Zooma 10k Race Annapolis MD May 31, 2009

5 am wake up call! This was an early race with a scheduled 7am start. With the possibility of it being warm in late May, the early start was fine with me. Plus I can get back home at a reasonable time. However, I bet the early start had more to do with city and county issues with the race then heat concerns. More on that later.



Well, it wasn't hot, but rather rainy with some rolls of thunder. I was nervous they would call the race. Arrived by 6:10 or so. Car line to get into the stadium was long for the main gate, so I cut around to the back one and was able to get in more quickly. Love being local.



At about 6:30 I left the car for my warmup. One of only a handful of the 3,000 runners actually warming up. Most ladies (and a few guys) huddled under small areas of cover trying to stay dry. One mile, some dynamic stretches, strides, pit stop and I was as ready as I was going to be. My shoes were already soaked. Not the ideal way to start a race, but what can you do?



The ladies that had parked next to me actually left the race after sitting in their car for half an hour. I tried to talk them into staying, but they said it wasn't worth it. I do not understand that type of thinking. For me, if I get up out of bed, I am doing the darn race! Part of the excitement of racing is dealing with the conditions the running gods throw at you that given day.

The announcer kept us enthusiastically informed of the start time and they certainly started on time. Many people were still in potty lines and there were still quite a few still trying to park or get to the starting line. I am not sure if that was their own fault (arriving too late) or too congested (big backups on the road and potty line).

The start area was pretty slim consider the number that would pass through. Maybe 10-15 people wide. Orange cones were set up right in the middle to help people avoid one of the bigger puddles that had developed. So the starting line was sort of split. I stayed on the left a few people deep. As we headed out, it was one giant puddle after another and by the time we exited the Navy Stadium parking lot, I am sure everyone's feet had gained a couple pounds.

I hit mile one in 7:26. No surprises. Familiar with that area and ran it before (Annapolis Olympic Triathlon). I was pleased with the split and had hoped to stay in the 7:30-35 range for the race. Missed the 2nd mile marker. I hate that. It was somewhere before the base of the bridge. I was mentally prepared for the bridge and have crossed it's pain before. I knew it would be hard, and it was. Holy Schnikey, was it hard. Tried to make up for my major slow up on the down side by letting gravity have it's way with me.
On a side note: That is one thing I really need to work on. Hills. Despite running them all the time in Crofton, I still have issues with how to successfully conquer those boogers.

Covered miles 2 to 3 at a 7:50 pace. Let me tell you "why" I slowed. Past the bridge, I assumed we would hit some more favorable terrain. I was not mentally prepared for the massive rolling course that lay ahead. Call me a wimpy, but it appears more people than not had the same issues. And considering how I placed overall (and the winner's time) my guess is that everyone suffered a little and were certainly slowed by the course. Plus it was still raining. (No excuses though.)

Mile 4: 7:48. Mile 5: 7:57. Mile 6: right around 8min/m. A slow and rapid decline in pace. Positive splits are never a good sign. I did take advantage of the 200 meter downhill to the finish and picked it up to a 6:24 pace (according to the garmin).

Final results: 6.3 miles in 48:50 which works out to be a 7:45 average. I like using the garmin distance here b/c it makes me feel better about the effort (vs. 6.2 miles). :) This is one of the slowest 10ks in memory, but I am not upset.

After the race I made some new friends (two fellow Annapolis striders) and jogged the mile and half back to the start with them. The bridge was no fun on the cooldown either. Ouch! I finished 27th overall (out of 1267 10kers), 23rd female (not a lot of guys in this one), and 4th in my age group. That's a top 2% overall finish. I am pleased with that.

I did love the fact that a woman won both the 10k and half outright.

We waited what seemed like forever for the results. Initially they were supposed to be available at 8:45 but we waited another hour after that. I passed some of the time with Strider and Coach Evan Thomas. I had assumed that awards would go 3 deep in each age group (not that that would have ultimately helped me). Only the first in each age group was awarded. They never posted the results up anywhere for the runners to view. So, at the time I had no clue how I had done.



