This is a tricky one. I have thought about almost nothing else during my hours of weekly training over the past five months but, now that it’s time to put some actual goals in place, I find myself at a loss.
This will be my very first ever Olympic distance triathlon. And no, it has zero to do with the actual Olympics, although I’m super flattered to everyone who asked me that. The world of triathlon is organized by race distance with a sprint triathlon being the shortest (typically 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 2 mile run) and the almighty Ironman being the longest (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run).
The Olympic distances are:
.93 mile swim (let’s just call it a mile people!)
25 mile bike
6 mile run
Of course I have chosen a hard as hell challenging course on which to preform all of these tasks, as described in the athlete’s guide over and over again, thanks to my friend Amanda who lives nearby and who I will be staying with for the weekend.
Amanda and I at a Meet and Tweet event in 2014.
THE SWIM
Obviously this will be my most challenging event. My wetsuit is not fitting right and, although the temperature on race day is predicted to be 65 degrees, the race starts in waves at 6:45am when it will definitely not be 65 degrees. I know it will be cold and there is nothing I can do about it.
According to the Athlete’s Guide, the average water temperature in May is 65-73 degrees with the highest recorded temp at 73.
Just for ha-ha’s – – the water temp in the indoor pool is 82. #IAmNotLaughing
My Fears: I tend to get anxious in the middle of the swim when I’m in the middle of the lake and wrestling with my breathing and my mind. I’m a fairly slow swimmer and I need to channel my inner Dory and “just keep swimming.”
My Confidence: Not too long ago I was afraid to swim in open water and the idea of swimming a mile seemed absurd. I have swum to the moon and back in the pool and I know I am more than capable of covering the distance.
My Prediction: Anything near 30 minutes and I will be happy.
Just do this…for .93 miles. That’s it. Taken in Lake Winnipesaukee, summer 2015
THE BIKE
From the guide:
“The bike course is a challenging, 25 mile route through the rolling countryside and farmlands of Howard County, including four moderate climbs along well maintained, and paved, two lane roads. There will be 2 Aid Stations located at Ten Oaks Road Circle, at the 8 mile and 174 mile points offering spring water and Gatorade Endurance. There is no public urination permitted.”
Wait!? Since when is there no public urination in a race? Come on. They actually mention this several times.
We shall see just how “moderate” those climbs are.
My Fears: A flat.
My Confidence: I have to keep my pace and effort steady though out and push up the hills when I get close to the summit. I’m looking forward to a good, strong ride and making up some time from the swim.
My Prediction: 1 hour 25 minutes
Let’s hope I don’t freeze in my kit… From the Women’s TRI, September 2015
THE RUN
From the guide:
“The unique 6.2 mile run course is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in triathlon. Climbing and encircling Centennial Lake, it passes through a local neighborhood and consists of three moderately steep climbs including the legendary “Gatorade Hill”, and one 12% climb.”
Bring.it.on.
My Fears: I fear only for the other athletes and how quickly I will pass them.
My Confidence: I have my mantra ready “This is the part you love. You love running. Yes you do. You LOVE it!”
Prediction: 43 minutes
The homestretch! From the Women’s TRI, September 2015
OVERALL
I’m trying really hard not to get caught up in a time goal, and instead focus on having the best race for me, regardless of my finishing time. The point of this race has always been a prep for nationals in August and I need to let it be just that.
I will be wearing a watch that displays only my overall time (including transitions) so I will not know my paces until I finish. This worked so well for me at the Colchester Half Marathon and has though out my training so I’m sticking with it!
Of course I have looked up past race results for those in my age group. Last year, the first place female finisher in the 40-44 age group had a time of 2:28:58. Most of these women have a swim time less than mine, a comparable bike time and a slower run time. I will have to see what the day brings but I know a “win” will be a top 10 place in my age group and not top three.
I have to constantly remind myself that I am new to triathlon and I feel as if I have only just begun to see what I can do. The challenge of triathlon in general and, the Olympic distance in particular, is the reason why I’m training and racing it.
I hope to finish around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Now that I have analyzed it to death, all that is left to do is race it!
Look for race updates on my Twitter and Instagram feed on Sunday.
[Tweet “Pre-race goals of a #triathlete as she tackles her first #OlyDistance! #train4life #ColumbiaTRI”]
I have a special treat for all of you on Friday! My guest will be Canada’s one and only top fitness pro – – > DAVE SMITH with a fantastic post-run stretching VIDEO. I will be in desperate need of this after my race and then 6+ hour drive home on the same day…
Any final thoughts for me?
How did you feel going into your last big race?
Ahhhhhhh!!!! I am so excited for you!!! You are going to do great. I can just feel it. You’ve worked so hard this training cycle to just go out there and give it your all. Besides, you raising me upppppp!!!!
YES!!! I will absolutely be thinking of that before I dive in 🙂 Thanks so much Angela!
you KNOW I AM SO SO SO CHEERING YOU ON FROM AUSTIN and now? right now?
