Lake Placid this past weekend.

I started racing as a pro 4 years ago; the challenge of racing against the best in the world takes an inordinate amount of work, dedication, focus, sacrifice and commitment in the face of the usual daily life, temptations and excuses. But I love it. It keeps me focused and energized and in many ways makes me a better person in life, work, business and family.

Last year I was the first of the pro women to not qualify for Kona, but my results were becoming consistently better so I looked toward 2014. I also started looking to get an Ironman win along the road to Kona.

2014 has been my best season yet; I'm so happy to be a member of the Timex Multisport Team as well as PowerBar Elite squad and have been top 5 at my 4 Ironman races this year. (Los Cabos, Brazil, France & Lake Placid). I was not expecting to go to Lake Placid, even though it has been on my list of races to do for awhile. But after a disappointing race at IM Brazil, I saw the KPR and knew it had to be done for the July cutoff.

At the pro press conference

Ready for race day

 

Ironman Lake Placid did not let me down. I went there knowing I needed at least 4th place for enough points to qualify, but never letting the thought of an IM win leave my mind. It's a tough mental and physical balancing act to have 3 IMs in the body within the last few months, prepping for the 4th AND not losing sight of the ultimate race I want to do in October! So, I went into Lake Placid rested and ready to do what was needed while allowing myself to launch for the win if it presented itself.

My home for the weekend

 

Handing out medals to the IronKids finishers

 





I had one of my slowest swims in recent races (come to find out the course was long), but I didn't know how slow it was until after the race. I didn't look at my watch out of the water and my bike was pulled off the rack and ready for me in transition so I didn't know if it was the last one on the pro rack. I just kept moving. Thunderstorms, lighting and multiple downpours occured during the bike, and I couldn't quite make out what spectators were saying about the place I was in. (Yes, there were still die-hards out there cheering in the rain!) How great is that? 

I rode conservatively the first lap and pushed it a bit more on the second. As long as I was still passing other people and pro women, I was happy. Toward the end of the bike I was trading places in 3rd-4th and with about 20k to ride, I held steady and calm in 4th going into the run. The bike course is challenging and will test your ability to pace yourself and judge when to make a move. But the run can zap your legs too and I wasn't about to sacrifice my run split just to say I came off the bike in 3rd. I can also tell how my running legs are going to be by standing and working them a bit up the last few hills - they weren't arguing with me, so I remained patient. 

Off the bike in 4th, 3rd place in sight, 2nd in "range". A win unlikely unless major carnage happens. These are my thoughts in the first mile as I get the blood flowing and settle into marathon mode.  I overtake 3rd around mile 8 and am in cruise mode. She held on for a few miles, but dropped on the first big climb back into town. I've now got my bike escort and continue to click off the miles. I'm closing on 2nd and constantly assessing my effort and legs. They are fine cruising at this pace and as the final few miles close in, I decide to save the effort to push to 2nd. I feel this was a professional decision to make, weighing the fact that an effort like that is not for a win and I have bigger fish to fry in October. So I decided to take the time to show support for the masses of people on the course in the last miles of the run. The cheering was deafening and I enjoyed encouraging them to yell louder! Taking the time to slap hands as you run down the finishing chute, especially the kids, is a great feeling.  Across the line for 3rd, Kona slot secured - I'm happy!

We get to finish on the Olympic Oval!

 

The Lake Placid area, setting and atmosphere is one if the best; the history of not one, but two Olympics hosted there and the support of the entire town makes this a must-do race. The race just celebrated it's 16th anniversary and I can see why it's been around so long. 

Many thanks to the organizers, my friends and family, the town of Lake Placid and my Timex family for their support at this and all of my races!

Time for a little bit of rest, planning and prep for Kona now.

Ironman Lake Placid prep

Back from the glorious riding around Livigno, Italy with Reilly Cycling Tours, my prep for IM Lake Placid in one week is short, sweet and to-the-point.  I'm not worried about having the fitness to do the race, but simply focussing on staying sharp and resting up. 

the beautiful town of Livigno

 

I've had Lake Placid on my list of to-do races for awhile and after meeting a handful of 'New Yorkers' on the Reilly tour, I have a much bigger support crew and followers for this race!  Plus, they gave me insider tips on the course and the area.  Perfect.

the Reilly crew bring our buddy Steve up the Mortirolo summit

a friendly reminder

"it's alllll good"

A week out from a race my workouts focus on sharpening up and testing out my race pacing.  So far, so good!  I'm pleasantly surprised that my body is holding up after just racing IM France 3 weeks ago (posting my first sub-3 marathon time - finally), then spending a week climbing the famous (and gorgeous) passes of Italy - all on my Trek Speed Concept!  Try riding it on the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo.  You'll never be the same.  :)

 

 

 

a trip to the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum

I'm looking forward to visiting Lake Placid for the first time and really pushing the limit of my endurance and fitness to firmly plant myself on the start list for Kona!  You'll find me at the pro panel on Friday, as well as helping the kids get ready for the IronKids event. 