We did all get cute silver necklaces with a round charm that had the date and race name engraved. I personally like that better then medals, which end up in a pile in my closet (except my marathon ones). :)

Luckily the weather turned for the better and it was beautiful as I waited for results. I was actually the very first to get a massage. A perk to running the 10k and finishing ahead of most. And jogging back (instead of taking the bus from Jonas Park back to the stadium) helped too. After the massage, which was wonderful, I headed to the wine area and, during my wait, tried each of the three varieties a couple times. First time since my college days that I can say I was a little tipsy by 9am.

A local bakery offered mini cupcakes. I snagged a couple extra for my kids. They also had a really good band playing (not sure who it was) and offered boxed lunches, bottled water, and other vendor goodies. I stopped by Arbonne and got rubbed down with some muscle relaxing creme and am now signed up to host a spa party. I am such a sucker, especially after some wine and cupcakes.



Regarding the course: I actually spoke with one of the race coordinators . She said that the course wasn't exactly what they envisioned. I know it is easy to blame the directors for a bad race course, but I have learned that it can be difficult to negotiate all the city & county red tape. Annapolis is know for being difficult with events like this. Most recently the Annapolis Tri was axed b/c they were denied bike course permits. A couple years ago the Cherry Pit 10 miler had similar issues and had to re-route to some awful muddy path/trail (more like a cut through). I ran that and it was crazy.



I would say overall I enjoyed this race a lot. Being it's second year, I am sure there will be improvements made in the years to come. I'll be more ready for the hills next year!

One thing I did learn about myself, is that I have lost a little of my drive. My competitiveness. I don't mind putting myself in a position of pain, and in fact look to put myself there. But, I hit a certain level of push and I just don't feel like pushing anymore. A good example is that I used to always try to reel in the runners ahead of me and I would try to fight off anyone who tried passing me. I just don't give a poop today about that.

I certainly want to finish a race with a feeling that I tried. But I don't know if I want to lay it all out there, at least not right now. I think this will change again at some point. I want to try to be a locally competitive master's runner in a couple years.



I have also felt frustrated with various issues that have certainly slowed me down in the last 4 years. But, isn't running for the sake of running the whole point? Does it really matter how fast I am? Everyone of course will say "No, it doesn't matter if you finish last, as long as you are out there." But, it does matter to me. Maybe that's why I am holding back right now. Maybe I am scared of the results, or lack of results, I will get with a full on effort. I don't have expectations to run like I did 10 years ago. My lungs, ankle, etc.. (not necessarily my age) just don't make that possible. Or maybe I am still just mentally still distancing myself from the Boston Marathon.



Okay, enough of that. Next up is the Dawson's 10k which Addie will also be running. I have no clue about the course, but I have my fingers crossed that it won't be quite as hilly as this one.

Two Mile Bates Track Race in Annapolis, MD May 16, 2009

I have a love-hate relationship with my Garmin watch. Or maybe this was an inaccurate track. I would love to hear from other runners who wear their Garmin running on the Bates track and what they get as far as distance.

Anyway, took my Running 201 group to this track race as a practice session. We are working towards running a 5k faster then their last (which for most was their first). I thought this environment would be a nice way to talk them through warming up, dynamic stretching, etc.. And the track would allow me to run my race, yet still keep an eye on them as we go around and around.

It was humid. Really humid and pretty warm. I believe this was the first humid day we had in our area and certainly the first these ladies would be running in so far this spring. We went through the warmup, stretching, strides and lined up. There was going to be a "fast" heat run after the "slow" heat ( which I am pretty sure no one appreciated being called slow). I wasn't sure where I fell. The starter said the cut off was right around 7 min pace. Well, that's right about where I thought I would be. So, I decided to go in the slow heat.

As we rounded the first curve, 200 meters into the race, I realized I should have started in the next heat. There was no one with me and I felt bad, so I pulled up after the first lap. Call me a rabbit for the first heat.