Im cheer-ready and so very jealous you get to see amanda all weekend as well.
You rock Mama.
You got this.
<3
Yes! Thanks so much Carla and I’m equally excited to see Amanda and a few other blog friends 🙂
Hope to get the chance to meet YOU someday!!
I am very confident that you got this! You put in the work and it will pay off tenfold! I love the things you fear in the running portion! OMG too funny!
LOL – glad you picked up on that. I have to be over confident in at least ONE discipline!
I have such a good feeling about you and this race Allie!! 5 months of training and you will bear all your fruit this weekend! You have so got this and I can’t wait to cheer you on!!!
YES!!! I have very good feelings as well and have put in ALL the work. Thank you so much Nellie 🙂
I’m excited for you. I know you’ve been training well and I cannot wait to read what happens.
The meet and tweet event caught my eye at first too…well because I was there. 😉
You were??? What the heck?? Did we not know each other then? Was there no coffee bar for us to meet at? LOL 🙂
So, so exciting!! I laughed out loud at your fear of the run- and not because I don’t think you’ll do it. Can’t wait to see you crush it! I did one tri a few years ago and the run was the only part where I was passing people and felt strong. The swim and bike were tough, but still fun. It helped me so much at Broad Street to take the time goals off and just run. Not being overly focused on a time is definitely a good thing!
Don’t worry – it was supposed to be funny. After the swim and bike, I won’t be as confident but, thinking of that will make me laugh 🙂 And yes, totally not focusing on time but how I feel. Thanks so much Laura!
This is so awesome! You will do fantastic!! I can’t wait to hear all about you kicking butt!! have an awesome triathlon !!
Thank you so much!!!
Wishing you the best of luck! You’ve worked hard training and you’re going to rock it!! And I love your goal, not to be focused on time and have the best race for you. I’ll be cheering you on from Minnesota!
YES! Thank you so much!!! I’m sure I will hear you 🙂 and it is so appreciated!
I seriously don’t think I could ride a bike over even one of those hills…. you are so fierce,… I’ll definitely be insta-stalking you on Sunday! Have a great race.
I would hope so!! Thank you Paria!
I love the pix! Keep those in your mind’s eye – they are snapshots of time where you are strong and DOING IT! Just like you will this weekend! I am so excited for you to test out these skills you have been building for months and months! KILL IT! a 12% grade hill – NO PROBLEM – they should run Crystal Ridge 🙂
Thanks so much Shannon! And seriously, 12% pffff. My hill mantra is always “this is nothing compared to my hill!”
Well, I haven’t known you for long but I can already tell that mentally you’re there, and you’re going to enjoy twisting heads off while you pass them all on your run. And physically? Well, I see the photos of that strong body of yours. And if I were anyone else on that course, I’d be scared AF.
LOL!!! Thanks so much Suzy!
The only thing that motivates me when getting passed on the bike is knowing I will make it up on the run.
Oh how I can’t wait to hear how this goes for you! You will absolutely love the Olympic distance and you are going to be a rockstar! I will be thinking warm thoughts for you as you begin the swim!!! Go get it mama!!!!!
From a woman who knows!!! Thanks so much Sandra! I kinda already love this distance and I’m ready to race it already!!
I’m so excited for you!!! You’re going to do great and the Olympic distance is a really great distance. Then next you can do NYC Tri! 🙂 Go get it Allie!!!!
Woot woot!!! Wait…do I have to swim in the Hudson? LOL 🙂 I know that’s the one you did. How about I will do it if you do it with me?
I’m so excited for you and know that you’re going to have an amazing race. There’s no question about it: your training has gone phenomenally well, you’ve got a fierce mental game, and your fears for the running portion are accurate! I can’t wait to see how you do!
Also, thanks for sharing the link to my guest post on Jesica’s blog!
LOL – thanks Laura!! And I seriously loved your post on Jesica’s blog. It was perfect timing for me and I will be repeating to myself to just “let go!”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
You’re obviously a Runner, so that’s bagged and no longer a thought. Capitalize on your strength (love your fear factor:)). Be fresh off the bike to smoke’em!
Hammer the bike hills, that’s where all the time is lost, and don’t hammer the flats (if any), just keep an elevated average speed, pacing for the hills. B sure to gear down for the hills appropriately, don’t squander RPMz by staying in BIG gears, anticipate the downshift, stay hi on the RPMz. Use the downhills to recoup, give your legs a break, and be Aero going down!
My view on flats racing: If I flat at Olympic or below distance, I expect nothing as concerns placement or time, so may as well not spend the mental energy on it! Only in a half or full can the time be made up (4me anyways). In 22 years of racing, I only flatted once, so your chances are great it will not happen. Just be sure to go over your equipment exhaustively B4HAND the day prior!