I'm always so grateful to my sponsors who support me in my training and racing.  Timex, Trek, Powerbar, Shimano, Blueseventy, Feetures!, TriSwim, Challenge, Castelli, Nathan, Skins, Greenlayer, Headsweats, Zipfizz and Training Peaks.  Not to mention the crew at Reilly Cycling Tours for having me as a guide for the past two years.  They are the most fun group you'll ever want to ride with.  You'll never guess what we have in store for next year's tours....you'll have to come on them to find out!

Worlds shortest update!

Well, since my last blog post AGES ago, I've raced IM Los Cabos (2nd), IM Brazil (5th), IM France (3rd), a few bike races, merged my company, moved my company and bought a new house with renovations. Hopefully that deserves a bye for not being recent on my posts! :).

After having finished IM France, I'm on my way to Italy to do some bike riding!

Timex Team Camp!

Last weekend I got to attend my first Team Timex camp at the IMG Academy in Braedenton, FL.  Being a rookie to the team this year, I wasn't sure what to expect - but I have to say I certainly wasn't disappointed!

 

Timex Camp is not a training camp, although we do get time to train while we are there (good thing, because IM Los Cabos is coming soon!).  This is more of an opportunity to meet the entire team, learn about our sponsors, products and give feedback to them, and overall learn how to be an ambassador for our sport and sponsors.  An awesome learning experience!

I liked the format of this camp quite a bit; for me, being on a team is about the energy and community created among the team members.  It gives a greater sense of purpose and excitement to pushing ourselves (and encouraging others) to be better every day.
I came into camp not knowing many people on the team and knowing only a few of them in passing at races over the years.  But it didn't take long to feel like I was one of the family - 50+ new friends, instantly!

 

 

 We heard from a few of our sponsors about new products coming out soon and we were also able to give them feedback on our experiences using their products.  Timex, Trek, Shimano, Blueseventy and Skins were on hand to give us updates.  Exciting things are coming soon from Timex - you're going to love it!  And as for my Trek Speed Concept coming soon...watch out, this thing is dangerous!!!

 

Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of the TIMEX Multisport Team, this fabulous group of 50 athletes who travel the world competing in the toughest endurance events. Each one of us truly embraces the core values of our sport and are always happy to share our experiences!
 
Next up - Ironman Los Cabos - next weekend.  I'm feeling ready, even more so now that I have the backing of my Timex Team!

Exciting things coming for 2014!

Just a quick update on my prep and 2014 beginnings - I've got a few bike races under my belt, with the 3-day stage race, Valley of the Sun coming up this weekend!  I've a solid 10k race in the books, logging in a faster time than last year, AND I was invited to participate in MercuryMan, a half iron distance race in Grand Cayman!

Big thanks goes out to Powerbar; I am so honored to be a part of their team this season.

Race updates and more to come after my stage racing this weekend - but get ready for Ironman Los Cabos, coming up March 30!!!

Ironman Arizona Race report

My last race of the 2013 season was right up the road from my house, in Tempe, Arizona.  Every year at this time I debate between doing IM Arizona or IM Cozumel, but who can argue with not having to pack a bike, deal with flying, timezones, etc etc and be able to race in your backyard with lots of friends and family to cheer you on?
The few weeks leading into the race were a little up and a little down.  I continued to struggle adjusting to my new bike position and had a few disastrous long rides that left me in tears.  I'm sure some of the struggle came from pushing myself "just one last time" at the end of a long season, but yes, the bike position still needs some work and adjusting to.  Worried that I may also be getting a little fried from training and racing all year, I started my taper earlier than normal.
Everything was going well with my taper and I was feeling much more mentally rested and ready to race. Then, a few days out from race day, my back went.  Painful spasms. Lovely.  It wasn't as bad as it has been in previous episodes - ones that have the sciatic pain thrown in for a dash of flavor - but it was a good one; complete with the inability to bend down to put on shoes and socks nor the ability to sit in a car or chair for longer than 30 seconds without excruciating pain.  Having dealt with this same back issue on several occasions, I have my counter attack well rehearsed:  anti-inflams; heat, ice, physical therapy (thanks Noonan PT folks!), traction, chiropractor (thanks Dr. Eric), stretch, core work.  Rinse. Repeat.  Anyone who saw me up until Thursday before the race thought I was nuts to race, but oddly enough it was inactivity that made my back spasm more than if I were to swim, bike or run.  So, I stuck to my guns.
It's about a 1.5 hour drive from Tucson to Phoenix and that time period sitting in the car had me more worried than 9 hours of racing.  Amazingly, I stepped out of the car at my hotel in Tempe and had NO back pain!  Gone.  I got out of the car bewildered, marching and running in place in disbelief.  My back was still kind of tight and I couldn't quite bend down to touch my toes, but really, how many long-time runners can do that anyway?  :) Plus my quads had never been so sore from all the "proper" bending at the knees I'd been doing the last few days to keep my back happy.  Nothing like doing 1000 squats a few days before an Ironman...
With no back pain, now I figure, it's ON, baby!  I've had loads of solid training this year and despite my bike setbacks, I know I have an Ironman win brewing. My mood was 180 degrees from where it was a few days prior.  All that was left was to execute the race according to plan.
Race day was absolutely gorgeous.  Partly sunny, little wind, mild temps.  A big difference from the 90 degrees + and howling winds we were having a week or so prior.  Even though I like the perfect  race conditions, I'm always eager to race in the hot, windy, dry weather that Arizona can dish up!  The lake water was cool (63F) and after chit chatting with a few other girls, congratulating them on their Kona races and finding out if anyone is hanging around a few days after the race to go shopping (yes, these are the discussions before we race), we jump into Tempe Town Lake. It is still only dawn and overcast at this point, so it is hard to see once you're in the lake and swimming, but I position myself well in the group and wait for the cannon.
My swim started off quite well, I was hanging in the second pack of girls and we started getting strung out in a long line.  It wasn't until we approached the first turn buoy that I realized there was a split further up the line and I was missing the fast train.  I was on the wrong feet and got off the pack I should've been with. Needless to say, I was not thrilled with my swim time (again), particularly given I had swum 5 minutes faster the weekend before.  So, I take a deep breath and focus on getting ready to ride.  I'm much happier on terra firma anyway.  :)
Swim split - let's not go there. (23rd place)