It actually ended up being a good thing b/c it allowed me to actually "coach" the runners on every lap! Loved this. They all did amazingly well despite the humidity. Only lost one runner, mid way through, who looking quit pale told me she wasn't feeling so good. I told her to stop, which she did and promptly made it to the restroom to puke. Gotta love running.
A second runner, bless her heart, ran one lap short of the 8 total. We were responsible for keeping track of our own laps and she just lost track. She did finish that 7th lap with a heck of a kick!

Then came the "fast" heat. Off again I ran and this time being out in front was not an issue. There is a little 10 year old girl in our community that rocks these races. I do fear how she'll fair training and racing like she is at this tender age. But, that's a discussion for another day.

Off I run, trying to maintain a doable pace. Officially 4 weeks post Boston, there is no real fatigue in my legs, but certainly a lack of speed work to expect any blazing times. I miss running fast. I finish the race in 14:11 running mile splits that are pretty darn even. Here's where my Garmin, or the track, messed up.

Officially I ran 8 laps or 3200 meters. 1 mile is actual equal to 1609 meters, so technically 2 miles is 3219 meters, 19 meters longer then what we ran. This info only complicates what the Garmin gave me. My Garmin Forerunner 305 tells me I ran 2.13 miles. The track tells me I ran less the 2 miles, whereas the Garmin tells me I ran over 2 miles. And that .13 makes a huge difference in average pace. 7:05 vs. 6:40 min/ mile.

I really don't know where to lay my faith. Training paces will obviously vary greatly based on either race result.

All in all not a bad race, either way. I placed first in my AG and had two of my runners also place. I came in 3rd female OA. I would like to know the darn truth though. But as my husband says, a few years ago, running without all this added technology, the answer would have been known right as I crossed the line.

I want to mention my daughter Addie, who also ran the 2 mile and did so well that she placed 2 nd in her age group of 19 and under. And my son, Thomas, who is participating in the kid's running series, ran the 400 meters like a champ! He was joined by many of the children that belonged to my group of ladies. We all went home smiling with a sense of self accomplishment!

Boston Marathon 2009

Leading up to Boston, my training was going great. Everything seemed to fall into place, despite the constant nagging ankle injury. Wearing the cumbersome brace an aggravating necessity. Out of a planned 5- 20milers, only one was cut short, in part due to my ankle. The rest were beautiful with a couple going sub 3 hours. The training also mixed in plenty of speed and tempo runs, hill work and strength training. I had no doubt in my ability to run a sub 3:40 marathon. Worse case scenario I would run a 3:45 and still requalify. Since running my qualifying race, I have incurred this ankle injury and hoped it wouldn't slow me down on race day.

We flew in on Saturday, explored the area that evening and had dinner out. Sunday we picked up my bib number and shopped at the expo. I was almost hyperventilating as I got my race packet and was so thrilled to be a part of something this big. We had a lot of fun looking at all the vendors and their wares for sale. Because it was also my 38th birthday, I felt I could over indulge a bit on marathon gear. My daughter even got a future Boston marathon qualifier shirt.

After a couple hours of walking around, the kids started to get tired and I was worried about spending too much time on my feet. We headed to a nearby chapel that offered a mass for the marathoners. I was glad we found this as I needed some spiritual reassurance. Thomas fell asleep and I prayed for God to be with me tomorrow, no matter the outcome.

Before laying down, I set 2 alarms and scheduled a wake up call for 5am race morning. I didn't get much sleep the first night and anticipated less tonight. I was so nervous. More nervous then I can recall for a race ever. I am not sure where the butterflies were coming from. Maybe because I knew so many people would be tracking my splits, or because it was Boston with all it's history or the sheer number of people in the race.

I slept okay and woke up before any of the alarms had a chance to do their job. Before 6am I was in the lobby with other runners waiting for the hotel shuttle to take us to Tremont. Our shuttle was full with people and excitement. The Best Western Running Team was off. By 6:30am I was standing in line for the school bus ride from Tremont St in Boston to Hopkinton.

The bus ride took about 45 min to an hour. I met some nice people and tried hard to relax. I actually was having trouble keeping my breathing and heart rate normal. I was so anxious, it was all I could do to remain seated.