Your swim: I know your psychology, I’ve taught triathletes initially afraid of OpenH2O to embrace the situation and be fishes. You’ve done your homework and you’re ready, just accept that and quiet your mind! Find your Dory and just keep that compass, so stop fretting!
Do not seed with the fasties and get swum over at the start and get all flustered, back is better and safer. Having your goggles knocked off will add minim 60sec to your time, plus swearing! Sight on land often and don’t follow others, they will go off course, no sense swimming an extra 100 yards. Nothing wrong with a few breast strokes here and there for composure, sighting, quieting your mind. Drafting DOES work:)
Ask lifeguards the day b4 if there are any currents. Recon the beach at entry and the slope to swim depth. Swim 1/4 the course if possible (4 peace of mind) the day prior. On race day, run as long as you can up to thighs and dolphin in. Swim a warm (1-200 yards) up B4 start, get wet so you’re not shocked, b sure your goggles are not fogged up b4 start,(spit is your ally). DON’T GET RUN/SWUM OVER, seed appropriately for your ability and be aggressive, asshole men will be! (you’ll get to smoke’em in the run, ha ha!).
Don’t forget the unsung 4th discipline of Triathlons: transition. Do multiple dry runs of T1 and T2, how your equipment will be laid out, the order you’ll don items, how you’ll discard it (practice ad infinitum extricating from your wet suit!!!!!!!!). The lanyard to your zipper may not be where you think it is!
60sec extra in transitions means your 10k at 7pc needs to be a 6:50pc 2b comparable had you saved that minute. I know you’re a great runner, but still………!
You’re ready, channel the mental issues to your equipment, take your mind out of the equation and let the body take over, it’s only about adrenaline now so don’t interfere with thoughts. Your body knows what to do, it will do it if you give it a chance:)
GOOD LUCK:)
Claude – thank you so very much for ALL of this! I will read it several more times before I start the race. And, although it’s not allowed to swim the lake the day before, I will be checking out the buoy lines, beach, walk in, etc. And I practice the hell out of transitions and lining up all my equipment, taking the wet suit off – all of it. I won a race once by 3 seconds and it all came down to transition time!! My coach is huge on practicing it and I literally have run people over to get out of the corral. Again – just so much great info and I will keep it all in mind. THANK YOU!!!!
You are going to KILL it!!! I can’t wait to follow along.
P.S. Your arms look beast!
THANK YOU!!!…on both counts 🙂
What, no public urination? What’s a cyclist to do? That’s pretty funny that the race organizers even had to mention it because pee happens, right? Can you pee on the run? They didn’t mention that, right?
The open water swim is one of the reasons I won’t do a tri. That just scares me… But you’re tougher than me and you’ve done this before!
I can’t wait to see you crush this thing. Your training has been spot on. Don’t over think it. Just go out and do your best. Oh, and have fun!
I know, right?? I’m sure that unfortunately for my eyes, there will be public urination!
I used to be you when it came to OWS but I just kept getting back in the water. With the help of my very patient coach, I overcame my fear and it’s something I’m so proud of. So…if you really wanted to dabble in triathlon, you could do it too!! Especially with that amazing lake you have access to!!
Thanks for the comment on not overthinking – I tend to do that so I need the reminder 🙂
How much of a badass are you? A TOTAL BADASS, that’s what. You are going to rock this race because you’ve busted your butt in training and you give everything 100%. I am so freaking excited for you. I had to laugh at the description of the run course as “unique”. That’s race director speak for “Spectacularly horrible.” But if anyone can make it look like an easy frolic through a meadow, it’s you, Allie. I fear for those poor people you’ll blow past on the run as well. Can’t wait to see what happens Sunday!!!
PS: Make sure you urinate privately.
Hahaha!!! Thanks so much Carly!! I’m very excited but scared and nervous…you know, the usual.
And yes, the race director saying it’s “unique” is like saying your blind date has a great personality. Oy!!
P.S. – I will try my best but no promises…
Good Luck Allie!! I’m sure you will kill it! I think your mantra is great and will totally get you through the run. We are all cheering for you!!! 🙂
I hope so! Thanks so much Britt!
Best of luck, you’ve been killing training can’t wait to see you have a great race. I will be following along! and couldn’t help but lol at your running fear. Leave them in your dust!
You have totally got this. You have poured yourself into the training and you will shine on Sunday!! I am so excited for you!! I did a few Olympic distance triathlons and you are going to be amazed at how much you kick butt on the run. Sending you such good vibes!!! How fun that you are staying with Amanda! I love the friends we meet on social media!!
Go. Get. It!!
Thank you so much Nat! I had no idea you were a secret triathlete!! We have to put that on our bucket list 🙂
And yes, I’m more excited to hang with Amanda and few other blog friends over the weekend. I love the connections and friendships I have mdd through crazy social media world!
Good luck, you got this lady!!
PS – Don’t forget, you can’t pee during the race in public!!! 😉