Held in I decided to race Oceanside just about a month prior to the race. Working as a coach, founder of TEAM 4 (non-profit women’s organization raising funds for cancer research) and leading local triathlon-related clinics and seminars, I work a lot. I love what I do for my work and I actually do not even consider it work. It really is a lifestyle - helping individuals achieve their goals and working up to their potential – from both an athletic performance standpoint and from a personal growth perspective.
My personal athletic goals are definitely different that they once were. I still yearn to be the best athlete I can be with my current lifestyle; but now it is more about balance in life as I get more satisfaction out of seeing my athletes achieve success than I do with my personal accomplishments.
Racing
The night before any race, I do not get much sleep, and this was no different. I am always afraid of not hearing the alarm and sleep is restless. Finally, I got up at 4:40 to start my race morning routine and headed out to the race site.
I love the race morning of a big race - the energy, the nerves, the hype and the excitement. I was racked right next to
The first thirty minutes on the bike, my hands and feet were freezing! I had a hard time squeezing my water bottle to get some fluids out of it. The bike course was really beautiful, (not saying that I was really looking around and sight-seeing.) I rode according to my plan and executed my nutrition plan perfectly! My race plan was to hold a watt average just under 200 based on my last 10 mile time trial test of 228. The first quarter of the bike is along a bike path overlooking the ocean. The reminder is on rolling terrain, including a few long climbs of 6%+ and over a mile long. I forgot about a few of these climbs, ouch! Getting off the bike, it was another long hike run into T2. I racked my bike, sat down, got my shoes on and off I went for the last leg of the race.
I ran the first mile in 6:32 - a bit too fast, and then settled into about a 6:50 pace. The run course is a 2 loop course which I prefer, as there is more to see. I saw the women’s leader, Miranda Carfee, pass me as she was going back for her 2nd loop while I was still on my 1st. Her form and sleekness were motivating to see. Not knowing it at the time, but her pace was sub-6:00 and it looked effortless as she motored on by.
Coming around the last turnaround with another 3 miles till the finish line, I tried to focus on my form and doing what I could to hold my sub 7:00 pace. I drifted off a bit and thought of the athletes doing the half marathon back home, I thought of my dad as I saw a sail boat out on the ocean. I re-focused and drove it back to the finish line in a time of 4:51:20.
It is great to reflect on things that went well and things that can be improved on. I am excited to have started the season with this race and know the things I do need to work on. Going into this season, I have self-coached myself. Even as a coach myself, it is important to have an objective view of your training program, so I am excited to start working with a coach once again for my 2010 racing season! I am the last to get a plan, imagine that!
Big congratulations to Matthew Goetzinger, whose 4:38 overall time qualified him for the 70.3 World Championships in November. Matthew took off a full hour from his time from just 2 years ago. After his PR 2 months back in a half marathon and now a PR in a Half Ironman, he is off to a great 2010 racing season!
In summary, I am so thankful and blessed to have such a supportive network of friends and family. Our active community really helps all of us achieve more than what we could do on our own. Thank you to all of my sponsors and supporters that allow me to continue to do what I love to do.