Once at the high school fields a.k.a. athlete's village, I set up my temporary home of plastic bags and a towel near one of the tents. Under the tent was already spoken for, but it wasn't raining (thank God) as initially feared, so I was okay.

I sat down, forced myself to eat a cereal bar, read a trash mag and tried to relax. I closed my eyes, but with the music blaring and the announcer announcing, I decided to just soak it all up. It was fun and interesting to hear about birthdays and weddings as well as about a runner running his 190th marathon. Crazy.

With an hour to go before 2nd wave was to head to the start, I stood in line for the potty, yet again. I delayed this as long as I could and would have used a tree, were there one available. During my 45 min wait in line, I met some really cool ladies. Each inspiring. After sharing toilet paper and good luck wishes, we parted ways to the start.

The starting line is another .70 mile walk from the athlete's village. After handing my bag off to volunteers (who were awesome), I began the final leg of my journey to the start of the Boston Marathon. One final stop at the last possible potties about 10 min before the the start. I probably shouldn't have gone, but again I waited. I shed all my throw away clothes knowing I would have to move quickly to the start after I was done here. I exited with a mere 3 min to get to the 3rd corral. I didn't realize that an uphill hike and dodging people would be the only way there. I made it to the back end of my corral and hopped in at an opening between the metal barricades.

My body was overflowing with tension and strong emotions. To say I felt overwhelmed is an understatement. Then we started to move. Jog, walk, stop, walk, jog. I think I heard a boom, but I can't be sure. I later found out that Bill Rodgers led our wave. Very cool.

The race went downhill right at the start. My concern about going out too fast was not an issue. The start reminded me of triathlon starts. We were all elbowing and running into each other fighting for a spot. I didn't want to expend energy weaving around runners, so I just went with the pace dictated by those ahead.

I had been told that the first 16 miles is down. And this is what I was mentally prepared for. Well, imagine my surprise when a hill popped up within the first mile. And then more and more up hills as we went along. It turns out that although there is a net drop in elevation, the net drop occurs over rolling terrain.

As I hit the 5k mark at 26:39 I was concerned that I still didn't feel good. It's not unusual for me to take 3 to 5 miles to get into my groove on long runs, but races were often different. My pace was slower then I had hoped, but still within requalifying. At 10k (53:19) I had maintained an even pace, but still didn't feel "good". I tossed the split sheet I had laminated and tugged in my sleeve. I knew then that a sub 3:40 was not in the cards for me today.

15k at 1:20.06. My three 5k splits thus far were: 26:39, 26:40, 26:47. 20k at 1:47.08 with a 27:02 5k split. I still wasn't feeling comfortable, but I wasn't feel horrible either. Some minor stomach cramps I had earlier seemed to have eased and I thought a 3:45 was possible.

I crossed the half way point at 1:53.03. This was actually a fun spot. The cameras were set up and everyone was posing for the photogs as they ran by. I could hear all the clicking as I passed and tried to smile.

It was at this point that my quads started to ache. No biggie. I can deal with pain. Then, somewhere around mile 15, I think it was, I knew something bad had happened. My right IT band and especially at the insertion point on the outside of my right knee, gave a sharp shooting pain accompanied with a feeling of weakness, like it was about to give out on me. My ankle quickly followed suit with pain and weakness. I had a moment of panic. The ITB was a completely new sensation for me, especially doubled with the ankle. Each step down on that right leg caused pain and a feeling of weakness. The pain grew and worsened as the marathon continued.

At the 25k mark in 2:15.22. A 28:30 last 5k. The slowing was starting. 30k in 2:46.53 with a 31:31 5k split. Now I knew I was in undesirable territory. I was really hurting and wondered if even finishing this thing was now possible. Walk breaks began, I think, about now. I decided that I would finish no matter how slow. I wanted to cross that line and wear the medal.