I'll be honest, this bike course isn't exactly exciting (but race organizers are talking of changing it).  Three out and back trips along Beeline Highway and the second and third laps get a bit congested with 3000 other participants all making the same pilgrimage.  And despite my training and bike position adjustments, lets just say I left quite a bit of power - unrealized - on the course that day.  I did not close the gap to the leaders to get them in striking range for the run, despite posting my personal best bike split (so far) on this course.
I attribute my faster bike split solely to my increased aerodynamics on the bike - thanks to the crew at the Faster Wind Tunnel.  But I still have yet to reclaim the Sestriere-busting, Alpe D'Huez climbing cycling power I had during my trip as a guide for Reilly Cycling Tours in France earlier in the summer.  It's there; I just need to tap it again.  Bike split - 4:56.  (11th place)
Let me digress back to the crew at Faster.  Top notch people here who genuinely care about their clients and making sure they are completely happy with their bike fit.  My continual bike disasters for the last half of this season left me utterly disgusted with the thought of riding my TT bike.  Not exactly where one wants to be (mentally) before Ironman races.  Aaron at Faster went WAY above and beyond to get me out of that funk.  Eternally grateful. :)  Do not pass up the chance to see these guys in you are ever in the Phoenix area!

Onto the run.  I was pretty far back from the leaders at this point, but that will never stop me from cranking out the fastest run I can muster.  I love to run; I love to pick off the competition one by one, as the race momentum swings more into my favor.  I had company on this run though, with Ireland's Eimear Mullen exchanging passes we me the entire time.  Mentally challenging, but this is what racing is made of!  I was not surprised that I had company out there; I knew it was going to be like this and made sure to grind that feeling into my mind and legs during my long runs to prepare myself for it.  It helped to have friends and family cheering me on at all different points on the course, especially Linsey Corbin who I'm sure was crawling out of her skin to get out there and run with us.  She was jumping and yelling and back and forth all day long with her husband and mine.  Thanks also to the folks at TriSports.com, who helped to propel me through their aid station at mile 23, with Bobby on the loud speaker.  
I picked off several girls during the run, finally working my way to 7th with a final pass of Uli Bromme with 2 miles to go.  I tried to mumble a few words to her to help pull her along to the finish, but I'm sure they only came out as a slurred mess.  In the closing half mile of the run, I spotted Eimear up ahead, looking just a little rough (who isn't at this point of the race?).  I started to rev up the diesel to see if I could sneak in another pass before the finish, but she looked back, spotted me, and kicked it up a little more too - I ran out of real estate.  That could've been an interesting, painful sprint finish and one that I would love to do!
Run split 3:05 (7th place)

BELIEVE.

Let's just say I am pleased with my race and am glad I bettered my overall time, but I am far from happy about my overall performance.  I now have off season time to get the bike fit well-adjusted and, of course, continue to work on my aquatic nemesis.  I have a few new strategies to employ to fix that for next year and will look forward to claiming an Ironman victory next year!

I can't begin to thank all those who support me while I train and race.  Thank you to Lauren Goss, who let me borrow her Kask helmet for this race, Chris Jeffrey for helping to hold down the LJ Design work while I scramble to get ready to race and for letting me borrow her Timex watch (mine died when it got water in it a week prior), Leanda Cave for so many things I lose count - but most of all for being there to answer my dumb questions and laugh with me, my Coach Jimmy for kicking my butt in training and helping me keep things in perspective, and countless others who offer all the best encouragement.  There are many times during the season that I am less than positive, grumpy, overworked, tired and sore.  My husband, friends, family, coach, sponsors, employees, clients and homestays who are ever-positive, encouraging and keeping me motivated when I doubt myself.  How do you all do that?  It's awesome; I love you all.  I hope you enjoy my journey of achieving my athletic goals and I hope that is motivates others to set a goal and work hard to achieve it.