I cannot recall exactly when, but it was certainly once I was dealing with the pain of the ITB, that I came upon the Hoyts. This was their 1000th competitive event together. The Hoyt Team consists of dad who pushes his (now adult) son through races. If you think the marathon is impressive, he has also taken his son through the Ironman. I crossed over to the side of the road they were on, and briefly gave a word of encouragement and a wave to his son. For that moment I didn't feel my own pain, only the joy of running and the realization of how lucky I am to be running at all. Facing the difficulties of the physical challenges of this last year are nothing compared ot the lifetime of challenges these two face head on.

35k in 3:21.27 with a 34:34 5k split. 40k in 3:58.44 with a 37:17 5k split. I walked a lot in the final 10k. I wondered with each right foot strike if I would end up stumbling to the ground. Everything from my ankle up was very weak. The wind was fierce, especially towards the end. The temps had dropped and I was getting cold. I climbed the final hill and rounded the last turn to see the banner up ahead. I knew I would make it. I did not want to walk in. I jogged through the finish in 4:16.23. Overall average pace was 9:47.
(My DC National Marathon last year was a 3:41. 35 min faster).

Once you cross the line, the marathon is done but you are no home free yet! I felt nauseous and woozy. I toyed with the idea of wrapping up in a warm blanket at the medical tent I was passing. But, I needed that medal around my neck. I hoisted my leg up on a cop cart and, as my leg involuntarily shook, weaved my shoelaces to free the timing chip from my mizunos. I traded it for my medal which I immediately placed around my neck.

I was asked by a volunteer if I was okay. I had problems forming words properly. Like when you come in from a really cold run and your face is frozen. I asked where we could pick up our bags, and although I am sure it was less then a quarter mile away, it seemed too far to go. I wrapped my foil blanket tight to shield the wind and headed to the bag buses realizing I had forgotten to include clothes to change into afterwards.

All I wanted was to find Porter. He would take care of me. I could feel the emotion, or was it nausea, swelling up. I was worried because we had decided that if we didn't find each other by 3:30pm we would meet back at the hotel. I had no energy to get back on my own. Luckily Porter had been keeping up with my performance via his blackberry with the athlete tracking and knew that something had gone wrong.

I found Porter near the letter "C" in the family meet up area after a brief but tense scan of the crowd. I called his name 3x before he looked my way and we embraced. I finally felt a sense of release and cried. He gave me his coat when I told him I had neglected to think about packing something warm. The kids looked at me with concern. Poor Thomas didn't know what to make of his mommy. He kept telling me that he loved me and kissed my leg.

Cabs were hard to come by, as many runners had the same idea. We walked what seemed like forever, to get away from the most runner congested area to finally flag down our chariot back to the Best Western Roundhouse.

Once in our room, Porter helped me into a tub of cold water. I was able to sit in it for only a few minutes, but knew it would be good for my legs. After a hot shower there was more icing and hydrating. I also developed some monster blisters.

Finally I was ready to wear my medal and walk (a.k.a. hobble) across the street for dinner. It was nice to be around other runners, wearing their medals, jackets and race shirts and celebrate our achievement.

That night, as I replayed the race in my head, I was dissatisfied with how it had gone for me. I knew, and still know, that I have the ability to run a sub 3:40 (or faster). I also get angry because I wonder how much of my ankle injury caused my unsatisfactory performance. Now, a couple days post marathon, I am starting to take a different perspective, thanks in large part to the wonderful support and encouragement I got from friends and family.

My dad ran Boston in 1982 (the "duel in the sun" marathon). He told me he ran 20-30 min slower then his qualifying time and that some marathons are just about finishing. It was important to me to have this Boston link with my dad. Addie, my 11 year old, says she would like to continue the tradition and run the race herself one day.

The last 4 years have thrown some crazy stuff my way. From a condition that causes my lungs to collapse (and thus reduced my lung capacity) to ruptured and herniated disks in my neck. Most devastating was severely injuring my ankle and wondering if I could ever run again at all. This was truly a scary time in my life both professionally as running coach and as an athlete driven to compete. Running is a huge part of my life and how I define myself. I am so blessed and so lucky that I can run.

Random Boston Stuff:
My actual distance covered was 26.53 miles which ends up being a 9:40 average pace.
Some of the items I was offered during the race: lots of high fives from kids who kept count, tissues, water, Gatorade, variety of candy, oranges, Popsicles, beer, mimosa, kisses, wet wipes, wet sponges.
One frat boy told me he loved me and high fived me so hard my hand was stinging.
Saw one male marathoner stop to kiss a wellsley girl.
Saw one lady runner take a guy up on a beer offer.
The runners were able to keep up with the Red Sox game by fans holding up signs with the score.
Here I am right on top of heartbreak hill, at mile 21ish. I am 1:56 into the video:http://wbztv.com/video/?id=75675@wbz.dayport.com
(I am a bit delirious).
The amount of spectators is massive. We pretty much had wall to wall fans cheering and screaming the entire way. It bothered me some the last few miles.

Early 2009 races

Feb. 14, 2009: Valentines Day 5k: 23:07. Was running a nice pace but fell apart the last mile. I attribute this to being fully engaged in marathon training. Had a long run before the race. BUT, Addie also ran the 5k and did great! She ran a 32:48. I am so proud of her.

March 15, 2009: St. Patrick's Day 5k: Brought my running group home for their first 5k finish! They were awesome despite cold and rainy conditions.

March 21, 2009: National Half Marathon: This is where I ran the marathon last year and BQ'ed. Ran a 1:44.35 and was satisfied. Training run for Boston and to see where I am right now. My estimated marathon finish time, based on this race, put me at 3:38. Right where I'd like to finish in Boston. But the question remains on how my ankle will respond when doubling this race distance.

Open Mic Sprout

Been a Long Time and Road

I have not written a thing since after Iron Girl Tri 2008. I think I needed a break from reporting disappointing results. My ankle is a bit better, but I still have to wear an ASO brace for any athletic activity. When the time is right, I will divulge all the gory details. But, I can't right now.

I also had continued pain in my glutes and hamstrings. I have finally been able to find some relieve after a visit to RehabtoRacing in VA. They made some biomechanical suggestions, stretches, wearing superfeet, etc.. and I can honestly say that my glute issues are 80-to 85% better. Some days it feel 90%.

So how did 2008 wrap up for me?

The Annapolis Triathlon ended up getting canceled due to the city and/or county being ridiculous with there demands. It was initially downgraded to an aquathlon and then canceled. Really a shame.

In October I ran the Run for Kathy 5k in Bowie MD. Since this was the 10th and final running of the race, it was quite an event and larger then last year. I was given a free entry and a seated number b/c of my 2nd place finish in 2007. I felt a bit unworthy b/c I knew I wouldn't be able to run as fast due to the ankle and other injuries.
I ran a long warmup, about 2.5 miles to get my achy muscles ready. Ended up running a 23:02. I was pleasantly surprised with that, despite running positive splits. I think I won something in my age group, but not overall.

Later in October, I took my 11 year old daughter, Addie, with me to a Halloween 5k. Just for fun. Ended up coming in 3rd overall in 22:56. There were no mile markers on the B&A trail/course, so I have no clue how that played out. Ankle was painful, but pushed through. Addie ran an amazing 27:50! Unfortunately, her age group was 11 to 19!

A week later I ran the Downs Park 5 miler. This is an Annapolis Strider Champ Series race. Even though I had missed so many (due to the ankle), I thought, what the heck. I got lost driving there and literally showed up about 5 min before the start. I ran to the bathroom and then to the starting line. I decided to relax and took the first 2 miles slow (8:06 and 8:17). As I felt better I picked it up (7:24, 7:54, 7:33). Came in at 39:15 and got 2nd in my age group. Pretty course too.

November brought the Cold Turkey 10k, which I did last year and liked. I decided that I would use this race as training, shooting for T pace or so, and not stress about actually racing. Always a good thought beforehand, but one I often have problems carrying out.
Conditions were far from ideal. Very cold and very windy. Wind is the worst running foe!
My first 5k was a 23:26 and the 2nd a 24:13 for a grand total of 47:38. I was 2nd in my age group (so no frozen turkey for me this year) and 15th female overall. Not too bad considering.

Then December brought a race I would rather forget. The Anniversary 15k. Ugh! I was still recovering from the flu and had my period. I started out okay, but was dealing with general fatigue and things just seemed to hurt. I pretty much threw in the towel at 5 miles. I slowed to about an 8:25-30 pace and just held on. I was very uncomfortable and just wanted to be done. Time: 1:15.40, 3 min slower then the year before.

2009
Now I am in full Boston training and am happy to report that it is going pretty well. I have a V-Day 5k on Saturday that I hope will reflect this. Pray the ankle, glutes, etc.. hold up!

Aflac Iron Girl Columbia August 24, 2008

After May 1st (ankle spraining day) and an eventual MRI that showed 2 torn ligaments, a torn tendon and a bruised bone, I had to pull out of my planned events for the rest of the spring and summer. With virtually no training I toed the line at IG knowing this would make for an interesting experience. Since Annapolis Tri was cancelled, this was my one and only chance to complete a triathlon for the year! So, I thought I would just look at it as a training day and use it to assess where I stand with my ankle and ham/glute injury.

But, as most of you athletes know, trying not to "race" is tough.

The swim pretty much sucked. I am not complaining here, just my lack of time in the pool and how I positioned myself made for a crazy first third of the race. I could not find a rhythm and was constantly being hit and running into others. This made my breathing rate sky rocket. I finally hit somewhat of a groove after the first turn, by swimming way out. I have used this tactic in the past. You swim a bit longer, but the benefit is that you don;t have to fight and swim at the same time.

I was happy to exit the water and head up for the bike, which I assumed would be my strongest leg. I tried to be careful with the uneven footing through transition. Once at my bike it took me FOREVER to get my ankle brace on. My T1 time was almost 5 minutes! But, as others flew past, I kept telling myself that it was better to be safe then sorry. In the end I am glad I took that time.

Once on the bike, I actually felt pretty good. I tried hard to use the downhills to my advantage and be consistent on the numerous climbs. My quad started to ache right off the bat, but I just ignored it and kept moving. Only 2 ladies passed me on the course and I lost count of the women I passed. But, most were in the older age group that was a wave or two ahead of us.

I rode into dismount feeling pretty good about the bike effort and wondered how the run would go. It was getting hot and this run is hilly (just like the bike). T2 went a whole lot smoother and faster.

Out on the run course, I immediately started passing people, despite that it felt like I was crawling. My ankle was not happy about being asked to run, but it wasn't painful to the point of needing to stop. In fact, the pain shifts around depending on the terrain. What really hurt was my left leg (the original chronic injury). My entire hamstring and butt were in pain and I felt like I was dragging the leg along.

I visually latched onto a lady in my age group and focused on her back. She was going a decent pace and I curbed the desire to try to pass her. The hills were as expected. Painful. Especially "Gatorade Hill", but they had lots of little perks like a ice cold wet sponge at the top.
The last 1/2 mile, of the 3.4 mile run portion, was out in the sun. I was glad I was one of the early waves. I came across the line with mixed emotions. But heck! At least I could do this! A few months ago it was all in question. I had some hope. I know I have a very long way to go, but this was something positive.

Overall I was 5 min slower then my attempt at IG Columbia last year. 2 of those minutes were the first transition. So, without training, I was able to only come in about 3 min behind last year's attempt. Plus, I finally got to wear my cool Annapolis Tri outfit!

Official Results:
.62 mile swim - 17.5 mile bike - 3.4 mile run

Overall Place: 176
Overall Time: 1:56:51
Gender Place: 176
Athletes in Gender: 1665

FEMALE AGE GROUP AGES 35-39
Division Place: 25
Athletes in Division: 332
Swim Time: 22:17
Swim Place: 525

Transition 1 Time: 4:24
Transition 1 Place: 1040

Bike Time: 59:52
Bike Pace: 17.5
Bike Place: 143

Transition 2 Time: 1:37
Transition 2 Place: 427

Run Time: 28:45
Run Pace: 8:13
Run Place: 158

National Duathlon Festival, Richmond, VA, April 27, 2008

I write this with heavy heart. Since this race I have become injured and have only run once and it was painful. I would have had this posted earlier, but have been dealing with the injury. But, I will leave that for another post and talk about the Duathlon.

Since coming off the marathon, I thought I could just kind of coast through and do well at the duathlon. I didn't do any heavy bike training during marathon prep, but I was on my bike 1-2x a week as cross training. I naively thought this would be enough prep. Just b/c you are well trained in one discipline doesn't mean you can do well in another.

Plus, having run the "Muddy Pit 10 miler" a week post marathon and then trying to get in some harder bike efforts to be prepared for the Du, I did everything I would tell my runners not to do. I lined up fatigued.

My main objective for this race was to see my good friend Susan. We went out the night before and had a glass of wine and some pasta. The wine isn't something I usually do, and won't again. Not b/c of my lack of performance but I think it may have contributed to stomach problems that morning.

The morning started rough. I woke up late! I had set up for a wake up call which didn't come! What a mess. That combined with stomach issues, I called to tell Susan I would have to meet her there. You don't want to feel rushed when your stomach hurts. Since I had taken lightly to the importance of this race, I was ill prepared. Luckily Susan had some Immodium in your transition bag that I was grateful for!


Though the day before had been very sunny, hot and humid for the off roaders, today was cooler, cloudy and drizzled with rain. Perfect conditions if we were only running. Biking on slick roads can be tricky. And this was certainly the case as I have never seen so many people wipe out, have flats or other biking disasters.

Although duathlons may seem like an easier sport then triathlons, the opposite is actually true. I find that duathlons offer a whole different and more difficult challenge then triathlons. Running first is the kicker. Learning to pace that first one can be tough.

With my transition set up, I do my usual running warmup and a few extra stops at the port-a-potties. Susan and I line up. She had tried to cancel on me a couple weeks ago, but I wouldn't let her. I knew her 50 year old butt would kick every one elses! And I was right. She ended up qualifying for World's!

The first run, a 10k, felt real sluggish for me. I had no plan and no expectations really. The course was rolling with short hills. Lots of twists and turns. I decided to just try to keep Susan in my sites. Well, that plan didn't last too long. I came in at 51:36, frankly a little embarrassed.
T1 was 1:18. Not bad since I felt like I was moving in slow motion.

The bike was tricky. The wet roads, windy conditions and hilly ass course made my thighs cry for mercy. The bad thing was that it was a 10k loop, so we got to revisit those monster hills a few times. There were also a few hairpin turns and tight turns. One guy wiped out right in front of me. My husband, Porter, and kids, Addie and Thomas, saw a really bad one-man accident at dismount. He ended up in the ER.


I managed the bike, although admittedly with caution for a good portion of it. I tried to open up on the downhills to make up for it, but the wind on the bridge, coming back, was a killer! I finished the 40k in 1:33.09, a 16 mph average.


I walked into T2 with my bike. I wasn't about to run yet. I was feeling pretty darn beat up at this point, so I figured what the heck. Somehow, and I have no clue how this happened, this transition was faster then the first! 1:11. I can never really figure out where the transition time starts and ends. Maybe it started later then I thought and the walk with my bike was included in the bike ride leg?? I don't know.









Run two was the same as run one but only one loop to make it a 5k. Mentally I wasn't really fighting anymore. Just wanted to finish and eat something, like a big fat doughnut. That's not to say I didn't put some effort into this last run, I did, it just didn't show itself as such. I finished the run in 26:40. Blah!

I would like to try to do well in a Duathlon one of these days. I'd consider going back to this one, but it'll be right after Boston next year. Below are my official results:

Christine Hinton #1236

Clock Time: 2:53:51
Overall Place: 231 / 284
Gender Place: 60 / 87
Division Place:11 / 13
Divtotal: 14
Sextotal: 94

Run1Time: 51:36
Run1Pace: 8:19
Run1Place: 238

Tran1: 1:18


Biketime: 1:33:09
Bikemph: 16.0
Bikeplace: 248


Tran2: 1:11


Run2Time: 26:40
Run2Pace: 8:35
Run2Place: 203